Some ideas for Summer

Summer is finally here in Central New York.  The days are hot and the evenings are cool and if your lucky their is a breeze in the air that makes summer feel so very sweet.  Besides planting and enjoying your garden there are many activities that can make summer both fun and productive.  Our friends at Houzz have compiled a list of 14 things to do this summer and we couldn't agree more with what they have to say.  Take a look at the suggestions and let us know what your favorite thing to do during the summer is in the comments below.

14 To-Dos to Make the Most of Summer

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Gardens and Pets-What you need to know

Here at Little York Plantation we love our pets almost as much as we love tending gardens, ok maybe a little bit more for some of us.  And when you love your pets and your garden, you have to be sure to keep each happy and healthy. And this doesn't mean you can't enjoy your favorite plants!  You may just need to put them up or enclose them in a creative way to keep pets away from them.  Check out this article for more information about indoor and outdoor plants that can be harmful to pets.  Fido and Fluff just may thank you!

June is National Rose Month

June is National Rose month in the United States and we at Little York Plantation are all geared up for it.  We have moved our best roses out front and have plenty in the back perennial fields. We have several different colors and sizes.

Below are a few facts about Roses and their history.

The rose is the favorite flower of 85% of Americans.

In 1986, then President Ronald Reagan signed legislation making the rose the official National Flower of the United States.

George Washington bred roses at his home.

A fossilized rose, which was 35 million years old, was found in Florissant, Colorado.

Over 900 acres of greenhouse roses are harvested in the United States every year. 60% of these are grown in California.

Florists sell millions of roses each year in the United States. The two biggest days for sales are Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Christmas is the third highest day for rose sales.

Columbus’ crew picked a rose branch out of the ocean on October 11, 1492. This signaled the presence of land. The very next day, Columbus discovered America.

Rose hips contain more Vitamin C than any other fruit or vegetable.

Ancient Romans believed that white roses grew where the tears of Venus fell when she was mourning Adonis.

Shakespeare referred to roses over fifty times in his works.

Mythology says that roses grew thorns when Cupid accidentally shot an arrow into a rose garden.

The oldest rose in the world has flourished for over 1,000 years on the wall of Hildeshiem

Cathedral in Germany.

Facts were found on http://www.rosefarm.com/blog/really-cool-facts-about-roses-that-you-never-knew-about/. 

Why Jack's Classic?

If you have ever stopped into Little York Plantation you know how big and beautiful the blooms and leaves on our annual plants are. And we have to admit, and we will tell you freely, that luck has nothing to do with how big and vibrant the blooms are.  It's all about feeding the plant ("Feed me Seymour!"). And here at Little York Plantation we feed all of our plants with Jack's Classic Blossom Booster. In addition we also recommend that you feed your plants after you purchase them with Jack's Classic Blossom Booster to keep you plants looking lush and beautiful all summer long.  You can purchase Jack's Classic Blossom Booster and several other Jack's Classic products in our garden shop seven days a week.  We are open Monday-Wednesday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Thursday to Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sundays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Some of our Great Products

Here at Little York Plantation we don't sell just plants. We are always on the lookout for products that will make your life easier and perhaps a little bit greener.  Below are a few products that we currently carry which we know have made our lives easier and think they may help you as well.

Shrubbies/Shaggie Cloths 

These cloths are the best thing to come along in a while in the world of multi-purpose items. You can use these for almost anything.  They work great for washing and drying dishes, cleaning off appliances and counters, for use in the shower, including bath time with the baby, and even mopping the floor-although maybe not all those things at the same time.  Stop in today to pick up this highly rated, versatile products! 

Scheurich

These products just in from Germany are sure to make watering plants a lot less complicated and dare we say a little fun.  These bird shaped watering sticks are made with a clay stick bottom that will continually water plants, all you have to do is fill up the transparent bird from time to time.  In addition to the watering sticks we also have a new selection of watering cans from Scheurich.  These watering cans feature both a traditional nozzle and a spray bottle so you can always water your plants perfectly!

