FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

GARDEN TIP OF THE WEEK

Growing Beautiful Annuals in Containers
If you think annuals are only for flowerbeds, you're missing out. Wherever you grow annuals, they will reward you with beautiful colors, bright foliage, and soothing fragrances all season long. But when you plant them in containers, they provide even more benefits..... Read More..

Stop and Smell the Rose Garden This Mother's Day
It's a popular tradition to buy Mom roses for Mother's Day. No other flower can communicate such a range of meaning and emotion. This year, why not consider giving her some roses that will last for years.... Read More..

Spring Lawn Maintenance
Growing a great lawn is very easy--not as complicated as you think. This spring has been cold for working out in your garden but it is warming up--so if you haven't already, start now to get the thick lush lawn you have always dreamed of... Read More..

Want a Burst of Spring Color?
After a long, cold winter, a splash of vibrant color is just what your yard needs. Embrace spring time and consider these popular Flowering Cherries. These trees produce a range of colors from bright white to deep pink and crimson leaves. Adding these rich colors to your landscape are the best way to welcome Spring with open arms-or open leaves that is.. Read More..

5 REASONS TO WARM UP TO COOL VEGETABLES

Be the first on your block with fresh, homegrown vegetables.
Save cold, hard cash vs. supermarket prices.
Great way to extend the growing season.
Fewer problems with insects and heat stress.
Great way to get kids outside gardening and eating their veggies!

Read More..

GUIDE TO STARTING YOUR OWN SEEDS
One of the best ways to enjoy gardening to the maximum is by starting your annuals, vegetables, or perennials by seed. It is also the best way to spend time with your kids and teach them about nature and how things grow. Another benefit of starting your own plants by seed is that it can save you $$$$. A package of seeds is much less expensive then buying an already grown flowering plant or vegetable and the amount of veggies one can grow in their garden is usually more then they will ever need or eat. This can work to your advantage at the supermarket. Read More..

Salt Water Damage On Lawns and Garden Beds
Salt water damage is a fact of life with many of us living so close to the ocean and bays of beautiful Long Island. A storm surge from a hurricane or heavy rain can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden beds. Read More..

The History of Jack-O-Lanterns
The history of Jack-O'-Lantern goes back hundreds of years--and it did not start out with our traditional pumpkin. The Irish were the first to use Jack-O'-Lanterns as a symbol of Halloween to scare off evil spirits like Stingy Jack. They used turnips, potatoes or beets instead of the pumpkins we use today. Read More..

Bringing Your Houseplants Back Inside for the Fall
As we close in on the first frost, it is time for you to bring your houseplants back inside from their summer vacation on your deck or patio. The best time to do this is now in early October.”. Read More..

Dig Drop Done - Do It Yourself Is In
Everything in the media now is promoting doing it yourself. This is the “do it yourself” generation. Watch television and you see show after show on home improvement, cooking, and gardening. The flowering bulb industry has followed this trend by promoting a great learning campaign called “Dig Drop Done”. Read More..

Ornamental Peppers
With the dog days of summer behind us and the cool days of fall ahead, now is the time to freshen up our planters and landscape with the colors of fall. One great way to do this is with the unique ornamental pepper plant. Read More..

Mum's the Word
Chrysanthemums, or just plain mums, are the backbone of the Fall American Garden. Their autumn colors are a welcome addition to the landscape as your summer flowers begin to fade into the September sunset. This is a great flowering perennial that gives you a burst of color that can handle the cool days and evenings of the autumn months. The best part is that they are easy to grow. Read More...

Why Is My Lawn Coming Out? You Have GRUBS!!!
It's that time again! Customers come into the garden center holding clumps of their precious grass in their hands like a balding guy holds his hair as it falls out of his head. Don't worry, all is not lost. This is very easy to correct and much less painful then getting hair implants. Follow these easy steps to get your lawn back to health and rid yourselves of grubs for a healthy lawn that you can be proud of....... Read More...

