
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
Heat Stress in Plants
Wilting is often a plant’s cry for help during heat stress, triggered by insufficient water and extreme temperatures. When the heat rises, photosynthesis halts, and plants struggle to cope. Learn how proper watering, shading, and care can prevent heat damage and keep your garden thriving. Click for expert tips!
TITHONIA
Tithonia, part of the daisy family, boasts vibrant, daisy-like flowers on bushy annuals, perennials, and shrubs native to Mexico and Central America. The Mexican sunflower, T. rotundifolia, is a vigorous, drought-tolerant warm-season favorite that’s easy to grow. Click to learn more about this brilliant red beauty!
Panicum: Switch Grass
Panicum virgatum, or switch grass, is a warm-season perennial grass native to North America. This clumping prairie grass thrives from Canada to Mexico and is beloved for its adaptability and late-summer beauty. Perfect for sustainable gardens, it offers structure and charm. Click to discover its versatility!
Agastache: Anise Hyssop
Agastache is a stunning perennial with flower spikes that bloom in shades of purple, pink, orange, and more. Native to North America, this fragrant plant attracts pollinators and thrives all season long. Learn why Agastache is a garden favorite by clicking for more details!
Sunflowers: Summer’s Icon!
Sunflowers (Helianthus) are the epitome of summer—vibrant, heat-loving, and easy to grow. While yellow is their classic hue, varieties also bloom in stunning reds, maroons, and browns. Hardy and low-maintenance, they bring joy to every garden. Click to explore this cheerful plant!
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.
Crepe Myrtle: A Showstopper
Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a deciduous, multi-trunked tree or shrub, prized for its vibrant blooms and peeling bark. Native to Asia, it thrives in warm climates and adds elegance to any garden. Click to explore this low-maintenance favorite!
Agapanthus: Lily of the Nile
Agapanthus, with its striking lilac-blue blooms, belongs to a small genus of fleshy-rooted perennials native to southern Africa. Often called Lily of the Nile, these plants are perfect for adding elegance to borders or containers. Click to discover their allure and care tips!
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!
The Winds: Rooftop Gardening Challenges
Windy rooftops can be tough on plants, but proper selection makes all the difference. Discover hardy plants that thrive in high winds and learn how to design a garden that withstands even the most exposed conditions. Click for expert tips on creating a resilient rooftop oasis!
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!
Ho Ho Ho: Christmas Trivia Time!
Ever wondered why red and green are the iconic Christmas colors? Thank holly plants and even Coca-Cola for the festive association! Join us for some fun holiday trivia and see how Plant Specialists brings seasonal cheer to Manhattan townhouses. Click for more festive insights!
Daisy Folklore
Did you know the name “daisy” comes from the Anglo-Saxon words “daes eage,” meaning “the day’s eye”? This charming flower opens and closes with the sun, but not all daisy-like flowers are related! Click to explore the fascinating folklore and varieties of this iconic bloom.
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!
Common Plant Diseases
Just like any living organism, plants are vulnerable to diseases caused by pathogens that attack their tissues. These endoparasites come in various forms, threatening plant health. Learn about the basics of plant pathology and how to identify and manage common plant diseases. Click to protect your greenery!