Wildflowers and Native Plants

2010-04-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

EXCITING DAYS AHEAD -

ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SALE

UPDATE . . .

The fence and tent have gone up.

On Monday over 7,500 plants will be delivered.

More and more area residents have discovered the beauty of natives.

You should too!

WILDFLOWER & NATIVE PLANT SALE

SATURDAY, APRIL 24

10 A.M. - 12 NOON

RAIN OR SHINE

WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

75 GRASSLANDS ROAD

VALHALLA, NY 10595

www.nativeplantcenter.org

(914) 606-7870

2010-04-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

The Native Plant Center Announces the

2010 Perennial Plant of the Year

Dicentra eximia
Common name: Wild Bleeding Heart
Hardiness: Zones 3 - 9
Light: Shade to Part Sun
Soil: Average to Moist
Size: 12"–18" tall x 12"–18" wide
Foliage: Medium green, deeply cut, fern-like foliage
Flowers: Heart shaped pink flowers
Bloom Time: Late spring through fall
Wildlife Value: Long season of nectar for native bees.
Dicentra eximia is one of our longest blooming native wildflowers in the Eastern United States. It is easy to grow, rarely damaged by deer, and will gently re-seed itself.

2010 Woody Plant of the Year

Kalmia latifolia
Common name: Mountain Laurel
Hardiness: Zones 4 - 9
Light: Sun to Light Shade
Soil: Average to Moist; prefers acidic soil with good drainage
Size: 4’ – 10’ tall x 4’– 10’ wide (variable)
Foliage: Evergreen, dark green leaves
Flowers: White to pink (variable)
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Wildlife Value: Good winter cover for wildlife
Kalmia latifolia is one of our most loved native shrubs with 4 season interest highlighted by a beautiful flower show starting in late spring. Happiest with good drainage, good air circulation, and acidic soil.

2010-03-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

Not Even Fallen Trees Could Keep Them Away!
7th Annual Landscape Conference Huge Success

Travel to the Conference may have been difficult, but over 120 attendees gathered to learn embrace the message Turning Gray to Green.

2010-03-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

Huge Interest Shown in the Annual Landscape Conference

Over 120 have signed up for the full day Conference - Turning Gray to Green on Monday, March 15!

Interested in additional lectures?

Join us at any of our 3 remaining events. The first with Jay Archer on March 26, the second with The National Wildlife Federation on April 10, and the third with Author, Carolyn Summers on April 16. Carolyn's book will be for sale at all these events.

Remember to pre-register.

2010-03-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

2 Days Remaining to Sign Up for
Spring Landscape Conference

Monday, March 15
(Snow Date - March 19)
7th Annual Spring
Landscape Conference

Turning Gray to Green: Developing Urban Natural Spaces and Native Plant Gardens

Carol Franklin, Amy Gavaris, Gretchen Schneider
5 PDHs (Professional Development Hours) from LA CES
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at WCC - All Inclusive
ADVANCE REGISTRATION HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Relentless urban sprawl is stimulating an increasingly critical need for the preservation, restoration and creation of natural spaces and gardens within our towns and cities. Grassroots organizations often spearhead the initiative on projects that fulfill this need. Our presenters, representing the Big Three cities of the Northeast, will offer their insights into the particular challenges, pitfalls and tremendous rewards that are associated with this type of development.

Pay online

Working from the Ground Up: Stories from a Grass Roots Organization
Gretchen Schneider - AIA, Boston
Natural Areas Network Boston urban gardeners have long been transforming vacant lots into vibrant gathering spaces, yet there’s something new in their zeitgeist: national economic woes combined with the promotion of local food, environmental awareness, and do-it-yourself chic have spurred an increase in urban garden projects. This presentation features the work of The Boston Natural Areas Network which oversees 150 community gardens.
Greening New York City One Block at a Time: Challenges, Opportunities and Progress
Amy Gavaris - vice-president, New York Restoration Project
The mission of the New York Restoration Project is to carry out Founder Bette Midler’s dream of a cleaner, greener New York City. NYRP restores and revitalizes under-resourced parks and community gardens throughout the city’s five boroughs, working to ensure that every resident, family and neighborhood has access to vibrant, green spaces. This presentation will cover the evolution of the organization and its three main programmatic areas: Parks, Community Gardens and Milliontrees NYC.
Making a Pot from the Shards: What it Really Takes to Restore Native Plant Communities and Habitats
Carol Franklin - ASLA, Andropogon Associates
Landscapes that repair and celebrate each unique landscape are not easy to achieve. Examples of Andropogon Associates work will illustrate conceptual approaches, strategies, and the time, money, effort and sheer numbers of plants needed to actually achieve this ideal. This presentation introduces two new tools for understanding what needs to be done and evaluating the results - the Plant Stewardship Index and the Sustainable Sites Initiative.

Pay online

Fax (914) 606-6143

Brochure

Phone (914) 606-7870

2010-03-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

NPC Office Re-Opens After Storm

The office has re-opened and is in full-swing again!

There's still time to register for the Spring Landscape Conference and Lectures. For a complete listing of events click here.

If you have any questions about native plants, please e-mail me at wcc.nativeplantcenter@sunywcc.edu.

2010-02-26T06:54:00.000-08:00

Picture Speaks a Thousands Words ~~~

Office Closed Today ~
I look forward to re-opening on Monday, March 1. Until then, visit the website for more information

11 p.m last night

9 a.m. this morning

Photos taken less than 2 miles from The NPC Office. It's not hard to see why we're closed!

2010-02-24T13:07:00.000-08:00

Office Closed due to Snow

Although the office is closed, you can still register for the Spring Landscape Conference, as well as Spring lectures. If you need to renew or purchase a membership this feature is available with pay online also. Forward all plant questions to me at wcc.nativeplantcenter@sunywcc.edu, I'll reply when the office re-opens.

