
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
Woodpeckers !
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!
We LOVE Autumn!
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!
Perennials For Fall Color
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!
Polypodiophyta
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!
CACTI FOR INDOORS
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
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!
THE ISSUES WITH BOXWOOD
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
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!
Climbing Hydrangea
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
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!
INDOOR SUCCULENTS
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!
HARDY SUCCULENTS
Winter-hardy succulents are tough survivors, thriving in freezing temperatures where many plants can’t. Like their tender cousins, they stay compact and love full sun, making them ideal for rock gardens or outdoor containers. Add resilience and charm to your garden with these cold-tolerant beauties. Click to learn more!
MY WILTED GARDEN
Returning from vacation to find your garden dry and wilted can be alarming—but don’t panic! While the damage is done, quick action can save many plants. Learn the essential steps to rehydrate and revive your garden after drought stress. Click to discover how to bring your greenery back to life!
WHY FICUS ?
Ficus is a versatile tropical genus of trees, shrubs, and vines known for its adaptability to indoor lighting. With numerous species and cultivars available, these plants make excellent indoor foliage choices. Add a touch of tropical charm to your space with a ficus that suits your style. Click to explore more!
Plants Make Vitamins !
Did you know plants produce many of the vitamins our bodies need? From vibrant rooftop veggie gardens to your backyard, grow your own fresh sources of essential nutrients. Discover which plants supply key vitamins and how to cultivate them for a healthier, homegrown lifestyle. Click to learn more!
Common Garden Herbs Harmful To Pets
Did you know some garden plants and herbs can be harmful to pets? While not always life-threatening, they can upset your furry friend’s stomach or worse. Even common plants like lavender can pose risks. Click to learn how to keep your garden safe and pet-friendly!
The Malvacea Part 3
Explore the final chapter of the Malvacea series, focusing on the fascinating Genus Hibiscus. Known for their vibrant blooms, these plants feature unique traits like an epicalyx and prominent stamen columns. Click to discover the intricate beauty and botanical wonders of this captivating genus!
The Malvacea Part 2
Part 2 of the Malvacea series delves into the Genus Cola, home to 125 African species. Known for their separate male and female flowers in large, branched inflorescences, these plants feature fused sepals and fascinating floral structures. Click to explore the unique characteristics of this remarkable genus!