Rhodies & Azaleas

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The Enduring Popularity of Rhododendrons and Azaleas

There are many good reasons rhododendrons and azaleas have remained two of the most popular home ornamental landscaping plants: 

  • They are varieties that are native to the Hudson Valley.
  • They have beautiful flowers that come in many color choices.
  • They are an easy to care for perennial that can outlive us!
  • They come in both evergreen and deciduous varieties.

And, here’s something most people may not know – All azaleas are rhododendrons but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. These two plants are closely related to each other. Rhododendron varieties are usually larger in height, leaf size, and flower size while azaleas are more petite. In addition, most azaleas are deciduous while most rhododendrons are evergreen. 

No matter which you choose, their flowers are fulsome in spring and their leaves provide interest once the blooms are gone.

Their growing preferences are few. They both do well in partial shade in a spot that shields them from the wind, and they prefer acidic soil. Mulching is recommended. Deadheading helps redirect the plant’s energy into next year’s blooms instead of seed production.You can’t go wrong when choosing azaleas and rhododendrons. They will make a striking addition to any landscape whether planted by themselves, in a grouping, or formed into a hedge.

How to Keep Your Large Trees Happy

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Like most homeowners, we tend to fret over our shrubs and flower beds, while thinking our trees can take care of themselves. But this is not the case.

Trees are living things whose value and benefits only increase over time.In addition to adding beauty to our landscapes they provide shade and privacy, add to the value of our homes, and can cut utility bills by blocking out the wind and shading the house. But, they can succumb to weather, disease, and pests. Here’s how to care for and safeguard the beautiful trees on your property:

Pruning Trees

Removing dead or unhealthy branches or those growing in an undesirable direction is one of the most important things you can do to care for your trees. Prune in winter or early spring before any new growth has begun. 

Mulching Your Trees

Mulching protects trees from weeks, pests, and harsh weather. It also protects the roots by insulating them. Mulching should be an annual task, spread two to four inches deep in a circle around the base. Don’t pile it up against the bark or it can lead to rot. And, only use wood mulch. Rubber or rock are not recommended.

Watering Your Trees

Even trees need water when the weather gets dry for several weeks straight. Give trees a deep soaking around the roots. Slow watering is best so the roots have time to absorb the water. Watering is especially important for newly planted or young trees.

Providing the Freedom Your Tree Needs to Thrive

Keep grass and weeds away from the roots at the base of your tree as they will compete for water and nutrients. Keep power tools such as trimmers at a distance so you don’t nick the trunk.

Give Your Trees a Check-Up

Look for firm bark. Are the leaves full and the correct color for the time of year? Are there dead branches? Do you see pests or fungus?

The professionals at Augustine are tree specialists. We can help you troubleshoot any problems that might arise. Want a tree of your own to care for? Ask us about our tree farm and how we can help you plant a large tree in your yard.

Gardening to Stop Mosquitoes

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Nothing ruins a relaxing day in the backyard more than the buzzing and biting of mosquitoes. Worldwide, there are over 3,500 types of mosquitoes, 200 of which live in the United States. The most common way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to use chemicals either in your yard or on you and your clothing. You can also move to Iceland or Antarctica where mosquitoes aren’t able to breed.

But, if you have a green thumb, there are plants that repel mosquitoes and will let you reclaim your outdoor summer happy place.

Mosquito Repellent Plants

Mosquitoes are fussy about odors. Growing mosquito repellent plants is a clever way to make your yard uninviting while adding wonderful scents to your patio area and even delicious flavors to your cooking. Here are some plants that will add natural beauty to your yard while keeping those pesky mosquitoes away. And, you might even attract some butterflies and hummingbirds!

Lavender

Lavender is a perennial plant that has a wonderfully relaxing scent. It comes in multiple varieties and blooms from summer through fall. And, once the flowers are past their prime you can bring them indoors and create a potpourri.

