Book Launching: Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

I wanted to share some exciting news with you about the launch of my newest book, Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: A Guide to Planning the Ultimate Shade Garden! I have had requests for designing an increasing number of shade gardens, and with colleagues and clients urging me to write a book on the topic, I took the plunge and made it a reality! Most gardens change over time and just about every property experiences some element of shade at some point. A shade planting is easy to obtain if you have the right plants in the right place, which is the purpose of this book. The photographs were taken mostly by me over the years and the information presented is based on over 26 years of my involvement in the horticultural industry. My goal is to make it possible for others to plan a shade garden they can enjoy for years to come.

Here is a quick overview of the book:

Shade gardening can be challenging to some, but a beautiful shade garden that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing can be achieved providing you have the right tools. This handy reference delivers over 150 shade plant selections with full descriptions and tips for growing and maintenance all in one place, allowing you to plan your outdoor space easily and without the stress. Whether you are a novice or avid gardener, Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: A Guide to Planning the Ultimate Shade Garden will provide the proper tools and knowledge you will need to create your outdoor retreat, even in the shadiest of conditions.

Explore over 150 plant selections ideal for shade.
View colorful photographs with detailed plant descriptions including zone hardiness, pollinator friendliness, deer resistance, drought tolerance and more.
Learn about recommended plants for hard to plant areas and dry to moist shade.
Navigate easily: Plants are divided into categories of evergreens, deciduous trees & shrubs, perennials, grasses, sedges and ferns, groundcovers, and annuals.
Get some design inspiration with sample shade combinations. Recommendations for companion plantings are supplied along the way.
Learn how to maintain a healthy garden with recommended maintenance tips. Learn how to identify and treat common insects and diseases.
This handy reference supplies all the tools you need to create a successful shade garden!

Lee Miller is a landscape/garden designer, consultant, garden coach, speaker, and award-winning garden blog author from the south shore of Long Island, who has been involved in the horticultural industry for over 26 years. She has donated her time as a contributing writer for various magazine publications and has participated as a presenter for local universities, gardening clubs and horticultural conferences. To keep current in the field, Lee Miller is an active member of various garden related organizations, constantly learning and sharing her knowledge with others. Lee Miller is the author of five publications, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, Landscape Design Combinations, Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener, Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden and her most recent addition, Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, each sharing her experiences and knowledge as a seasoned gardener. With trowel in hand since the age of five, her passion for gardening continues to grow.

I have been gardening all my life and take the information further by offering specific species of plants which I have found to be successful. I am hoping that each one of my books can pass on a piece of my knowledge and experiences to help others create a garden they can enjoy. To my clients, thank you for allowing me to design your gardens and thank you to all who welcomed me with camera in hand, which helped to make this book a reality! To my readers, thank you for your support.

Visit My Author Page & Books!

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: A Guide to Creating the Ultimate Shade Garden

“As Always…Happy Gardening!”

January 31, 2023 1

Container Planting Made Simple!

Container gardening is a fun and creative way to add interest to your outdoor space and add year round interest. There are some basic concepts to know to ensure the success of your planting. While there are many different types of materials used for planters, some are better used than others, depending on your location and hardiness zone. First, there is concrete, which is attractive, durable and can take just about any type of weather. It is important to note; however, that concrete could be quite heavy. Terra-cotta or clay containers are very attractive, and excellent for warmer temperatures, but should not be left outside during winter in colder climates, as they are somewhat fragile and can chip easily. I bring mine indoors here in zone 7 once the temperatures drop to below 50 degrees to prevent that from happening. An alternate is a durable form of wood, such as cedar or non-treated pine, which will last for years to come. To prolong the lifetime of your planter, brush surfaces with a clear waterproofing sealer meant for outdoor wood. My favorite and most often used materials for containers include resin, fiberglass or plastic, all which will last for several seasons, are less costly and provide an attractive look. Many resin planters today look just like real concrete and add a nice touch to the garden.