2010 Native Plant Center Steering Committee: Brooke Beebe, Jan Blaire, Laura Blau, Cynthia Brennan, Myles Brown, Bob Del Torto, Kim Eierman, Cece Fabbro (Chair), Barbara Fischer, Leslie Henshaw, Pat Keesee, Ursula LaMotte, Guy Pardee, Brad Roeller, Heather Sandifer, Denise C.R. Santomero, Betsy Stern, Carolyn Summers, Phillis Warden, Neil Wattles, Lucille Werlinich.

Today's Committee Member:

Cece Fabbro, a Steering Committee member since The Native Plant Center's inception in 1999, is its current Chairman. Professionally, she is a nature and wildlife photographer. Her work has appeared in books, magazines (local and national including "Wildflower," the magazine of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center), and newspapers. Her images can be found in both public and private collections, and viewed on her website, http://www.cecefabbrophoto.com/. In 2008, one of her images was a top winner in the prestigious BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. Other awards include those from the National Wildlife Federation and the North American Nature Photography Association. Other community activities include: Board member of the Bronx River Sound Shore Audubon, and member of Teatown Lake's Wildflower Island Steering Group.

2010-02-18T12:55:00.000-08:00

Now that You've Ordered Plants ~

It's Time to Sign Up for the 2010 Lecture and Learn Series & Make the Most of Your Purchases

Lectures run from March 26 through April 16, and the Annual Spring Landscape Conference is Monday, March 15 (snow date Friday, March 19). The lectures and conference are suitable for all levels of participants. But, the great news is if you are a Landscape Architect or Designer in need of Professional Development Hours (PDHs), they are available.

Lastly, we've made the Registration process a bit easier for sign up with pay online.

2010 Native Plant Center Steering Committee: Brooke Beebe, Jan Blaire, Laura Blau, Cynthia Brennan, Myles Brown, Bob Del Torto, Kim Eierman, Cece Fabbro (Chair), Barbara Fischer, Leslie Henshaw, Pat Keesee, Ursula LaMotte, Guy Pardee, Brad Roeller, Heather Sandifer, Denise C.R. Santomero, Betsy Stern, Carolyn Summers, Phillis Warden, Neil Wattles, Lucille Werlinich.

Today's Committee Member:

Ursula LaMotte was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 1995 and served for 6 terms. She was the Chair of the Committee on Technology and was a member of the Budget and Appropriations, Environment, Energy, Families and Education Committees. Prior to serving as a County Legislator, she was appointed by the County Executive in 1988 to the Westchester County Planning Board and was appointed by the Governor in 1989 to the State Conservation Corps. She was the Bedford Town Supervisor from 1984 to 1987 and also served two terms as Bedford Town Councilwoman. An expert on environmental issues, Ursula is currently a member of the Westchester Municipal Planning Federation and previously served on the Pound Ridge Conservation Board. Ursula has a long and distinguished record of community service. She has served on the Board of the Visiting Nurse Association of Hudson Valley and as President and 1st Vice-President of the United Way of Northern Westchester. She is a Board Member of the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester, the Children's Aid Society of New York, Friends of John Jay Homestead and serves on the President's Council of the Northern Westchester Hospital. Ursula has been a resident of Westchester County for 47 years. She has lived in Bedford for the past 37 years and prior to that she lived Pound Ridge for 10 years. She is married with three grown children and six grandsons. She attended Smith College, earned a BA degree in history from Pace University and is a Member of the History Honor Society.

2010-02-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

2010 Pre-Sale Comes to a Close ~
Great Response Received!

This year's Pre-Sale is the most successful ever! If you placed your order, you should have received an e-mail confirmation by now. If you have not, contact me at wcc.nativeplantcenter@sunywcc.edu and I'll check into it.

Thanks to all of you that ordered this year. The Plant Sale is our Spring fundraiser, and your participation is greatly appreciated!!

If you didn't get a chance to order ahead in the Pre-Sale, you'll have another chance to buy native at the Regular Sale. This year's Wildflower and Native Plant Sale is being held on Saturday, April 24th.

You may also be interested in meeting Carolyn Summers on Sale Day. As Chair of the Plant Sale, she has done a fabulous job researching and ordering native plants for us. Carolyn's new book, Designing Gardens with Flora of the American East, is being released this Spring. Order your copy today. She'll also be speaking at a lecture on April 16th Designing Your Garden with Northeastern Flora: A Personal View. Be sure to attend this lecture. It may be especially helpful to you if you want a better perspective on what plants to buy at the Plant Sale. To learn more about Carolyn's expertise in the field, read her bio below.

2010 Native Plant Center Steering Committee: Brooke Beebe, Jan Blaire, Laura Blau, Cynthia Brennan, Myles Brown, Bob Del Torto, Kim Eierman, Cece Fabbro (Chair), Barbara Fischer, Leslie Henshaw, Pat Keesee, Ursula LaMotte, Guy Pardee, Brad Roeller, Heather Sandifer, Denise C.R. Santomero, Betsy Stern, Carolyn Summers, Phillis Warden, Neil Wattles, Lucille Werlinich. Today's Steering Committee Member

Today's Committee Member:
Carolyn Summers is an adjunct professor for Continuing Education at Westchester Community College and a technical assistant to The Native Plant Center. She holds a Landscape Architecture degree from City College of New York and works with government and non-government organizations on environmental/landscape projects. Carolyn maintains native plant demonstration gardens that she has created on her two family properties. Her first book hits the shelves in April.

2010-02-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

Pre-Sale Orders are Still Piling In!

Due to the blizzard, our mail was held up. So, this morning I just received over 30 plant orders!!

There's going to be some great color around the County this Spring. Not only are individuals ordering plants, but so are schools for their demonstration gardens.

2010 Native Plant Center Steering Committee: Brooke Beebe, Jan Blaire, Laura Blau, Cynthia Brennan, Myles Brown, Bob Del Torto, Kim Eierman, Cece Fabbro (Chair), Barbara Fischer, Leslie Henshaw, Pat Keesee, Ursula LaMotte, Guy Pardee, Brad Roeller, Heather Sandifer, Denise C.R. Santomero, Betsy Stern, Carolyn Summers, Phillis Warden, Neil Wattles, Lucille Werlinich. Today's Steering Committee Member

Today's Committee Member:
Brad Roeller is Manager of Outdoor Gardens at the New York Botanical Garden. A 1973 graduate of Cornell University; B.S. in Environmental Conservation.

