Can anyone suggest a nursery in Southern Westchester? (Scarsdale, Aurora: buy, pre-k)

[jyyanks]

I am a terrible gardener with a black thumb and truth be told, have never planted anything in my life aside from a pumpkin seed back in pre-k that didn't make it past a week. However, after years of renovating the inside of my house, I think I am ready to tackle the outside, albeit with a shoestring budget.

I can't afford a landscape designer but I would like to talk to a knowledgeable person who can walk me through what plants I should consider for my space. I will plant them myself, I just don't know what type of plants can grow in this area, what plants require very little maintenance, which ones are perennials etc. I heard from people that some nurseries will be willing to help you choose plants if you buy the plants from them, which I am willing to do. Can anyone recommend a good nursery in southern Westchester with a helpful and knowledgeable staff?

Ideally, I am looking for perennials that can grow in full sun and that are hardy and easy to grow. I prefer flowering plans that will bloom in early summer and I don't really care about color. If anyone here can recommend plants, I'd appreciate that as well.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Dockside]

I have the opposite of a green thumb too. The best trick I've found is use the nursery closest to your house. They will be intimately familiar with the conditions in your area, from soil to bugs to deer. Local nurseries are often competitive pricewise too.

[karen824]

The best one I know of is Sprainbrook Nursery:
Sprainbrook Nursery Home
(They have a Scarsdale address but I believe they are really in Edgemont.) It's a big place with a very good selection and very knowledgeable staff. Also, they are very much in favor of organic methods which I think is always a plus!
I am in full agreement with you about perennials! Some that grow well in southern Westchester and require little upkeep are day lilies, black-eyed Susans and any type of daisy. My Dad lives in Scarsdale and his whole garden now is pretty much made up of day lilies. They come up faithfully year after year. Peonies also seem to do well although they require a bit more work--you have to tie them back and prune them a little.
We have also had surprisingly good luck with roses, which some say are high-maintenance, but ours seem to grow just fine with adequate sun and water.
Good luck!

[jyyanks]

Thank you both for taking the time to respond and for the very helpful advice (and PM)

I will check out both places-I happen to love peonies, lilies and daisies so I'm glad you mentioned them. I like roses too but am a bit afraid because I've hears they are a bit tough.

I'm off to hunt for some plants/flowers. Thanks again!

[AurorainTarrytown]

We had good luck at Rosedale in Hawthorne. Keep in mind that if you have a large deer population you will be limited in what plants will survive
Don't have much advice re. plants, but good luck!

[jyyanks]

Thanks Aurora - I actually do have deer so that's something I didn't even consider. Rosdeale is right off the Saw Mill right? Thanks for the suggestion!

[AurorainTarrytown]

Originally Posted by jyyanks

Thanks Aurora - I actually do have deer so that's something I didn't even consider. Rosdeale is right off the Saw Mill right? Thanks for the suggestion!

Yes, it's just off the Saw Mill. Actually, you can see it from the Saw Mill. Here are the directions. The year we moved in (2005) I planted tulips. The deer left them alone the following spring. Since then they come up every year but the deer eat the buds as soon as they are visible. I have had good luck with daffodils. Last year I planted one allium and they did leave this alone this past spring. Crocuses (Croci?) have been a mixed bag for me. Bear in mind we have deer in our yard every single day. I'm sure there are much more accomplished gardeners on here that could give you better advice.