
Exquisite Outdoor Transformations
Expert Design Services
Greenroof Projects
Lighting & Irrigation
Indoor Plants
Holiday & Events
Plant Health Care
Garden Care
Greening New York City for over 50 years!
Exquisite Outdoor Transformations Expert Design Services Greenroof Projects Lighting & Irrigation Indoor Plants Holiday & Events Plant Health Care Garden Care Greening New York City for over 50 years!
Expert Garden & Landscape Design in New York City
Over half a century of green spaces: transforming New York City rooftops into lush urban retreats!
Since 1972, Plant Specialists have been transforming outdoor spaces into breathtaking masterpieces with our bespoke landscape design service.
We offer unique garden and terrace design and installation services.
We are not only Plant Specialists, we are garden specialists with a team of professionals that can offer everything from green roof projects, interior plants, terrace designs and general garden care.
We create spaces where timeless elegance meets unparalleled craftsmanship.
We are proud to be New York’s premier year round garden care experts.
We have extensive knowledge in plant health care, garden design & garden care servicing all of New York City.
Unique garden designs, garden lighting and garden Irrigation are just a few of many areas of expertise at Plant Specialists
We can further enhance your investment with premier garden maintenance.
Featured Blog Posts
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Fill out your and a brief outline of your interests and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Privacy Statement
Customer personal information is never shared or sold to any third parties for the purpose of marketing. This includes home or billing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, mobile phone and text messaging numbers, or any form of SMS/MMS from Plant Specialists. To opt out of any form of communication please contact our offices at (718) 392 9404.
Muscari bulbs produce dainty clusters of small blooms that make a dramatic under-planting for taller bulbs. But if planted in mass they create an unforgettable show of color and style on their own !Classified in the Asparagus family – there are about forty species. The name of the genus comes from the Greek word for musk. Grape hyacinth is hardy in zones 3-9.In the majority of cases, they do not poison humans or animals. Only excessive consumption can cause mild symptoms of poisoning due to the flavonoids and anthocyanins in grape hyacinths.
The word chlorosis is derived from the Greek - kloros - meaning "greenish-yellow".This condition is when leaves produce insufficient chlorophyll. Because the pigment chlorophyll is what makes leaves green - chlorotic leaves look pale, yellow, or yellow-white. Many time the inter-venal tissue is also lighter than the rest of the leaf. This color contrast is a clear indicator of chlorosis.
Now renamed Agave amica, this native of Mexico has an abundantly intoxicating fragrance. Cultivated by the Aztecs for centuries. They called it “omixochitl” - “bone flower”, probably due to its whiteness.An herbaceous tender ornamental, it produces from its tuberous rootstock a rosette of long, narrow, semi-succulent foliage. It’s related to asparagus and belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family.
Rhododendron is a very large genus – NO KIDDING - about 1,024 species!They are in the heather family (Ericaceae) - either evergreen or deciduous. Most are native to eastern Asia and the Himalayan region. Because of their spectacular flowers they are grown in every corner of the planet !Their name comes from the words RED TREE - referring to its flowers. These can be scented or not and actually occur in a wide range of colors—white, yellow, pink, scarlet, purple, and blue.Ranging in habit from evergreen to deciduous as well as low-growing ground covers to tall trees. Some are mat like dwarfs only 4 inches high, while others are trees in excess of 40 feet.Leaves are thick and leathery and are evergreen in all but the azalea species, some of which are deciduous.
Millipedes are arthropods that are closely related to insects and spiders. They are dorsal-ventrally flattened and have a hard exoskeleton. Also known as the greenhouse millipede or flat-backed millipede - Oxidus gracilis – are not native to the United States but came from Asia. They are common throughout the country and most of the world.They differ from centipedes in that these have only one pair of legs on each body segment.
Plants have evolved a way to adapt to the variable light conditions in which they are growing. It is called a phototropic response - the bending of a plants stems and leaves towards the light source – specifically a directional blue light source.This movement is also called orthotropic
Plants evolved to use a volume of soil that is about twice their canopy and 24” deep. With this volume of soil of they are ensured to have enough water and minerals. It enables them to stay healthy and look their best.
Evergreen plants keep their leaves during the winter months as an evolutionary advantage to a faster startup in spring. This includes the broadleaf evergreens like Rhododendron, needled evergreens like pines, and scale-leaf evergreens like juniper and cedars.
Heading off to the tropics this winter? Make the most of your Caribbean getaway with helpful advice on how to stay safe and avoid potential hazards while soaking up the sun. Whether it’s staying protected from the elements or planning your activities wisely, this guide ensures a relaxing and worry-free vacation.
As the year comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible gardens we’ve helped create and maintain with your support. Here’s to a bright and beautiful new year, filled with flourishing plants and fresh opportunities to make your outdoor spaces thrive. Thank you for being part of our journey!
Our talented team of Plant Specialists worked their magic this holiday season, transforming ordinary gardens into festive wonderlands. From sparkling lights to beautifully arranged greenery, see how our “elves” spread holiday cheer and brought smiles to our clients with custom seasonal designs.