His work experience includes: 1973 to 2009 worked at the Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum of the New York Botanical Garden. From 1984 to 2009 served as Manager of Grounds, Display Gardens & Visitation at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies (formerly Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum). July 2010 until present, Manager of Outdoor Gardens at the New York Botanical Garden.

Areas of interest: Low maintenance perennials; investigating and evaluating environmentally sound gardening and landscaping practices; testing a wide range of landscape plants for Northern gardens; gardening with native plants; deer resistant plants and methods of minimizing deer damage; ecologically-driven and sustainable landscaping.

Supplemental information:

Brad has been a featured speaker at many large industry forums. He has presented at New England Grows annual conferences; the Perennial Plant Association’s annual meetings; UConn’s Perennial Plant Conferences; Vermont Association of Professional Horticulturists annual meeting; NYS Turf & Landscape Association annual conferences; UMaine’s annual Garden Day conferences; NYS Turf & Landscape Association annual meetings; Empire State Green Industry Shows annual conferences; and Northeast Organic Farming Association annual conferences.

Brad’s broad body of horticultural work and knowledge has made him one of the most popular lecturers with regional garden clubs. He has been a featured speaker at several GCA and Federated Garden Clubs zone conferences.

Brad has been published in several magazines including Fine Gardening and Audubon, as well as dozens of newspapers, including the NY times and the Wall Street Journal, and other periodicals.

Brad has been an instructor at the New York Botanical Garden for over 25 years; the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies since it’s inception in 1983; and the Berkshire Botanical Garden for the past several years. He has participated in numerous professional forums, especially with his work with whitetail deer, organic landscape care, landscaping with native plants and his life-long work with perennials and trees and shrubs.

2010-02-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

Pre-Sale Winding Down ~
Orders Being Accepted Until Next Week

Due to Wednesday's blizzard, the Pre-Sale deadline has been extended. Be sure to mail in your orders by Monday, February 15.

2010 Native Plant Center Steering Committee: Brooke Beebe, Jan Blaire, Laura Blau, Cynthia Brennan, Myles Brown, Bob Del Torto, Kim Eierman, Cece Fabbro (Chair), Barbara Fischer, Leslie Henshaw, Pat Keesee, Ursula LaMotte, Guy Pardee, Brad Roeller, Heather Sandifer, Denise C.R. Santomero, Betsy Stern, Carolyn Summers, Phillis Warden, Neil Wattles, Lucille Werlinich.

Today's Steering Committee Member

Brooke Beebe retired in 2008 from her position as the first Director of The Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College in Valhalla, NY. In November, 2009, she joined Teatown Lake Reservation’s Board of Trustees. She is a member of Briarcliff Manor’s Conservation Advisory Council as well as ELLA (Environmental Leaders Learning Alliance). In June, 2009, she was awarded the 2009 Conservation Award from the Rusticus Garden Club in Bedford, NY.

In addition to her conservation work, she has written two books for parents, Best Bets for Babies and Tips for Toddlers, and has created many educational media products for The Society for Visual Education and McGraw-Hill Films. She lives with her husband Tyler in Briarcliff Manor, New York.

2010-02-10T06:08:00.000-08:00

Snow Got You Down?!

Not To Worry ~
Pre-Sale Order Deadline Extended

Yes, as you might have guessed the office is closed today. But, that's good news for you if you're ordering from the Pre-Sale.

The order deadline has been extended to Monday, February 15.

The fax is turned on, and I left plenty of paper in it yesterday.
The number is (914) 606-6143.

If you prefer to mail the order send it to:

The NPC at WCC Library

75 Grasslands Road

Valhalla, NY 10595

Check out our other events, we have lots planned for the Spring.

If you're in the mood to travel, join us in May for a Garden Tour of Washington, DC

Have you had a chance to read the current NPC Newsletter?

Annual Landscape Conference ~ Monday, March 15 (Snow Date ~ Friday, March 19).

2010-02-09T04:58:00.000-08:00

The Words Getting Out!!
Natives are the Best Pick

What has been most interesting about this year's Pre-sale is the customers. There are quite a few new names from all over the county. So, it's safe to say, the words getting out there! It just may be that more and more natives are popping up in the landscape, and their beauty is attracting a new audience. I know I've begun to see a lot more wildflowers since our Sale began in 1999.

Did You Know:
The NPC received an award for Best Plant Value from the Best of Westchester Magazine.

2010 Native Plant Center Steering Committee:
Brooke Beebe, Jan Blaire, Laura Blau, Cynthia Brennan, Myles Brown, Bob Del Torto, Kim Eierman, Cece Fabbro (Chair), Barbara Fischer, Leslie Henshaw, Pat Keesee, Ursula LaMotte, Guy Pardee, Brad Roeller, Heather Sandifer, Denise C.R. Santomero, Betsy Stern, Carolyn Summers, Phillis Warden, Neil Wattles, Lucille Werlinich.

Today's Steering Committee Member

My interest for trees has directly influenced all aspects of my life, both in career and leisure activities. I have been performing arboriculture for nearly 30 years in multiple facets of the industry. I hold certifications as an ISA arborist, ISA utility vegetation specialist, Cornell Municipal Tree Stewart as well as being DEC certified pesticide applicator for turf and ornamentals. Which when given the opportunity, I have applied to educating not only clients, but the public as well in the value that trees bring to our futures. The times that I am not promoting the health of our urban forests, I can be found crossing a mountain peak or camped in some forgotten stretch of river valley. Whether it be karma or destiny my introduction into tree care began with my name which translated means "guardian of the forest."

Guy Pardee
Arborist Representative
The Care of Trees®
57 Valley Avenue
Elmsford, NY 10523
Phone #: 914-345-8733Fax #: 914-345-3340
http://www.thecareoftrees.com/

Serving Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and
Washington, D.C.

