Question:
I am a Landscape Design student @ the NYBG and we need to design a roof garden.
I would like to put PINUS mugo ( good size) in tall planters. The building is 5 stories high in Brooklyn. Do you have comments on the resistance of that species in container or other idea beside Buxus? Physocarpus? Thank you
Answer:
For that situation Pinus mugo should be fine, as long as it will get full sun, have decent drainage, and receive regular irrigation. I have certainly seen and used it in containers, and even though it can get large and wide over time the slower growth habit, compared to other pines, I find to be an attractive characteristic. The only concern I have is installing them at a "good size". If you really want to make sure that they take well I would not install very mature ones, but would go with younger specimens at first. As with other plants, especially in a challenging situation like a rooftop garden, I plant as young as I can get away with to make sure they have the best chance to acclimate quickly asnd successfully. Once you start bringing in mature pieces they can be so used to the light, temperature, and irrigation they were getting before that the new situation can throw them into some shock. Not to mention if you spend the money on mature plants and then deal with getting them to the space for them to then go into quick decline, no one will be happy, neither you or your client.
I would also recommend coming to the HSNY Library if you are still in the planning stages. A horticultural library with over 10,000 volumes open to the public I am sure we have some references that will be of assistance. The Library is open to the public from Monday to Friday, 10-6pm, and Katherine Powis, the full time librarian, is here Monday through Thursday.
Showing posts with label Brooklyn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brooklyn. Show all posts
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Recent Press: The Poughkeepsie Journal
A few months ago I received a call in the office from a journalist up near Poughkeepsie, New York. She was asking about the healing properties of gardens and we got talking about the topic of horticultural therapy. We had a very deep and detailed conversation about the history and benefits of horticulture as therapy. The other night I found that Stephanie had finished and posted her article for the Poughkeepsie Journal. I really enjoyed it so I wanted to pass it along for all of you to read and enjoy as well. If you would like to check out the article, click on this link to the Poughkeepsie Journal.
In addition, I wanted to share with you some photographs from the garden of Ricci Albenda. Ricci is presently exhibiting in the HSNY Gallery here at 148 West 37th Street and has also been kind enough to open up his garden to the public on specific Sundays from 12-4pm. As I headed over yesterday I was not entirely sure what I would find at 26 Devoe Street. In short, what I would find would not only rejuvenate my senses, it would test me, it would lead me to new knowledge and new friends. Ricci's backyard was like a horticulturists dream come true. Found objects, reclaimed objects, plants, a love of bulbs and tubers, a love of winter and spring blooms, near obsession with pruning of woody species, I tell you this garden was rich with it all. I had always wanted to know how bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) might do in a backyard here in the city. I found clumps of them everywhere and Ricci was sure to point out the 'Multiplex' back by the Ailanthus.
Fritillaria meleagris brings me right back to horticulture school for some unknown reason. Part of a spring bulbs class I first saw this plant and couldn't get it out of my head. It was one of the first flowers to pop out at me when I entered the garden this afternoon and I kept going back on it. The detail of the petals, the shape of the large nodding lantern, the fact that they are enchanting little loners in the garden. I love Fritillaria...
...well, almost as much as I love Trillium. Trillium are native woodland plants that love light, dappled shade and a compost rich soil. Their leaves and flowers, all in multiples of three, can be a great discovery when taking a springtime walk in the woods. Like the Sanguinaria, I had been curious to know how Trillium might do in city gardens. These sessile trilliums, meaning that the flower blooms right on top of the foliage, are all the proof I need to try and convince many more to add these favorite natives of mine to their gardens.
Tulipa humilis is a plant I had never seen before yesterday so this was a real treat. It comes in many varieties now and I think this must be one of them. It only stood 4-6 inches tall, and as the skies clouded over and it got cooler the flower closed up. I couldn't get the clearest shot of the center, but the white petals and dark blue, almost black center made it such a striking little flower.
And then there were the plant combinations! Usually I am screaming about Vinca, the invasive introduced groundcover people fondly refer to as periwinkle. I see it everywhere and it makes me crazy. But here it was combined with a perennial Sedum, (perhaps 'Angelina'?), and the combination blew my mind. Apparently in tight troughs the Sedum is able to keep tabs on the Vinca and the look was one I will definitely remember for when we finally have more containers and space.
