
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
How to Water Indoor Plants the Right Way
Overwatering is the most common way people kill houseplants. This guide covers how often to water, how much to use, and how to avoid root rot while supporting your plant’s natural cycle. Learn how to set a healthy routine and keep your indoor plants thriving.
Nomenclature: Understanding Scientific Plant Names
Learn how plants get their scientific names and why botanical nomenclature matters. This beginner-friendly guide explains genus, species, cultivars, and hybrids in simple terms, so you can better understand garden labels and plant catalogs. Demystify the Latin and feel more confident choosing and talking about your favorite plants.
A flying couch! (Patio furniture should be hard to lift)
Is that possible ? Yes that is a big concern with furniture on a rooftop. But for that matter it is true of anything that is not hefty in weight, bolted down, or tied to a wall ! We recommend furniture that is of a decent weight, either metal, stone or heavy wood.
What is an Heirloom plant anyway ?
Curious about heirloom plants? This guide dives into what makes a plant “heirloom”—from its history and open-pollinated nature to why gardeners treasure them for flavor, resilience, and heritage. Whether you’re choosing seeds or plants, learn how these timeless varieties can enrich your garden and your table
Planting Perennials in Fall
Cold-weather planting? Absolutely. Learn why autumn is actually the best time to plant perennials—cool soil, less transplant shock, and better initial root development. This guide walks you through timing, proper planting steps, and care tips so your perennial garden arrives strong and vibrant come spring.
Some tips to think about when planning a rooftop garden
Plant Specialists has been creating spectacular rooftop retreats in Manhattan for over 51 years - that's a lot of gardens !Here are a few tips that we consider with every garden that we design. If you are looking for good terrace design - consider these, then call Plant Specialists !
Husbandry in the Insect World: How Ants Farm and Tend Other Bugs
Did you know ants are insect farmers? In this quirky exploration, learn how certain ant species “herd” aphids or cultivate fungi — carefully tending to other insects and crops in tiny underground farms. Discover what drives this behavior and why studying ant husbandry can reshape our view of agriculture in nature.
Pumpkins, Gourds, and Squash: A Growing Guide
Cucurbita species—like pumpkins, squash, and gourds—are as diverse as they are delicious. From edible butternut to ornamental bumpiness, this guide covers their history, flower anatomy, and how to grow them in your NYC rooftop garden with help from Plant Specialists.
Inside Plant Cells: Structure and Function Explained
Ever wonder how plant cells keep your greenery standing tall and self-sufficient? Explore the parts of a plant cell—from vacuoles to lysosomes—and find out how each organelle helps plants thrive, defend themselves, and make food through photosynthesis.