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
Check out our new feature in Brownstone Magazine. You can view it online here:
Plant Specialists appears in The Outsider: Hardscaping Anchors Fort Greene Garden With Seasonal Variety
What Is Plasmolysis? Understanding Plant Cell Stress (55)
Dive into plant science with this weird word. Plasmolysis explains what happens when a plant loses water fast.
Watering Basics for Fuller Healthy Gardens
Water is everything—but when and how matters. Discover smart watering habits for NYC gardens.
Tree Pits in NYC: More Than a Tree Spot
A cheeky look at tree pits in NYC: what they are, why they matter, and how to keep them healthy (no Hollywood required).
Sweet Little Pansy Blooms Bright in NYC Gardens
Pansies are tough, cute, and colorful. Discover why these sweet blooms are perfect for NYC’s seasonal planting.
How to Grow Hydrangea ‘Limelight’ in Containers
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ lives up to its name—large, lush, and easy to care for. Perfect for NYC containers or rooftop gardens, this hardy plant delivers year-round beauty and attracts pollinators. Learn why it’s a favorite among Plant Specialists’ designers and clients alike.
Why Faux Plants Are a Smart Green Solution
Faux plants aren’t what they used to be. With hyper-realistic textures and styles, they offer smart, low-maintenance alternatives for hard-to-reach or inhospitable spaces. Learn when and where artificial botanicals make sense in design—indoors, outdoors, and everywhere in between.
Phlox - as American as apple pie !
Celebrate phlox, a native American flower that’s bold, fragrant, and perfect for pollinators in your NYC garden.
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