Our Business is People and Their Love For Trees ®

2010-02-08T05:56:00.000-08:00

The Phone is Ringing off the Wall . . .

Well, it's been an exciting weekend around here ~ The NPC website got 413 visits! I came into a fax full of orders, the mailbox was full too, and people are using the new pay online feature. As I type this blog, the lines continue to ring!

We seem to have a lot of people interested in the Plant Pre-Sale and lectures this Spring. Not that I'm surprised, native plants are a hot topic, and well worth the investment, not only to your property value, but also to the environment. I hope to hear from a lot more of you.

I thought some of you may need clarification on the Annual Plant Sale, so here it is . . .

The Native Plant Sale is held in 2 parts ~
Pre-Sale and Regular Sale:

Pre-Sale (order now and pick up plants between April 20 -24)

Regular Sale is held for 1 day on April 24

You do not have to be a member to participate. However, NPC members receive a discount on Pre-Sale orders, and enter the Regular Sale early.

Question of the Day:

Question for the Garden Guru:
I have a lot of areas in my yard that have dry soil and are underneath Oaks and Maples. I have been successful with lily of the valley and white wood aster. What other native plants would you suggest that I try to plant?

ANSWER:
Dear Shady Lady,

You are off to a good start with those two selections and the good news for you is that there are lots of other native plants that will also grow well in dry shade. Please keep in mind that regardless of their ability to survive dry environmental conditions, new additions in this area of your garden will need to be well-watered through their first growing season. In later years give them an occasional drink during periods of severe heat and/or drought. Remember that soil amendment and mulching goes a long way in keeping all of your plants healthy and happy during dry periods.

Here are a few to consider, some of which may surprise you:
Anemone (Hepatica) acutiloba – sharpleaf hepatica
Anemone (Hepatica) rotundiloba – roundleaf hepatica
Aquilegia canadensis – columbine
Athyrium felix-femina – lady fern
Carex pennsylvanica – Pennsylvania sedge
Comptonia peregrina - sweetfern
Dennstaedtia punctiloba – hay-scented fern
Dicentra cucullaria – Dutchman’s breeches
Dicentra eximia – wild bleeding heart
Dryopteris intermedia – interrupted fern
Dryopteris novebaoracensis – New York Fern
Erythronium americanum – trout lily
Eupatorium rugosum – white snakeroot
Fragaria virginiana – woodland strawberry
Gaultheria procumbens - wintergreen
Gillenia trifoliata – bowman’s root
Heuchera americana – common alumroot
Hexastylis (Asarum) shuttleworthii – evergreen wild ginger
Ilex opaca – American holly
Iris cristata – crested iris
Kalmia latifolia – mountain laurel
Magnolia virginiana – sweetbay magnolia
Maianthemum canadense – Canada mayflower
Maianthemum (Smilacina) racemosa – false Solomon’s seal
Mertensia virginica – Virginia bluebells
Morella pennsylvanica – bayberry
Onoclea sensibilis – sensitive fern
Ostrya virginiana – American hop hornbeam
Oxydendron arboreum – sourwood
Pachysandra procumbens – Allegheny spurge
Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia creeper
Phlox divaricata – woodland phlox
Podophyllum peltatum - mayapple
Polygonatum canaliculatum – Solomon’s seal
Polystichum acrostichoides – Christmas fern
Polystichum goldiana – Goldie’s fern
Sanguinaria canadensis - bloodroot
Sedum ternatum – wild stonecrop
Solidago caesia – wreath goldenrod
Symphotrichum (Aster) acuminatus – whorled aster
Symphotrichum (Aster) macrophyllus – blue wood aster
Vaccinium angustifolium – lowbush blueberry
Viola anadensis – Canada violet
Waldstenia fragaroides – barren strawberry
Woodwardia areolata – netted chain fern

If you have garden questions please forward them to me, at wccnativeplant@sunywcc.edu and I'll get you an answer.

2010-02-05T05:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome Back to The Blog!

We know you're ready for Spring ~ we are too!

Over the next few weeks, I will introduce you to members of The Native Plant Center's Steering Committee. Introductions will be in no specific order because each of the Committee Members is invaluable to the organization's success! It would be impossible for me to choose who goes first since they all bring something unique to the organization, as well as our events.

2010 Native Plant Center Steering Committee:
Brooke Beebe, Jan Blaire, Laura Blau, Cynthia Brennan, Myles Brown, Bob Del Torto, Kim Eierman, Cece Fabbro (Chair), Barbara Fischer, Leslie Henshaw, Pat Keesee, Ursula LaMotte, Guy Pardee, Brad Roeller, Heather Sandifer, Denise C.R. Santomero, Betsy Stern, Carolyn Summers, Phillis Warden, Neil Wattles, Lucille Werlinich.

Heather Sandifer is a textile designer whose botanical art has been featured in many and varied private and public venues, including Holly Hunt/Chicago, the Center for Contemporary Printmaking, and David Winter Works on Paper. In addition to her art, Heather has written on garden subjects for various publications, and has taught at the New York Botanical Garden. She has been a volunteer assistant curator of the herbarium at the Bruce Museum, a Pen Women in both Arts and Letters, and an active member of The Native Plant Center.

Have you heard? The Plant Sale is underway!!

For your convenience, the Pre-Sale Order Deadline is extended to Monday, February 15.
Order now ~ pick up begins April 20 - 24.

To get you started on your order … here are the

Weekly FAVs
Nature's Splash of Color

#1 Aquilegia canadensis - Wild Columbine DR DT BF H - One of the most popular wildflowers with a profuse show in April-May of red & yellow flowers shaped like little Japanese lanterns. Though individual plants can be short-lived, it self-sows prolifically. Average soil, part shade, 12" tall.

#11 Sanguinaria canadensis Bloodroot The first harbinger of spring, snow-white petals surround deep gold centers. Deep green, deeply notched leaves make an excellent groundcover, but may become summer dormant if too dry. Red sap oozes from cut roots, hence the common name. Moist soil, light shade, 6-12” tall.