Another new one was this Iris. I am still trying to identify it. Ricci said the name and it went quickly in one ear and out the other. It was planted inter-mixed with the variegated Yucca below and the combination was once again very smart and logical. Of course add green and dark purple flowers with a favorite perennial and it's hard for me not to be in love. Yucca is a native that I love to try and incorporate into most of my garden designs. It has year-round structure and can be combined with anything from hot summer tropicals to cool spring ephemerals. I was reminded of the Western Garden at Garden in the Woods up in Framingham, MA, and the combo of Yucca and California poppy that would stop people dead in their tracks. It is great to take the small, almost whimsical flowers with unique color or shape and scatter them in with these big spiky fellows. 
Clearly gardens do have an inherent healing property. Like I said, I wasn't sure what to expect in Ricci's garden. Yet the gardens and the good company and the space full of shape, structure, and flower was very calming and centering and it was a wonderful afternoon.
Ricci Albenda's garden at 26 Devoe Street in Brooklyn will be open to the public again on May 4th and May 11th from 12-4pm. To learn more about Ricci's exhibit, 26 DEVOE, as well as information about getting to his garden, please visit the HSNY website by clicking here.
In addition, I wanted to share with you some photographs from the garden of Ricci Albenda. Ricci is presently exhibiting in the HSNY Gallery here at 148 West 37th Street and has also been kind enough to open up his garden to the public on specific Sundays from 12-4pm. As I headed over yesterday I was not entirely sure what I would find at 26 Devoe Street. In short, what I would find would not only rejuvenate my senses, it would test me, it would lead me to new knowledge and new friends. Ricci's backyard was like a horticulturists dream come true. Found objects, reclaimed objects, plants, a love of bulbs and tubers, a love of winter and spring blooms, near obsession with pruning of woody species, I tell you this garden was rich with it all. I had always wanted to know how bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) might do in a backyard here in the city. I found clumps of them everywhere and Ricci was sure to point out the 'Multiplex' back by the Ailanthus.
Fritillaria meleagris brings me right back to horticulture school for some unknown reason. Part of a spring bulbs class I first saw this plant and couldn't get it out of my head. It was one of the first flowers to pop out at me when I entered the garden this afternoon and I kept going back on it. The detail of the petals, the shape of the large nodding lantern, the fact that they are enchanting little loners in the garden. I love Fritillaria...
...well, almost as much as I love Trillium. Trillium are native woodland plants that love light, dappled shade and a compost rich soil. Their leaves and flowers, all in multiples of three, can be a great discovery when taking a springtime walk in the woods. Like the Sanguinaria, I had been curious to know how Trillium might do in city gardens. These sessile trilliums, meaning that the flower blooms right on top of the foliage, are all the proof I need to try and convince many more to add these favorite natives of mine to their gardens.
Tulipa humilis is a plant I had never seen before yesterday so this was a real treat. It comes in many varieties now and I think this must be one of them. It only stood 4-6 inches tall, and as the skies clouded over and it got cooler the flower closed up. I couldn't get the clearest shot of the center, but the white petals and dark blue, almost black center made it such a striking little flower.
And then there were the plant combinations! Usually I am screaming about Vinca, the invasive introduced groundcover people fondly refer to as periwinkle. I see it everywhere and it makes me crazy. But here it was combined with a perennial Sedum, (perhaps 'Angelina'?), and the combination blew my mind. Apparently in tight troughs the Sedum is able to keep tabs on the Vinca and the look was one I will definitely remember for when we finally have more containers and space.
Another new one was this Iris. I am still trying to identify it. Ricci said the name and it went quickly in one ear and out the other. It was planted inter-mixed with the variegated Yucca below and the combination was once again very smart and logical. Of course add green and dark purple flowers with a favorite perennial and it's hard for me not to be in love. Yucca is a native that I love to try and incorporate into most of my garden designs. It has year-round structure and can be combined with anything from hot summer tropicals to cool spring ephemerals. I was reminded of the Western Garden at Garden in the Woods up in Framingham, MA, and the combo of Yucca and California poppy that would stop people dead in their tracks. It is great to take the small, almost whimsical flowers with unique color or shape and scatter them in with these big spiky fellows. 
