
Check back often for fresh tips & inspiration — don’t forget to share your favorites with friends! —
Check back often for fresh tips & inspiration — don’t forget to share your favorites with friends! —
Plant Specialists Blog
Welcome to the Plant Specialists Blog – your premier destination for expert insights on revitalizing urban landscapes into verdant, flourishing environments. From sophisticated garden designs and tailored planters to custom pergolas, we provide a wealth of tips, innovative ideas, and exclusive glimpses into our projects throughout New York City. With over 53 years of experience in greening New York, our team of horticulturists and designers shares practical tips, creative ideas, and the latest trends to help you cultivate your own green oasis. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, explore our articles to enhance your gardening journey
Edible Flowers: A Culinary Delight
Brighten up your dinner plate with edible flowers! From salads to desserts, flowers like nasturtiums and violets add color, flavor, and elegance to any dish. Want to make your meals bloom with creativity? Click to learn about the best edible flowers for your garden.
Gremolata: A Scrummy Italian Sauce
Discover the magic of Gremolata, a fresh and zesty Italian sauce made with Italian flat-leaf parsley. Inspired by a dinner with friends, this flavorful recipe will have you planting your own parsley in no time. Perfect as a garnish or a burst of flavor for your dishes. Click to learn more!
Pods: Nature’s Seed Protectors
Pods are the ultimate seed protectors, enclosing and nourishing seeds until they’re ready to sprout. Some dry out and split open, while others provide nutrients during development. Explore the fascinating world of pods, from their role in nature to their contributions to food. Click to uncover their secrets!
Inosculation: Nature’s Grafting Technique
Inosculation occurs when tree trunks, branches, or even roots grow together and merge. This rare natural phenomenon forms the basis for grafting techniques used in gardening. Discover the science behind inosculation and how it connects trees in fascinating ways. Click to learn more about this biological marvel!
The Beginners Guide to Gardening
New to gardening and don’t know where to start? From understanding the basics to volunteering at local gardens, this guide offers practical tips to help beginners grow their green thumbs. Click to learn how to dig in and create a thriving garden!
How to Age your Terracotta planter
Terracotta pots may start bland, but with a simple aging technique, you can give them character and charm. Discover an easy method to transform new planters into rustic, weathered works of art that add a timeless touch to your garden. Click for the step-by-step guide!
Moth orchid care
Phalaenopsis orchids, or moth orchids, are surprisingly low-maintenance and long-lasting. These stunning plants are perfect for adding elegance to your home. Learn how to care for them and keep their blooms thriving for months. Click for expert tips on orchid care!
Its Halloween month - time for some spooky garden superstitions !
BOO! Did you know the tradition of knocking on wood for luck may come from Celtic or German folklore? Supernatural beings were thought to live in trees! Celebrate Halloween by exploring spooky gardening superstitions and fun ideas to bring the spirit of the season to your outdoor space. Click to learn more!
Spring Bulbs
For a fabulous spring display, planting bulbs is the way to go! With endless options and vibrant colors, bulbs can transform any garden into a seasonal masterpiece. Ready to brighten your space? Click to discover the best spring bulbs and how to plant them for stunning results.
PARENCHYMA
Parenchyma cells are the unsung heroes of plants, driving photosynthesis, storage, and regeneration. Alive and adaptable, they are essential to all plant functions. Want to learn about these fascinating cells? Click to explore the backbone of plant biochemistry!
OFF WITH HER HEAD !
Deadheading is the practice of removing spent flowers to encourage new blooms. By redirecting energy from seed production to flowering, you can keep your roses thriving. Click to discover why deadheading is a gardener’s best trick for abundant blooms!
Dominance and Flower Color
Flower colors arise from genetic expression, where dominant and recessive genes influence the pigmentation of petals. Plants contain two sets of chromosomes, with each gene playing a role in creating the stunning variations we see. Click to learn how genetics shapes the colors of the blooms around us!
ALLELOPATHY
Some plants, like sweet potato vine or marigolds, release chemicals that suppress the growth or flowering of nearby species. This phenomenon, known as allelopathy, can impact container gardening and plant combinations. Click to explore how plants interact through chemical warfare!
A rose by any other name
Roses have captivated us for centuries, symbolizing love and beauty. From their enchanting fragrance to their historical significance, these blooms remain timeless. Discover why the rose, by any name, still smells as sweet. Click to uncover the allure of roses in gardens and culture!