Figure 1: Left to Right-Variegated Boxwood, Columnar Juniper ‘Blue Arrow’ and Chamaecyparis ‘Nana Lutea’

When choosing your plants, try to combine various plants for their interest, whether it be for foliage, blooms or other characteristic. In most planter combinations, the three basic elements include the “thrillers”, “fillers” and “spillers”. The “thriller” is known to add height and make a bold vertical statement. In the container planting above (Figure 1), the columnar juniper takes the role of “thriller”, making a statement and drawing the eye into the center. “Filler” plants are the more rounded selections that are usually placed around the main focal point and add a look of fullness to the planter. “Spiller” plants are added to hang over the edges of the container to give a more flowing look. The “fillers” in the above planter and in Figure 2 are the rounded boxwood and cypress, with a Dwarf Alberta Spruce as the “thriller’ in Figure 2. In Figure 3, three Mondo Grass make a simple planting with foliage spilling over the edges of the container. In Figure 4, there is a similar look with Black Mondo Grass on one side and Golden Japanese Sedge on the other, with Heuchera ‘Caramel’ for color in the center.

Figure 2: Same Planter as Above with Dwarf Alberta Spruce in Center

I for one like to enjoy my container planters all year long, so I often use a combination of evergreens, which can be appreciated not only during summertime, but in every season, including winter. The key is to choose plants which are at least two zones hardier than your location. I use plants which are cold hardy down to at least zone 5, since I am located in zone 7. This ensures that should the winter temperatures be colder than expected, the plants will survive. I also tend to keep the planters in a more sheltered area, such as near the house during the colder winter months. They receive regular watering from rain and or snow, but if there is a dry period, I will make a point of keeping the containers watered at least twice a month.

Figure 3: Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens,’ (Black Mondo Grass)

Figure 4: Left to Right: Black Mondo Grass, Heuchera ‘Caramel’ and Japanese Golden Sedge

Figure 5: Dwarf Alberta Spruce (center), Thuja occidentalis ‘Filiformis’ (Threadlike Arborvitae) left and right and Chamaecyparis ‘Nana’ (front center)

When it comes time to plant your container garden, I recommend a light, peat moss based all-purpose mixture, which will supply good drainage. Be sure there are adequate drainage holes for excess water to escape and that the container drains freely. I do not add rocks to the bottom of the pot, since I have found they can end up doing more harm than good, clogging the planter and not allowing water to drain. When planting, very gently loosen the root ball around each plant to prevent it from becoming root-bound and plant slightly higher than the soil level to allow for watering and top dressing or an additional layer of mulch, which will help to regulate soil temperature. Be sure that the plant is no deeper than the container it came in. Water right after planting and keep the container evenly moist, but not wet. For point of reference, the planter in Figure 5 measures 20 inches in diameter, while the smaller planters (Figures 1-3) are 18 inches long by 8 inches wide and Figure 4 measures 20 inches long by 8 inches wide.

For another type of look, try filling a terra-cotta pot with a variety of succulents (below) to create these sun-loving succulent planters or make a simple combination of various types of Coleus (bottom figure) for a shade setting. These are both fun and easy to create and will add interest all season long, until the temperatures freeze. I have found the succulent planters to overwinter just fine indoors alongside a sunny window or in a heated garage with some sunlight.. When it comes to selecting, I simply go to the nursery, choose my container and select succulents or Coleus that range in size, shape and color and always choose something that strikes my attention. Lay out the plants in the pot and give allowance for room to grow. The moral of the story is to have fun, get creative and keep in mind…”thrillers”, “fillers” and “spillers”!

For more gardening tips: Visit My Author Page and Books

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener.

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: A Guide to Planning the Ultimate Shade Garden

December 15, 2022 0

Book Launching: Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener by Lee Miller

I am very excited to announce the release of my newest book Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener. Wanting to share my experiences with readers on a more personal level, I dug down into my deepest thoughts and started to write a story about life, following dreams, growing up as a gardener and growing along with the garden. Dream, Garden, Grow will take you on a journey down life’s many paths, making you smile and laugh, while teaching some gardening information along the way.

