Neem Oil for Plants: Why Native Gardens Don’t Need It. Neem oil (Azadirachta indica) is often marketed as a safe, organic solution for plant pest problems. Gardeners reach for it because it sounds gentle and responsible, especially compared to synthetic chemicals. But organic does not mean harmless, and it certainly does not mean necessary. In […]
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When to Plant Tulips (And Why We’re Mostly Not Fans) If you’re here because you Googled “When should I plant tulips?” let’s get this out of the way right up front: When to Plant Tulips: Tulips are planted in the fall. Typically, October through early November in the Northeast, once soil temperatures cool but before
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Ground Cover Plants Planting native ground cover plants is one of the most beautiful, sustainable, and wildlife-friendly ways to manage low-maintenance areas. It is also one of the most affordable long-term strategies for homeowners who want a landscape that functions well without constant input. Native Ground Cover Plants > Lawn. Native ground cover plants basically
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Plant Shedding. Plant shedding is the natural process by which a plant drops leaves, flowers, stems, or even entire shoots as part of its normal life cycle or stress response. It is not inherently a sign of disease or failure. In ecological terms, plant shedding is a self-regulating strategy. Here are the main forms and
Aphids on Plants Aphids on plants cause more anxiety than they deserve. In most U.S. gardens, aphids are not native fauna. They are introduced agricultural pests that arrived alongside global plant trade. Because of that, they do not require special moral protection under ecological ethics. Removing Aphids on Plants is not inherently wrong. What does
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family). Native range: Widespread across North America, including all of New York State. Bloom time: July – September. Flower color: Lavender to pale purple. Height: 2–4 feet. Preferred conditions: Full sun to partial shade; thrives in dry to medium, well-drained soils but tolerates clay
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Low Light Indoor Plants. Low light indoor plants are often some of the easiest plants to care for. Because they evolved under forest canopies or in shaded understories, these plants are adapted to slower growth, reduced sunlight, and steady conditions. As a result, they thrive where many houseplants struggle. Additionally, many low light indoor plants
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Deer Hardy Plants: Native Strategies That Work. Deer hardy plants are necessary to the ecosystem. One of the biggest challenges for gardeners in the Northeast is dealing with deer. Fencing every bed isn’t always so feasible, repellents wash off, and choosing “deer-resistant” plants can be hit or miss depending on the deer’s mood that year.
Persimmon Tree: A Native American Treasure. The American Persimmon Tree (Diospyros virginiana) is basically one of the most charming and quietly powerful native trees in the United States. Widespread across the eastern and central regions, altogether this tree brings beauty, ecological strength, and delicious fruit to landscapes of all kinds. It is finally a fantastic
Bulbs to Plant in Fall Fall is the perfect time to tuck bulbs and tubers into the soil for a show of spring and summer blooms. In New York’s native gardens, we have some remarkable native “bulb-type” plants that store energy underground and reemerge year after year—beautiful, resilient, and ecologically valuable. Liatris. Among true New
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Best Privacy Trees for Natural Screening. When designing a privacy screen, the goal isn’t uniformity, it’s layering. As a matter of fact, a mix of native upper-canopy trees and lower-canopy shrubs forms a natural green wall that’s long-lived, wildlife-friendly, and visually interesting. People love Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), but it’s overdone and typically short-lived, often declining
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Bonsai Tree Care Bonsai trees can light up the interior world of your home, bringing a peaceful, living sculpture into your daily space. For those who garden much of the year, experimenting with Bonsai creation is also a wonderful way to stay connected to plants indoors—and to upcycle pruned branches or seedlings into new living
Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) is certainly one of the most cheerful native perennials to grace the late-summer garden. The pure species bears sunny, golden-yellow flowers with distinct raised centers that attract countless bees and butterflies. Blooming from August into October, it thrives in full sun and moist soils—especially thriving along
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Fall Obedient Plant Physostegia virginiana — Basically a Bright, Reliable Native Wildflower If you’re looking for a native perennial that lights up the late-season garden and keeps hummingbirds coming back for more, Physostegia virginiana, or Obedient Plant, might be your new obsession. Blooming significantly from late summer through fall, this species adds vertical rhythm
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The Catskills, New York Fall Foliage. Every autumn, the Catskill Mountains of New York transform into a landscape of brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. Just a short drive from Albany or New York City, the Catskills offer some of the most accessible and awe-inspiring foliage displays in the Northeast. Rolling hills, waterfalls, and winding country
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Preparing Your Garden for Winter the Eco-Friendly Way. As autumn settles in, many homeowners feel pressure to tidy up every inch of their yards — raking leaves, running blowers, cutting down stems, and striving for that “perfectly neat” look. But here’s the truth: less fall cleanup is better for your garden, your soil, and your
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Vermont Fall Foliage: Nature’s Most Spectacular Show. Every autumn, Vermont puts on one of the most breathtaking natural displays in North America. Hillsides blaze with fiery reds, brilliant oranges, and golden yellows. For many, a road trip north to Vermont in late September or early October is a seasonal ritual — and it’s easy to
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Native Gardens 101: The Benefits of Native Plants for Your Sustainable Garden Imagine your garden bursting with life, every plant thriving effortlessly. You’re not dreaming—this is the magic of native gardens. By choosing local plant species, you not only create stunning sustainable gardens but also offer a haven for local wildlife. Native plants adapt perfectly
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