Marigolds
These easy-to-grow annuals make a great border plant and also do well in pots that you can place around your patio and near your door to keep mosquitoes away. They are also a good companion plant to some vegetables including tomatoes. 

Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a fast growing plant that can reach 30 feet. Used in floral arrangements, it has a menthol aroma that repels mosquitoes. If you don’t want a 30 foot plant in a small space, just keep pruning it and bring it indoors where you can hang it in your shower for an invigorating experience.

Catnip
Your cat will love you for planting these hardy perennials. Their leaves contain a chemical called nepetalactone which is supposed to be more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. They have a lovely purple flower and are notorious spreaders. When there spread becomes too much, just transplant some to a new area for added mosquito protection.

Lemongrass
Lemongrass is one of the most commonly used ingredients in natural mosquito repellents. These plants do not withstand a frost, but if you plant them in large containers, they can be brought indoors. 

Bee Balm
Bee balm is a perennial that will not only repel mosquitoes but bring bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies to your outdoor environment. It comes in red, purple, pink, or white and grows up to four feet tall. Some people make tea from the leaves.

Rosemary
Rosemary is a delicious herb with a woody scent. They are considered a tender perennial as they do not always survive winter. Plant them in containers and bring them inside for winter so you can continue making tasty meals with its leaves. If you live in a warmer climate, these plants will grow into bushes that can be pruned into shapes of all kinds.

Basil
Add to your cooking herbs by planting basil. Its pungent smell will turn mosquitoes away. You can plant these annuals directly in the ground or in containers. The more you clip their tops, the bushier the plant will grow. It is best to harvest all the leaves before the first frost as they will not survive.

American Beautyberry
American beautyberry is a larger shrub that can grow up to six feet high and wide. It has delicate, tiny berries that straddle the stalk. One nice thing about this plant is that the berries are present through the winter so it adds color to your yard when all the other plants go bare. But beware, deer love to eat these plants.

Sage
Another herb, sage is a perennial that has beautiful silvery green leaves. Left outdoors to winter over, it will come back more shrublike the following year. 

 

Dog Friendly Landscaping

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Dog adoptions went through the roof during the pandemic.

Nearly one in five American households added a new pet to their family. Unfortunately many believe a nice yard and dogs don’t mix. However, we landscape with other members of the family in mind, why not add Fido into the mix?

A dog-friendly backyard is a place your pup can play, run, sniff, chase, and, basically be a dog.

Dog Safety

  • A fence is one of the most important elements of safety we can add for our furry family. Restricting them to your property or even enclosing a portion of your property can save them from the risk of getting hit by a car as well as the risk of a coyote attack. 
  • If your dog likes to eat plants, be aware that many common landscaping plants are toxic to dogs. This list includes hosta, english ivy, hyacinth, daffodil, and azaleas. Also, cocoa bean shell mulch should be avoided. Don;t hesitate to ask for help with plantings. 
  • Dogs that are outdoors for an extended period need to take shelter from the hot sun. Make sure you have a shade tree, pergola, or overhead canopy where they can take a break from the heat. 
  • They also need access to a source of water. A simple water bowl will do.

frolicking dog

Lawn Care

  • Hot spots are a common problem for dog parents. Two solutions are:
    • Try planting Bermuda Grass. It holds up better.
    • Create a designated dog area using an alternative to grass. Clover works well. 
    • Create a designated pee and poop area with residential artificial turf. 
  • A nearly invisible wire cage placed around trees will keep your dog from peeing on their trunks

Photo by Sebastian Comar for Pexels.

Play

  • A kiddy pool is a great addition for summer doggie fun. If placing it on grass, be sure to move it around so you don’t kill the grass underneath it.
  • If your dog loves to dig, a sandbox is the perfect place for them to do it. And, it will save your lawn and plantings at the same time.
  • A well-placed piece of agility equipment will allow your dog to climb and jump.
  • And when all the fun is done, an outdoor dog washing station will help keep your indoors clean.

