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Dragonetti Brothers -Mill Lane Florist can help your garden grow

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 21:06:48 GMT

Flowers Forever

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 21:03:30 GMT

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation proudly, and quite rightly, boasts about the many film scenes that have been set in the numerous parks and green spaces in the five boroughs. From Washington Square Park in When Harry Met Sally to Central Park in Manhattan, the Big Apple's flora looks great on film. And whether your popcorn-butter-covered green thumb was inspired by the movies, or you’re a city transplant who grew up around gardens, many of us feel the desire to dig our fingers into some dirt, plant a few seeds and watch them grow because, along with the coming warm weather, live flowers and greenery have serious mood-boosting power.

Flowers also have the ability to liven up almost any façade, and add appeal (and potentially value) to both urban and suburban properties. But, you can’t just slap a fern on your frontage and call it a day. Climate, placement, species, and, you know, how to actually keep the things alive all matter when considering landscaping and planting in urban settings.

What, and Where?

First things first, you’ve got to figure out what is best to plant, says Jeanette Dragonetti, ASLA, a landscape designer at Dragonetti Brothers in Brooklyn. “The biggest challenge is selecting the right plant for your space.” As much as you like roses, your desire for them to grow doesn’t mean they are going to grow, let alone thrive, on your small balcony space that gets very little sun but lots of brownish water dripping from the drain pipe above.

“Because of so many tall buildings in New York, bright, open sunlight is a rarity, as is easy water access,” says Rebecca Bullene, founder of Greenery NYC. “We see many spaces in our work that are closed-in, shady courtyard spaces that building residents would like to make lush gardens, but because there is little light and no reliable water access, it can be a challenge to meet those goals.”

Luckily, that doesn’t mean that entire genus and species are out of consideration. “I think any plants that need a tremendous amount of sun and water—like most tropical plants—aren't a good choice,” continues Bullene. “I tend to steer clients away from using too many annual plants as well, as they have to be replaced every year. You'll see much better long term results choosing the right plant for the right place, planting it once, and watching it grow for years to come.”

Even though city dwellers have the inherent challenge of being in a highly populated, weather-battered urban center, there are countless options of flowers that can withstand what New York City throws at them. Bullene suggests the shade-friendly Allegheny pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbens), Creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera), Foam flower (Tiarella cordifolia), and Coral bells (Heuchera americana). For those gardens that receive consistent direct sunlight, good flower options are Cat mint (Nepeta Racemosa), Iris, Rugosa roses, and asters.

For her part, Dragonetti recommends one of her favorite perennials: coneflowers (Echinacea). “These come in tons of different varieties and colors and are easy to grow,” she says. “Some do well in sun, while other flourish in some shade. Bluestars (Amsonia) are perennials I tend to use a lot, because they're full sun and drought tolerant. Both of these perennials are super hardy!”

How Does Your Garden Grow?

After you’ve selected the appropriate blossoms for your patch of green, think about the real estate itself and don’t try to diversify too much. “Gardens look best when there are groupings of plants, not just lots of different things,” says Dragonetti. “Try to make a more natural landscape where there would be areas of five to seven plantings, not individual plant types mixed together in ones and twos. Often the most impressive gardens give a sense of abundance, balance, and lushness, and that is achieved with planting many of the same type of plant in cohesive patterns. Better to have just a few types of plants in your building's entrance garden planted densely than 20 different types all competing for attention.”

You should also take into consideration the irrigation system, say the planting pros. “The most common mistake I find when evaluating a landscape that is not doing well is that the irrigation system isn’t properly coordinated for the plants' water intake—or there's no irrigation system in place at all,” Dragonetti continues. Not enough water, and your garden will die; too much and you’ll drown it. The 'system' also includes factors like best time of day to water (usually the morning so your garden isn’t left damp overnight), using or not using mulch (it can help keep soil moist) and adjusting your watering schedule based on the outside temperature (watering more when it’s hot out, less when it’s cooler).

Gardens are, of course, meant to be admired, but take care not to let your fans trample, trash or—if they have four legs—pee on your plants. “Dogs and people are the biggest threats to plants in front of buildings or within tree pits,” says Bullene. “We often see people litter or let their dogs relieve themselves there, and that can be harmful for plant displays. And of course there is also the occasional well-meaning child picking a flower for mom, which is adorable, but not good for residents trying to bring color to their entrance garden.”

Bullene suggests that when it comes to gardens, lead by example—i.e. prune and tidy for the garden you want, not necessarily the garden you have. “We've found that keeping the area really clean helps signal to people that it is a well-loved space that should be treated well.” She further advises that a layer of mulch two to three inches deep may protect roots from dog waste.