#23 Monarda punctata - Spotted Bee Balm DR DT H - This annual bee balm relative sports fragrant whorls of snapdragon blossoms layered on straight stems. Blooms have lavender bracts over soft yellow flowers with purple spots. Self-sows in sunny, well-drained gardens alongside companions like blazing star & penstemon. Average to dry soil, full sun, 12-18” tall.

#28 Aster laevis - Smooth Aster - DR DT BF Give blue-violet “daisies” a starring role in meadows and sunny borders in the summer and into fall. Lovely blue green leaves clasp the upright stems, which rarely if ever require staking. Average soil, sunlight shade, 1-3’ tall.

#33 Liatris spicata - Dense Blazing Star - DR DT BF BD H - Purple, tufted flower heads are arranged in a long, dense spike blooming from the top down. The protruding styles give the flower an overall feathery appearance. A Monarch butterfly magnet. The linear, grass-like leaves form attractive basal clumps and extend up the flower stalk. Moist to average soil, sun, 3-4' tall.

#37 Dryopteris marginalis - Evergreen Woodfern - DR - A tall, handsome, vase-shaped fern with deep green leathery evergreen fronds (leaves). Moist soil, part shade-shade, 1 - 3' tall.

# 40 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry - DR DT BD - This charming, woody groundcover thrives in harsh conditions. Small glossy leaves, flowers in April-May followed by red berries. Closely resembles non-native cotoneaster. Slow growing but durable once established. Average to dry soil, full sun, 4” tall.

#41 Parthenocissus quinquefolia - Virginia Creeper - DT BD - A woody deciduous climber that is often used to decorate trees, buildings and as a groundcover. This plant attaches with self-adhering suckers (not roots) that do not infiltrate structures. Small greenish flowers in spring are followed by dark blue fruit that are relished by birds. Elegant, medium green, 5-parted leaves turn blazing red in very early autumn. Average to moist soil, sun to full shade, 30’+ if given support.

#46 Asarum (Hexastylis) shuttleworthii - Evergreen Ginger - DR Native to the southeast, this handsome evergreen (in mild winters) forms clumps of rounded to heart-shaped aromatic leaves which are usually mottled with silvery gray markings. Small vase-shaped, purplish brown flowers with reddish purple spots in spring. Average, well-drained soil, part to full shade, 6-8" tall.

#54 Senecio aureus - Golden Ragwort * DR DT - Cheerful yellow daisy-like blossoms light up the early spring shade garden and will also bloom in full sun, given adequate moisture. After the spring show, glossy evergreen basal rosettes slowly spread to make an attractive groundcover. Moist to average soil, part sun-shade, 12-18” tall.

Pre-Sale Order Deadline ~ Monday, February 15
Regular Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, April 24.

The NPC is a project of the Westchester Community College Foundation located on the Valhalla Campus at Westchester Community College. The Center is also the first national associate of The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.

Personnel
Beth Roach ~ NPC Special Programs Coordinator
Nancy Inzinna ~ NPC Assistant Director
Darrin Duling ~ NPC Director
John Fellas ~ WCC Foundation Director of Operations

Plant photos compliments of The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and the Smithsonian Institute.

June 13 ~ NPC to Participate in Community Event in Eastchester

2009-06-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

Stop by and say "hi" to two of our Steering Committee members on Saturday, June 13 at Green Day Celebration and Summit. Kim and Lucille will have a table with information about The NPC and are looking forward to talking about native plants with you.

Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe are sponsoring the event at Eastchester Town Hall located at 40 Mill Road, Eastchester, NY 10709

The event is free and will be held Rain or Shine from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Various tents will be set up and other indoor events include educational demonstrations and exhibits for your enjoyment.

Bring your own re-usable mug for a free cup of coffee.

There will be a performance by world-renowned Solar Punch the all solar-powered folk rock band. You'll also enjoy the Musical Munchkins, SHA!Capella, Annie and the Natural Wonder Band and Kristina Con Vita.

So the Rain's Got You Down ~ Well It's Working Wonders in The NPC Gardens

2009-06-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

Looking for something to do this weekend? Take a ride over to The Native Plant Center, park in Lot # 1 and enjoy the scenery. Click on photos to enlarge. While you're here,

have a seat on Betsy's bench,

or just stop and smell the roses.

Wear your walking shoes and enjoy a walk around the Westchester Community College Campus. Do you you the history of your community college? Click here to read more about Hartford Hall.

DIRECTIONS TO THE GARDENS AND VALHALLA CAMPUS

400 Years after Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain

2009-06-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a day full of sunshine and adventure as Westchester County residents flocked to Hudson River Fest.

The Native Plant Center had a chance to display native plants and literature to inform residents about The Center.

Lyndhurst was the ideal setting for the County to celebrate its 400th Anniversary.

Get Acquainted with The NPC

2009-05-27T09:46:00.001-07:00

Sunday, June 7
~ The NPC will have a table at the Hudson RiverFest at Lyndhurst, Tarrytown at 10 a.m.

If you missed The NPC's Annual Wildflower and Native Plant Sale in April, now's your chance to buy some native plants. Plants will be on sale at 10 a.m.

The Quadricentennial event offers a creative line-up of activities that highlight the significance of the Hudson River.
Bring the family and take part in the Hudson River QUEST... a unique, family treasure hunt!

Additional events include:
Musical performances • Children’s games • Nature walks •
Live animals • Outdoor market • Over 50 hands-on displays and exhibits •
Presentations by historians, scientists & authors • Visit the rose garden in full bloom.

Rain Garden Question

2009-05-27T08:49:00.001-07:00

My backyard collects a lot of water when it rains. As an alternative to a drainage system, I was wondering if I could plant a rain garden to control the large amount of water that collects. The ground is very muddy after extensive rains, and there are always wet spots. I had to remove an above ground pool due to shifting because of water that collected under the pool. Is this possible to do in Westchester and also be "deer proof". Deer come through my backyard all of the time.

