Adam's needle (Yucca filamentosa) is a broadleaf, ornamental, stemless, evergreen shrub that is often used in Southwest themed landscapes. It is related to many other commonly grown cacti and succulents. The plant features a basal rosette of rigid, sword-shaped deep green leaves edged with curly filaments. It peaks in midsummer with a dramatic flowering stalk reaching 5-8 feet high and bearing bell-shaped creamy white flowers. Adam’s needle is excellent for beds, borders and gardens and can make a good specimen for large containers. It goes well with boulders, rocks and stone patios. It is virtually pest and disease free as well as deer and rabbit resistant. #adamsneedle #yucca # filamentosa
Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) bloom continuously throughout summer and then change color in fall with blues turning wine-red and whites changing to pale green. They also change color depending on the pH of the soil. Acidic soils produce blue flowers while more alkaline soils make the flowers pink. White hydrangea color is not affected by the soil pH. Bigleaf Hydrangeas can be cultivated in several shades including pink, red, blue, purple and even in mixed colors. They are perfect for foundation plantings or as an accent plant. They make effective hedges and are great for seaside gardens as they can withstand wind and salt. #bigleafhydrangea #hydrangea #colorfulplants
Brazilian Jasmine (Mandevilla sanderi) is an ornamental perennial vine native to South America. It has long, woody stems and climbs by twining around some support. The funnel-shaped white, pink or red flowers are large with 5-parted rounded lobes and bloom from summer to early winter. Leaves are oval, rich green and shiny The potted plant is ideal for decorating living rooms, but also balconies and terraces. If planted outdoors, the tubular showy flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Be sure to provide a trellis or some other support. The plants are also great for planting under mailboxes. Brazilian Jasmine is very toxic for animals and humans — so be careful where you plant them if you have pets or children. #brazilianjasmine #mandevillasanderi #ornamentalvines
China Rose (Rosa chinensis), as the name suggests, is native to China where they have been cultivated for over a thousand years. It is one of the most cultivated ornamental hybrids of all time… and the origin of many of the modern roses today. The blooms come in many different colors including red, pink, yellow, white, blue, and even black. They are very popular in bouquets because each color can be used to signify and symbolize something different. The flowers are compact as buds, that gradually turn bushy with silky petals and add a colorful touch to any landscape. They usually bloom from summer to the end of fall and are popular for both their color and their fragrance. China Rose can be planted in clusters in gardens and scenic spots and fill small spaces brilliantly. They are also ideal for patios and do well in containers. They are easy to take care of and are resistant to most pests and diseases. Fertilize lightly in November and trim any diseased, withered and overgrown branches in late winter. #chinarose #rosachinensis #hybridroses #ornamentalplants
A beautiful lawn is not an accident!
Prepare your lawn for next year with Almstead's Fall Lawn Services…
The heat and drought this summer has been very challenging for lawns in our region — making them more susceptible to fungus, root pathogens and brown grass (early dormancy). Now is the right time to think about caring for your lawn in 2021. At Almstead, we customize our programs to meet the needs of our lawns and our clients. We offer traditional lawn care, fully organic programs and organic-based options. Just contact us for a complimentary consultation with an arborist. #lawncare #falllawncare #coreaeration #overseeding
African Marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are beautiful easy-to-grow annuals. Despite their common name they are actually native to Mexico and Central America. The Aztecs used them as medicine and for ceremonial offerings to the sun gods. In Mexico, they are placed on altars on The Day of the Dead. African Marigolds come in in warm array of colors — including creamy white, yellow, orange and rusty red — that can brighten any landscape. Even without the flowers, they have an appealing deep green foliage. The plants bloom from early summer until frost and require very little maintenance. The scent of marigolds is said to repel harmful insects, rabbits and deer — but they are susceptible to powdery mildew, root rot and other soil-born fungal issues. Tall varieties may need staking, and spent flowers should be promptly deadheaded, as flower heads are heavy and can cause stems to snap.