Read and learn about the many medicinal uses of plants, garden folklore, gardening through the seasons and moon gardening. Discover changing trends in gardening and learn the folklore behind sunflowers and dragonflies, as their meaning and cultural history are explored. Learn about gardening tips tried and true and laugh your way through what constitutes a gardening addict, garden jargon and the mystery behind the infamous garden gnome. Dream, Garden Grow will be sure to both educate and amuse.

While writing Dream, Garden, Grow, I realized that I really had been destined to be a gardener all my life and I admit that I am happiest and most at peace when surrounded by all things green. The proof was there in generations before and in the paths I had followed. Composing this book has been very special to me and I hope that my stories will bring back fond memories for my readers, perhaps bring a smile to your face and teach something new. Come along on my journey!

About the Book:

Lee Miller is proud to share her latest publication, Dream, Garden, Grow, a collection of musings as she shares her memories of childhood and how she grew to become a lifetime gardener. Packed with stories about life, gardening, medicinal uses of plants, garden folklore, seasonal interest, sustainable and indoor gardening, you’ll laugh and learn as you explore what makes a gardening addict and the meaning behind mysterious gnomes and garden fairies. While exploring, also learn about moon gardens, witty garden jargon and tried and true gardening tips. Whether you are a gardener or not, have a “green thumb” or “brown”, Lee’s stories will not only entertain and amuse but will teach you inspiring gardening pointers along the way.

About the Author:

Lee Miller is a landscape/garden designer, consultant and garden blog author from the south shore of Long Island, who has been involved in the horticultural industry for over twenty years. Her award-winning gardening blog features over 250 articles on general gardening, landscape design principles, gardening tips, planting, pruning, garden maintenance, feature plants and more. In addition, Lee Miller has donated her time as a contributing writer for the American Heart Association Gardening Blog, as well as Gardening Know How, and has been involved as a presenter at local gardening clubs. Lee is the author of two books, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening and Landscape Design Combinations, each sharing her experiences and know-how as a seasoned gardener. With trowel in hand since the age of five, her passion for gardening continues to grow.

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener is available on Amazon (Click Here) in either paperback or kindle format. I hope you enjoy it!

December 16, 2018 4

Growing and Maintaining Itoh Peony

HISTORY: After many years of experimentation, Japanese horticulturist, Dr. Toichi Itoh, successfully created seven peony hybrids from a tree peony in 1948, which were known to become the first Itoh peonies. Itoh Peony are derived from a cross breeding between herbaceous and tree peonies, forming a stronger, longer blooming variety over its predecessors. Similar to tree peonies, members of this cultivar have large, long lasting blooms and strong stems that do not require staking. The deeply lobed dark green foliage on a 3-4 foot high by wide plant lasts all summer and into fall, making an attractive addition to the garden. Itoh peonies are also known to be more disease resistant and are not preferred by deer.

Itoh Peony 'Bartzella' in Perennial Border — Itoh Peony ‘Bartzella’ in Perennial Border

GROWING AND MAINTAINING: Itoh peonies prefer to be placed in full sun to partial shade in a rich, well-drained soil. Feed in spring with a low nitrogen fertilizer to promote blooms. Fertilization is not recommended in late summer to fall when the plant is going into dormancy. Once blooms have completed in late spring, Itoh peony can be deadheaded by removing spent flower stalks, leaving its attractive foliage to remain for the rest of the growing season. In autumn, once the foliage turns brown, cut back plants to soil level. (Note: In warmer climates, such as USDA hardiness zones 8-9, where growth buds can survive the winter, stems can be left at 4-6 inches above ground.) In colder climates, it is recommended to mulch around the plant to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures. Once spring comes around, your peony will emerge for another growing season. Itoh peony can also be divided in autumn as you would herbaceous peonies.

