Gardens, Landscapes & Care Archives - Glengate Company

Spotted Lanternfly Treatment

Florence Mraz — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 15:42:19 +0000

Spotted Lanternfly in Connecticut & New York

What you need to know.

The invasive insect species, known as the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), has become an increasing concern for property owners in Connecticut and New York. Originally native to Asia, these pests have made their way to the United States and are now wreaking havoc on various crops and trees. However, there are measures homeowners can take to combat their spread. And, Glengate is partnering with clients to answer questions and make effective treatments available. Read on for more information on the impact of spotted lanternfly infestations on properties in Connecticut and New York, along with how we can all work together to lessen the spread.

The Threat of Spotted Lanternfly

The spotted lanternfly poses a significant threat to both agriculture and forestry, as these insects feed on the sap of over 70 different plant species, including important crops like grapes, apples, hops, and hardwood trees. By puncturing the plant tissue with their piercing mouthparts, spotted lanternflies drain vital nutrients, weakening plants and potentially causing irreversible damage. This has raised concerns among farmers, orchard growers, and homeowners alike.

Recent Sightings and Expansion
Originally discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014, the spotted lanternfly has since spread to neighboring states, including Connecticut and New York. Infestations of these insects have been reported in various counties across both states, prompting local authorities to raise awareness and implement control measures. But, homeowners in affected areas need to be vigilant and proactive in combatting the spread of spotted lanternflies, as well.

Identifying the Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly can be identified by several distinctive characteristics. In its nymph stage, it appears black with white spots and develops red patches as it matures into an adult. Its distinctive feature is its hind wings, which display bright red and black markings, resembling a colorful mosaic when fully open. These unique attributes make identification relatively easy, helping residents to spot and report the presence of these insects.

Preventing and Controlling Infestations

To prevent the spread of spotted lanternflies, homeowners can take several measures:

Inspect and Report
Regularly inspect your property, including trees, outdoor furniture, and vehicles, for the presence of spotted lanternflies. If spotted, report the sighting to your local authority or agricultural extension service.

Remove Egg Masses
Female spotted lanternflies lay their eggs in large clusters on smooth surfaces like tree trunks, outdoor furniture, or vehicles. Carefully scrape off and destroy these egg masses to prevent hatching.

Plant Selection
Choose plant species that are less susceptible to spotted lanternflies. Working with local agricultural extension services can provide valuable guidance.

Remove Tree of Heaven
This highly invasive tree (Ailanthus altissima) is a preferred host to spotted lanternfly and is now common to our Northeastern landscapes; it’s often seen in disturbed areas such as roadsides. Removing it from our landscapes will help control spotted lanternfly populations.

The increasing presence of spotted lanternflies in Connecticut and New York demands swift action from homeowners to prevent and control infestations. Recognizing the distinctive features of these invasive insects and implementing preventive measures are essential steps. To protect our crops and trees, it is crucial for residents to stay informed, collaborate with local authorities, and take the necessary steps to mitigate the impact of the spotted lanternfly threat.

By working together, we can minimize the spread of this destructive insect, preserving the beauty and health of our natural environment and agricultural landscapes in Connecticut and New York.

Glengate's Commitment

While spotted lanternfly has established populations in other states, it is still new to Connecticut and New York. Over the coming months, Glengate’s in-house experts will be working hard to ensure we know all there is to know.

We specialize in the treatment of ornamental trees, shrubs, and shade tree trunks up to sixteen feet in height, located on your main property.

Our treatment is designed to help control the population and reduce the lanternfly’s impact. It’s important to note, however, that it does not repel these pests, but kills them on contact. Spotted lanternfly has the tendency to reappear regularly, so while our treatment cannot guarantee a completely lanternfly-free property, we’ll work hard to make sure that these pests do not become a major nuisance.

How to Choose the Right Spring Bulbs

How to Plant a Stunning Fall Container

Extend Your Outdoor Season Into Fall

The post Spotted Lanternfly Treatment appeared first on Glengate Company.

