Talking to Matt, the PlantTherapist, on the phone last night about this month, we realized that over the past 10 years NYC's home gardening resources have been drying up, even as green thumbs still proliferate (pic at left is Melanie's Magical Block Brightener from last year).
This month we're flying the green flag.
With our Greenest Thumb Contest, new Flower Box Awards and posting on stores, products and ideas to help you get more green in your apartment life, we're here to help.
To Start: Name your favorite NYC gardening resource below and we'll blog each one.
This place is right outside the holland tunnel...
14th Street Farmer's Market
14th St. Garden Center
793 Jersey Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07310
in NYC i've shopped chelsea garden center, whole foods, home depot and GRDN in brooklyn. but in general i buy outside the city and cart stuff in.
I give in often and buy the simple building blocks, like garden soil or stones, at Home Depot in Brooklyn. But my favorite place to buy plants (mostly annuals) has always been the Union Square Greenmarket. Everything is quite reasonably priced, and they are all healthy, hearty plants that flourish through the summer.
For larger perennials, I have to say I bring them in from the suburbs, mainly to save money.
To see what I've managed to do with these limited resources, check out what I accomplished over Memorial Day weekend: http://thisoldhouse.typepad.com/shelterlife/2006/05/alexs_weekend_g.html#more
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden
www.bbg.org
is my favorite resource for seeds, pots, specialty soil (orchid bark, fertilizer pellets) and plants. Guaranteed plants, and the money supports a wonderful garden.
Also the Greenmarkets - at Grand Army Plaza (Saturdays)
and Union Square (weds/fri/sat)
I got an epazote plant and Thai basil last Friday at Union Sq -
it's all about the ornamental fleurs and culinary herbs there.
Rootstock and Quade in Park Slope.
http://www.rootstockquade.com/main.cfm
A lovely little place for pretty much everything.
Knowledgeable staff. Bright and cheerful store. Excellent outdoor garden. Slightly pricey.
On the plus side: Email the owners a questionÂ… and they respond!