Having a dog doesn’t require you to sacrifice a beautiful landscape. All it takes is a little imagination and planning.

The Magic of Mulch

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Many homeowners put mulch around their vegetable and flower beds as well as around the base of trees with regularity, but many do it solely because it looks nice. Turns out, mulch is very important for the health of your landscaping. It helps retain the moisture in your soil, controls weed growth, prevents your soil from eroding in a heavy rain, and protects plant roots from extreme hot and cold temperatures.

 

Mulch is simply a layer of material used to cover exposed soil and many materials can be used for this purpose including wood chips, bark, leaves, straw, and grass clippings.

No matter which mulch you choose, you’ll reap some of these important benefits:

  • Keeps soil moist and reduces evaporation so you won’t have to water as much
  • Prevents soil from compacting, reducing your aeration needs. 
  • Keeps soil temperatures stable. This prevents your solid from repeatedly freezing and thawing in winter which pushes plants out of the ground and damages roots.
  • Lessens weed growth so trees, shrubs, and flowers don’t have to compete with unwanted plants for nutrients.
  • Adds visual appeal by giving your yard texture and a pop of color. 
  • Protects trees and shrubs from mowing damage, so roots and bark stay healthy and intact. 
  • Reduces soil erosion caused by wind and rain, keeping the soil surface permeable and protecting your soil from harmful runoff. 

Here’s the best way to spread mulch:

  1. Remove debris: Clear the bed of twigs, sticks, and rocks from where you plan to apply mulch. 
  2. Weed the area: This prevents weeds from becoming embedded in your mulch as they grow.
  3. Spread the mulch at a desired thickness of 1-3 inches. Mulch that is spread too deep can damage your plants and soil. And, mulch should not make contact with the trunk of your trees or shrubs. Keep back about 2 inches. Mulch spread right up against a tree trunk creates the perfect pathway for pests and can also promote rot.
  4. Water the area to set your mulch in place.

Tiered Walls and Garden BedsTiered Walls and Garden Beds with mulch

Building a Bat Garden

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As more Hudson Valley residents become environmentally conscious, their landscaping and gardening habits are increasingly including the wellbeing of the birds and bees in the region. But what about bats? 

Bats are such misunderstood animals, bringing about feelings of revulsion and fear. But, in reality, they are incredible creatures that do a lot of good in the world. 

Bats 101

Bats are the only mammals that can achieve true flight. While many people compare them to rats, they are more closely related to humans than to rodents. There are about 1,400 species of bats in the world and New York State is home to six species. All bats are protected, some are endangered. Here are just a few bat facts:

  • In New York, the most common bat is the little brown bat. The Indiana bat, big brown bat, Northern bat, small footed bat, and the eastern pipistrelle are the other species that make the Hudson Valley their home. 
  • The majority of bats eat insects. Some bat species also eat nectar and fruit.
  • There are only three species of vampire bats and they live in Mexico, Central, and South America where they feed on the blood of livestock such as cattle.
  • Bats can consume up to 1,200 insects per hour.
  • Bats have an average lifespan of between 20-30 years.

The Good Bats Do

Bats are excellent exterminators. Attracting them to your home will help keep the mosquitoes and other annoying insects at bay. If you keep a vegetable garden, they will also keep harmful insects such as beetles off your plants. In one hour, a single brown bat can eat between 600 and 1,000 flying insects — that’s about 5,000 insects such as mosquitoes, beetles, and stink bugs in a single night.

How to Attract Bats to Your Yard

Bats need just a few simple items to entice them into making a home near your home. Then you and your family can benefit from bats’ extraordinary exterminating services.

Incredible Edibles

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Sometimes, there’s no better grocery store than your own backyard. Whether you love to cook with fresh herbs, are a salad lover, or simply love to pop some sunshine fresh berries in your mouth, an edible garden is perfect for you.