Five Steps to Creating a Thriving Ecosystem in Your Backyard (+ Plants To Attract And Aid Butterflies and Birds)

Jordy Scott — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 18:25:33 +0000

Five Steps to Creating a Thriving Ecosystem in Your Backyard

Explore the plants that attract and aid butterflies and birds.

There has been a growing trend in recent years for creating more natural backyard ecosystems and, in turn, making them more bird and butterfly friendly. After all, these are the creatures we rely upon to pollinate our plants and sustain our food and natural resources. Luckily, creating a beautiful home landscape while also preserving biodiversity has never been easier. Here are five ways to make your own backyard into a wildlife-supporting habitat.

1. Manage Invasives

Most of the non-native or exotic plants you’ll find on properties in our area (ie. azaleas, boxwood, roses) are harmless to our eco-systems. However, there are some that have gotten out of control, choking out and displacing native species that are crucial to our local wildlife. Identifying and removing invasives is an important first step in creating a backyard eco-system. Our property care teams have years of experience managing these unwanted plants.

2. Plant Native Species

It’s possible, of course, to create a beautiful home landscape using native plants only—but even just adding a few varying species goes a long way. Did you know, for instance, that a native oak tree can support the caterpillars of around 500 species of butterflies and moths? Their larvae are a major source of food for our local songbirds. Native herbaceous perennials such as monarda and lobelia will attract hummingbirds to your property, as they feed on these flowers’ nectar. Want to see a steady stream of monarch butterflies coming through? Plant some goldenrod, asters, or coneflowers. And consider a patch of milkweed; it’s the only plant monarch caterpillars will eat. Let us help you select native plants (that have evolved to support our local food webs), and create balance between the needs of wildlife and our desire to be surrounded by beauty.

3. Provide Cover for Birds and Bugs

Shrubs offer smaller birds a place of protection from predators and bad weather, as well as cover for nesting and foraging for food. Trees (like the oak mentioned above), act as perches for larger birds. And leaving some leaves in undisturbed areas on your property during fall clean-up is beneficial to the caterpillars that over-winter in leaf piles.

4. Add Water

Bathing in water is an important facet of birds’ feather maintenance. And a birdbath can be an entertaining focal point in a smaller garden. Have more space? We have designed and installed small ponds on many properties. Not only will the birds benefit, but you’ll attract other wildlife—such frogs and bats that which will feed on unwanted insects like mosquitos.

5. Go Organic

Many homeowners choose to limit synthetic chemical use out of concern for the safety of their pets and families. This is also one of the easiest ways to enhance the presence of wildlife in our home landscapes. When it comes to use of herbicides for weeds, Glengate takes care not to over-treat affected problem areas with heavy-handed chemical applications. But we do also have a comprehensive organic program that includes OMRI- and NOFA-approved products. Just one more way we can help you create your own thriving backyard eco-system.

How to Choose the Right Spring Bulbs

How to Plant a Stunning Fall Container

Extend Your Outdoor Season Into Fall

The post Five Steps to Creating a Thriving Ecosystem in Your Backyard (+ Plants To Attract And Aid Butterflies and Birds) appeared first on Glengate Company.

Three Top Reasons to Choose Organic Lawn and Plant Care

Jordy Scott — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 20:41:13 +0000

Top Three Reasons to Choose Organic Lawn and Plant Care

Have you ever considered organic lawn and plant care? This means trading in synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides for organic lawn and plant applications (that are less harmful to humans and the environment) and encouraging natural chemical and biological processes to foster plant health on your property. At Glengate, we are always mindful of how the management of your lawn and plants may affect the health of your family and pets, and our shared environment. Our horticulturists are trained and licensed to implement organic care, which we offer to Glengate’s property care clients. Many of our customers have opted for our organic program, enjoying both peace of mind and a beautiful home landscape. If you’re wondering why organic might be the way to go, read on for three major reasons to make the switch—plus how Glengate can help you do it.