Our Plan For 2013 Spring Flowering Bulbs
My fellow Americans, I accept your nomination for President of the United States. I have a plan called The Dees' 6-6-6 Spring Bulb Initiative that will get you the perfect early spring garden. I know it sounds crazy to think of spring 2013, but fall is the time to plant flowering bulbs like Daffodils, Tulips, and Hyacinths for color in your garden next year. If you plant these beauties in groups of six, six inches deep, you will have awesome color in six months. Sounds simple doesn't it? Now I need to push this through Congress so I can sign it into law...... Read More...

Early Fall Gardening Tips
Labor Day Weekend is here and the best months of the year are upon us. September and October are great for many things. The weather is cool and it's a great time for sports. The final stretch of Baseball, US Open Tennis, Football starts, and the most important, NY Islander Hockey will start again. I am ready for another run at the Stanley Cup. (Hey, I can dream!) It is also time for back to work and back to school after what was hopefully a great summer vacation, where everybody goes back refreshed. This is also the perfect time to re-start your garden after the dog days of summer. For the next couple of weeks I am going to send some ideas on plants you can use to freshen up your garden after the summer..... Read More...

Back to School…It's a Bed Bug's Life
Joe DiDominica, The Dees' Nursery & Florist Inc.
This past week I had my nieces Rachel, Alison, Danielle, Julie, Erin, and Anna as well as my nephews Steve and Doug go off to college. Five of them are going for the first time! Of course I told them all to study hard and get good grades, have fun and keep out of as much trouble as possible. I also warned them of the blood sucking bed bugs that could be lurking about in their dorm rooms.... Read More...

Tomato Alert! Blossom End Rot
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Now that we are in the dog days of summer, all the little hiccups that can affect your flowers and veggies have shown up. One of the most common things we see this time of year on tomatoes is blossom end rot. Don't worry; you don't have a disease that is going to destroy your crop. This is nothing more than a nutrient deficiency..... Read More...

Steps to Follow When Planting Trees and Shrubs
Hampshire Cooperative Extension
Most woody ornamentals are purchased as container-grown or balled-and-burlap (B&B) plants. Container plants are usually grown in a mix containing peat and bark, with either sand, vermiculite, or perlite. B&B stock are grown in a variety of field soil types with some amendments.... Read More...

Disease Alert: Downy Mildew on Impatiens
Joe D, Dees Nursery
By far, the most popular flowering plants we sell at The Dees' are impatiens. Because of this, I need to warn you of a deadly disease that is attacking them this year called downy mildew. Downy mildew is a very destructive disease leading to the eventual defoliation and failure of impatiens in the landscape. IT IS NOT A PROBLEM ON NEW GUINEA IMPATIENS, just the common bedding impatiens, double impatiens, and fusion impatiens (walleriana varieties)... Read More...

Lawn Disease Prevention
Joe D, Dees Nursery
We have been very fortunate this year, with the cool temperatures. Now that the summer heat has decided to show up, you need to keep an eye out for the lawn diseases that can attack your grass. Hopefully you have already put down a preventive lawn disease control application. If not, you may want to consider doing it immediately... Read More...

How To Prepare Soil For A Garden
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Before you plant, consider using landscape fabric. This will prevent weeds from germinating but lets the water flow thru.. Read More...

Disease Alert: Cedar Apple Rust
Joe D, Dees Nursery
With all the rain we have had the last few days many people have come into us with samples of their junipers with a substance on the branches that looks like orange marmalade. Don’t worry, there isn’t a nut going around spreading jam on your bushes. It is a fungus disease called cedar apple rust. Read More...

Bringing Your Houseplants Back Inside for the Fall
Joe D, Dees Nursery
October 4, 2011
As we close in on the first frost, it is time for you to bring your houseplants back inside from their summer vacation on your deck or patio. The best time to do this is between Mid September and Mid October. Read More...

Verticillium Wilt On Tomatoes
Joe D, Dees Nursery
July 14, 2011
Verticillium wilt is a widespread soil bourne fungus that can be present in most soils of the northeast and is very common in attacking tomatoes. It thrives in cool moist soil but usually doesn't reveal its ugly self until the weather turns warm and dry. Read More...