I'd appreciate any help you can offer.
Thank you,

Alan

Answer:
Dear Alan,

It is possible to have a rain garden just about anywhere that erosion and/or poor drainage is a problem. In addition to their utilitarian and ecological function, they can be a beautiful addition to your landscape. For tips on construction you can start by checking out these sites: http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/raingarden_design/construction.htm

http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/runoff/rg/rgmanual.pdf

As far as deer are concerned, there are no plants that are completely "deer proof" - even plants that aren't completely eaten may be nibbled as a "taste-test". There are many lists of so-called deer-resistant plants and, in my experience, they often contradict each other. And sometimes it seems that different deer populations have different snacking preferences!

As far as deer-resistant native plantings for a rain garden/wet area the safest bet are grasses, sedges, ferns and horsetails (Equisetum spp.). Woody and herbaceous flowering plants that may prove successful include, but are not limited to: river birch (Betula nigra), shadbush (Amelanchier spp.), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum, pond cypress (Taxodium nutans), tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), bayberry (Morella pennsylvanica), red buckeye (Aesculus pavia), Leucothoe spp., summersweet (Clethra alnifolia), swamp rosemallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), cattail (Typha latifolia), skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), blue flag iris (Iris versicolor), wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), swamp milkeed (Asclepias incarnata), obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum, green dragon (Arisaema dracontium) and pitcher plants (Sarracenia spp.).

Good luck with your rain garden project!

Sincerely,

Darrin Duling
Director, The Native Plant Center

Growing, Growing, Not gone 'til October

2009-05-22T05:08:00.000-07:00

The NPC Gardens are open from dawn to dusk everday, and are located at Westchester Community College.

Each week something new begins to bloom. So be sure to come by anytime between now and autumn. You'll be glad you did.

To learn first hand about native plants, join us on Sunday, July 19 for the Garden Conservancy Open Day Tours. Free, guided tours begin at 12 noon until 4 p.m.

WILDFLOWER AND NATIVE PLANT SALE TODAY AT 11 A.M.

2009-04-25T05:16:00.000-07:00

The Native Plant Center

Westchester Community College

75 Grasslands Road

Valhalla, NY 10595

http://www.nativeplantcenter.org/

Plant Sale Preparations

2009-04-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

Native Plant Center's Plant Sale - Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.or when sold out.

I'd like to thank all the fabulous volunteers who weathered the storm and helped on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. They are all truly dedicated people!! More volunteers will be here on Friday and Saturday to make it all possible.

Over 6,000 plants were unloaded on Monday for the 10th Annual Sale. More arrived on Tuesday.

First the Fence - Then the Tent - Now the Signs. What's Next? The Plants of Course!

2009-04-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

I realize you probably have no idea what this picture is. So, to clarify, all those white signs you see in the distance are where the plants for next week's Plant Sale will be placed, all 6,800 of them.

Beth and her volunteers were very busy yesterday setting-up the Sale area. They hung signs, pounded stakes, and prepared odds & ends.

I picked up the street signs late yesterday and as traffic passes the college this weekend they'll learn about the Sale on April 25 at Westchester Community College.

This morning this is what I found blooming in my garden. Two of the plants I bought last year. This is why you should refrain from buying any plants this weekend. Now I know it's a beautiful day out there, and we're all tempted to "stop and smell the roses." That's what you should do, stop and look (only). Because what you'll find at The Native Plant Center's Sale next weekend will far surpass what's out there today.
April 18, 2009

Celandine Poppy from 2008

The same Celandine Poppy in 2009
You may not hear from me for a few days since we begin unloading on Monday and Tuesday, so mark that calendar 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25.

Plant Sale Tent Goes Up

2009-04-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

At 11 a.m. this morning the tent went up for the 1oth Annual Plant Sale at The Native Plant Center. On Monday, nearly 6,800 plants will delivered! We'll keep you posted on the progress.

Don't forget to come to the Sale on April 25 at 11 a.m.

For more info, visit the web at www.nativeplantcenter.org.

Today's trip to the Garden Education Center of Greenwich was a huge success, over 40 attended.

And So It Begins - The NPC's 10th Annual Wildflower & Native Plant Sale

2009-04-14T05:01:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe another year has passed. But it has, and we're doing it over again, and even better this year. Last Thursday the lawn was mowed! Yesterday, one of our many devoted volunteers -Annie, delivered the wagons.

At 7:29 this morning I pulled on to the campus of Westchester Community College and began following a truck carrying snow fencing. All of a sudden it hit me, it's our fencing!!

Visit the blog daily, it will be updated daily with the progress of The Native Plant Center's 10th Annual Wildflower and Native Plant Sale. The Sale will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, rain or shine at The NPC located at WCC Valhalla Campus.

If you are interested in volunteering, please phone 914-606-7876 and let Beth know if you are available to work on Saturday, April 25 between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

If you haven't had a chance to read the blog, now's a great time to do it. By reading from the first post, you'll see why native plants are so important to you, the environment and wildlife. Once you have that info under your hat, you'll know why The NPC Sale is the place to come.

Volunteer Opportunity Sunday, April 19

2009-04-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

“PITCH IN FOR PARKS” ON APRIL 19
Westchester’s annual spruce-up promotes teamwork and stewardship.

Spring is here and Westchester County Parks is issuing the call to civic-minded individuals, organizations and community groups to take part in the annual “Pitch in for Parks,” Sunday, April 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at most county park locations. Volunteers of all ages, interests and skills are invited to roll up their sleeves and join in this worthwhile community effort to help spruce up the county parks, pathways and nature preserves for the season ahead.

“Pitch In for Parks,” the largest single-day volunteer activity of the year in the county parks, is co-sponsored by the Friends of Westchester County Parks, Inc. a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the Westchester County Parks system. “Pitch In” welcomes groups and individuals who want to spruce up their favorite spot for hiking, swimming, picnicking or relaxing, or who just want to make a difference in their communities. By pitching in, participants play an active role in the stewardship of the Westchester County parks, which encompass more than 18,000 acres of parks, trails and nature centers. Volunteers help with such tasks as trail clearing and pruning, flower bed preparation, debris removal, staining, painting, sweeping and cleaning. Whether you have a specific skill or specialty, or prefer to contribute wherever the need is greatest, there will be many ways to take part in this important effort.

