Comments

1. 
   user-1020932 01/17/2015

   snazzy as always, Terie! love those Japanese maples and I like seeing snow in YOUR garden,,,,,,,i'm going to have to research that Aconitum for possible use here. looks great!

1. 
   terieLR 01/19/2015

   Hi Jeff, snazzy ~ I love it! Having grown up in the north country the love of ALL seasons is deeply imbedded. You will see a lot more snow in tomorrows post! Enjoy

2. 
   user-1020932 01/17/2015

   just read about the Aconitum,,,,,,,,,,,,,do you have to wear gloves when handling?

1. 
   terieLR 01/19/2015

   Hi Jeff, I haven't had any issues with it in the past. It looks wonderful in autumnal cut flower arrangements. I've placed it at the railings of 2 porches and adore the late blooms.

1. 
   user-1020932 01/19/2015

   thanks, i'll give it a go this season. i've never grown it. the online descriptions are almost frightening,,, glad to know it's ok to use

3. 
   meander_michaele 01/18/2015

   Hi, Teri, I think I have to borrow from James Taylor and add my own line to "winter, spring, summer or fall, Teri's garden is among the fairest of all"! I am so glad that you had your camera readily available because all your photos are just a delight to gaze upon. Don't you just love the 'Incrediball' hydrangea? Boy, did they name that one right! Of course, I couldn't help but revisit some of your other postings and an earlier photo showed the variegated brunnera in bloom...so gorgeous. It's hard not to go gaga over the late season blue of the Aconitum. I guess I better do some reading so I know what Jeff is referring to about" wearing gloves". We haven't had a big flaked snow yet so I felt a childlike yearning as I looked at your last picture. I am soo looking forward to seeing your garden featured in the upcoming issue.

1. 
   user-7007362 01/19/2015

   Hi Michaele, now you have me singing along! I wish we could run (well, maybe trot) around the pond to lick these flakes together... all in the name of winter-celebration. I included a photo of this hydrangea under VikkiB. During Michelle Gervais' visit in July she mentioned how spectacular this would look in a large container. I got right on it and took it to an outdoor/barn wedding the next weekend.
   Jack Frost & variegated brunnera are one of my all time favorites. Several brunnera varieties help to fill in our woodland gardens. Enjoy the article and thank you once again for always being such an encourager to all who share here on GPOD.

1. 
   sheila_schultz 01/19/2015

   I wholeheartedly agree with you Terie... Michaele is a gift to all of us that read GPOD, her words are magic.
   And a garden without Jack Frost? Not happening! I always have trouble with fried edges on my 'macro' brunnera, but I keep trying. I appreciated brunnera's in IL, but they are my gift in CO!
   How heavy was Incrediball in a large container? Hope the container was fiberglass and not glazed ceramic? Forklift or a potlifter with young men lifting & toting?

1. 
   user-7007362 01/19/2015

   Ha, it is fiberglass Sheila. Annually it's placed at the end of our bed that rises along the driveway. Since I don't carry water to it often I usually put a begonia in a smaller container & set it inside on a cinder block for weight. For the hydrangea arrangement I used a 5 gallon bucket so it could be transported in two pieces. It was very light considering.
   Here I go with another picture... Somebody slap me!

1. 
   sheila_schultz 01/19/2015

   Glad you aren't a weight lifting garden saint! Love that you put the hydrangea in the 5 gal. pot, then dropped it in the container. I have known you are brilliant since the moment I first saw the photos of you gardens and heard your words :)

2. 
   GrannyMay 01/19/2015

   There is no such thing as too many pictures!

4. 
   perenniallycrazy 01/19/2015

   Poetically picturesque Terie! I'll be coming back to view your photos again for sure. Can't wait till your FG issue comes out.

1. 
   terieLR 01/19/2015

   Thank you! There is that something about nature that brings out the poetry in me... :)

5. 
   wGardens 01/19/2015

   Wonderful photos, Terie! And that Aconitum! Wow~ it is stunning!
   Congratulations on having your garden features in the next FG issue!

1. 
   terieLR 01/19/2015

   Thank you Margaret, a dream come true.

6. 
   Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 01/19/2015

   So exquisitely gorgeous, Terie; your descriptions, eloquent. The color on your japanese maple is stunning. I am so jealous of your Aconitum. Mine go great guns starting in January and in early spring unfurl those gorgeous, dark green leaves into beautiful, healthy plants. They make multiple offsets and by the end of summer, 90% turn yellow and die. I get just a couple of blooming plants. Then, strangely have even more plants the next spring. Maybe some sort of disease? I also live dangerously and handle the plants with bare hands. Similar to Castor Beans, I think you'd have to injest it for toxic effects, unlike contact toxins like Euphorbia sap.
   Can't wait for your feature!
   Oh, and that view of the cornfield and rolling hills! Wow!