Edible gardens are easy to have success with and so satisfying:

  • You don’t need a lot of space. A small slice of backyard is sufficient or you can even grow your garden in pots on a deck. And, vertical gardening works great too.
  • Herbs are perfect for beginners or those who have little time for gardening. They are hardy, many are perennials, and they even grow well in mediocre soil.
  • You’ll be eating healthier and saving money too.

strawberries

Choose What You Love to Use

What are the best edibles to plant? What do you love to cook with and eat? That’s where you should begin. Here are some of the most common edibles to choose from:

Perennials – These are plants that will return the next spring.

  • Sage
  • Parsley
  • Strawberries
  • Chives
  • Lavender
  • Mint
  • Oregano
  • Thyme

Tender Perennials – These are plants that can return in spring but often don’t because the winter is too harsh for them. This is especially true in our climate. Bringing these plants indoors for the winter is key, so you might think about planting these in pots so you don’t need to jeopardize them by digging them up.

  • Rosemary
  • Sweet Bay
  • Lemon Verbena

Annuals – These are plants that will need to be planted each year as they do not return.

  • Basil
  • Anise
  • Borage
  • Dill
  • Cilantro

The only thing edibles do not like is too much water either in the ground or on their leaves. Water edibles in the morning before the sun is strong. This gives the leaves time to dry off. And do not overwater.

Another thing to look out for is bolting. Herbs grow quickly and will shoot up quickly. Once this happens, leaves will be sparse and your herbs will flower. While the flowers are pretty, it doesn’t help their edible qualities. The answer to this is to snip or pinch your herb plants at the top. Herbs such as basil love this. Snip it at the very top and that branch will split in two making your plant more bushy.

And don’t forget that Augustine is here to answer your questions. Just give us a call. 

The Symbolic Meanings of Trees

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Today, most of us plant trees as a way to create shade and privacy, and some are planted because of their beautiful flowers. But planting a tree can mean so much more.

Since ancient days, trees have been used to represent life, growth, wisdom, prosperity and more in legends, poetry, literature, and religion. We all know the symbolism behind an olive branch and the Tree of Knowledge from the Garden of Eden. 

Cultures around the world hold both deciduous and evergreen trees as sacred symbols. Here are some of most popular trees and their symbolic meanings:

Apple Trees represent goodwill, happiness, and the bounty of life. They are important to both Greek and Norse mythology. Bees and birds love apple trees.

Wisteria and cherry trees are cherished for their beautiful and fragrant flowers. They represent love and romance in many cultures.

Oak Trees are one of the most loved trees in the world. It is a symbol of strength, courage, and knowledge. wearing oak leaves was a sign of special status among the Celts, ancient Greeks, and Romans.

Birch trees represent new beginnings. Often thought of as a pioneer, the birch takes root  in landscapes where no other tree would before.

Elm trees represent life and eternal wisdom. No wonder so many college campuses plant elms along their entrances.

Maple trees represent balance, longevity, and generosity. One reason behind this symbolism is that maple trees have the ability to adapt to many different soil types and climates. 

Fir trees are a symbol of honesty, truth, and forthrightness because of the way they grow straight like a tower. When grouped together they symbolize long-lasting friendship because of their evergreen display.

Yew Trees symbolize longevity because of their long lives. The oldest yew is thought to be at least 3,000 years old.

Now is the perfect time to plant a large tree. Whether you choose which tree to plant because of its looks and size, or because of its symbolism, ask Augustine about choosing a tree from their tree farm along the Esospus. Why plant a sapling that takes years to produce shade, fruit, or blooms. Augustine can install a large tree in your yard that will provide instant gratification and a century of enjoyment.

Trees to plant at Augustine

Augustine Nursery

(Feature image by @veeterzy)

 

Grow Vertical: Trellises & Pergolas & Arbors

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pergola with yellow leaves and flowersThere’s a period of time toward the end of summer when avid gardeners and homeowners who love their yards begin to mourn prematurely the end of their favorite season – summer. For those of you in this group, here’s a perfect way to continue working in the yard while setting up a thing of beauty for next spring.