Clearly gardens do have an inherent healing property. Like I said, I wasn't sure what to expect in Ricci's garden. Yet the gardens and the good company and the space full of shape, structure, and flower was very calming and centering and it was a wonderful afternoon. Ricci Albenda's garden at 26 Devoe Street in Brooklyn will be open to the public again on May 4th and May 11th from 12-4pm. To learn more about Ricci's exhibit, 26 DEVOE, as well as information about getting to his garden, please visit the HSNY website by clicking here.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Red Hook Goes Green
If you are not already aware, I want to tell you about some great green steps being made down in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Every Thursday and every Saturday from now until mid-November there is a farmers market in Red Hook put on by the folks at Added Value. Added Value is an organization that runs a 2.75 acre urban farm down in Red Hook, powered by devoted staff, volunteers, and the youth of the community. They grow an unbelievable crop of fruits and veggies that are sold at these markets and to local restaurants. 
On Thursdays the market is held in front of the Red Hook Senior Center, at 6 Wolcott Street, from 10am to 2pm. (On Saturdays the market is held at the farm on Columbia and Beard Street). While you are there you can also see the new garden being installed for the seniors and local community by The Horticultural Society of New York.
The raised beds planted with tomatoes and peppers this spring are literally overflowing with foliage and bushels of produce gathered and eaten by the folks at the Senior Center.
We also use the gardens to educate the young of the community. Here these young men and women were spreading compost from the Added Value community farm and checking on the status of the crop.
In the afternoon John Cannizzo, HSNY staff member and leader of the GreenTeam, showed up to help teach some young interns the finer details urban gardening. In addition to planting and plant care, John also incorporates into every garden his knowledge of masonry and woodworking skills. Here they were working on mixing cement and laying the footings for a number of new benches and seating to be installed in the garden.
As you enter the garden at the Senior Center you are welcomed by a large Buddleja, or butterfly bush. Loving full sun, this woody shrub becomes covered with these gorgeous panicles of blossoms from mid to late summer that are roughly 4-6 inches in length. Over many years the shrub can get leggy and need pruning, but the flower always seems to be a hit with humans and butterflies alike.
On Thursdays the market is held in front of the Red Hook Senior Center, at 6 Wolcott Street, from 10am to 2pm. (On Saturdays the market is held at the farm on Columbia and Beard Street). While you are there you can also see the new garden being installed for the seniors and local community by The Horticultural Society of New York.
The raised beds planted with tomatoes and peppers this spring are literally overflowing with foliage and bushels of produce gathered and eaten by the folks at the Senior Center.
We also use the gardens to educate the young of the community. Here these young men and women were spreading compost from the Added Value community farm and checking on the status of the crop.
In the afternoon John Cannizzo, HSNY staff member and leader of the GreenTeam, showed up to help teach some young interns the finer details urban gardening. In addition to planting and plant care, John also incorporates into every garden his knowledge of masonry and woodworking skills. Here they were working on mixing cement and laying the footings for a number of new benches and seating to be installed in the garden.
As you enter the garden at the Senior Center you are welcomed by a large Buddleja, or butterfly bush. Loving full sun, this woody shrub becomes covered with these gorgeous panicles of blossoms from mid to late summer that are roughly 4-6 inches in length. Over many years the shrub can get leggy and need pruning, but the flower always seems to be a hit with humans and butterflies alike.While you are in Red Hook, you also have to make sure that you visit our GreenBranches Learning Garden at the Red Hook Public Library right across the street from the Senior Center. Designed and installed by HSNY a number of years ago, this garden is one of many throughout Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens, where we lead demonstrations and workshops on different horticultural topics.