Black Spot and Aphids on Roses
Joe D, Dees Nursery
June 23, 2011
Like clockwork customers are coming into the store with branches of their roses wondering why they are turning yellow and the leaves are falling off. It's that time of year when roses get blackspot or are attacked by aphids. Read More...

Mushrooms in your Lawn
Joe D, Dees Nursery
June 23, 2011
I had a customer email me this week in a panic because mushrooms had sprouted up all over her lawn. I am sure many of you have had this same problem on your lawn at one point or another and wondered, "How did those get there?" Read More...

Lawn Fungus
Joe D, Dees Nursery
June 16, 2011
I had many customers come into the garden center this week swearing their brown lawns were caused by grubs. Brown lawns can be caused by several things. It could be lack of water, insects, or fungus. Read More...

Spider Mites
Joe D, Dees Nursery
June 16, 2011
I was out working in my garden on Tuesday, and noticed that usual brownish tinge coming from my 3 beautiful Alberta Spruce's that I have. So I went over and did the loose leaf test and my suspicion was correct. I have spider mites! Read More...

ARTICLES

Black Spot And Aphids on Roses
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Like clockwork, customers are coming into the store with branches of their roses wondering why they are turning yellow and the leaves are falling off. It's that time of year when roses get blackspot or are attacked by aphids. Read More...

How to Control Gnats and Mosquitos
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Gnats and mosquitoes are almost everywhere. Even though humans are the most intelligent living things to ever inhabit the earth, we still have not figured out a way to eradicate them from the face of the planet. Most experts and entomologists agree eliminating them is pretty much an impossible task. That being said...my friends, they are here to stay Read More...

Spider Mites
Joe D, Dees Nursery
I was out working in my garden on Tuesday, and noticed that usual brownish tinge coming from the three beautiful Alberta Spruces that I have. So I went over and did the loose leaf test, and my suspicion was correct. I have spider mites! Read More...

Calibrachoa (Million Bells Petunias)
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Calibrachoa flowers are also known as "million bells" because of the hundreds of blooms it produces in a wide range of colors. The Calibrachoa is a fast growing compact annual that works great in hanging baskets and window boxes because of their trailing branches. A very heat and cold tolerant plant, they will make a beautiful addition to your containers, hanging baskets, window boxes or garden beds. Read More...

Happy Mother's Day From All Of Us At Dees'!
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Roses have gotten a bad rap the last few years as being high maintenance and difficult to grow. This is not the case anymore. Today there are varieties called "Hasslefree Roses" and they are disease resistant. Just plant, fertilize and water. No more constant pruning, dusting, or spraying. These roses produce continuous long lasting, fragrant blooms. They truly are hassle-free. Read More...

Black Krim Tomatoes
Joe D, Dees Nursery
The 'Black Krim' heirloom tomato plant is one of the most unusual tomatoes around. It has a deep, dark red color that looks almost black and a deep reddish-green interior color. It is the most reliable of the "black" tomato plants. Read More...

Croton
Joe D, Dees Nursery
The croton, known mostly as a popular houseplant with spectacular multi colored foliage, has been making its way outdoors. Crotons make a great addition to an outdoor planter combination or as beautiful foliage in your garden beds. Read More...

Impatiens
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Impatiens may be one of the best flowering annuals that exist today. Most of us have probably used them in our gardens at one point or another. The reason impatiens are so great is because they are super easy to grow, and are one of the few annuals that give you a full blast of color in shady areas. People ask me all the time, "is there anything else that will grow as well as impatiens?" My answer, "nothing grows like impatiens!" Read More...

Spring Lawn Maintenance
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Growing a great lawn is very easy--not as complicated as you think. This spring has been perfect for working out in your garden. Start now to get the thick lush lawn you have always dreamed of. Read More...