1. For your family’s (and your pets’) health

Probably the first and foremost reason many of our clients have changed to Glengate’s organic lawn and plant healthcare program is for the well-being of their families and pets. Studies have shown that some conventional pesticides may be harmful with frequent exposure, causing possible respiratory disease, endocrine system disruption, harm to the nervous system, and even cancer. Children and pets may be at higher risk due to their closer proximity to the ground (ie. a grass lawn where chemicals are used). And pesticides may be tracked inside our homes on shoes and pets who play outside.

2. To Protect Our Wildlife, Especially Pollinators

You’ve most likely heard that our pollinators—especially birds and bees—are in decline. This is concerning for many reasons, but mainly because they are a crucial part of our food economy and our ecosystems’ food webs. According to the National Pesticide Safety Education Center, honey bee pollination adds more than $15 billion in value to U.S. agricultural crops each year. In other words, pollinators are essential in growing our fruits, vegetables and nuts. But some synthetic pesticides used to control other insects can harm bees, even though they aren’t the intended target. They also reduce the number of desirable insects that birds prey upon; this is one reason why researchers believe bird populations are in decline. (a 2019 report led by a Cornell researcher reveals wild bird populations in the continental U.S. and Canada have gone down 30% since 1970; that’s billions of birds).

3. To Protect Our Environment

Synthetic products are also having an effect on our environment. For example, when the excess nitrogen seeps into our groundwater or runs off into waterways, it can cause something called an algae bloom. Some algae is natural, but excessive amounts decompose in a way that depletes water of oxygen—making that body of water uninhabitable to fish and other aquatic organisms. In addition, some weed killers are toxic to aquatic plants that act as buffers between lawns and waterways and stabilize erosion. In short, non-organic fertilizers and pesticides are known to disrupt the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

For our clients who wish to minimize exposure to synthetics and select our organic program, Glengate’s approach is three-fold: we follow an integrated pest management protocol—meaning we target pests and weeds at the optimal time, based on growing and life cycles, for the best possible control and results; our trained and licensed lawn and plant health technicians use OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) and NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association)-approved products; and we make recommendations on optimizing soil, since a dense, deeply rooted lawn is less susceptible to weeds, disease, and pests.

Making the switch to organic lawn and plant health care isn’t always a perfect process, and there will undoubtably be some weeds or pests during the transition. But we, and our clients who have gone organic, have found it to be absolutely worthwhile—for the well-being of our families and this beautiful part of the world we call home. If you’re interested in hearing more about Glengate’s organic program, give us a call at 203-762-2000 or send us an e-mail at clientmanager@glengatecompany.com.

How to Choose the Right Spring Bulbs

How to Plant a Stunning Fall Container

Extend Your Outdoor Season Into Fall

The post Three Top Reasons to Choose Organic Lawn and Plant Care appeared first on Glengate Company.

Three Gorgeous Flowering Annuals You’ll Want Planted Next Spring

Jordy Scott — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 20:35:33 +0000

Three Gorgeous Flowering Annuals You’ll Want Planted Next Spring

As our favorite perennials bloom and fade throughout the seasons, planting annuals are a great way to maintain colorful interest in our landscapes. After all, a flowering annual blooms for an average of eight to twelve weeks, while a perennial flowers for two to three. Thus, annuals can fill in the spaces in a newly installed border as more permanent varieties grow in. Their extended bloom time is also why annuals make fantastic choices for containers—allowing you to instantly brighten up pool areas, patios, and doorsteps. Our horticultural experts at Glengate have expertise in selecting the perfect annuals for your property. Three that we are especially looking forward to planting come spring are:

Lantana

In warmer regions, lantana is a perennial—but here in the Northeast the cold causes it to die back like an annual each year. We still get tons of use out of this bloomer, though; it’s available in a range of vivid hues that make it suitable for many color schemes; it’s a go-to when planting our clients’ containers, especially on seaside properties as it tolerates salt spray and humidity very well; and lantana attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, such as the monarch.

