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...]
July 11, 2019 By
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...]
June 20, 2019 By
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...]
August 7, 2018 By
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...]
July 19, 2018 By
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...]
July 12, 2018 By
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...]
June 21, 2018 By
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...]
June 6, 2018 By
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...]
June 6, 2018 By
Meet the Plant People – Ally
This is Ally! If you've been to Kalleco in the past year, we're sure you'll remember her. From her ever-present smile to her serious landscaping know-how, she's hard to forget! Ally hails from Long Island originally. In 2010, she migrated to the Hudson Valley in search of open spaces and found them! She has a degree in equine sciences, fitting for an animal lover like her. When asked what her … [Read more...]
March 28, 2018 By
Saucer Magnolia – Plant Profile
Saucer Magnolia Or Magnolia x soulangeana Description: The Saucer Magnolia plant (or Magnolia x soulangeana) grows as a multi-stemmed large shrub or small flowering tree. The flowers bloom on the tree in early spring and then the leaves expand shortly afterward. The flowers are white flushed with purple and start to bloom around March. Saucer Magnolia blooms through the summer months … [Read more...]