Flowering Shrub 'Bloomerang' Lilac
Joe D, Dees Nursery
For years the Lilac has been a staple of the American home landscape. The main drawback of this beauty was that it teased you with amazing fragrant blooms for only a few short weeks in the spring. Now, thanks to some great horticulturists at Spring Meadow, they have produced a Lilac that stays in bloom not only in the spring but also through the summer and into the fall. It's called the 'Bloomerang!'Read More...

Why Applying Lime to the Lawn So Important
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Many of our customers come into Dees' in March and April and start asking us about getting their lawn started for the spring. After purchasing an annual lawn fertilizer program many people forget an important step in the successful lawn process and that is applying lime to the grass. Read More...

Insect Prevention
Joe D, Dees Nursery
The warm winter we have just experienced has been great. This year we saved our backs by no shoveling and saved our wallets by not using as much heat. Probably the best part about the great winter we just had is that spring has started much earlier then last year. Your pansies and cool weather veggies are already in the ground and many of you are already asking for tomatoes! Now, all of this is great but it also means one thing. Insects will be out in force this growing season--and they have already started. Read More...

Ranunculus
Joe D, Dees Nursery
This spring, you really want to get a head start in your garden. You start by raking up all the leaves left over from the fall. You turn over the soil in all your flower beds and prepare the veggie garden by adding the peat moss, compost, and cow manure. When you step back and look, it doesn't look like you did much, because there is no color in your garden yet, because it is still way too early to plant your impatiens or tomatoes. Now you can do something about it. Plant a great early season cool-weather bloomer like Ranunculus. Read More...

Pansies
Joe D, Dees Nursery
I know spring has arrived when the first crop of pansies comes through the door here at Dees'. Pansies have become the most popular early season flowers--and for good reason. They have been bred to be able to better withstand the crazy temperature swings of March and April. The name pansy comes from the French word "pensie," meaning deep thought or remembrance. Read More...

Trees for the Troops 2011
Joe D, Dees Nursery
The war in Iraq has officially ended and American troops are leaving that country--for good, we hope. It has been 8 years since the mystery woman came into Dees' and asked Tom Sr. if he could get a Christmas tree sent to her son, who had just been sent over to a very dangerous part of the world. It has been 8 years since our great customer Jim Adelis, whose own son was soon to be sent to the war zone, was told of the mystery lady. Luckily for us, he and his company Adelis International Security, based out of JFK, knew Cathy O'Reilly and the team at DHL Logistics and Freight Company. Read More...

Fun Facts About Christmas Trees
Joe D, Dees Nursery
There are approximately 30-35 million live Christmas Trees sold in the United States every year.
The average time to grow a standard 7-8 ft live Christmas tree is 7-10 years.
There are a half billion Christmas trees growing on farms across the United States, all grown by farmers. Read More...

The Dees' Christmas Tree Farm & Annual Trees for the Troops
Joe D, Dees Nursery
In the United States, the tradition of the Christmas tree only started to take roots in the late 1700's to early 1800's when German settlers brought the tradition over from Europe. Rumor has it that German Hessian soldiers, hired by the British during the American Revolution, were the first to display a Christmas tree. During the Christmas season they paid little attention to their military duties and more to celebrating and thus became easy prey for George Washington and his troops. You might say that the Christmas tree had a small influence in the colonies gaining their freedom. Read More...

The History of The Poinsettia
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Most people don't realize this, but the poinsettia is the most recognized plant on the planet. Its origins date back centuries to Mexico where the Aztecs would use the sap from the plant for medicinal purposes as well as making a dye out of the red leaves, which are also called bracts. The Aztecs called the poinsettia Cuetlaxochitl. In nature, poinsettias are tropical, so you unfortunately cannot plant them outside in New York during the holidays. Read More...

Bird Seed Bonanza
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Nothing completes a beautiful landscape better than the sound of chirping birds. It may surprise you that this is a very popular hobby across the United States, especially on Long Island since the most wildlife any of us see around these parts is the squirrel. Even though birds can adapt to severe weather and shortages of food, having a bird feeder in your yard during the colder months is sure to get a wide variety of colorful song birds hanging around your house. Many of you come into Dees and see the huge selection of bird seed we carry but you may not know the benefits of each. Read More...