Smaller, but still dangerous to your garden is the Asian Long-Horned Beetle, which Dragonetti points out have currently been targeting maple, elm, willow, birch and ash trees in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan & Staten Island. All of our experts note that gardeners should be aware of the potential (and perhaps unavoidable) impact and damage caused by city pollution, salt from winter sidewalks and car traffic.

Overall, the success of your succulents, sunflowers and sage depends on “selection, placement and care,” says Manhattan-based Chelsea Garden Center's president David Protell. And some of the biggest challenges are faced before you even sink your trowel in the dirt. Protell advises gardeners to really understand the selection process and not assume that “Internet research translates into what you can use. Each garden has its unique sun, drainage, and exposure issues which need to be properly accessed.”

Learn the Roots

Luckily, there are a lot of people out there passionate about perennials and are eager to help aspiring gardeners. “Brooklyn Botanic Garden has great books and articles on their website (and an amazing library for those who still like paper and ink!), and there are many talented garden designers out there that offer consultation services as well,” says Bullene. “For those that really feel overwhelmed sometimes bringing in a professional to get them started on the right track may be the best way to ensure long term success.”

If you prefer to bring in the experts rather than read the books, any properly accredited, pro landscaping firm can offer solid advice for small and large projects, and their responsibility to a co-op or condo building taking on the project is to set realistic goals and a working budget. “Too often, plantings are conceived as an afterthought with no true budget in place,” says Protell.

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“We have a seven to nine month growing season that could start with hardy bulbs coming up in late March or April, followed by five to six months of flowering annuals, then on to fall and holiday dressing. Building staff following watering instructions and a monthly or quarterly maintenance program will ensure that fertilizing, pest control and pruning are properly implemented. All of the above combine for a successful enhancement of the property.”

In order to get the best result from your relationship with a landscaping firm or designer, Bullene suggests that, before even meeting with a designer, the gardening or landscape committee should meet to outline their goals. “Do they want a space for edibles or growing flowers, or just stately evergreens? Do they want to care for the garden themselves or pay for professional maintenance? Clearly articulating how involved the committee wants to be from the outset can help a designer come up with a plan that best fits the group. If you have a committee of avid gardeners eager to get their hands dirty, a designer can put together a plan that will give them lots to work on throughout the season with deadheading and pruning. If you have a committee that doesn't have the time or inclination for that level of involvement, a designer can put together a low maintenance plan that focuses more on evergreen shrubs or plants that grow slowly, or propose a professional maintenance plan.”

That plan will plot out exactly what a year of your garden looks like and the work required to achieve those gardening goals. Bullene explains that a first visit in the spring will assess and clean up winter damage and perform prep work for plans ahead; a second visit in the late spring or early summer is for planting; the third visit in late summer is to trim, tidy and perform upkeep and the final visit in the fall is meant to prep for the winter to come.

Truly, the number one ingredient to a healthy garden is patience. Less tangible than mulch and less trendy than a pair of gardening gloves, patience is necessary every step of the way. Add a pinch of consistency and you will most likely be on your way for a picture perfect garden. And, when the first green slivers appear through the soil, as Bullene astutely points out, “It’s worth the dirty work.”

Rebecca Fons is a freelance writer and a frequent contributor to The Cooperator.

Ask the Dragonetti Garden Center to Help Your Garden Bloom

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 20:55:36 GMT

It’s springtime in Brooklyn, and adding to the allure of living here is the sight of lush and colorful stoops and yards. Homeowners appreciate that bountiful and well-kept green spaces impart a satisfied peace of mind and also improve the appeal of your neighborhood while elevating your property value by 4 or 5 percent, if not more.

DRAGONETTI GARDEN CENTER at 1875 Ralph Avenue is well aware of this. A family-owned business that’s been operating for more than 50 years and home to Brooklyn’s largest nursery, Dragonetti offers an extensive variety of annuals, shrubs and perennials. Uncertain as to where to begin with your lawn or garden?

The expert staff at Dragonetti will be there to assist you in making the right plant selections. After gathering some information about your site conditions, they will point you in the right direction on what plants will thrive in your garden. The staff will also help advise you on necessary tools required to nurture and cultivate your garden and lawn. To give that welcoming area in front of your home a burst of color, they might suggest adding a vibrant annual such as vinca to your planting bed or container garden. And you can’t go wrong with impatiens, which boast an incandescent array of shades and don’t require a ton of maintenance.