#africanmarigolds #tageteserecta
Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Company
October 8 at 9:08 PM ·
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is considered one of the most spectacular native flowering trees in our region. It is a single or multi-trunked deciduous tree with a spreading crown and showy white and pink blooms during spring and summer. In fall it slowly develops red fruits and scarlet-red foliage (as seen emerging here). #floweringdogwood #cornusflorida
Great article on the challenges facing our trees and forests and the need for more arborists. We’ve been talking to our clients for years about the issues mentioned here and how they affect our landscapes. We’re glad this topic is getting national recognition. And yes, we have careers available at all our branch offices (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut). Please contact us for more information or to apply.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/07/climate/new-england-trees-forests.html
NYTIMES.COM
New England’s Forests Are Sick. They Need More Tree Doctors.
The American Chestnut Research and Restoration Center (ACRRC) has worked on a transgenic American Chestnut that is resistant to the blight. Their research has currently reached a public commentary phase with the USDA. People can write a brief comment on why they want to see the Chestnut project continue to the USDA website. After that, it will head on to the EPA for their approval…
https://www.morningagclips.com/american-chestnut-restoration-project-in-usda-public-commentary-period/
MORNINGAGCLIPS.COM
American Chestnut Restoration Project in USDA public commentary period
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is considered one of the most spectacular native flowering trees in our region. It is a single or multi-trunked deciduous tree with a spreading crown and showy white and pink blooms during spring and summer. In fall it slowly develops red fruits and scarlet-red foliage (as seen emerging here). #floweringdogwood #cornusflorida
Hetz Midget Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz's Midget') is a small evergreen bush in the cypress family that grows to a maximum height of 3 feet tall and the same or a little more across. It is a great choice for a no-maintenance evergreen bush. Plant it around a house or in a line around a larger section of the garden. It is ideal for small gardens because it will never outgrow its allotted space. The leaves will always remain green, no matter how cold it gets and is tolerant of urban conditions. It has no significant pest or disease issues. If you are looking for a plant with zero maintenance, this is a good choice.
White Panicle Aster (Symphyotrichum lanceolatum) is a species of flowering plant with white petals and a yellow center that is native to North America. The flowers are located in small groups at the tips of stems while the leaves are narrow and lance-like. October is their peak season for blooming. White Panicle Aster is also known as the “Day of the Dead Flower” in Mexico because it is used to decorate graves in early November for the “Dia De Los Muertos” ceremony which honors those who have died. It is a favorite of many pollinators like birds, bees and butterflies. The plant was used as a medicine by the native Americans to treat a number of illnesses. #panicledaster #whitepanicleaster #wildflowers
Northern Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) is a plant with big, beautiful violet-blue flowers that have a central yellow or white patch. The leaves are sword-shaped and veined. The genus name, Iris, is after the Greek goddess of the rainbow. Different varieties bloom at different times allowing for a lengthy bloom season. Although it is an ornamental plant it is considered an invasive species because it can spread quickly in the wild. #irisflower #northernblueflagiris
Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) is a graceful and elegant tree or shrub and an excellent choice for most gardens. They offers year-round interest and beauty. Many cultivars are available with different characteristics, from tree size to leaf shape and color. They range in size from 2 to 30 feet tall and come in in forms that can be weeping, rounded, dwarf, mounding, upright, or cascading. Their foliage can be palm-shaped or delicate and lacy in a variety of colors that change with the season. They are great for planting on terraces, patios or courtyards and can even grow in large pots. #japanesemaples
Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria) is native to South America but grows abundantly in our area from summer to the end of fall. They are often used in mixed flower bouquets because of their dazzling colors and their enduring quality, but they can also brighten gardens, borders and containers. The flowers are funnel-shaped with warm brown freckles and come in a variety of colors including pink, orange, red, yellow, white and purple. They have few issues with pests or disease — but are likely to rot if they sit in too much water, so plant them in well-drained, fertile soil. #peruvianlily #alstroemeria
Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana) is a small scrubby evergreen tree or shrub that can grow well even in eroded or dry soil. Even though it has irregular and scraggly branches and prickly cones, it can be used as a Christmas Tree if pruned. It is small compared to other pines, growing 15 to 40 ft. tall with a diameter of 8 to 14 inches. The plant can be utilized as a specimen plant because of its interesting form and numerous persistent cones. It is also resistant to damage by deer. Although Virginia Pine is not usually grown in landscapes, it is a useful tree to plant when vacant acreage is present because it can grow beautifully in almost any soil. #virginiapine
Plumed Cockscomb (Celosia argentea) is an exotic plant with a feather-duster look and plumes that come in colors ranging from electric reds, yellows, pinks, and oranges to more subtle sand tones. They make superb dried specimens and last a long time after they are cut. The Plumed Cockscomb is perfect for garden borders and when planted between taller plants can create a burst of dazzling color near ground level. They bloom from summer to fall. #plumedcockscomb #celosiaargentea #driedflowers
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum) is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant, with the classic daisy appearance of white petals around a yellow disc and are one of America’s most beloved garden flowers. It was developed over a 17-year period (and introduced in 1901) by California plant breeder, Luther Burbank, who wanted to develop wild daisies for use as garden flowers. He envisioned the ideal daisy as one that would have very large pure white flowers, smooth stems, early and persistent blooming, good keeping quality as a cut flower and sturdiness as a garden plant. Shasta daisies return like clockwork ever year in spring or early summer and bloom until fall. They are capable of spreading very quickly so keep them away from wild areas. The other flowers in the pictures are Pink Periwinkle’ Vinca and Bergundy Mums.
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidate) is a popular and versatile evergreen shrub. It makes a good foundation or accent plant and its dark green leaves create a good background for colorful shrubs and perennials. There are numerous cultivars of Japanese Yew available and it can vary greatly in size — from large trees to smaller shrubs that make great trimmed hedges — and can be massed together to create a screen or used as a border. There are no serious insect or disease problems associated with Japanese Yew, but it can be susceptible to winter burn. The leaves, seeds, and bark of yews are very poisonous so keep children and pets away from it. #japaneseyew
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) is a deciduous tree that was brought to America in the 1930s and 1940s to replace shade trees lost to Dutch Elm Disease. It is very common in our region but is now considered an invasive species. Norway Maple grows to between 40-60 feet in height. It has very shallow roots and produces a great deal of shade which makes it difficult for grass and other plants to thrive in the understory below. Although the tree has beautiful fall foliage, homeowners hate the fact that it produces a lot of falling leaves and branches. Substitute Norway Maple with Sugar Maple or Red Maple which also have striking fall color. #norwaymaple
Almstead VP, Michael Almstead, will present a virtual discussion titled "Right Tree Right Place" this evening at Lewisboro Library in South Salem, NY. The discussion will address a variety of challenges that homeowners face – from what to plant, how to handle diseased trees, what to do about trees and power lines and finally, storm damage in our area and its impact on tree selection.
Aster is a general name for a range of flowering plants in the large Asteraceae family that includes coneflowers, chicory, daisies, sunflowers, yarrow, and zinnias. Purple Asters are eye-catching and can brighten up any fall garden. They are great for beds, but can also be used in natural, wildflower plantings, in containers, and can be grown for cut flowers. Asters attract bees and butterflies, providing them with an important late-season supply of nectar. #asterflowers #asteraceae #fallflowers
Ornamental Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is a great plant to grow in a garden, whether it is to harvest or just to admire. The attractive foliage looks wonderful by itself, in groups, or mixed with other flowers or plants such as carrots or sweet corn. They can also be planted along walkways. Mixing green and purple-leaf varieties can also provide a visual surprise. Cabbage is a cool-season plant that looks as good as it tastes. Watch for butterflies that lay eggs which hatch into small green caterpillars that eat unsightly holes in the leaves. There are a multitude of ways to eat cabbage. Shredded cabbage can be mixed into salads or made into coleslaw. Large cabbage leaves can be stuffed while pickling cabbage or turning it into sauerkraut are other uses for this versatile and attractive plant. #cabbage #edibleplants
Happy Halloween!
