
Plant Specialists Blog — Check back often for fresh tips & inspiration — Be sure to share your favorites with friends! —
Plant Specialists Blog — Check back often for fresh tips & inspiration — Be sure to share your favorites with friends! —
Landscaping & Gardening Tips in New York City
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
ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are often used in massaging and aromatherapy. This is a form of alternative medicine that employs plant extracts to support health and well-being. They are not meant to be eaten or swallowed.
Understanding and Treating Cedar Apple Rust
Cedar apple rust is a persistent fungal disease affecting both apple trees and evergreens like junipers. With a complex two-host lifecycle and unsightly damage, it’s tough to control without expert care. Learn how Plant Specialists identifies, treats, and prevents it across New York City landscapes.
What Is Cauliflory and Why Does It Matter?
Cauliflory is the botanical term for flowers and fruits that grow directly from tree trunks or older branches—an adaptation seen in cacao, redbuds, and figs. Explore this strange yet fascinating trait and why it exists, with insight from the garden design team at Plant Specialists.
Plant Morphology 101: Understanding Structure from Roots to Flowers
Plant morphology unlocks the story behind every leaf, stem, and petal. This beginner-friendly guide breaks down key plant structures—from roots and shoots to flowers—explaining how form connects to function. Dive in to better recognize plant parts, diagnose issues, and choose specimens for your garden based on shape and adaptation.
How to Identify and Control Budworms
The tobacco budworm is a sneaky pest that targets flower buds from the inside out, especially geraniums and petunias. Learn how to spot the damage, understand their life cycle, and get expert advice from Plant Specialists on how to manage these destructive caterpillars.
How Families Can Waste Less Food – Tips for Smarter Home Cooking
Families throw away around one-third of food at home—contributing to environmental harm and wasted money. This guide shares practical tips—from meal planning and proper storage to mindful purchasing—that help parents and kids reduce kitchen waste. Learn how small changes can cut food loss in your household and boost sustainability.
What Is Bark?
Bark is the outermost layer of tissue on a mature plant. It is made mostly of dead rectangular cork cells that fit tightly together.
Plant Variation Explained: What Makes Each Species Unique
Plants aren’t all clones—variation is key to survival and beauty. Explore how genetics, environment, and chance shape differences in color, size, and form. This guide helps you learn to spot and appreciate plant variation, and understand why diverse traits are vital for evolution and resilience.