Surviving the Heat Wave

Ugh. This entire week promises to embroil the city in a disgusting heat wave. Hot and humid. 

There are tons of Mosquitos.  Remember - you can reduce mosquitos in your backyards by making sure there are no pots or barrels collecting water, and that your gardens drain well. Geraniums and catnip supposedly repel mosquitos, but not sure that really works....

Many plants leaves droop in the heat even if they have enough water, like dogwoods, some hydrangeas, and also clethras. Make sure anything in pots is well watered! 

Wish we had more dragon flies and frogs to eat the buzzard!

Native Appreciation: Shady Love

In this weather, its hard to believe anyone could have a problem with shade. Heat waves one minute, giant storms the next, it all makes me want to run for cover! But shady backyards can pose a problem for the best city gardner.

Enter twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla). Its a great native plant that can thrive in the shade. When it flowers - don't blink, you might miss it - it has a single white flower. You'll notice that it's leafless stalk is topped by, you guessed it, a leaf divided lengthwise into two twin halves. It is a short plant that will add a lush green to your space.

On a historical note - the plant was named for Thomas Jefferson by his friend, William Bartram, and, besides the United States, is only found in Japan. Native Americans are said to have used the roots to ease cramps, treat liver problems & urinary infections, and as a gargle for sore throats. Early Americans also used it to cure many of the same ills, but don't get any ideas - the plant is now considered poisonous!

It is listed as endangered in Georgia and New Jersey, and threatened in Iowa and here in New York. Planting it in your garden not only adds beauty but also helps keep this little guy around.

Green Roof Happy Hour

Spent the morning cultivating our planters on a Brooklyn rooftop. The Wine Cups, Callirhoe involucrata, are radiating a magic magenta and absolutely overflowing!

You'll notice the native prickly pear, our own Opuntia humifusa, is now in bloom for a limited time engagement. After this it will just go back to being a prick, so enjoy it now!

We'll still love it though - prickly pear can have a lot of uses, but our favorite on a Friday afternoon is the Prickly Pear Cactus Mojito. Happy Friday!