Bird Feeder Basics
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Just because the growing season is winding down doesn’t mean you need to be finished in your yard. As it gets colder and the natural sources of food for birds dwindle, we need to help our feathered friends and supplement their diets with birdseed, suet, water, and nectar in quality feeders. Feeding the birds can also create a great opportunity for you and your family to enjoy bird watching and nature from the comfort of your home. Read More...

How to Repot Houseplants
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Houseplants are a lot like people. They are living breathing things that want to grow. The roots of a plant are like the feet on a person. When a person's feet grow they need to get larger shoes and the same holds true for your houseplants. As they get larger the root system will grow and you will need a new planter to accommodate the houseplant's bigger "feet". Read More...

Firewood
Joe D, Dees Nursery
As we get into the cooler nights of fall and head into winter, there is nothing better then starting a perfect fire in the living room or out on your deck in the fire pit. The scent of the open fire reminds me of being in the woods of Maine. I am sure many of you have similar memories.I have noticed over the last few weeks many advertisements of “cheap” wood for sale. I want to educate our customer of the differences of our firewood and what you see being sold. You need to know there is a big difference. Read More...

Hardy Mums (Chrysanthemums)
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Chrysanthemums, or just plain mums, are the backbone of the Fall American Garden. Their autumn colors are a welcome addition to the landscape as your summer flowers begin to fade into the September sunset. This is a great flowering perennial that gives you a burst of color that can handle the cool days and evenings of the autumn months. The best part is that they are easy to grow. Read More...

Astilbe (Vision Series)
Joe D, Dees Nursery
Finding attractive flowering plants for shade has been difficult for many gardeners. Not any more. Enter the Astilbe Vision Series. This perennial has risen to the top to become the cream of the shade garden. Read More...

Mosquitoes and Bees
After a Hurricane or Heavy Rain Storm
Joe D, Dees Nursery
September 03, 2011
Hurricanes are violent, nerve wracking storms to deal with, and just when you think the danger is over and you start the clean up around your house, you have to deal with the second storm. By that I mean the storm of mosquitoes and other biting insects as well as a possible swarm of bees that occur as a result of a Hurricane or heavy rain. Read More...

Salt Water Damage
On Lawns and Garden Beds
Joe D, Dees Nursery
August 30, 2011
Salt water damage is a fact of life with many of us living so close to the ocean and bays of beautiful Long Island. A storm surge from a hurricane or heavy rain can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden beds. Read More...

Astilbe (Vision Series)
Joe D, Dees Nursery
June 18, 2011
Finding attractive flowering plants for shade has been difficult for many gardeners. Not any more. Enter the Astilbe Vision Series. This perennial has risen to the top to become the cream of the shade garden. Read More...

Russian Sage
Joe D, Dees Nursery
June 23, 2011
Russian sage has become an important player to those who want a summer/fall perennial garden and this is considered one of the best for the "no work" garden. If you are into just relaxing and doing little work, then this is the plant for you. Read More...

Endless Summer Hydrangea
Joe D, Dees Nursery
June 16, 2011
For years hydrangea have been the sweetheart of the American garden, illuminating the summer landscape with huge masses of blooms that make everyone admire them. The same holds true today. Traditional hydrangeas usually bloom strong for about a month starting anywhere from June through July and into August. Read More...

Monarda 'Marshall's Delight' Bee Balm
Joe D, Dees Nursery
June 09, 2011
If you are in the market for a perennial that is loved by butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds then BeeBalm 'Marshall's Delight' is the perfect choice for you. It makes a great addition to the cutting garden and has the outstanding bonus of a great fragrance. Read More...

Cosmos (Sonata Mix)
Joe D, Dees Nursery
June 02, 2011
Cosmos are a great flowering annual that do not get the recognition they deserve. They are a stellar annual that is very easy to grow and perfect for the beginner as well as the seasoned veteran gardener. Why you ask? They love to be ignored because neglect is their middle name. Read More...