If you’re looking to add some shrubs to your garden, Dragonetti’s expert staff may advise you on the difference between deciduous and evergreen shrubs. Deciduous shrubs lose their foliage during the winter season, while evergreen shrubs hold on to their leaves and remain green throughout the year. Enlisting both creates the perfect combination. Dragonetti Garden Center has in stock hundreds of different types of both shrubs for you to choose from. They’ll also deliver whatever you select from the nursery straight to your home.

If you are looking to create an indoor paradise, Dragonetti Garden Center has you covered. Home to Brooklyn’s largest greenhouse, they carry an array of houseplants from tropical to natives, meeting all of your indoor plant needs.

From plant material, soil amendments, tools, garden décor to expert advice, Dragonetti Garden Center is the one stop source for all your gardening needs. Dragonetti Garden Center will help you keep your dream lawn and garden looking healthy all year long.

Get started by phoning the DRAGONETTI GARDEN CENTER at (718) 241-3172. When you visit them at 1875 Ralph Avenue in Brooklyn, mention Brownstoner to receive a free 4-inch annual.∗

∗Terms may apply

LONG BEACH BEGINS SECOND PHASE OF TREE-PLANTING EFFORT

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 20:43:49 GMT

Long Beach contractors are planting 150 new trees as part of the city’s continuing effort to replace trees destroyed during superstorm Sandy.

The City Council approved a contract last month to start work in the coming weeks to plant various types of trees throughout the city, on public property and in neighborhoods.

The city’s contract with Brooklyn-based Dragonetti Brothers Landscaping Nursery and Florist will pay $145,096 for providing and planting the trees under the city’s tree-replanting master plan.

While the first phase of replanting trees began last year, this year’s crop set to be planted throughout October in a second phase was finalized in the city’s spring capital plan.

“This is such an important part of our Long Beach community,” Long Beach City Council President Len Torres said. “These trees are very important for shade in addition to absorbing flooding and water in the city.”

The city is not planting any trees on private property and has no funding to remove sick or dying trees from homes, Torres said. Homeowners are responsible for any removal on private property.

Long Beach workers and landscapers planted about 1,900 trees last year. Some residents said several of those trees on their blocks have died, such as between Edwards and National boulevards. City officials have replanted trees, but some may still be sick.

Any new trees planted under the city’s master plan are insured and can be replaced, city officials said.

Long Beach Corporation Counsel Robert Agostisi said the city is compiling a list of dead trees to submit to its contractor to ensure new trees are replanted.

Most trees are expected to grow 12 to 18 feet tall, though some shade trees could eventually grow to 50 feet. Shade and flowering trees were planted in the East End.

Tree replacements throughout the city have been covered largely through a $1.3 million state Community Development Block Grant awarded by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo last year. The total project includes eventually planting 2,700 new trees, which account for 300 more trees than were present before Sandy.

Replanting trees was estimated to cost the city $1.5 million, which will be entirely grant-funded, following the state’s award, a $75,000 grant secured by Legis. Denise Ford and $75,000 from actor and Long Beach native Billy Crystal.

Funding was secured after Crystal and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) advocated for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover $2.5 million for tree removal and planting new trees, but FEMA allocated only $400,000 for cutting down trees. The remaining funds were covered through grants and city funding.