Trellises, arbors, and pergolas add both function and elegance to any garden or backyard. Whether used in your vegetable garden, to hide unsightly air conditioning units, or as a romantic seating area, these structures can be as simple or elaborate as desired. And, while roses are one classic choice, there are many other plants that add beauty, shade, and privacy.

Whether made by you out of branches found around your landscape, purchased as a kit, or delivered to your yard fully constructed, what starts out as a functional support for plants becomes a beautiful focal point and destination. Constructed now, with plantings going in once the dog days of August are over, watching these plants begin to twine in spring is exhilarating.

Here are some vining plants we recommend for your arbor, trellis, or pergola:

Honeysuckle – This hardy plant, left unpruned quickly begins to vine. They produce orange-red, trumpet shaped flowers that are beloved by humming birds and butterflies.

Clematis – While clematis may take a few years before beginning to flower, once it does it will reward you with a multitude of blooms. Born to climb, they come in a wide variety of colors.

Climbing Roses – In addition to their beauty, climbing roses have an intoxicating scent. They grow best on a trellis up against your house. Patience is key as it sometimes takes three to five years for prolific flowering.

Trumpet Creeper – this plant is native to our region and is drought resistant. It is a fast grower and can quickly reach 40 feet with tubular flowers that will bloom throughout the summer months.

Wisteria – The scent of wisteria in unforgettable. Producing white or purple flowers in spring, this woody vine will drape flowers over your arbor or pergola like grapes.

Climbing Hydrangea – This vine grows well in both full sun or partial shade. The vines are so it needs substantial support. You can leave drying flowers on the vine as they keep their shape even after their foliage begins to fall.

 

 

Landscaping Inspiration from Public Gardens

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It’s a stay at home kind of summer and as such, it’s impossible not to spend more time trying to match our actual surroundings to our dream ones. Now that the Mid-Hudson Valley region is opening up to more activity, there are many public gardens of note right in our own backyards, so to speak, that can provide us with the education and inspiration to upgrade our own properties.

Public gardens, while planted on a grand scale, are full of ideas that can be scaled down to our own yards. They are full of beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, rock formations, and water features that can show us what colors, smells, styles, or placements appeal to us. And because these public gardens are in the same growing zone as we are, these same plants can thrive in your yard too.

So pack up your mask and a bottle of water for your own hydration. Don’t forget to social distance. And take lots of photos that you can then bring on in to us, so we can help you realize your dream landscape.

Here are some of the open Hudson Valley gardens we love:

Innisfree Gardens, Millbrook – Recognized as one of the ten best gardens of the world, Innisfree is an incredible strolling garden with wonderful rock formations, water, trees, and sky. Advance reservations for timed admission are required at this time to maintain social distancing on this 185-acre garden.

Locust Grove, Poughkeepsie – A surprising combination of perennial and vegetable gardens, sunny meadows, and shady groves of stately trees. Masks and social distancing required.

Montgomery Place, Rhinebeck –  A mix of formal gardens, manicured lawns, farmlands, orchards, and 235 acres of woodlands that run from the Hudson River to River Road. Great vistas of the Catskill Mountains, the river, and Sawkill’s lower falls.

Wethersfield Garden, Amenia – A formal Italian Renaissance garden with extraordinary views of the Hudson. It is comprised of grassy courtyards with neatly trimmed paths, hedges, stone stairways, and statues that lead you from one ‘room’ to another. The garden is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Masks and social distancing is required.

 

Plants for Poolside Perfection

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Can you think of anything that says ‘backyard escape’ more than a pool? But it’s not the pool alone that makes the ultimate outdoor escape; landscaping plays an important role in transforming the space into the retreat you’ve always dreamed of.  

