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

NEWS & MEDIA - Click here to view archives of Plant Specialists’ appearances in the News, Media and Books

The Malvacea Part 1

The diverse mallow family, including the beloved Hibiscus genus, boasts over 243 genera and 4,225 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees. Found worldwide, especially in tropical regions, many species hold economic and ornamental value. Click to discover the fascinating plants within this remarkable family!

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Morphologic Relationships to Environment

Evolution often appears as a series of random genetic mutations, but convergent evolution tells a different story. Similar environments often select for the same traits, leading to striking similarities across unrelated species. Curious about how nature shapes life through adaptation? Click to explore the fascinating interplay of genetics and evolution!

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Mandevilla and Dipladenia

Mandevilla and its relatives are the ultimate summer flowering vines, thriving even into November. Quick-growing and vigorous, these plants can reach 10 feet in a sunny season while blooming nonstop. Add vibrant pinks and other colors to your garden with these stunning, easy-care climbers. Click to learn more!

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Leaf Shape, Size, and Thickness

Leaf morphology reveals the story of a plant’s evolution, showcasing variations in shape, size, thickness, and texture. These adaptations reflect the environment where the plant thrives, offering valuable clues about its origins. Curious how leaves tell a plant’s story? Click to explore the fascinating world of leaf characteristics!

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TREES ON TERRACES

Thinking of adding deciduous trees to your rooftop garden? Choosing the right ones depends on several factors, including your specific goals and garden conditions. From aesthetics to practical considerations, this guide helps you craft your wish list and make informed decisions. Click to learn how to pick the perfect rooftop trees!

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Don’t Touch Me - Why Some Plants Are Prickly

Thorns, spines, and prickles are plants’ natural defense mechanisms, evolved to deter browsing animals from munching on them or their vital parts. But their purpose isn’t always purely physical—some offer protection against other threats. Curious about these sharp adaptations? Click to uncover the secrets behind prickly plants!

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Palms for Indoor Spaces

Palms bring a touch of the tropics indoors with their elegant fronds. While there are many varieties to choose from, picking the right one depends on your space and care preferences. Ready to add a tropical vibe to your home? Click to explore the best indoor palms and find your perfect match!

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Pink it is !

Add a pop of pink to your home with stunning indoor flowering plants! From long-term beauties like Anthurium that thrive in indirect light to other charming options, these plants bring vibrant blooms to your indoor space for months or even years with proper care. Click to explore the best pink indoor plants!

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Tough plants for full sun with windy conditions

Got a rooftop garden exposed to harsh elements? Discover tough-as-nails plants that thrive in full summer sun and windy conditions. These resilient species are perfect for rooftop gardens, bouncing back year after year. Click to uncover the best plants for challenging environments!

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Why do Needled Evergreens have that leaf shape ?

Needled evergreens evolved as some of the first tall land plants, adapting to full-sun environments with needle-like leaves for water conservation and snow shedding. These features give them a competitive edge in harsh climates. Curious about their evolution and traits? Click to learn more about these evergreen pioneers!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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