Euphorbia

Another species that makes for a beautiful container plant is euphorbia. Thought it can be a perennial in some parts of the Northeast, many treat it as an annual and value it for its foliage as much as its flowers. The variety “Ascot Rainbow,” for example offers up lush variegated green and yellow leaves topped by delicate little yellow blooms; this one goes especially well with other annuals like violas, mums, and perennial heuchera (aka coral bells).

Salvia

Salvia are a low-maintenance, long-blooming choice that flower from late spring into summer; some varieties, such as the vivid pink “Wendy’s Wish” (one of our favorites) will go all the way to first frost—especially if you cut back their spent flowers. Like our other preferred annuals, salvia will fill out a container or a border equally attractively, and is also a nectar-rich species loved by hummingbirds.

How to Choose the Right Spring Bulbs

How to Plant a Stunning Fall Container

Extend Your Outdoor Season Into Fall

The post Three Gorgeous Flowering Annuals You’ll Want Planted Next Spring appeared first on Glengate Company.

Glengate’s Top Three Favorite Natives For Your Garden

Jordy Scott — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 20:32:22 +0000

Glengate’s Top Three Favorite Natives For Your Garden

As we’ve mentioned in a previous post, planting a variety of flowering natives in your landscape is the best way to attract the beneficial—and beautiful—wildlife that’s crucial to creating your own backyard eco-system (as well aiding the larger ecology of your area). Our local Northeastern pollinators (butterflies, bees, and birds) have evolved alongside our indigenous flora, and need these plants to sustain and grow their declining numbers. There are many flowering natives we can integrate into your property’s planting plans that tolerate all number of conditions—from full sun to shade, sandy to clay soil and more. They not only help our natural environment but enhance the interest and allure of your landscape. Here, three of our top flowering natives for the Northeast.

Milkweed (Asclepias)

It is widely known that monarch butterfly populations are in decline—and one suspected reason is that milkweed, an important host plant for them, has been eradicated by urban and suburban development. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of asclepias, and their butterflies, as well as those of many other species, rely on them for nectar. Three milkweeds native to the Northeast—common, swamp, and butterfly weed—will augment the natural beauty of your property when utilized thoughtfully. Swamp milkweed, which has pink blooms in late spring, will naturalize quickly in a meadow garden, while orange butterfly weed will fill out perennial borders without taking them over.

Lupines (Lupinus perennis)

There is nothing like spotting lupines in the wild, with their spikes of purple pea-shaped flowers emerging from palm-shaped foliage in summer. And while we usually find this native in a field or meadow, it is an easy one to grow in the garden. Lupines favor loose, sandy soil, so avoid planting them in clay (when in doubt, Glengate’s team can assess your soil). When placed in a favorable location, they are a low-maintenance plant that will allow enjoyment for seasons to come. And, as a native species, the lupine supports wildlife—including around 26 kinds of butterflies in our area.

Blue Wood Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolius)

If you have a shadier location in your landscape (think under a tree, or at the edge of a woodsy spot), consider the blue wood-aster; it will live just as happily there as in nearly full sun. This perennial pairs well with other natives, such as Joe-pye weed (Eupatorium) and black-eyed Susan (rudbeckia), as much as it does with non-natives like Japanese anemones. Either way, the late-blooming blue wood aster opens its delicate flowers into fall—providing pollinators with food before winter begins, and allowing you extended enjoyment of your property’s gardens.

How to Choose the Right Spring Bulbs

How to Plant a Stunning Fall Container

Extend Your Outdoor Season Into Fall

The post Glengate’s Top Three Favorite Natives For Your Garden appeared first on Glengate Company.

Top Cutting-Garden Flower Species You Need to Meet

Jordy Scott — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 20:26:26 +0000

Top Cutting-Garden Flower Species You Need to Meet

Imagine having an almost unlimited supply of flowers for making fresh arrangements—without having to leave your home. Planting a cutting garden on your property makes it possible. A cutting garden is traditionally where one grows a wide range of flowering plants—of different sizes, textures, colors, and bloom times—that can be harvested to fill your house with homegrown flowers all spring, summer, and fall. These can be all manner of spring bulbs, perennials, and annuals, and even species grown for their eye-catching foliage. Not only is a cutting garden beautifying for your property and convenient, it’s also welcoming for beneficial wildlife such as hummingbirds and butterflies. Our horticulturists at Glengate are available to help you plan and install your own cutting garden. Here are three flower species to get you dreaming.

