After a very odd winter with practically no snow, one really good snowstorm of about 18 inches in mid-February, and lots of ups and downs in temperature, we are finally starting to get a bit of slightly warmer weather. We were still getting freezing temperatures at night earlier this week so we have been a bit slow on shipping out to our early customers. However, despite this, our first trucks have been arriving on schedule and we are getting ready for the official Opening Day coming up tomorrow Saturday, April 16th!

We not only have lots of new and different plants coming in, as well as favorite standbys, we also have some new granite and carved stone pieces in our special display area that are really terrific. Come and take a look!

Acer palmatum 'Coral Magic'

Also, if you know of anyone that might be interested in working at the nursery, send them our way. We are looking for people that like to work outdoors, are conscientious, and would like to learn about plants. 

Remember, the new season opens tomorrow Saturday, April 16th. When you come, bring your boots - the spring season means lots of mud at the nursery! Something to set your plants on in the car is advisable, but we do have delivery available for those larger items if needed. We look forward to seeing you here at OGS!

We have a number of items to address on the plant front this time.

Invasive species and other selling/shipping considerations

In 2015 New York State released a list of sixty-nine invasive species plants which could no longer be sold in NY, as well as a list of six more which could be sold with appropriate warning labels attached. A complete listing may be found on our website under the Library section of the Resources tab here here. Some of these plants we have not seen as a problem here, and the list may be revised as exceptions are made for sterile cultivars.

Euonymus alata 'Big Wings'

Similarly, Plant Boards in other states have lists of invasive species that may not be shipped to their states. There are other locations like California where the phytosanitary regulations are so strict or Alaska and Hawaii where distance to ship is so long that we have elected not to ship to those locations. The length of time to ship and be inspected may surpass the ability of the plant to arrive in good health. We have noted these shipping restrictions under the respective cultivars on the website. Please be aware of these when trying to order from our location in New York.

Early spring planting considerations

Be careful about getting out there in your gardens now. Freezing and thawing temperatures create air pockets that plants need to draw from to grow. Walking around on the still damp soil may compress them. Earliest spring chores include cutting back ornamental grasses, perennials with evergreen or persistent foliage (like Acorus 'Ogon', hellebores, epimediums, or European gingers), and the early bloomers like euphorbias, and cleaning up plants that grow from a dense crown like Sedum spectabile 'Autumnn Joy.' Call us, email, or stop by the nursery if you have any questions.

We often get questions about pruning and removing winter damage from shrubs or trees. In general, pruning to judiciously enhance a plant's natural appearance is best and, not surprisingly, easiest to maintain. Evergreens (conifers) normally require little pruning, but different types of evergreens should be pruned according to their respective growth habits. Again, call, email, or stop by the nursery if you have questions.

Critter damage? Deer, rabbits, mice, moles, voles, what have you - they are getting more active in the spring. Check your plants and look for telltale tracks and bite marks - do you need to place some effective deterrents? We've got various sizes and styles of Plantskydd at the nursery to help with that.

New items

We have lots of new plants, particularly perennials, and materials this year. Some of these plants will not be ready right away as we want them to develop healthy root systems before we make them available for sale. However, we do note on the website just when we expect them to be available so that if you have a hankering for a particular plant you can preorder them and we will put them on reserve for you.

If you have any questions about how to choose or care for your plants at any time, be sure to ask us.