I discovered this wonderful peony a few years back and have enjoyed its beautiful, sturdy, and disease resistant blooms in the garden. You may find them to be a nice addition as well!

For more gardening tips and design ideas, See my Author Page: and Books

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9
Landscape Design Combinations

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener

June 13, 2018 1

Constructing a Retaining Wall: How To Guide

This past summer, I re-designed a raised planting bed that was constructed out of an old railroad tie retaining wall that was decaying and crumbling over time. I had the opportunity of watching the crew at work, so I figured I would share the installation process with you. There is a correct method of installing the wall to ensure that it is going to be functional and permanent. I used the Nicolock Firma Wall System Toffee/Onyx stone for this particular project, but if you are using another material, such as natural stone, the process is similar.

First, the original railroad tie wall had to be demolished and removed, while the soil around the perimeter area had to be excavated. It is important to dig down the equivalent of one course of block (eight inches in this case) and use a leveling device to obtain an even base. Add a recycled concrete layer under where the wall stone is going, approximately two-three inches at a time, and use a tamper to compact it. (If starting from scratch, it is recommended to use the recycled concrete as a base under the entire area where the topsoil is going and also use a layer of fill in between the topsoil and base to ensure proper drainage.) Select your wall blocks and lay them out across the base. Continue laying the stone block by block until the entire perimeter is created. Measure and make cuts with a masonry saw to complete any angles needed to fit the pieces together at the corners. This first step in construction takes the longest and is most crucial in determining the success of the rest of your project.

Continue with the second course. Select your wall system blocks and stack them in a staggered pattern on top of the base course so that the seams are overlapping. Dry-fit each block first so that the vertical joints are staggered as seen above. This creates a stronger and more stable wall.. Remove the block and apply a layer of mortar on the first course. Add the next course and tamp the block into place with a mallet, and repeat.

Continue building courses. At the third level, insert a drain pipe, while leaving an exit point for the drainpipe at one end of the wall. This will ensure proper drainage once your wall is complete. Continue the process while carefully aligning the block in a staggered pattern and mortar the layers until the desired height is obtained. Note that the final and top layer is the wall capping, a more decorative layer that prevents moisture from running down into the open cracks of the lower layers and which adds the aesthetically pleasing finishing touch! Mortar the wall cap in place as you did for the other courses.

Constructing A Retaining Wall: Finished Project

Depending on the size of the wall, a project like this can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week or more, but it is worth the while to take your time and have good results. Once your wall is constructed, bring in new organic topsoil and plantings to complete the project.

For more gardening tips and design ideas, see my books on Amazon:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9
Landscape Design Combinations

December 26, 2017 0

Book Launching: Introducing My Second Book-Landscape Design Combinations!

I am very excited to be officially announcing the launching of my second book, Landscape Design Combinations! Fifty something years ago, I developed a passion for all things green and started digging in the soil by the age of five. In the 1980’s, I entered the field of education and after sixteen years, with the encouragement of friends, started up a landscape design business in 1996. I took up an interest in blog writing and photography in 2010, and after retiring from 32 years of teaching in 2013, I decided to put all my experiences into a published work. I had quickly realized that writing and publishing a book was not an easy task, but persisted in accomplishing what I had started. By 2015, I published my first book A Guide to Northeastern Gardening.

The thought of starting the process all over again was the furthest thing from my mind, but to my own astonishment, the desire to write within me grew even stronger. There was still so much I wanted to share. As I started to write, the words came easily, and a second book started to materialize. Now, two years later, I have completed Landscape Design Combinations, which takes the first book a step further by going much deeper into the design process, while offering numerous landscape designs with labeled photographs and descriptions. One can say that it completes what I had started. I am now thrilled to be able to share my love of gardening and design with you through a second book.

