Prune your Pieris

Prune after Bloom is the general rule to follow with all flowering trees and shrubs. Right now is the time to prune Andromeda (Pieris). Clip all the spent flowers off and cut down any awkward tall growth and fertilize with Holly Tone to encourage bushy growth and next year’s blooms, which will form in early summer.

Other spring bloomers to prune after bloom: Magnolia trees and flowering crab apples, mountain laurel, Rhododendron, and Azalea varieties, Forsythia, mock orange, flowering almond, and bridal wreath Spirea (Spirea x vanhouttei ) and Spirea ‘Mellow Yellow’ (Spireae thunbergii 'Ogon').

Exception to the prune after bloom rule: Dogwoods, Redbuds, Bradford Pears and Pee Gee Hydrangea can be pruned while still dormant, in late winter or early spring, because it is easier to see the structure without flowers or foliage.

Blueberries in Bloom

Isn't it so interesting that blue berry flowers look so similar to the fruit that will follow.

You need two varieties for berry production.

For instructions on how to care for your blueberries click here.

If you Missed the Private Garden Tour 4/22/12 Part 2

For part 2 of Sunday's tour we explored the lush gardens of Deb Gray. 

Photos by Jeff Stultz.

Our next private garden tour is scheduled for May 6th. 

Call to register (845) 658-9007 $10 per person.

Click here for a full 2012 special event and classes.

If you Missed the Private Garden Tour 4/22/12 Part 1

We were really lucky with last weekend's private tour, both with the weather (the rain held out until the tour was over) and because friend and photographer Jeff Stultz took these photos for the blog. If you missed the tour last weekend, the next tour is scheduled for May 6th. - Thank you again, Arlene for allowing us to visit your beautiful property!

Photos by Jeff Stultz.

Full 2012 Schedule of special events and classes. 

Fothergilla major ‘Blue Shadows’

Fothergilla major ‘Blue Shadows’

Zone 4
Grows 5 ft. tall and wide.
Grow in light shade to part shade for best blue foliage.



Amazing blue textured foliage is only one of the many things we love about this new variety of Fothergilla. ‘Blue Shadows’ produces unique white blooms with hints of gold in early spring before the foliage emerges. Then it offers a sophisticated texture and elegant form in the landscape. And to top it all off in the fall these leaves turn a metallic mix of bronze, purple, gold, and orange. Spectacular!

‘Snow Day Surprise’ Pearl Bush – Exochorda ‘Niagra’

‘Snow Day Surprise’ Pearl Bush – Exochorda ‘Niagra’
Zone 4

Grows 3 to 4 ft. tall and 4 to 5 ft. wide.

Grow in full sun to part shade.



More compact than other varieties, ‘Snow Day Surprise’ forms big pearl-like buds in late April and holds them for three to four weeks. In late May the fat buds open to cover the shrub in fluffy snow-white flowers.

‘Boomerang’ Lilac – Syringa x ‘Penda’

‘Boomerang’ Lilac – Syringa x ‘Penda’

Zone 4
Grows 4 to 5 ft. tall and 3 to 4 ft. wide.
Grow in full sun.


April buds pictured. I'll post more images when it blooms!

Blooms mid May and then reblooms throughout the summer and fall. Fragrant, compact, and floriferous – ‘Boomerang’ is a garden star.