Landscaping and Property Value

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 11:32:00 GMT

Natural Grass vs. Artificial Turf

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 12:51:00 GMT

As artificial turf options continue to develop and improve, more and more people are considering substituting artificial turf for backyard grass. Artificial grass is often championed as a cost-effective, more sustainable alternative to natural grass. But before making the switch, it's important to investigate both sides of the turf war.To help you make an informed landscaping decision, this article will take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of artificial turf vs. natural grass. But, keep in mind that the exact benefits and drawbacks of grass vs. turf will depend on what kind of artificial turf you're dealing with because the type of infill material, brand, quality, and installation process of synthetic turf can greatly affect its performance.Advantages of Artificial GrassArtificial turf is an attractive grass alternative for many people because of the minimal upkeep it requires in exchange for a consistently picture-perfect yard to show off to your neighbors. However, artificial turf's positive qualities don't stop there.Here are just some of the benefits of artificial turf and grass installation:1. DurableArtificial turf is hardier than natural grass and able to stand up to the elements better. Instead of turning brown and going dormant during the winter, synthetic turf will look lush and green all year round. You never have to worry about your fake grass dying because of a drought, snowstorm or any other type of severe weather.Whether you enjoy playing lawn games in the summer or have children who like to roughhouse in the yard, your lawn goes through a lot. Artificial turf is more resilient than natural grass and will not show the effects of wear and tear as easily as grass yards. Its durability also means that artificial turf won't need to be replaced for upwards of 20 years.2. Non-AllergenicBecause artificial turf is fake, it does not have any of the pesky grass pollen that tends to aggravate allergies. With artificial turf, you can enjoy your yard sneeze-free no matter the season. In addition, those with allergies that flare up with fresh-cut grass won't have to dread the sound of a lawnmower.In addition to helping you breathe better, artificial turf can also improve your environment by conserving water usage. In fact, the combined effort of the 6,000 artificial turf fields in the United States right now is estimated to save as much as 6 billion gallons of water each year. This means that installing a material that doesn't require watering the lawn is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice.3. Return on InvestmentThe initial cost of artificial turf may cause some sticker shock, but artificial turf will ultimately save you both time and money in the long-run by not needing any fertilizers, watering, or additional care and maintenance costs. Fake grass is a cost-effective investment because it's extremely low-maintenance with hardly any extra expenses after the initial installation payment. And when it does come time for you to get a new turf surface, it's a far less expensive and easier process to go through than replacing an area of land with grass seeds or sod.As the years go on, you will receive compound interest on your investment as you save hours each week from caring for your lawn's grass. And without the need to schedule in a time to cut the grass, your weekends will be freer than ever.Disadvantages of Artificial TurfFor all its advantages, artificial turf installations are not perfect. It's important to take into account the potential drawbacks of using artificial turf before committing to replacing your natural grass with it.Depending on your circumstances, here are some reasons artificial turf might not be the right fit for your landscaping needs:1. Potential OdorsUnlike natural grass that you cut regularly, the top of your artificial turf is here to stay and will retain whatever mess or spill falls on it. If any type of messy material gets on your artificial turf without being cleaned up promptly and properly, it could fester and start to smell. Also, depending on what kind of infill used on your turf, your artificial grass could be prone to retaining odors like sweat.Those with pets should be especially wary of artificial turf's tendency to lock-in odors because it will make your lawn unable to drain away pet urine and its smell without a natural filtration system like grass. But there is a wide selection of artificial turf deodorizing products on the market along with a variety of natural home remedies to cure the smell of soiled synthetic turf, such as using vinegar to neutralize its odors.2. Toxic Run-OffIf your infill is made from crumb rubber, the water run-off from your artificial turf may leave behind a minimal level of toxic residue. This harmful residue could affect your family, pets or environment. Although the environmental impacts of rubber-based artificial turf still need to be studied further, rubber's tendency to leach a small degree of toxic contaminants should make those considering artificial turf cautious.However, there are many other, safer infill alternatives available nowadays, such as silica, sand or cork. Because these materials don't contain any tire rubber, you don't need to worry about the slightest trace of toxic residue from your artificial turf. Make sure you do your research into the type of synthetic turf you're getting before purchasing to protect your family's health.3. Surface HeatBefore purchasing artificial turf, think about how hot your climate can get. Because artificial turf holds more heat than natural grass, it has a tendency to heat up and get hot to the touch on warm days. However, some types of infill heat the surface of the turf more than others. On a clear, sunny day, artificial turf is 40 to 70 degrees hotter than the air temperature, making it hot enough to melt shoes, blister hands and feet or even induce dehydration and heatstroke.Artificial grass might start to melt under concentrated heat. Although artificial turf is easily repaired or replaced, fixing your fake grass could be burdensome if it becomes a regular occurrence, so think about what kind of climate you live in before making any grass decisions.Advantages of a Natural Grass LawnNow that you've considered the pro and cons of artificial grass, it's time to take a look at what a natural grass lawn has to offer. A natural grass lawn has multiple qualities that make it beneficial to both the environment and your health.Here are the main reasons that a