1. 
   terieLR 01/19/2015

   Thank you Tim. I also experience some deformity in the budding of Aconitum and get nervous each year that they will not produce. I have suspected disease and tried using organic pesticide but it makes little difference. In the end about 3/4 of the stem bloom. Hopefully yours will outgrow this dilemma. That view ~ we never tire of its continual change! The buildings you see on the upper right are that of Cornell University and Ithaca College. To the left, out of sight is the southern end of Cayuga Lake.

7. 
   Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 01/19/2015

   What's in the whiskey barrel (?) near the forsythia?

1. 
   terieLR 01/19/2015

   All that remains of this summer arrangement is a spike. I use them in the center of several containers for height and texture. Because it's in the shade I tend to use chartreuse potato vine, coleus and brightly colored impatiens. A hammock rests next to this barrel. And occasionally we rest on it....

1. 
   Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 01/19/2015

   Thanks, Terie. I've been looking at desert plants and wondered if it were a hardy yucca or Dasylirion. Just caught my eye!

8. 
   NCYarden 01/19/2015

   Good morning, Terie. Man do I love snow, and still none has fallen on my garden this season. So it's an absolute delight to see yours with the beautiful fluffy stuff. You know I love the Japanese maples and the rich red on yours is stunning. Depending on the severity of the summers here, leaf change, color, and longevity can be indeterminate come Fall; frustrating sometimes. I really like the close up of the oakleaf hydrangea bloom with the little pillows of stacked snow - kinda reminds me of a tiny natural Japanese temple pagoda. Thanks for sharing. Still hoping for snow.

1. 
   user-7007362 01/19/2015

   I SO love your maples! You will find more snow on this blog tomorrow. ;)

9. 
   terieLR 01/19/2015

   Thank you Diane. Aconitum has established wonderfully here. It seems to prefer partial shade and moist soil ~ truly one of the bonus plants when it comes to warding off those deer! The other perennial that I find deer detest is anything in the Ligularia family. For that reason we place the 'Rocket' & "Othello' up by the pond.

10. 
    toweringpines 01/19/2015

    Enjoyed your photos. Thanks. Late fall and winter are favourite garden seasons for me. The garden has a simplicity which appeals to me. The other thing I enjoy about the winter garden is the lack of work required,no plants to move, no weeds to pull. All you can do is sit by a window or go for a walk and enjoy.

1. 
   terieLR 01/19/2015

   You are welcome and I echo EVERY word you said! I look forward to the slower season and am thankful when winter blankets the imperfections. Because we are positioned far from the 'dirty' snow of roadways it remains pure and beautiful up here on the hill. Walks through the woodland, soft chattering of the birds and quieter days are all part of getting energy geared up for the next growing season, right?

11. 
    greengenes 01/19/2015

    Wow! What views to wake up to! Terrie, your place is absolutely gorgeous. The setting is so beautiful and with the harvest field out front it makes it feel so spacious. The size of the maple is to die for and of course the blue aconitum steals the show! Believe it or not that is one plant that I do not have but I surely will try them this year. The color blue is great in the gardens. Iam looking forward to seeing your gardens in the up coming issue! Oh and I know what you mean about poetry and the garden! Thanks

1. 
   user-7007362 01/19/2015

   Hi Jeanne, good luck with Monkshood. The color is striking and so welcome in the ladder part of the blooming season.

12. 
    VikkiVA 01/19/2015

    I loved your comments almost as much as your pictures! That "Incrediball" hydrangea is so impressive even in the waning days of its bloom. I'll be looking for one of those this summer. Vikki in VA

1. 
   terieLR 01/19/2015

   Yes Vikki, these 3 hydrangea were added just 3 seasons ago. It replaced hews that wrapped the corner for 20+ years. It's now a focal point as we come up the drive, in ALL seasons. Here is a picture of the statement they can make in a container. I used this for a wedding this past summer.

1. 
   terieLR 01/19/2015

   My computer is telling me to try posting that picture later. I will use a different avenue.

1. 
   user-7007362 01/19/2015

   Let's see if this works...

1. 
   VikkiVA 01/19/2015

   Stunning! I can see the bushes in bloom in the background also. Thank you so much for sharing the picture Terie. I have heard that hydrangea with white blooms can be pruned all the way back in the late fall and will still bloom profusely the next summer. Do you prune yours?