Dead Man’s Finger is a black, finger-shaped mushroom found near the base of a tree or on dead wood that can resemble the fingers of a corpse reaching out from the ground. It is caused by the fungus Xylaria polymorpha and may indicate a serious problem with the tree. It has a preference for apple, maple, beech, locust and elm trees, but it can also invade a variety of ornamental trees and shrubs. The fungus is a result of a problem, not the cause, because it does not invade healthy wood. Trees that are under stress from disease, moisture and light deprivation, etc. are the targets of the fungus. The black Dead Man’s Finger mushrooms which develops in tufts of 3-6 “fingers” are the fruiting bodies (reproductive stage) of the fungi. When Dead Man’s Finger grows out of decaying wood (stumps or logs of dead trees) it is actually performing an important function of cleaning up and ridding forests of dead wood. #deadmansfingers #arborists #creepymushrooms
There are several advantages to winter pruning. They include a clearer view of potential defects for arborists and technicians working in trees and reduced, if not eliminated, spread of disease during pruning as trees are dormant in winter. The hard ground in winter also makes it easier for our vehicles and equipment to get within working distance of the tree. So, it takes less time for us to prune your trees — which can save you money!
For more information and to contact us for a complimentary consultation please visit almstead.com/winterpruning or call your local branch office.
Almstead Tree and Shrub Care is a second-generation, family-owned arboriculture firm that has been offering environmentally conscious services the NY, NJ, and CT tri-state area since 1964. We are a TCIA accredited company that values our employee’s professional aspirations, career development, safety and quality of life.
We are looking for passionate professionals who want to enhance their career! We offer generous compensation, year-round work, paid time off, health and retirement benefits, inclusive company culture and so much more! If you are ready to enjoy going to work every day, come grow with us!
Basic Function
Work with the latest technology and information in treating our customers’ Lawn Care problems. Identify different grass and weed types, as well as indicators of possible lawn health problems. Evaluate, monitor and treat for weed, insect, disease, soil, and cultural conditions. Work closely with arborists, providing critical feedback and recommending the appropriate treatments to lawn care problems.
Responsibilities
Diagnose insect, disease, and cultural/environmental conditions
Evaluate recommended treatment options
Ensure proper filling/mixing procedures and material dilution
Understand and operate state-of-the-art equipment
Learn/understand insect & disease life cycles, nutrient cycles, plant biology, and soil biology
Properly apply fertilizers, weed control and other materials to client lawns.
Perform accurate and timely recordkeeping
Maintain safe and controlled work environment
Adhere to company safety, state and local regulations; operate, calibrate and maintain equipment
Maintain open communication with consulting arborists and clients to provide feedback on lawn care issues
Work as part of plant health care or tree care crew during slow seasons
ALMSTEAD TREE & SHRUB CARE COMPANY
Turf Care Specialist
Expert care that is timely, consistent, and customized for your property.
We are mailing out our 2021 Plant Health Care (PHC) and Lawn Care Contracts this month. Please sign and return them us soon as possible. Let us know if you haven’t received your contracts by the end of January.
"Despite the corpse flower’s fame, its future is uncertain. The roughly 500 specimens that were living in botanical gardens and some university and private collections as of 2019 are deeply related — a lack of genetic diversity that can make them more vulnerable to a host of problems, such as disease or a changing climate."
https://undark.org/2021/01/11/breathing-life-into-the-corpse-flower/
UNDARK.ORG
Breathing Life Into the Corpse Flower
Mexico’s Via Verde creates vertical gardens in cities - green spaces that generate oxygen, improve air quality, reduce urban heat islands and provide psychological benefits to highly populated cities.
https://youtu.be/DsPWirhb-PM
YOUTUBE.COM
Mexico has an incredible, recycled garden on a highway | Ways to Change the World
They existed on earth long before the flowering or cone-bearing plants evolved, and were a significant element of the earth’s flora during the Carboniferous period 300-360 million years ago, when conditions for plant growth were near ideal.
https://theconversation.com/tree-ferns-are-older-than-dinosaurs-and-thats-not-even-the-most-interesting-thing-about-them-138435
THECONVERSATION.COM
Tree ferns are older than dinosaurs. And that's not even the most interesting thing about them