What does this book have to offer? Landscape Design Combinations is a comprehensive guide to help you plan your outdoor space. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by “what to plant where” in your garden, or have spent months, or even years, not knowing where to begin, Landscape Design Combinations will help to facilitate the process. The first two chapters deal with the basic principles of landscape design and color coordination. You will get ideas for the desired function of your space and discover your own personal sense of garden style and color preference. Throughout the book, each chapter builds upon the one before it, discussing foliage combinations, then types of and proper placement of evergreens, followed by flowering shrubs and finally, perennials.

Numbered and labeled photographs are supplied throughout the book with information on each plant, such as common or scientific name, plant descriptions and cold hardiness. Once plant usage and placement is covered, the remaining chapters discuss hardscape, with directions on how to build a simple stone walkway or patio, along with more information on garden styles. Each chapter will incorporate plants discussed earlier and create designs starting from simple perennial combinations to full landscape designs.

Discussion of evergreens and flowering plants will focus on placement and interest provided, while perennial combinations will include bloom time for each plant discussed. As each chapter progress, more detailed design plan layouts will be provided as a guide to assist you in planning your space. In the later chapters, topics covered include designing for seasonal interest, container combinations and hardscaping, with easy to follow designs. The book ends with “Garden Inspiration”, which discusses garden styles throughout the centuries and how various design elements have developed over the years. Finally, a glossary is included with definitions of design terms used throughout the book.

About the Book:Landscape Design Combinations provides the necessary tools to help you easily plan your garden, while offering a multitude of design plans with labeled photographs and detailed descriptions. Topics such as landscape design principles, color in design, the use of foliage, designing with deciduous and evergreen plants, planter combinations and landscape planning are discussed. Additional topics include designing with hardscape with “quick and easy” landscape designs and garden styles throughout history, with colorful illustrations. The information presented is applicable to both novice or professional gardener alike, and is all based on Lee Miller’s personal experience as a landscape designer for over twenty years. Lee Miller is also the author of “A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer”, initially published in 2015.

About the Author: Lee Miller is a professional landscape/garden designer involved in the horticultural industry since 1996. Having started a gardening blog in 2010, she is the author of over 200 articles on general gardening, landscape design principles, gardening tips, planting, pruning, garden maintenance, feature plants and more. In addition, Lee Miller has donated her time as a contributing writer for the American Heart Association Gardening Blog, as well as Gardening Know How, and has been involved as a presenter at local gardening clubs.

To Preview Landscape Design Combinations, simply click on the link or icon below. I hope to inspire you!

Landscape Design Combinations

January 29, 2017 4

Constructing a Natural Stone Patio or Walkway

Hardscape elements can add much beauty as well as serving a function in your outdoor space. Creating a natural stone patio or walkway can add an extra dimension to your landscaping and can be accomplished in one to two days, depending on the size of your area. There are a series of necessary steps that must be followed in order to ensure the stability and lifetime of your project.

back walkway through gate — Walkway Construction

Before starting your project, clear your space of any grass, stone or debris and level the area as best as possible. There should be a slight pitch for water drainage, but no more than a five degree slope is recommended.

After leveling, construct a border for your walkway using a standard steel or plastic landscape edging. Lay a layer of landscape fabric to cover the area in order to keep out soil and prevent weeds from coming through. Use metal anchors to keep the landscape fabric in place. (Note: Steel Edging comes in 16 foot sections.)

Once the edging and landscape fabric are in place, install a 2-3 inch base for your stone to sit in. Here a 3/4 inch pea gravel base is being used. Rake out the gravel to create a level surface.

Now you are ready to lay down the irregular bluestone slabs into the gravel base. A recommended size for the bluestone slabs is approximately 2′ x 3′. Move the stones within the gravel to ensure they are level and comfortable for walking and push the gravel up around the edges. Your new walkway is now complete and ready to enjoy!

To construct an irregular bluestone patio, first clear the area of any grass or debris.

Level the area and install a base of three to four layers of RCA (recycled concrete) while tamping down after each layer is deposited. A solid layer of approximately four inches is recommended.