Jellybean Indoor/Outdoor Rugs 

We have a new line of indoor/outdoor rugs available from Jelleybean Rugs.  These rugs come in many different designs and color schemes.  They are also machine washable for easy care and made from 35% recycled materials.  It's the perfect way to great guests to your home and beyond! 

Boleo-Hang on to Your Stuff 

Are you always looking for your water bottle and not sure where it is? Well here at the Plantation we have a solution to that! It's called the Hold Your Water and its made by Boleo.  All you have to do is snap the top around your water bottle and then hook it to anywhere you want, on your purse, bag, belt loop, anywhere!! 

A few garden articles

Here at Little York Plantation we have all taken a liking to a new website called Houzz.  If you are not familiar with it, take a look.  They offer up many different ideabooks about topics including gardening, home design and product reviews. Here at the Plantation we like to take a look at the tutorials and dream about how we are going to improve our

gardens in the future.  Below are links to some interesting articles about mulch, why use manure and how to attract hummingbirds to your garden!!

The Poop Scoop: Enrich Your Soil With Good Old Manure

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Garden Granny

Here at Little York Plantation we all share a local legend about our beloved Garden Granny.  Legend has it that Garden Granny was born in 1821 in Little York, New York and spent her childhood learning all about annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees from her Grandfather. When she was 22 she married a farmer and together they had one child named, Timothy Green. Garden Granny passed away when she was 94 years old but her presence is still felt by many at The Plantation.  Every once and a while some have even claimed to see her on the grounds at Little York Plantation.  She is seen all over the grounds still wearing her favorite blue dress.   If you happen to spot Garden Granny on your visit to Little York Plantation, let the cashier know and we will give you 10% off your complete order.

*this story was created for promotional purposes. 

Our Office Mascot

Introducing our office mascot - CHILL'IN!!!!!!  You may have noticed on recent visits that we have a new member to our team.  The office has a mascot and his name is Chill'in.  He is a sweet lovable dog who has become an important part of our team.  If you happen to see him he is very friendly, but we do need to keep him in the office so he doesn't become an escape artist.  We hope to see you soon at The Plantation and as always dogs who are on a leash are always welcome to walk the grounds with their owner!!

The Victory Garden

Here at Little York Plantation we like to stay up to date on new gardening trends. One that we have seen for the past few years is the grow your own food movement. By growing your own food you are producing what you need for you and your family and controlling the use or non-use of pesticides, herbicides and whatever else your food is exposed to.
One place to take inspiration from when building you own food producing garden is the Victory Gardens of World War II here in the United States and in Britain. During the war families grew their own food as an effort to help with the war and provide for their families. During the war food was rationed in stores and often there wasn't enough variety and nutrition for families and their children. Gardeners today can learn a lot from the efforts of those in the past both about planting and preserving their food. With minimal space and some effort anyone can enjoy the benefits of a victory garden. By growing your own food you can have fresh variety all summer and with preserving techniques such as canning you can have variety all winter long too!

 If you are looking for a place to start this blog has some good information about how to get started including information about canning and preserving.

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Our 40 Year Facelift

As we enter our 40 year here at Little York Plantation, we are in the process of getting a facelift. Now its nothing too dramatic, a nip here and a tuck there, a little something to feel new and refreshed.
Currently we are in the process of redesigning our front area. We have moved the parking to the side of the barn, allowing for the front area to be more about inspiration and know how. As the year goes on we will be making other little tweaks and changes to help you, our customer, become inspired and knowledgeable about new techniques and new ideas. In the mean time keep up with our Pinterest page for ideas and inspiration.  And stop by soon, we are excited to show off what we have had done!!

Looking For Some Inspiration

As spring begins to slowly but surely arrive in New York, why not start planning for you garden? 

Are you in need of inspiration? 

Check out our Pinterest Page here, for lots of DIYs, inspiration and changes big and small to get you thinking! 

And for instant inspiration check out the photo below. 