For more images and information on our GreenBranches Learning Gardens, including great before and after shots, check out our website: http://www.hsny.org/html/GreenBranches.htm
For more images and information on our GreenBranches Learning Gardens, including great before and after shots, check out our website: http://www.hsny.org/html/GreenBranches.htm Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Browning Evergreens in Containers in Brooklyn
Question:My husband and I bought two potted evergreen trees in December of 2006 for Christmas and are trying to maintain them on our deck in Brooklyn with little luck. Right after the snow we noticed the trees started to turn brown and loose their needles. One tree lost a lot of needles very rapidly. The other maintained most of its color and most of its needles. Three weeks ago, in order to try and resuscitate the first and prevent further damage to the other, we decided to replant both in slightly larger pots. We have been watering them at least twice a week and adding Liquid Grow Plant Food. It seemed to help during the first two weeks. The tree with the most damage was almost completely brown and then it made a slight come back with some small patches of green...a small victory for us. But presently it hasn't restored fully and stopped improving. The other tree is doing better than its neighbor. It is 95% green. The browning is in patches at the bottom of the tree. They both get the same amount of sun light from the North East and I still water them at least twice a week although these last few days I didn't because of all the rain. Is our little brown tree too far gone to make a come back and what can we do to make sure the same doesn't happen to our other? Any advice you can give us would be much appreciated.
Answer:
What you have in your containers are two dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’). As you see them all over the city, they are popular ornamental trees for containers because they are slow growing and hold that very formal, conical shape. They require full sun and, especially in a container, supplemental water.
Looking at your pictures, I am sorry to say that the one on the left is not going to come back for you. Of course there are always exceptions in the plant world, but to generalize evergreens do not bounce back as easily as deciduous trees, shrubs, or perennials. For deciduous perennials, trees, and shrubs, there are dormant leaf buds that can sprout and provide foliage even after a plant has been cut back. Evergreens grow from their tips out, and usually do not have the same kind of dormant buds. Some evergreens can be pruned lightly to push out more new growth, but by and large evergreens will not put out new growth on a branch that has already dies back.
Therefore, the tree on the left is not going to bounce back – it is best to simply start over. As far as the one on the right, you can prune off the brown branches at the bottom, because again, they are not likely to needle-out again. Evergreens, again, in general, naturally prune themselves from the bottom up if they are under stress. This is typically a response to not getting enough sun – and I have seen it happen on Alberta spruces plenty. Keep it in as sunny a spot as possible, continue to water regularly, and hopefully you will not loose any more of the needles. Next, look at the tip of the branches. If you have new green foliage emerging from the tips then you can rest assured that the tree is still healthy and going to do well this summer.
As far as what killed the other…? It could have been not enough sun. It could have also been not enough water, because you really have to keep containers irrigated constantly. Lastly, reexamine the space. Sometimes there may be a draft or an exhaust fan that we don’t pay attention to that is drying out a plant and/or container faster than we realize. Without being able to see the space, I would go back to guessing it is mostly a sun issue, and even though it may be bright, sticking a plant in that corner might not be the best option unless you know it to be more shade tolerant.
Looking at your pictures, I am sorry to say that the one on the left is not going to come back for you. Of course there are always exceptions in the plant world, but to generalize evergreens do not bounce back as easily as deciduous trees, shrubs, or perennials. For deciduous perennials, trees, and shrubs, there are dormant leaf buds that can sprout and provide foliage even after a plant has been cut back. Evergreens grow from their tips out, and usually do not have the same kind of dormant buds. Some evergreens can be pruned lightly to push out more new growth, but by and large evergreens will not put out new growth on a branch that has already dies back.
Therefore, the tree on the left is not going to bounce back – it is best to simply start over. As far as the one on the right, you can prune off the brown branches at the bottom, because again, they are not likely to needle-out again. Evergreens, again, in general, naturally prune themselves from the bottom up if they are under stress. This is typically a response to not getting enough sun – and I have seen it happen on Alberta spruces plenty. Keep it in as sunny a spot as possible, continue to water regularly, and hopefully you will not loose any more of the needles. Next, look at the tip of the branches. If you have new green foliage emerging from the tips then you can rest assured that the tree is still healthy and going to do well this summer.
As far as what killed the other…? It could have been not enough sun. It could have also been not enough water, because you really have to keep containers irrigated constantly. Lastly, reexamine the space. Sometimes there may be a draft or an exhaust fan that we don’t pay attention to that is drying out a plant and/or container faster than we realize. Without being able to see the space, I would go back to guessing it is mostly a sun issue, and even though it may be bright, sticking a plant in that corner might not be the best option unless you know it to be more shade tolerant.
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