You can volunteer for an hour or two, or spend the entire day. Participants should dress appropriately for work. Work gloves and cleaning tools and supplies will be provided for all volunteers who sign up in advance.

In the event of rain, “Pitch In for Parks” will be held on Sunday, April 26.
In the past, “Pitch In” has drawn more than 2,500 people annually who have worked an estimated 12,000 hours and removed more than 55,000 pounds of trash and debris, cleared 27,000 linear feet of trails, and performed general clean-ups at a variety of county park locations.

Businesses are also sought to support the effort by donating snacks and beverages for volunteers at a park of their choice on the day of the cleanup.
Click here for more information, or to sign up for a specific project call (914) 864-7054.

Book Review - Final Installation

2009-04-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

Review by Carolyn Summers

Continuing our review of Bringing Nature Home, by Douglas Tallamy, this book is an irresistible invitation to all of us to open our hearts, minds and gardens to the little critters that make the world run. Not just butterflies and other pollinators, but all manner of wondrously bizarre-looking caterpillars and bug larvae, which just happen to be the only food source for over 90% of our baby birds. This book has the potential to be as influential as Sarah Stein’s Noah’s Garden. It has certainly influenced my own work. I believe it will help convince many more gardeners and landscape professionals to turn away from stylish biological deserts and towards gloriously productive wildlife habitats.

My single disappointment with the book is a lack of information about maintenance. How do we keep from undoing our good work by mowing or raking at the wrong time? It would be nice to have some signal, tied perhaps to some annual phenomenon such as shadbush flowering, to let us know that the over-wintered caterpillars are out and about and we can commence spring clean-up without harming them. Others may wish for more specific information about using native plants in many different design situations. In my forthcoming book, Indigenous Plants for Northeastern Gardens, Restoring the Food Web One Plant at a Time, I will address those and related topics. The book, published by Rutgers University Press, will be available in spring 2010.

Scroll down to read Part 1 and 2 of this book review.

I’d like to thank Carolyn Summers for giving her time to write this wonderful article during such a busy time. I just got a call yesterday from a gentleman who went out and got the book on Carolyn’s advice. He was quite pleased, and asked me to let her know!

Book Review - Part 2

2009-04-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in our Gardens

By Carolyn Summers

Continuing our review of Dr. Douglas Tallamy’s Bringing Nature Home, How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in our Gardens, let’s see how this book answers the questions raised last week. Over thousands of years, plants evolved in the presence of insect predators; in self-defense, plants produced specific changes in leaf chemistry particular to each species. No two are exactly alike. The defenses are successful in reducing the number of predators to usually no more than a handful (sometimes only one) species for each species of plant. This is the origin of host specificity, a concept many butterfly gardeners are familiar with. Perhaps the most well-known example of butterfly-host plant relationships is the monarch, whose caterpillars can only survive on milkweed plants. The flip side of beneficial host plant-insect relationships is that exotic plants are safe from predation by our insects ("pest-free") by virtue of their unique leaf chemistry – great for the individual plant, great for the individual gardener – terrible for the world at large. Every exotic plant taking up space here is raiding the refrigerator. Although the exotic plant converts the sun’s energy through photosynthesis, that energy is unavailable to the rest of the ecosystem. At the point where exotics begin to make up a high percentage of our vegetation, insect populations will inevitably plunge.

The uninitiated may think that sounds fine, in the same way that warmer winters from global warming may sound fine to someone who dislikes snow. But those of us who love our gardens full of color in motion and bird songs will recognize that without an adequate supply of high-protein insect food, baby birds cannot fledge. And, of course, the food chain doesn’t end with birds. The good news is that we, as native plant gardeners, can turn things around. The chapter entitled "What Should I Plant?" provides practical guidance for gardeners of all levels. The following chapter, engagingly entitled, "What Does Bird Food Look Like?" is a mini-field guide to insects, many of which are outrageously beautiful, as shown in the excellent photographs.

To read the first installation of this article, scroll down to the post on Wednesday, March 25.

Visit Wednesday, April 8 for the final installation of the article.

Ridding Your Phlox of Mildew

2009-04-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

Darrin Duling, director of The Native Plant Center:

"Mildew is a common problem with garden variety summer phlox and is best prevented by proper siting: planting in full sun in open areas with good air circulation, with little or no overhead watering is a good first-line defense.. Further to this, select so-called mildew-resistant varieties (note "resistant" vs. "mildew-proof"). Here are a few: 'David' and 'Delta Snow' - white flowers, 'Eva Cullum' - pink, 'Katheriine' - lavender, 'Laura' - light purple w/ white eye, and 'Starfire' - hot pink. These are some of the better-known varieties that are said to resist mildew, but by no means is this a comprehensive list.
~ I recently attended a lecture given by Tony Avent, owner of Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, North Carolina, in which Tony extolled the virtues of Phlox 'Minnie Pearl'; a naturally-occuring native phlox hybrid discovered growing wild in Mississippi that has so far shown no mildew problems. As an added plus, this phlox has a dwarf habit - only growing 1' tall, is extremely floriferous with sparkling white flowers, and blooms about a month earlier than other phlox of its kind. Tony also offers many other varieties of phlox that he has found to survive the steamy summers in Raleigh with little or no mildew problems. These, along with many other excellent native plant selections that he has trialed, may be viewed in his catalog posted on the Plant Delights Nursery website."

Helping Sow Seeds of Knowledge

2009-03-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

The native plant blog has recently been announced on a couple of sites by Bill Cary of the Journal News, and Joanne Wallenstein of Scarsdale. Please visit their sites to learn more.

If you know of a like minded organization that may be interested in linking, leave a comment and help make the connection.

2009-03-27T05:29:00.000-07:00

Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, is a beautiful native plant as well as a provider of ingredients commonly used during cold and flu season. Some studies have shown that Echinacea has the ability to stimulate the immune system. Echinacea may reduce the duration and severity of the common cold and flu.
As with any other medication or herbal treatment, speak with your doctor before using.