2. 
   user-7007362 01/19/2015

   The tag with this one suggests waiting until spring to cut back to the ground. I am assuming that it has natural winter-kill here and benefits from being left alone. I usually break off the heads in late winter when they start to spew in the yard and then cut way back in early spring.

3. 
   GrannyMay 01/19/2015

   Vikki this species of hydrangea blooms on new wood so you can prune it way back (late fall or early spring) without losing next summer's bloom. This is unlike those that bloom on old wood. Those are best pruned after flowering, taking out some of the old stems but leaving enough of them to ensure there will be blooms. I think some of the newer cultivars bloom on both old and new wood. If you're not sure which you have, prune with care!

4. 
   VikkiVA 01/19/2015

   Thanks GrannyMay! Vikki in VA

5. 
   meander_michaele 01/19/2015

   I love the elegant simplicity of this arrangement, Terie. I'm sure the hosts of the function to which it was brought were thrilled to have it to show off. I am enjoying the outdoor dried flower heads of the several I have almost as much now as when they were in their full peak glory. They always catch my eye when I come up my driveway as they sway and bob about in any amount of breeze.

13. 
    ginamichel 01/19/2015

    Terie, beautiful photos, as always! I especially loved the oakleaf hydrangea and definitely must find a place for one in my own garden! Your photos somehow make winter just a little more bearable - thank you for that!

1. 
   terieLR 01/19/2015

   Ahh, my not-so-near favorite neighbor! Gina has been one of the sweetest inspirations to me, she who continues to encourage even on those 'off' years of gardening. We have shared favorite perennials over the years and I have witness her garden property evolve on a grand scale! Gina is that person you can entrust any propagated plant to. She always makes my perennials shine. Thank you sweet friend.

1. 
   ginamichel 01/19/2015

   Thank you for your kind words, Terie. Your gardening and photography skills have been such an inspiration...thank you for sharing both so generously, and for always deflecting the praise to the One who created it all!

14. 
    Nurserynotnordstroms 01/19/2015

    Terie,these photo really made me want some snow. The stilness and quiet are something I always remember even when I haven't enjoyed snow for sometime. I am really looking forward to seeing your gardens in the next Fine Gardening issue. March/April issue yippee we must be getting closer to Spring. We just got back from vacation and on the long plane ride home I looked at photos of our gardens dreaming of the changes we are considering this year. (I have Spring fever really bad)I think seeing all of these great photos here contributes to my eagerness to get out and start digging and the fact the garden show is in count down mode. Terie it was so nice to wake up at home and enjoy your beautiful sights on your property and gardens.

1. 
   user-7007362 01/19/2015

   Aww, thank you. I am pleased that the pictures speak my heart. We are very blessed to have these surroundings. I hope you had a wonderful vacation. Welcome home.

15. 
    Cenepk10 01/19/2015

    How gorgeous !!! Can wait to see your garden in the next issue !!!!

16. 
    GrannyMay 01/19/2015

    Great photos and wonderful sentiments Terie! Beautiful reminders that we can enjoy our gardens no matter the season. I too enjoy the first snowflakes and the blanket of quiet that they smooth over the landscape. The final colours of the remaining leaves are stunning and the blue of Aconitum is gorgeous! Mine is struggling. I think it needs more summer moisture than I can provide, which is why Ligularia isn't happy in my garden either.

    Thanks for sharing Terie, I never tire of seeing more photos of your garden. I'm looking forward to the next issue of the magazine.

1. 
   user-7007362 01/19/2015

   Just for you I will add some more colored snow shots. :) (and for everyone else who happens upon them) Thank you for the encouraging words.

1. 
   user-7007362 01/19/2015

   1. From the front walkway ~ October snowfall
   2. Our upper woods path

1. 
   GrannyMay 01/19/2015

   Love these! Sunshine, blue skies, white snow but lots of colour, makes your heart sing! Thanks Terie!

2. 
   Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 01/20/2015

   Glad I stumbled back. I don't usually. Gorgeous. I half expect that the second shot is from England and that in spring the sides of the path are purple with grape hyacinths or white with snow drops. Do you garden along the path, or keep it natural?

1. 
   user-7007362 01/20/2015

   Oh, glad you backtracked Tim! This path was original to our property. Since 1990 we have logged twice and newer paths now meander our 30 acre woods. We walk them regularly and with the exception of one path, they are left natural. The path that leads away from the gardens has been naturalized for a,short distance with transplanted NYS fern, trillium, violets and myrtle.

2. 
   Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 01/20/2015

   Sounds beautiful. I took a quick look back though all the posts. Maybe I missed it, but if you haven't submitted photos of the spring wildflowers along the planted path, get out your camera this spring. I think spring ephemerals are my favorite flowers/plants. Thanks for taking so much time to share.

