Quick Tips to Get Your Garden Ready for Winter

Autumn is here, and that means winter is next! We know, we're sad to see the growing season end too. But that just means it's time to help your garden get a head start on next spring! So here are our quick tips on getting your trees, shrubs, and perennials winter-ready before the fall ends. Planting This is the last window for planting before the frost! Fall is the best time to plant, especially … [Read more...]

Soil, Mulch, Compost, Stone: What Is Bulk Material?

Bulk material is our catchall term for the soil, mulch, compost, and stone we sell in those bins you might have noticed at the back of the nursery. If you’re a local contractor, you already know these materials are the foundation for almost every project. But these aren’t just for our fellow industry professionals! With a little education, everyone can utilize these materials in their own DIY … [Read more...]

Drought-Tolerant Plants for Hudson Valley Gardens

As July fades to August and the sun continues to bake your backyard, you might be feeling a little lackluster about your garden. But don’t despair! We've put together a shortlist of some our favorite full-sun, drought-tolerant shrubs and perennials. Adding a couple of these low-maintenance summer gem will ensure your garden stays colorful all year long. Perennials CoreopsisBright … [Read more...]

Coneflower – Plant Profile

Echinacea "Coneflower" in classic purple and ornamental red. Hardiness Zones: Zones 3 - 9Common Varieties: Purpurea ("Purple Coneflower" - not always purple!), tennesseensis ("Tennessee Coneflower"), Colors: Mostly light, warm purple, but also hot pink, red, orange, yellow, white, and even green and dark purple, or multicolored. Echinacea is the genus name for a whole gaggle of flowers … [Read more...]

Astilbe – Plant Profile

A pink variety of Astilbe, a shade tolerant blooming perennial hardy to New York state. Other Names: False Goat's Beard, False SpireaCommon Varieties: Astilbe 'Fanal' (dark red flowers); 'Visions' (red pink), 'Bridal Veil' (white).Hardiness Zones: Typically zones 4-8, but some varieties are hardy in zones 3-9. If you've ever researched shade gardens, you've probably come across astilbe! … [Read more...]

Hardy Hibiscus – Plant Profile

What does the word Hibiscus bring to mind for you? Waves, sand, surf? You probably think of somewhere warm and tropical, like Hawaii. Fun fact: you can bring some of those tropical vibes into your own yard, because here in New York, we have Hardy Hibiscus. Hardy Hibiscus grow on upright stems that can reach up to 6' in height. In late July and August, they bloom massive flowers that are … [Read more...]

How to Water During the Summer

It’s July: the temperatures are running high and our rainfall is at a low for the season. This July is particularly brutal as we face down some record heat. You’re not alone in the struggle to stay cool and hydrated during these hot months; your garden is right there with you. How can you support your green friends this time of year? Our nursery manager, Rebecca, is here to give you a little … [Read more...]

Invasive Species of the Hudson Valley

It's Invasive Species Awareness Week! You've definitely heard the term, but maybe you don't know exactly what it means. An invasive species technically refers to anything that wasn't here back when the first European settlers arrived in the Americas in the late 15th century. While all invasive species disrupt the native environment, some pose more of a threat than others. Here's a look at some of … [Read more...]

Beneficial Insects in the Garden

It’s that time of year again: aphids, sawfly larvae, scale insects, and other bugs are appearing all over your garden.  But along with these pests come beneficial garden insects that help to control - and sometimes take care of entirely - the populations of garden pests. So hold off on the neem oil or other insecticidal soaps until you know what you're looking at! Ladybugs Adult … [Read more...]

What a Wet Spring Means for your Garden

Spring sprung late this year and with it came some serious rain. Prolonged winter and a rapid rise in temperate in late April made for wet conditions everywhere. While rain is great for your landscape, an unusually wet spring like this can pose some unique challenges for your garden. Warm, wet weather can help your plants thrive, but it also turns your landscape into the perfect environment for … [Read more...]