natural grass lawn might be worth the extra lawn care effort:1. Environmental BenefitsYou can breathe easy with a natural grass lawn because grasses cleanse the air of dust, dirt and other impurities, such as carbon dioxide. After trapping these impurities within its blades, the grass then soaks up dew and precipitation to help push them down into its roots and back into the soil where dust and dirt reside, and pollutants get broken down by microbes.Natural grass lawns that capture carbon dioxide from the air convert it to a stable form of carbon dioxide through a process called carbon sequestration. This process prevents the carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere to add to greenhouse gases. Studies have found that, thanks to carbon sequestration, the average American grass lawn can store up to 300 pounds of carbon each year, which means your air quality may improve with a natural grass lawn.2. Improved Groundwater QualityIn addition to bettering the quality of your air, a natural grass lawn could help purify water pollutants as well. When mixed with the pollutants in the atmosphere, rain can become acidic and harmful to the environment. But, the soil microbes that exist in grasses break down these pollutants as they trickle from the blades to the root zone, restoring the rainwater closer to its original state.Along with boosting the quality of groundwater and limiting contamination of local water sources by filtering rainwater, natural grass can assist the absorption of rainfall by slowing down the flow of stormwater.3. Natural FeelNo matter how well artificial turf is designed, there's nothing like the feel of natural grass between your toes on a warm summer day. Being exposed to nature and outdoor greenery has been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension, increase the ability to pay attention and raise feelings of serenity and happiness. So that giddy feeling you get from walking barefoot on a nice, luscious natural grass lawn isn't all in your head.Getting an adequate amount of oxygen also enhances your mood, sleep, mental alertness and stamina, which may be why natural grass is so good for our mental health.Disadvantages of a Natural Grass LawnDespite the draw of natural grass, it comes with its fair share of drawbacks as well. Like anything that grows organically, a natural grass lawn invites the possibility of other living things that you might not want, such as invasive plant species or bugs, and requires continual nurturing to ensure its health.These are some of the top reasons you may want to consider making the switch from natural grass to artificial turf:1. PestsNatural grass can be an appealing home for a variety of lawn pests like ants, fleas, grass mites, worms and grubs. Among the most harmful of lawn pests to have, white grubs are notoriously the most harmful to your lawn because they feed off of the tender roots of natural lawn grass. Not just gross or annoying, lawn pests can seriously damage your yard by killing your grass.For these reasons, many people try to eliminate lawn pests as soon as possible, but this can often lead to the use of harmful pesticides. Because pesticides are intended to kill bugs or weeds, they are poisonous and toxic to other living organisms as well, including humans. All of the environmental benefits of natural grass mentioned above will not matter if that natural grass is coated in hazardous pesticides.2. DiscoloringDepending on the climate you live in, your natural grass lawn might not look nice and green for the majority of the year. Natural grass can quickly turn yellow or brown if its environment gets too cold or too hot. If you have many trees or shady sections of your yard, your lawn's discoloration could be due to uneven or spotty exposure to sunlight.Improper fertilization can also contribute to yellowing or thin grass, costing you extra money and time for no return. On rarer occasions, a lawn fungus is the culprit of discolored grass. If you have a natural grass lawn, you will have to be on the lookout for aggressive species, like various types of fungi, as well as lawn pests like grubs. Along with discoloring, heavy foot traffic on your lawn may result in muddy or worn-down patches of grass.3. Routine MaintenanceOne of the main reasons people choose artificial turf instead of natural grass is the maintenance that natural grass requires to appear healthy and green. If you want a plush natural grass lawn, you will need to dedicate several hours per week to keep it well-watered, pest-free and an appropriate length. Any level of neglect, and your natural grass lawn can quickly deteriorate into an unsightly, withered mess.You might feel like you have to stick with natural grass because that's how your lawn was when you originally bought your house or you're not sure how to incorporate artificial turf into your landscaping. However, you have many options when it comes to the type of lawn you can have.Request a Landscaping Consultation With Dragonetti Brothers LandscapingIf you're stuck between wanting a reliably beautiful, low-maintenance lawn and a healthy, all-natural yard, contact Dragonetti Brothers Landscaping to schedule a landscaping consultation. As a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience, we're experts in what your lawn needs. We'll help you determine what type of grass-care is right for your area and how to decide whether natural grass vs. artificial turf is right for you.Because we specialize in both residential and commercial landscaping services, no job is too big or too small for Dragonetti Brothers. Whether interior or exterior, we'll walk you through each step of planning and installing your landscape design.If you're in the Brooklyn, Queens or Manhattan area, call Dragonetti Brothers at 718-451-1300 today to set up your free landscaping consultation today.

Easy and Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Beginners

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 13:49:00 GMT

What Is a Rain Garden?

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:10:00 GMT

Landscaping on a Budget

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 13:52:00 GMT

Landscaping for Curb Appeal

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 15:42:00 GMT

NYC Community Gardens

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 14:00:00 GMT

How to Prepare a Garden for Winter

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 11:51:00 GMT

Summer Landscape Ideas

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 23:10:00 GMT

Summer Lawn Maintenance Tips

dragonetti@gilmedia.ca (Nick Dragonetti) — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 23:04:00 GMT