
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
Common Plant Diseases
Just like any living organism, plants are vulnerable to diseases caused by pathogens that attack their tissues. These endoparasites come in various forms, threatening plant health. Learn about the basics of plant pathology and how to identify and manage common plant diseases. Click to protect your greenery!
The Root issue
Hybridizing creates new plants with desirable traits such as disease resistance, enhanced growth, and vibrant flowers. This process has revolutionized gardening and agriculture, producing plants that are more marketable and resilient. Curious about how hybrids are developed? Click to uncover the science behind plant hybridization!
The Fascinating World of Hybrid Plants Explained
Unravel the mystery of hybrid plants—how they’re created, why they matter, and when they make sense for your NYC garden.
An example of a narrow space garden
Got a narrow outdoor space? No problem! With clever planning and plant selection, you can transform even the smallest area into a lush garden. Learn how sunlight direction and creative design can make a big impact in tight spaces. Click for inspiration on narrow space gardening!
Modern Synthetic Lawns > Classic AstroTurf
Gone are the days of tacky blue AstroTurf! Today’s synthetic lawns offer realistic, low-maintenance alternatives for outdoor spaces. Perfect for modern gardens, they provide durability and charm without the upkeep of real grass. Click to explore the evolution of synthetic lawns and how they can elevate your space!
What is involved in Craning in NYC
Dreaming of a stunning rooftop garden or terrace? In NYC, craning is often required to install trees, furniture, or other heavy elements. Learn what’s involved in turning a fabulous design into reality—without letting logistics get in the way. Click to discover how Plant Specialists makes it happen!
Spooky Garden Superstitions: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Supernatural World
BOO! Did you know the tradition of knocking on wood for luck may come from Celtic or German folklore? Supernatural beings were thought to live in trees! Celebrate Halloween by exploring spooky gardening superstitions and fun ideas to bring the spirit of the season to your outdoor space. Click to learn more!
Mastering the Art of Spring Bulb Planting
For a fabulous spring display, planting bulbs is the way to go! With endless options and vibrant colors, bulbs can transform any garden into a seasonal masterpiece. Ready to brighten your space? Click to discover the best spring bulbs and how to plant them for stunning results.
Effective Strategies for Eradicating Spider Mites from Indoor Plants
Spider mites may be tiny, but their appetite is massive! These pests can destroy plants in just weeks. Learn how to identify, prevent, and combat these voracious invaders before they take over your garden. Click to save your plants from the spider mite menace!
Recognizing Mineral Deficiencies in Plants
Plants can’t speak, but their leaves tell a story. Mineral deficiencies often show up as discoloration or vein patterns, leaving plants weak and undernourished. Learn how to identify and address these issues to restore your plants’ health. Click for expert tips on diagnosing and fixing deficiencies.
How Do Roots Breathe? Explained in Simple Terms
Ever wonder how roots get oxygen when soil is packed with water? As water drains, air returns to the spaces between soil particles, supplying roots with much-needed oxygen. Discover the science behind this essential process and how proper watering can keep plants thriving. Click to learn more!
Why Do Plants Have Hair? (And What It Does)
Plant hairs, or trichomes, come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, each reflecting their unique evolutionary purpose. Some have glandular tips, while others play a protective role. Want to learn what trichomes reveal about a plant’s environment and function? Click to explore the fascinating world of botanical hair!
Fertilizing Basics for Healthy Rooftop Gardens
Fertilizing adds essential nutrients to the soil, ensuring plants thrive. With 17 elements vital to plant life, even one missing can spell trouble. Learn how to properly nourish your plants and keep their metabolic processes running smoothly. Click to dig into the basics of fertilizing!
Tips for Keeping Gardens Cool in Summer
Like humans sweat, plants cool themselves through transpiration. Water drawn up through roots evaporates through leaf pores, keeping plants cool during summer heat. Discover the science behind this essential process and how to help your garden beat the heat. Click to learn more!
Three Garden Bugs You Actually Want
Meet your garden’s pest-fighting heroes! Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are natural predators that feast on harmful insects. These non-toxic allies are better than any chemical solution. Click to discover how these three good bugs can keep your garden thriving!
The Color Purple: A Garden Favorite
Most leaves are green, but some dazzle in shades of red, brown, purple, and more. Chlorophyll dominates, but other pigments and environmental factors play a role. Curious why leaves vary in color? Click to uncover the science behind their vibrant hues!
Phoretic Garden Guests: What Is Phoresy?
Ever wonder how insects reach isolated rooftop gardens? Enter phoresy, a phenomenon where one organism hitches a ride on another. Discover how this quirky mode of transport explains unexpected pest appearances. Click to explore this fascinating ecological mystery!
Acclimatization of Indoor Plants
Adjusting to a new environment can be tough for indoor plants. Often grown in sunny Florida, they must adapt to lower light and humidity indoors. Learn how to ease their transition and keep them thriving. Click for acclimatization tips!
Parenchyma: The Unsung Hero of Plant Tissue
Parenchyma cells are the unsung heroes of plants, driving photosynthesis, storage, and regeneration. Alive and adaptable, they are essential to all plant functions. Want to learn about these fascinating cells? Click to explore the backbone of plant biochemistry!
Off With Her Head! Or, Deadheading Plants
Deadheading is the practice of removing spent flowers to encourage new blooms. By redirecting energy from seed production to flowering, you can keep your roses thriving. Click to discover why deadheading is a gardener’s best trick for abundant blooms!