17. 
    GrannyCC 01/19/2015

    Lovely and peaceful looking. Just waiting for a burst of growth in the Spring. Your front porch is very similar to mine and I have been trying to figure out a railing for the steps. Yours has given me some ideas.
    i went back through your other posts and I love all your blue globes and bowling balls. They must make a lovely transition to draw you into the garden. Also your views across the field are fantastic.
    Looking forward to the article in Fine Gardening and congratulations!

1. 
   user-7007362 01/19/2015

   Hi, I am glad you revisited older photos. The photo program folder that holds all those blue accent pictures is titled "Having a Ball in the Garden" and you're right, they do draw your eye into the gardens from the back deck. Our builder designed the railing that extend down the stairs. We kid about the wide front steps that lead to nowhere. In all these years, we use the garage entrance and guests use the side porch steps.

18. 
    user-7007327 01/19/2015

    Looks like a porch from the south. Love the photos through the snow with the bright colors. Is that corn in the field? Look forward to seeing more.

1. 
   user-7007362 01/19/2015

   Hi Elizabeth, you guessed it. Corn was planted in our open front fields (about 10 acres) by a local organic farmer. He rotates crops and it's always a joy for us to view the changes as harvest approaches.

19. 
    user-7006958 01/19/2015

    I love your gardens Terie! Can't wait for the next issue of Fine Gardening to hear the story of how you created your garden!

20. 
    sheila_schultz 01/19/2015

    Terie, I have continued to think about your gardens since the first time you posted photos years ago. They are not only beautiful, but there is a peacefulness to them that always makes me smile. No matter the season, your land is very special. You are such a fine steward of your beautiful property, and your photography ain't half bad either ;) I love the photo with the snow falling!
    Congrats on being in the upcoming FG... how fun for all of us!

1. 
   user-7007362 01/19/2015

   Sheila, I look for you whenever I am able to view. Thank you for such kind words. You are one of the reasons I keep coming back and spending time on this blog. A long distant hug to you today.

1. 
   sheila_schultz 01/19/2015

   My hug coming right back at you my friend, I feel the same about you.

21. 
    schatzi 01/19/2015

    I can only echo everyone else and thank you for sharing the beauty. Love the pot with grass and cut hydrangea blooms - spectacular!

22. 
    HelloFromMD 01/19/2015

    Hi Terie, I too am inspired to try Aconitum. I echo Jeff in how scary the write-ups are about their poisonous nature. I went back to see your beautiful garden in spring and was wowed by the double bloodroot. I have been working up the nerve to open the pocketbook for that treasure. Do the leaves go dormant? Do you divide your bloodroot? Do you grow lupines or delphiniums in your cool location? Plants that those of us who live further south, struggle to grow. Beautiful house, beautiful location, beautiful gardens!

1. 
   user-7007362 01/20/2015

   Hello in Maryland, interesting that you've inquired about double bloodroot division. Oddly enough, I never have... Now I must! It's been so happy on the backside of my shade garden that I never thought to try it somewhere else. I have the common bloodroot in other areas. In drought summers the large leaves do go dormat. I continue to water that area if need be. It requires rich, moist soil. Thank you for the thought ~ I will have to relocate some to see what happens. I have tried lupine and delphinium but they are short lived. They are beautiful for one season but so weak in the second. I think that is because I don't have enough sun to keep them happy. (The same with foxglove) Our tree canopy has filled in over the years. I wish you well with Aconitum.

2. 
   Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 01/20/2015

   Being the hipster gardener that I am, I ordered my double-flowering bloodroot from Great Britain many years ago when I couldn't find it in the states. It has multiplied and spread steadily and divides easily. The blooms last forever and I've never had them go summer dormant, while the straight species tends to do that. I think part of it has to do with moisture. Far Reaches Farm has a good price on it now, relatively speaking.

23. 
    user-7007076 01/20/2015

    Oh, my, how lovely are your gardens year round! The views within and beyond are so lovely! While your property seems large you've maintained such a lovely and informal meandering feel throughout that keeps leading the eye beyond. It's vey idyllic and tranquil. Thanks for sharing!

24. 
    HelloFromMD 01/20/2015

    Have to comment on the fancy Brunneras. My species Brunnera and my Jack Frost have gotten together and I have 2 'babies'. The offspring have the size of the species and a silver pattern overlay on green. Not as much silver as the Jack Frost, BUT the edges never crisp or its leaves never turn black. Perfect all season. I will try to post a picture.

1. 
   terieLR 01/20/2015

   Such a beautiful combination of plantings and cross-breed. I too have had brunnera marry. Love that hosta btw!