Afterwards, add a layer of clean sandbox sand and use a level to make sure the area is flat.

Once the base is fully prepared, using a stone saw, carefully cut and piece the irregular bluestone slabs together to fit like a puzzle. This can be a bit tedious but better to take your time. Once all the stone is laid, fully clean off any dust or debris and wash down the new patio with a hose and allow to dry. Once completely dry, it is time to brush polymeric sand into the grooves of the stone without getting any onto the surrounding area. The polymeric sand will form a permanent bond between the pieces of stone to complete your patio project. Wet down lightly with a spray nozzle and let set overnight. (Note: Polymeric sand hardens like a cement and will not come off the surrounding patio once set with water. Take caution when applying to ensure the area is clean of any remaining dust or debris.) Once these steps are completed your new patio is ready to enjoy!

Following these simple steps will help guide you into creating a welcoming patio or walkway for your landscape to enjoy for years to come. For other design and hardscaping ideas, be sure to check out my book A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, which is available on Amazon.

As Always…Happy Gardening!

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/landscapedesignbylee

https://www.facebook.com/AGuideToNortheasternGardening/

https://landscapedesignbylee.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/NEGardening

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening; Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

July 4, 2016 2

The Late April Garden: Bursts of Spring Color!

The month of April is abundant with blooms as we start off spring, and one of the wonderful aspects of my job as a landscape designer is that I get to be surrounded by them on a daily basis. For early spring color the use of flowering trees and shrubs such as Weeping Cherry, Kwanzan Cherry, Flowering Plum, Eastern Redbud, Magnolia, Viburnum and Ornamental Pear along with spring blooming bulbs such as muscari, hyacinth, crocus, tulips and daffodils bring bursts of color to the landscape. Add some early blooming perennials such as ajuga and phlox to the mix and you have an array of color! Here are some of the more popular flowering species for your early spring garden, followed by information for each individual plant.

*Weeping Cherry (Prunus subhirtella Pendula)*

Plant Type:	Flowering Tree
Deciduous/Evergreen:	Deciduous
Hardiness Zone:	5-8 Hardiness Zone Map
Light Needs:	Full Sun
Water Needs:	Low
Mature Size:	Height 15-20′ x 15-20′ Wide

cherry blossom — *Weeping Cherry Blossom*

Plant Type:	Bulb (Tulip Assorted)
Deciduous/Evergreen:	Herbaceous
Hardiness Zone:	3-9 Hardiness Zone Map
Light Needs:	Full Sun
Water Needs:	Moderate
Mature Size:	12-18″ tall

prunus kwazan cherry — *Kwanzan Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’)*

Plant Type:	Flowering Tree
Deciduous/Evergreen:	Deciduous
Hardiness Zone:	4-8 Hardiness Zone Map
Light Needs:	Full Sun-Part Shade
Water Needs:	Moderate
Mature Size:	Height 20-30 ‘x 20-30’ Wide

Plant Type:	Perennial, groundcover
Deciduous/Evergreen:	Herbaceous
Hardiness Zone:	3-8 Hardiness Zone Map
Light Needs:	Full Sun
Water Needs:	Moderate
Mature Size:	4-6″ tall x 16-24″ wide

Viburnum Fragrant 2 — *Fragrant Viburnum (Viburnum x carlcephalum)*

Plant Type:	Flowering Shrub
Deciduous/Evergreen:	Deciduous
Hardiness Zone:	6-8 Hardiness Zone Map
Light Needs:	Full Sun – Part Shade
Water Needs:	Moderate
Mature Size:	6-10′ tall x 6-10′ wide
Growth Rate:	Moderate

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' Flower — *Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’*

Plant Type:	Perennial, groundcover
Deciduous/Evergreen:	Herbaceous
Hardiness Zone:	3-9 Hardiness Zone Map
Light Needs:	Full Sun – Full Shade
Water Needs:	Moderate
Mature Size:	4-6″ tall x 12-18″ wide

Krater Plum Blossoms 2 — *Krauter Plum Blossoms (Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’)*

Plant Type:	Flowering Tree
Deciduous/Evergreen:	Deciduous
Hardiness Zone:	5-8 Hardiness Zone Map
Light Needs:	Full Sun – Part Shade
Water Needs:	Moderate
Mature Size:	15-20′ tall x 15-20′ wide

Try some of these beauties for spring delight in your landscape. For much more information on flowering trees, shrubs and perennials, check out my book A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, available on Amazon.