The poinsettia, or Euphorbia pulcherrima, is a symbol of holiday tradition with its bright red and green leaves. Discover its fascinating history, cultural significance, and tips for keeping this festive plant vibrant and healthy throughout the season. Learn how to make it a cherished part of your holiday decor.
Mealybugs might be tiny, but they can wreak havoc on your plants if left unchecked. These pests thrive in warm conditions and can quickly infest indoor and outdoor plants. Dive into our expert advice on identifying mealybugs, preventing their spread, and effectively treating infestations to keep your plants healthy.
The holidays are just around the corner—so is your garden ready to impress? From sparkling decorations to seasonal plant care, we’re sharing tips to ensure your outdoor space is as festive as the season itself. Let us help you create a garden that’s sure to dazzle even the grumpiest of guests.
Ever wondered what the numbers on nursery pots mean? Our guide to container sizes demystifies the world of plant pots, helping you select the perfect size for your gardening needs. Whether it’s for repotting or planting, learn how to ensure your plants have room to grow and flourish.
Not all houseplants require bright light to thrive! From snake plants to pothos, discover the best low-light plants for your home or office. These hardy plants are perfect for adding a touch of green to dimly lit spaces, and we’ve got all the care tips you’ll need to keep them looking their best.
Mosses are ancient, resilient plants that thrive in damp and shaded environments. This article explores their unique biology, including how they reproduce without seeds or flowers, and their ecological role in preventing soil erosion and retaining moisture. Learn how to incorporate moss into your garden for a natural, low-maintenance touch.
A native to the Mediterranean basin its name is derived from the Greek - “Kyklos” – meaning round – and referring to its tuber. They are valued for their flowers with upswept petals and variably patterned leaves.Romans used to call it “tūber terrae” - "earth truffle" or amulētum - "amulet", because it was believed that evil spells had no effect where it grew ! We need to grow some here!
New York City is a key stop on the migration route for the yellow-bellied woodpecker, also called sapsuckers. While most head to warmer climates like Georgia, a few find our urban green spaces so enticing they stay for the winter, even in spots like Manhattan’s Union Square. Click to learn more about these feathered travelers!
Transform your garden into a fall masterpiece! From planters and urns to creative arrangements featuring kale, peppers, millet, and bittersweet, we’ve crafted stunning autumn displays for our clients. Ready to add seasonal flair to your outdoor space? Click to explore ideas and inspiration from our favorite fall creations!
Fall flowers dazzle in rich jewel tones like rust, gold, and scarlet, but the blue-toned blooms steal the show! Discover a variety of fall-blooming perennials, from easy-care favorites to more challenging species. Arranged alphabetically by genus, this guide will inspire your garden’s autumn transformation. Click to uncover these seasonal gems!
FERNS! Among the planet’s earliest plants, ferns are fascinating survivors dating back 360 million years! These unique plants lack flowers and seeds, relying on a complex spore-based reproduction system. Explore their ancient history and learn how these forest floor favorites continue to thrive today. Ready to uncover the secrets of ferns? Click for more!
Calling all cactus enthusiasts! Discover a selection of small, easy-to-grow cacti perfect for sunny south-facing windows. These low-maintenance plants thrive in dry indoor conditions, stay compact, and are relatively pest-free. Add a touch of the desert to your home with these adaptable indoor favorites. Click to explore your new houseplant companions!
Bagworms are the hidden architects of nature, crafting unique “bags” as part of their larval stage. While males transform into moths capable of flight, females remain inside their bags for life. Rarely seen but fascinating, these creatures are nature’s curious holiday ornaments. Click to learn more about their intriguing lifecycle!
Boxwoods are a timeless favorite for hedges or standalone plants, but they’re far from maintenance-free. Susceptible to various pests and diseases, they require diligent care to thrive. Thinking about planting boxwoods? Click to learn how to keep them healthy and avoid potential pitfalls!
Guzmania, a group of bromeliads with over 120 species, offers long-lasting blooms and effortless care. Named after 18th-century naturalist Anastasio Guzman, these pineapple relatives are epiphytic, thriving without soil. Perfect for indoor spaces, they bring a touch of the tropics to your home. Click to discover their beauty and care tips!
Hydrangea anomala ‘petiolaris’ and Schizophragma hydrangeoides are both stunning climbers often called climbing hydrangea. While Schizophragma is sometimes referred to as “false climbing hydrangea,” both plants bring beauty to vertical spaces with their delicate flowers and lush foliage. Click to learn how these climbers can transform your garden!
Tillandsia, a genus of bromeliads, are fascinating air plants that thrive without soil. These epiphytic wonders grow on trees in forests from Mexico to Argentina, showcasing long, narrow leaves that radiate from a central base. Perfect for creative displays, they’re easy to care for and full of tropical charm. Click to learn more!
Known as tender or indoor succulents, these plants evolved in warm climates and can’t tolerate freezing temperatures. Perfect as summer garden accents, they thrive indoors year-round with minimal care. Their diverse shapes and colors make them an excellent choice for brightening up your home. Click to explore these low-maintenance beauties!