On April 25 at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. the Tenth Annual Wildflower and Native Plant Sale will be held by The Native Plant Center in Valhalla, NY. Three varieties of coneflowers will be available, Echinacea ‘Summer Sky’ - ‘Big Sky Sundown’ - ‘Kim’s Knee High.’ Many other natives will be for sale.

For further information and directions to the Native Plant Sale visit The NPC's website.

Here's another interesting bit of news about wildlife on the global level. "Since the mid-1980s, governments in the UK and parts of Europe introduced voluntary agri-environment schemes which require farmers to remove some of their land from intensive production and manage it in a more wildlife friendly way. "

Exclusive Book Review - 3 Part Series

2009-03-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

Bringing Nature Home:

How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in our Gardens
By Carolyn Summers

For those of us native plant enthusiasts who have struggled to explain our gardens to those gardeners who insist on planting anything from everywhere, Doug Tallamy has given us a wonderful new tool called Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in our Gardens. True to its title, this book is chock-full of compelling facts based on late-breaking scientific research proving that gardening with native plants is not just fun, but necessary, if we are to save our wildlife populations from crashing. Professor Tallamy reinforces his passion for the natural world with the dispassionate scrutiny of a scientist, citing facts, statistics and studies to build the case that native plants are the base upon which the entire food chain rests. Learn more about Tallamy.

Although, for many reasons, I have long believed in the necessity of growing native plants, this book has answered questions that I never even thought to ask. For example, when the nurseries advertise exotic plants as "pest-free," is their claim valid? And, if so, are pest-free plants a good thing? What makes them pest=free? When was the last time you saw a parent bird bringing berries or seeds to baby birds in the nest? If seed and berry-eating birds don’t bring those foods to the nest, what are they bringing? The opening chapters answer these questions and more with simplicity and clarity.

Come back to the blog next Wednesday, April 1 for the second installation of this article.

The Cultivation of a Native Neophyte

2009-02-25T20:52:00.000-08:00

What's the best way to entice a novice to learn about native plants? This is what I asked myself as I embarked on the task of creating this "Why Natives" presentation.

Being somewhat of a novice myself, I knew many of the questions I would like to have answered.

After consulting native plant expert, Anne Megaro, Land Program Director of Groundwork Yonkers, I approached this project full force. The more I researched, the more I wanted to learn about native plants; I'm sure you will too.

After viewing the production, you will want come to The Native Plant Center on Saturday, April 25 and purchase native plants to infuse into your landscape. You will not only enjoy the native blooms, but also the wildlife they attract all year long.

View previous blog entries to learn even more about native plants, as well as other like-minded organizations. Be sure to click on all of the links to see their activities and views on the environment. Be sure not to miss hard-to-find footage of Lady Bird Johnson within the links.

Like -Minded Organizations Work Together in Westchester County to Encourage Residents to Go Native with Help From The Native Plant Center

2009-02-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

Many organizations throughout Westchester County are working together to encourage the use of native plants in an effort to enhance the environment and sustain area wildlife.

In early January, Westchester County hosted the annual New York State Turf and Landscape Conference. A few weeks later, an environmental summit was held in Bedford, New York. Over nine-hundred people attended. A full day of informative lectures and workshops took place addressing issues such as oil consumption, school food, and a climate action plan for Bedford.

In early February, Teatown Lake Reservation co-hosted its annual Hudson River EagleFest, nearly 4,000 people attended this event.

The Native Plant Center was represented at all three events in an effort to inform more people about the existence of The Center and the practical use of native plants in residential landscapes. The NPC is located at Westchester Community College in Valhalla, New York. It is a project of the Westchester Community College Foundation. The mission of The NPC is to educate the community of the environmental necessity, economic value and natural beauty of native plants in the Northeast. It was the first national affiliate of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center located in Austin, Texas.

Once a year, The Native Plant Center hosts its largest fundraiser, a Wildflower and Native Plant Sale. Last year, over 5,500 native plants made their way into over 5oo backyards throughout the tri-state area.

This year The NPC's Wildflower and Native Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, April 25. Admission to the Sale is free, and open to the public. Phone 914-606-7715 for further information about this event. The Native Plant Center hosts other educational events throughout the year. Read about these events in the 2009 NPC Newsletter. Registration is required for some events.

Arming Yourself Against Invasive Plants

2009-02-25T10:36:00.000-08:00

Today, there are still invasive plants sold in nurseries! And we unknowingly buy them. We may not be able to change the past but we certainly can try to improve the future…by avoiding the plant below.

Barberry Berberis thunbergii - This is still one of the most common shrubs sold in nurseries. Its berries are very attractive to birds that drop them in the woods. Most woodland plants bloom in early spring before trees leaf out and create shade. Unfortunately, barberries leaf out very, very early, cutting off sun from the wildflowers and inhibiting their reproduction.

New findings from Scott C. Williams of Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station indicate wild populations of the invasive Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) tend to provide perfect habitat for ticks!

Gardening Tip: By using this tool, or something similar in design, many gardeners have eradicated barberry from their garden.

Additional Sources for Native Plant Information

2009-02-23T20:33:00.000-08:00

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center located in Austin, Texas is a great source for information about native plants:

P Allen Smith dicusses summer plantings in the northeast:

Bill Cary a writer for the Westchester Journal News has taken an interest in native plants. Read his posting to learn more.

In September, 2008 Martha Stewart was awarded the Acorn Award by The Native Plant Center at the Tenth Anniversary Celebration of the organization.

Why should garden enthusiasts plant natives?

2009-02-23T18:46:00.000-08:00

Why the interest in native plants these days? As all gardeners know, matching the right plant to the right site can be difficult. Plants native to this continent or more specifically the northeast have developed survival strategies over millions of years. You might as well take advantage of this!
Native plants . . .
1. are usually more suited to New York's hot humid summers
2. usually require less watering once established
3. often require less maintenance
4. often are less interesting to deer
5. help restore natural food and nectar sources for butterflies, hummingbirds
6. can be as environmentally important as recycling
7. help you avoid the worry about unwittingly using invasive plants