Traditional Landscape by Seattle Alyson Ross Markley

Straw Bale Gardening Video

Are you still not sure about the benefits of Straw Bale Gardening?   

You know it's easy. 

You know it's weed free. 

You know it's a raised bed, so there is no getting down on your hands and knees.

You know you can plant a variety of vegetables, herbs, annuals and perennials.  

You know Little York Plantation is there to help you every step of the way. 

But....

Maybe you just need to see how it all happens? 

The video below featuring P. Allen Smith, you will see the long terms benefits of Straw Bale Gardening and how easy it is to incorporate it into your own personal garden. 

If you want to give it a try, call Little York Plantation at 607-749-4861, and register your spot in one of our three workshops taking place in April.  Workshops are schedule for April 27 at 10:00am and 2:00pm and again on April 28 at 2:00pm.  Spaces are filling up fast so reserve your spot now!

Let's Build a Hobbit Inspired Fairy Garden

With all the new gardening trends out there today one of the most fun and creative ones has to be the fairy garden.  Fairy gardens can vary depending on what you want theme you want to design it around.   In this step by step tutorial a fairy garden based upon Tolkien's world of the Hobbits, is created. You can find the complete tutorial here.

With the simple principles explained in this tutorial you could easily adapt it to any theme you like.  If you are looking for supplies and additional information, stop by Little York Plantation, we have a variety of supplies and knowledge to get you started.

Never weed your vegetable garden again....

Wouldn't it just be wonderful if you never had to weed your vegetable garden ever again.  Never bend over to pull out weeds that have roots deeper than your plants.  Hmmmm....What if???

Well, with Straw Bale Gardening you don't!!! There are never any tough, grown down deep to China get out the shovel to remove type weeds and no weeding for hours. Leaving you more time to enjoy your summer and your garden.

Check out this New York Times article for more information about Straw Bale Gardening and don't forget Little York Plantation is hosting its own Straw Bale Gardening Workshops.  The workshops are on Saturday April 27 at 11:00am and 2:00pm and again on Sunday April 28 at 2:00pm.  Just call the shop at 607-749-4861 to register.

Open and Ready for Business

Our plants are small and our garden center is a little bit dusty but we are open for business!

Our hours are:
Monday - Saturday 9am -5pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

As always if you have any questions please give us a call at 607-749-4861.

Straw Bale Gardening at Little York Plantation

JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATIVE WORKSHOP

STRAW BALE GARDENING

A FLEXIBLE, SMART, EASY TECHNIQUE

TO START YOUR GARDENING ADVENTURE

LORNA DONALDSON

ORGANIC FARMER AND STRAW BALE GARDENING EXPERT 

WORKSHOPS SCHEDULED FOR 

APRIL 27 AND 28 

AT LITTLE YORK PLANTATION 

COST: $35 in advance and $40 at the door  

Whether you are an experienced or beginning gardener, this inexpensive method is for you.  Straw bale gardening can be used on concrete, rooftops, lawns, anywhere you have a little space and sun. A longtime Board member of the Rodale Institute and Beyond Pesticides, Lorna is a wonderful teacher whose goal is give you what you need to begin.

To Register: Contact Little York Plantation at 607-749-4861

Rain, Rain Go Away....

It's spring here at Little York Plantation and if you are familiar with Central New York, you know that means we are getting a lot of rain.  However, just because it's raining, we haven't stopped working!

We have been planting up our annuals and perennials, cleaning up the shop, buying new product and planning all new events.  More about each of these topics to come as the days go by.  Check back for more information!!

As you might notice one of our biggest changes is our internet presence.  We have started a blog, updated our Facebook and Twitter pages and most of all created a Pinterest page with many boards to inspire us all to get back into the garden!!!

See the links to the side to find us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest and check back here often for more information about what is happening in house, at the garden center and the greenhouse.  Additionally, if there is something you would like to see don't hesitate to leave a comment below or give us a call at 607-749-4861.