Echinacea Purpurea Purple Cone Flower
Joe D, Dees Nursery
June 02, 2011
Echinacea Purpurea, AKA Purple Cone Flower, is one of the most popular perennials in the garden center today. Most of you know it as a dietary supplement that you purchase at the local health store, used to help fight off and prevent infection. And even though that is a great attribute of this plant, the best part is that it is an amazingly beautiful perennial that gives you great pink flowers in your garden. Read More...

Hiemalis Begonia
Joe D, Dees Nursery
May 26, 2011
We all love annuals for their colorful performance through the summer months, so it's very easy to appreciate the Hiemalis Begonia as it does just that. Perform! Many of you may know this as a Reiger begonia which is also very popular as a flowering houseplant. If you are a fan of begonias, then this is a great choice. Read More...

Shasta Daisy 'Becky'
Joe D, Dees Nursery
May 26, 2011
Shasta daisies have been a mainstay of a classic perennial or cut flower garden for years and the 'Becky' is one of the best. She gives you stunning great color summer into the fall and is one of the reasons it was chosen as the 2003 Perennial of the Year. Read More...

Sun Parasol Mandevilla
Joe D, Dees Nursery
May 19, 2011
Who wants an amazing plant that gives you giant colorful blooms spring thru fall? Who wants a plant that will do equally well in a planter, hanging basket, or something that will climb a trellis like Spider Man climbs buildings? If that is you then you need the New York Yankees version of the Mandevilla vine. The Sun Parasol Series! This season you can hit your own grand-slam by planting this crowd pleaser in your garden. Read More...

CELOSIA ‘Dark Caracas’
Joe D, Dees Nursery
May 12, 2011
In the world of Celosia there are many great varieties that do amazing in the garden, but probably the most sought after is the Dark Caracas variety. Its vibrant purple color flowers and showy leaves make this a favorite addition to any garden. Most people call it by its common name of cockscomb. Read More...

GEUM 'Totally Tangerine'
Joe D, Dees Nursery
If you haven't heard of or used this perennial in your garden then back up the truck. For amazing performance GEUM 'Totally Tangerine' is for you. It produces bright orange tangerine blossoms that make an outstanding impact in the garden. TT is turning out to be the "best of class" in this variety of plants. Read More...

Impatiens
Joe D, Dees Nursery
April 26, 2011
Impatiens may be one of the best flowering annuals that exist today. Most of us have probably used them in our gardens at one point or another. The reason impatiens are so great is because they are super easy to grow, and it is one of the few annuals that gives you a full blast of color in shady areas. People ask me all the time, "is there anything else that will grow as well as impatiens?" My answer, "nothing grows like impatiens!" Read More...

VIOLA 'Etain'
Joe D, Dees Nursery
If you love violas, then this is the one you must have in your garden! Viola Etain is probably the best of the viola family of flowers. It is a compact, reliable, steady performer in the garden. It is a beautiful English hybrid with 1.5 inch pale yellow lavender blossoms. It has a nice fragrance. Even though blooms are heaviest in spring to early summer, flowers will continue on this steady performer in the heat of summer. Read More...

What does recycled mulch have that cedar mulch doesn't?
James C, Mulch Expert
The short answer is BUGS. Yes bugs ...but not the people-friendly kind. Bugs like roaches, termites, slugs, artillery spores, carpenter ants, etc. You may ask why are these types of bugs attracted to this recycled mulch and not cedar? More on the beneficial affects of cedar later, but for now let’s talk about the “OTHER” types of inexpensive mulches on the market that can come in bag or bulk offerings. Read More...

Caring For Azaleas And Other Acid Loving Plants
Soil pH can be a critical factor in your gardening success. Some plants thrive in neutral soil while other plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons prefer a more acidic environment. The difference lies in the plant's ability to use nutrients present in the soil. For plants that prefer a more acidic soil, a critical nutrient is iron. Iron is most available in soil with a pH of around 5.5. Without iron these plants will turn yellow and suffer stunted growth. Read More...