Popular Plants That Are Invasive, and What to Plant Instead!

Planting season is in full swing and so is our garden center.  With so many flowers, shrubs, trees, and bushes to choose from for when deciding what to plant next, our knowledgeable nursery staff would like to remind you which species are not good for the environment or your garden.  Some of these may surprise you, but don’t worry, we will give you several alternatives to choose … [Read more...]

Lilac – Plant Profile

Syringa vulgaris Common Varieties: "Miss Kim", "Lincoln", "Mme. Lemoine", "Miss Canada", Dwarf Korean, Persian Lilac Description: Lilacs are a type of deciduous, flowering plant that's generally a shrub, but some varieties can become trees. They're famous for their fragrant clusters of flowers that appear in late May. Lilac is a multi-stem, woody shrub covered in broad, bright green … [Read more...]

Forsythia – Plant Profile

Forsythia suspensa Other Names: "Golden Bell" If you live in upstate New York, you’ve probably seen forsythia before. Those gorgeous yellow blooms are the first sign of spring. They’re also one of the most popular choices for hedges and foundation plantings. Description: Forsythia is a deciduous shrub that, left untouched, can grow to 8' in height. It's stems start green, but with … [Read more...]

Caryopteris – Plant Profile

Caryopteris x Clandonensis Common Names: “Blue Beard”; “Blue Spirea”; “Blue Mist” Description:  Caryotperis is sometimes called “blue spirea”, an apt name. This woody shrub is small with a mounding tendency. Its long, pink-ish stems bear angular leaves. Its foliage is usually silver-green or silver-yellow. In the late summer and early fall, it produces tight clusters of small, … [Read more...]

Hydrangea – Plant Profile

Hydrangea. Description: Hydrangea describes a number of deciduous, woody-stemmed shrubs with iconic clusters of flowers. The foliage comes in many shades of green, and varies in shape depending on the variety. Hydrangeas are best known for their clusters of four- or five-petal flowers that bloom late June into the fall. Color ranges greatly, red and pink to purple and blue, and some … [Read more...]

Planting a Pollinator Garden

June is National Pollinator Month! What's a pollinator? A pollinator is any animal that helps move pollen from one plant to another, aiding in fertilization and propagation. The most famous pollinator is the bee, but there are plenty of others, including butterflies, moths, beetles, bats, and many birds (especially hummingbirds!) Pollinators are vital to the natural environment, as well as the … [Read more...]

Rose Bush – Plant Profile

Rosa Common Rose Bush Varieties: "Ballerina"; "Bonica"; "Knockout". Description: Rose bushes are hardy, deciduous shrubs that feature iconic roses throughout the year. Blooming from early spring until late fall, they have a long bloom period making them ideal for year round interest. Their flowers come a huge array of colors, but most commonly shades of white, pink, and red. The flowers … [Read more...]

Spirea – Plant Profile

Spirea, genus. Common Varieties: "Bridal Wreath"; "Meadowsweet"; "Goldmound"; "Goldflame"; "Snowmound"; "Magic Carpet"; "Neon Splash". Description: ‘Spirea’ actually refers to over 80 varieties of deciduous shrubs, making it one of the most diverse plants available. Its features and habits will vary greatly depending on variety, but that also means it’s easy to find the right fit for every … [Read more...]

Andromeda – Plant Profile

Pieris Japonica Other Common Names: Andromeda, Fetterbush, Pieris. Description: Andromeda is an evergreen shrub with thick, glossy green foliage. New leaf growth can vary from dark red to light orange or mottled in color, depending on variety. Leaves change in color throughout the year, usually turning deep red or purple in the fall and early winter. In the early spring and late summer, it … [Read more...]