Pruning Techniques for Long Island Gardens

What is Pruning?Pruning is the practice of selectively removing plant parts (branches, buds, spent flowers, etc.) to manipulate the plant for landscape purposes Why Prune?More important than knowing when or how to prune is understanding what you are trying to achieve....

Hydrangea: An American Classic

Hydrangeas are one of the most recognizable summer flowering plants on Long Island. They are known, grown and loved worldwide and continue to gain popularity every year.  While one species may be more popular than another, they all bring ornamental value to the garden...

3 Best Summer Flowering Plants for Sunny Gardens

If you are looking for plants that bloom throughout the summer in a sunny location, crape myrtle, roses and butterfly bush are the plants for you. Crape Myrtle There was a time, not too long ago, when we could not grow crape myrtle on Long Island. The plants were not...

Hardy Crape Myrtle for Long Island

Although crape myrtle may remind you of the South, it’s also a perfect choice for your Long Island garden. In fact, many hardy varieties will thrive here. Simply plant in full sun, and over time, enjoy the changing beauty of its bark, foliage, and flowers. Here are a...

Hot Summer Color with Crape Myrtle

Years ago, Crape Myrtle trees could only be enjoyed by our neighbors in the south. They were not hardy enough to live through our cold winter months and instead thrived only in warmer climates like North Carolina. Luckily many of those southern varieties have been...

Recipe for a Beautiful Summer Garden

The fourth of July is, in my opinion, one of the best times to take a serious look at the landscape. The roses and hydrangea are blooming, my shrubs are growing and I’m about to have a bunch of barbeques near the pool. Ask yourself a few key questions: Am I happy (or...