All that Glitters is not Fireworks: Independence Day Sparkles in the Garden – and Above — for 4th of July

Garden State Farm-ette readies for Independence Day festivities

 It was a true Yankee Doodle Dandy of an Independence Day holiday.

Not unlike Dorothy and her trusted traveling companions: the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion – who land in Oz and go through a day of spa-like primping (“Snip, Snip, Here; Snip, Snip There”) the gardens throughout our country house neighborhood are pruned, plucked and readied for that most outdoor of holidays, Independence Day.

There is literally a buzzzz that permeates the neighborhood as the trimmers and blowers orchestrate their tasks.

Our garden is managed in a decidedly less buzzy way — more hand clipping, weeding, and planting.

Along with a lot of client garden design and work, I managed to squeeze in, er, work till after dusk, more than a few times in order to be ready to showcase our gardens and greet our guests for our annual Independence Day Fireworks party we host there.
The fireworks are set off in the marina below us, as part the annual Fireman’s Fair.

This year the Fireworks were scheduled for the same night as Macy’s NYC.
Usually we get to view those spectacular sparklers from our perch; however this year they were the backdrop to our display.
But I’m getting ahead of things…

The Gardens

I have designed a number of garden rooms at our Garden State home: the arbor; the water garden, the new front border, the terrace herb garden, the shower garden and the Farm-ette and Compost Cabana.

Later I will detail the design process.

Here, enjoy the scenes of a garden-inspired 4th of July.

I had to trim the Coral Bark arbor again even though I just did it in late May – but glad to do it as it means the tree has covered the rebar – no more waiting for the limbs to streeettch to meet each other.
The red-twigged dogwood fronts the arbor and it too needed to be pruned again – after blooming.
Right after the roses bloomed in June, I sheared them for a second bloom that starts up right around fireworks time.
Due to the October flash frost and a late April one – the macrophylla hydrangea will not bloom this year.  I waited as long as I dared – and given the green growth coming from the bottom of the plant – I gave in and cut the old wood, spent buds still on them.  At least the hydrangea are alive and thriving.
I did the same for my garden clients.

hydrangea before cutting back

The arbor is red roses and red hydrangea in the summer and all red bark against the white snow in the winter. Gorgeous in every season.

This season, I planted mini box around the parterres in the Water Garden and added more lavender.
I also planted liriope around the outside border of the cherry laurel that frames the water garden.
Here too the shrubs experienced early spring frost issues.  We removed every brown leaf.  It made a big difference.
The fish survived the Polar Vortex just fine.
I over wintered one lotus. It did fine and will overwinter the two I bought this year.

The outdoor shower with its view of NYC skyline, got scrubbed & pruned, new pea gravel

A few, last minute additions to accessorize a few planters & terrace tables

We celebrated the season’s 1st Jersey tomato!

And adorned it with homemade mozzarella & homegrown basil.

I couldn’t wait to see the garden in progress in town @ThePaintedFrame Art Gallery. Nice work turning scrum space into a pretty place. Robert is using a sail for shade.  The Garden will host all kinds of art, including cinema & talks

Our Garden Muse, Maria – & EunYoung – and that Sex cake!

Mother making a wish over the Sex cake !! This is so wrong but so delicious !

 

Sandy Hook National Park Lighthouse framed by graceful trees

With Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island winking back at us, we said farewell to a truly wonderful Independence Day weekend and the official kick-off to summertime.

And all that sparkled this holiday weekend wasn’t in the heavens but right here in our own Glamorous Garden…
Come to think of it, gardens are a bit of heaven on earth.

Enjoy your sweet, glamorous gardens this season.