Poolside plants add lush textures, lovely splashes of color, and needed privacy, creating the ambiance of your own private island getaway. When choosing plants for landscaping your pool, your main considerations should be:

  • Ease of maintenance
  • Safety
  • Privacy
  • Proportion
  • Color
  • Texture
  • Scent

If you’re ready to create a beautiful new space you and your family this summer, here are some inspirational ideas.

Rock Gardens

Rock gardens allow for both beauty and minimal plantings. A garden bed, filled with a few bags of river rocks with a few dramatic plantings can make a strong statement, yet are quiet and an inviting contrast the rest of the yard. 

Ornamental Grasses

To balance out the river rock, ornamental grasses are a perfect choice. They can grow quite large, making an eye-catching and dramatic display. They sway gracefully in the breeze. Some, like lemon grass, even repel insects. They work well both singularly and as a row to form a wall. 

Vines

Many pools have structures such as pergolas, trellises, and fences that beg for vines that climb and weave their way around. Many add beautifully colorful flowers and are fast growing, which can help them form a privacy screen. Vines like clematis, honeysuckle, and trumpet vines are perfect in this respect.

Container Gardens

Container gardens can be beautifully arranged and even moved around as you need to. It also provides the perfect opportunity to get creative by mixing and matching plants that grow tall as well as spill over the sides. 

Shrubs

Unlike container gardens, shrubs provide a more permanent solution. Ideal for creating areas of privacy and for delineating the space as a room, shrubs come in many varieties that let you decide on color, texture, height, and shape. Once established, shrubs are easy to maintain, as well. Choose evergreen shrubs that won’t shed their leaves. 

Knowing which plants to use in your pool landscaping isn’t easy without a lot of background knowledge of trees and shrubs. You can always depend on Augustine’s hardscaping staff to share their knowledge to help you create the pool landscape of your dreams. From pointing out which shrubs and plantings are most conducive to designing and installing them in your yard, we are at your service. 

Best Ways to Water

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You’d think watering your lawn and landscape plantings would be a no-brainer – just point the hose and squeeze. But, there are issues to consider such as the health of your landscape, water bills, and conservation of resources.

Best Time to Water

The absolute best time to water your lawn, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables in in the early morning, before 10 am. Cooler temperatures help keep evaporation to a minimum, keeps plantings cooler during the hotter parts of the day, and allows plants to dry slowly, minimizing the risk of fungus. When watering shrubs, flowers, and vegetables, aim for the roots.

Best Amount to Water

Water your plantings long enough to moisten the soil six inches down. Six inches is a depth that encourages good root growth. Water deeply, less often. If it rained recently, you can water less.

Best Sprinklers

For watering grass, built-in irrigation systems make the most sense but are an investment. For those who choose sprinklers, a pulsating, not oscillating sprinkler is best as they shoot water out horizontally at a high velocity making the spray less vulnerable to wind and evaporation. The only exception is when you’ve newly seeded your lawn. At this time, the strength of pulsating sprinklers can push your seed around.

If watering shrubs and flowers, soaker or weeping hoses (any kind of drip irrigation system) is ideal as it puts water directly at the roots and saves water.

Best Practices

The U.S. EPA reports that as much as 50% of the water we use outdoors is wasted because of inefficient watering methods and systems. If you have questions on the amount and type of watering the different plants in your yard need, you can count on Augustine to answer your questions. Here are a few general rules:

Trees and Native Plants – Many do well with only rainwater. This does not apply, however, to newly planted items.

Grass – Grass does not necessarily need watering. If you choose not to water your grass, it might become brown for several months buy will green up again in cooler temperatures.

Non-Native Flower & Vegetable Beds – These should be watered in the hottest driest months. Water one inch per week, minus rainfall. A layer of mulch will help reduce evaporation, keeping your plants moister longer.

Collecting rain water in rain barrels or cisterns is a great way to harvest rain water for irrigation. Many allow you to attach a soaker hose.

To learn more about caring for your landscape during the hot, summer months, read Preparing Your Lawn for the Dog Days of Summer.