Dahlias (Dahlia pinnata)

With their enormous variety of colors and shapes, it’s no surprise dahlias are so popular. The ‘dinner plate’ cultivars feature extra-large blooms, while ‘pom-pom’ dahlias are perfectly round balls. Anemone varieties have simpler, open flowers. Dahlia season is long: from July to fall’s first frost, and their abundance of blooms means you’ll have plenty of flowers for cutting. Note: they are a bit more high maintenance than other garden favorites, requiring staking to hold up their tall stalks and heavy flowers. Grown from tubers, they are considered a ‘tender’ perennial in the Northeast, so if you want to have the same plants year after year, they need to be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place during winter. Or you could treat them as annuals, and start with new tubers each year. Either way, you will delight in the dahlia’s brilliant summer display.

Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)

The sweet pea is a charming climber and an abundant bloomer that can do double duty on your property. It will wind its way up a trellis in the cutting garden, adding another layer of visual interest; plus, its short thin stems make it perfect for arranging in smaller bouquets or vases to decorate your interiors. Not only do sweet peas come in a huge range of colors—think, airy pastels, ultra-brights, and deep dramatic hues—but many varieties have an extremely pleasant scent. If you are planning a cutting garden, we highly recommend including sweet peas, and are happy to source the perfect ones for you. They can also be grown in containers (with the proper supports), and are a beautiful addition to patios and pool areas where you can sit and enjoy their fragrance.

Breadseed Poppies (Papaver somniferum)

This flower used to be more commonly known as the ‘opium’ poppy, as some varieties in the species are produced for their alkaloids which are indeed used by the pharmaceutical industry. However, the ornamental varieties that look beautiful in our cutting gardens and in flower arrangements do not produce significant amounts of opium. If you’re a home baker, though, you’re in luck; grow the breadseed and you can harvest your own seeds to sprinkle on your breads and pastry. The breadseed poppy is an annual that flowers in early summer. Its blooms come in shades of pink, red, purple, and white—with petal structures that range from single to ruffled. Bonus: when the flowers fade, this species’ large seed pods make for a unique addition to floral arrangements.

How to Choose the Right Spring Bulbs

How to Plant a Stunning Fall Container

Extend Your Outdoor Season Into Fall

The post Top Cutting-Garden Flower Species You Need to Meet appeared first on Glengate Company.

Sow it, Grow it, Show it: A Personalized Vegetable Garden for Every Property

Jordy Scott — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 20:15:48 +0000

Sow it, Grow it, Show it: A Personalized Vegetable Garden for Every Property

Looking for a new hobby to pursue? Look no further than creating your own vegetable garden complete with customized design, personalized vegetable palettes and weekly service visits for harvesting and plant care. Glengate can take you from design to donning your gardening gear in a few easy steps.

Put a Design Scheme to your Dream

The first step of a customized vegetable garden experience with Glengate is meeting with our design professionals to select a suitable site and discuss your garden goals. Whether it be a small space for herbs and select heirloom vegetables or a large production meant to feed several dinner guests Glengate can deliver.

From Timber Choice to Tomato Cultivar

We provide you with several options to truly make your garden your own. Our licensed professionals assist your decision-making process throughout the construction phase creating a custom space for you to grow. We build the garden of your dreams, fill it with the best soil available on the market, and set you up with a plant palette to meet your culinary needs.

A Time to Plant

After you have selected your plant pallet our Floral and Fine Gardening team steps in to plant your vegetables and companion flowers to attract pollinators.Our staff of horticultural specialists select the best quality plant material and install it with an expert hand to make sure you are good to grow.

A Time to Plant

How to Choose the Right Spring Bulbs

How to Plant a Stunning Fall Container

Extend Your Outdoor Season Into Fall

The post Sow it, Grow it, Show it: A Personalized Vegetable Garden for Every Property appeared first on Glengate Company.