As Always…Happy Gardening!

April 27, 2016 1

Book Launching: A Guide to Northeastern Gardening

I am excited to announce the publishing of my book, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer. The idea of writing a book stemmed from my two blogs, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, which I started in 2010 and this one, A Guide to Landscape Design & Maintenance, which made its debut in 2013.

Over the years, I developed a determination to put all my experiences into words in the form of a published book, and in 2013 I started this endeavor. After much persistence and determination the goal that I had set out to accomplish has finally become a reality. The publication is an accumulation of knowledge combined with personal experiences from over twenty years of being a landscape designer, with a focus on landscape design and plants hardy in a range of zones from 3-9. The book derived its name from my original blog from back in 2010 and there is a story to be told about how it came to be.

A little bit about the book:

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening is a comprehensive guide of valuable information on plants hardy in a range of zones from 3-9, and gardening techniques backed up by my own personal experiences as a professional landscape designer, along with answers to frequently asked questions. Learn about landscape design principles, butterfly gardening, deer resistant plants, long blooming perennials, globe and weeping evergreens, flowering trees and shrubs, native plantings, shade gardening and more. Whether you are a novice or experienced gardener, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening will help you to create your own dream garden. Come along on my journey into the world of gardening!

A little bit about the author:

Lee Miller is a professional landscape/garden designer involved in the horticultural industry since 1996. Having started a gardening blog in 2010, she is the author of over 150 articles on general gardening, landscape design principles, gardening tips, planting, pruning, garden maintenance, feature plants and more. Her published book, A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, is an accumulation of information touching on a wide variety of gardening topics, all backed up by her own personal experiences.

A preview of my book is now online at Amazon and the publication is available in printed format as well as for kindle. I hope my readers will find A Guide to Northeastern Gardening to be both informative and enjoyable, and wish them all the best in their gardening endeavors!

As Always…Happy Gardening!

February 16, 2016 4

June Garden Blooms and Design Elements

When designing I like to incorporate elements into the garden which will give interest all year round, and especially enjoy a burst of color in spring, as do many of my clients. In the above garden I have incorporated colorful evergreens, deciduous shrubs and perennials together to form a flow of color.

According to the color wheel above, colors opposite one another, referred to as warm or cool colors, complement one another best. When laying out your garden try to combine warm colors (such as yellows, reds and pinks) with cool colors (including purples, blues and greens) and repeat the theme by using the same color combinations throughout the garden. This creates unity and flow throughout the landscape.

In this driveway planting the cool blue hue of the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar complements the warm hue of the Golden Oriental Spruce along with ‘Royal Burgundy’ Barberry, Nepeta and Coreopsis, The nepeta (cool blue-purple) and coreopsis (warm yellow) will bloom profusely throughout the entire summer against the burgundy foliage of the barbery.

Here Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ is used along with a backdrop of evergreens and Gold Mound Spirea. Again the combination of warm and cool colors is used along with evergreens, which provide structure in the garden.In order to supply additional interest in spring and summer bulbs can be used to incorporate large blooms, such as these giant Globemaster Allium, which display eight inch blooms on top of two foot stalks and rising above the other plants in the garden. A tip on planting bulbs would be to incorporate them along with other perennials that have full foliage as to hide the yellowing foliage of the early bloomers. Here I masked the bottom foliage of the Allium with the lush green foliage of Daylily, which will jump into bloom afterwards.

These are just a few design tips that I am passing along. Until next time…

Happy Gardening.

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