Nine Exotic Trees That Thrive In The Northeast

Jordy Scott — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 18:42:27 +0000

The Northeast boasts a wide array of magnificent native trees that comprise the region’s beautiful woods and make compelling additions to our homes’ landscapes and gardens. However, there are also many exotic trees that flourish here as they do in their natural environments. Whether providing something practical (such as a privacy screen) or a more ornamental look (ie. a spring-flowering species), these selections have become reliable-yet-stunning go-tos when creating unique landscapes.

With any planting design, Glengate considers the stewardship of our clients’ properties with the utmost thoughtfulness—especially when it comes to trees. We adhere to the “right plant, right place” ethos that when a plant is installed in the correct location and conditions, it will live happily. Our staff horticulturalists will help guide you in choosing a suitable tree for your landscape based on sunlight, soil and other site requirements. With this in mind, read on to learn about nine of our favorite exotic trees that thrive in the Northeast.

Cherry tree (Prunus serrulata)

One of the first signs of spring here in the Northeast? The Japanese cherry trees bursting into flower. Their blooming season is relatively short—about two weeks long—but dramatic. And whether planted as a lawn specimen, in a small grouping, or even en masse, the cherry is a charming tree for the home landscape. “Okame,” one of our top cultivars, bursts into deep-pink blooms at the beginning of spring, and its leaves go from bronze-red to bright orange in fall. A newer cherry, “Snow Goose,” is blanketed in showy white blossoms in spring before leafing out. Bonus: the cherry tree is a fairly fast grower.

Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa)

After our native dogwoods bloom in early spring, you can extend your dogwood “season” with a Kousa, which typically shows its yellow-green blossoms in the Northeast in May. Hailing from East Asia, Kousa is coveted for its year-round interest, turning bright red in fall, and showing off its jigsaw-like bark in winter. A newer hybrid, Cornus x rutgersensis (which crosses the kousa with an American dogwood) exists in several beautiful cultivars that are also less susceptible to pests and disease: “Celestial” flowers heavily with creamy white blooms, while “Aurora” also puts on a fantastic spring show, and grows vigorously.

Seven-Sons Flower (Heptacodium miconionides)

Native to China, this species—a relative of honeysuckle—can be grown as a large shrub or pruned into tree form. While it may be on the smaller side, compared to other trees on our list, its impact is just as spectacular. Heptcafodium flowers in late summer, when other garden favorites are winding down their shows, with fragrant with blooms that attract pollinators (including hummingbirds). Then in fall, small red fruits topped in vibrant pink calyces extend the season before tan bark exfoliates in winter.

Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica)

The parrotia, native to Iran, is another year-round stunner: In spring, small red flowers appear on the limbs, and then purple-red leaves open and turn an attractive green in summer. In fall, they go to a spectacular yellow, orange, and red. More mature specimens put on a winter show of exfoliating bark. The tree’s tolerance for varying landscape conditions make it an even more desirable pick. Look for the cultivars ‘Kew’s Weeping’ (it has an umbrella shape), ‘Persian Spire’, and ‘Vanessa’ (which grows in an upright, columnar form).

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

There are over 1,000 cultivars of Japanese maples, making this species extremely adaptable to a wide range of landscape sizes and styles. Cultivars that have proven hardy in the Northeast include ‘Bloodgood’ (its burgundy leaves go scarlet in the fall), ‘Crimson Queen,’ a weeping dwarf tree that can also be used in containers, and ‘Viridis,’ valued for its delicately cut foliage that turns a golden hue in fall. (‘Viridis’ can be potted, too.) Japanese maples are also more shade tolerant, making them a good option for the north side of a house, or adding color to a less-sunny spot in the garden.

Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

Native to central and western China, the dawn redwood doesn’t get as tall as its enormous cousins on the west coast of the U.S. (those can reach over 300 feet!). But it does still grow very fast and get very big—up to about 125 feet. This makes the Dawn redwood, a deciduous conifer, an extraordinary specimen tree for large open spaces. Though, one cultivar, ‘Gold Rush,’ reaches 50 feet tall and has an upright habit, so it’s more appropriate for a medium sized space.

Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica)

The Atlas cedar, which is endemic to mountainous regions of Morocco and Algeria, is valued in residential landscapes for its silver-blue foliage and distinctive branches. The evergreen conifer is also quite drought tolerant when established. It’s a versatile species, with cultivars to enhance a property in various ways: the species tree, reaching heights of 60 feet or more, and the weeping ‘penula’ options make beautiful specimen trees; while the ‘Horstmann’ cultivar stays small and can be utilized as a foundation planting.

Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) ‘Gracilis’

Not only does the Hinoki cypress endure the Northeast’s cold winter temperatures, it’s also drought tolerant and will grow in not-ideal soil. If that weren’t enough, this native of central Japan boasts beautiful bright-green, textured foliage that grows in dense, undulating shapes. Hinokis are often placed at the corners of a house, and do elegantly frame a structure. Just be aware: though they are slow growing, some cultivars of these graceful trees grow quite tall (over 40 feet). For smaller options look to dwarfs such as ‘Nana Gracilis.’

Cryptomeria (Cryptomeria japonica)

Another Japanese evergreen, the cryptomeria, is fast growing and low maintenance, making it the perfect privacy tree. It is striking when multiples of its kind are planted together as a screen, and just as eye catching mixed in with other tall dense evergreens (think Serbian spruce or Thuja Green Giant). The cultivar ‘Yoshino’ is a very attractive choice. One thing to note: this species is not always suitable for higher elevations or very cold climates; though it can be a wonderful selection for landscapes closer to the coast.

The post Nine Exotic Trees That Thrive In The Northeast appeared first on Glengate Company.

Three Gorgeous Early-Spring Flower Species You Need to Meet

Jordy Scott — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 18:22:32 +0000

Our landscapes are home to many beautiful tried-and-true garden flowers: daffodils, roses, Russian sage, or daylilies for example. And while we’ll never tire of seeing the first sunny yellow blooms of daffs in spring, or a rosebud opening up to welcome the warmer months, there is a whole host of less-prevalent blossoms that are equally pretty and easy to maintain in Northeastern climates. Ready for a flower re-fresh?

Keep reading to find out more about three species that will up the wow factor of any property—starting with some of our favorite early-spring beauties.

Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)

Just as it seems winter will go on forever, the snowdrop rears its delicate, white, bell-shaped head letting us know that spring is on the way. Before blooming, the plant’s leaves pop out of frozen ground, and even up through snow, in March—or earlier, if the season has been mild. Snowdrops grow from bulbs, but unlike daffodils or tulips, for example, which are planted in fall, these are planted in late spring. Grow them in pots, so you can add touches of white around your property. Or, place them in small groups around the edges of flower beds, in woodlands, and by streams. Left alone, the snowdrop will naturalize and spread, creating drifts of dainty blossoms that bob in the wind.

Hellebores (Helleborus orientalis)

Another pre-spring flower, and a lovely companion for snowdrops, is the hellebore. An incredibly hardy perennial, it flowers in February and is available in a range of hues—from dusty pink, to pale yellow, to creamy white, to deep purple and more; plus, some hellebores’ petals are speckled or striped. Its large, tough leaves are evergreen. The hellebore is shade tolerant, making it the perfect addition to less-sunnier places in the landscape, including under trees. Allow Hellebores to self-seed, and you’ll end up with interesting hybrids of your original plants.

Grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum)

The grape hyacinth got its name due to its densely formed spikes of purple-blue flowers that resemble little bunches of grapes. Make no mistake, however, these charming early spring bloomers aren’t actually related to hyacinths (another popular spring blossom). But, they are just as effortless when it comes to adding color to the landscape. Like snowdrops and other spring-flowering bulbs, muscari are easily grown in pots and also have a dramatic effect when allowed to naturalize in the landscape—think carpets of blue putting out the welcome mat for spring.

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