New York Plantings Garden Designers’ Tree House Installation as Part of Modern Garden Design Enhancements

Having a family in New York could be one heck of a ride. With the busy lifestyle and hectic schedules all year-round, it’s almost quite impossible to set a quality family time and spend time with the children, still it doesn't mean that you can’t bring back the old times, the picture of every home to have its own playground and garden. In fact, having a garden with a tree house is good in relieving stress and make your children happy and healthy as they will engage in another playtime activity.

Ralph Xu building the Tree House

New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors are experts in garden designing and could transform your yard to have a playful ambiance suited for children. As experts in garden designs, they came up with ways to build gardens fusing modern garden designs with traditional family garden motif. Moreover, they can plan a garden design to utilize and maximize any yard and garden space you have and accommodate your wants for your garden.

New York Plantings Outdoor Carpentry Team is skilled in designing tree houses for gardens. They utilized the latest technology in garden designing by rendering garden designs in 3D CAD. New York Plantings Garden Designers incorporate your wants and consults you during the design making. They can install tree houses in the spot of your choice. New York Plantings Garden Designers and Outdoor Carpenters are also available for consultation for playground designs, building and installation. Their expertise in outdoor carpentry could assure you that they will build strong and safe tree houses that kids could enjoy. In addition to building tree houses, New York Plantings Landscape Designers could design your backyard by using turf or artificial lawns which are affordable and efficient in any garden.

New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors specializes in Asian Garden Design and promoting the “Zen” feeling to make you have a more relax environment just in your own yard. Their outdoor carpenters are also experts in making custom planter boxes, installing rooftop decks, building pergolas, gazebos and patios. Todd Nappi, owner and president of New York Plantings, is a professional horticulturist, so be sure to have the best plants and flower combination included in your garden design blueprints. New York Plantings Irrigation and Lighting Division takes care in planning and installing irrigation system and lighting your garden to make safer and more beautiful at night.  New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors have already expanded their scope of service from New York, Manhattan, Long Island to New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They aim for perfection and are ready to serve their niche in garden  and landscape designing and building.

Visit www.newyorkplantings.com or call  347 558 7051 for more information about New York Plantings services.

Why New York Plantings Specializes in Asian Garden Design

The design of an Asian garden is often considered to be the height of both sophistication and luxury, and draws from the historical aesthetics of meditation and nobility present in the Chinese and Japanese gardens of the past. What makes Asian gardens so pleasing to the eye and calming to the senses is the simplistic touches and Zen-like organization of both the plants, and the areas to rest and observe. New York Plantings specializes in Asian garden design, and has worked all over New York City, from Greenwich Village to Brooklyn to establish and create a more beautiful visual experience for all residents and passers-by.

New York Plantings specializes in Asian Garden Design

            It is that longevity, and universal appeal of the Asian garden that truly inspires us. We want to create something that is not only be maintained for generations, but also creates a visual masterpiece every season. That is the true beauty of Asian garden design: it looks just as stunning in the winter as it does in the summer. Drawing inspiration from all natural elements, including earth, wood, fire, water, and metal or stone, Asian gardens demonstrate harmony in landscaping in the ways other designs lack. When you look out on your Asian garden, you should feel a sense of piece and calm, not a need to work or take care of weeds.

            Before New York Plantings even begins working on a terrace, rooftop, yard, or landscape, we research and develop a master plan, deciphering what Asian garden design will look best in that space. Some areas need walkways, while others just flower boxes and light seating. We work with the client to truly build something that speaks to them, and that they can enjoy for years to come. We bring in the best, most high quality materials, either directly from their countries of origin, or from local businesses and artisans, and diligently create tiny works of art across every aspect of the garden. Each bonsai tree will be trimmed to its proper size, and every pergola is custom built to fit your walkway or seating area. New York Plantings also specializes in custom lighting, which emphasizes the angular intelligent design of the Asian garden.

            It is that attention to detail that makes Asian gardens stand out from other landscape designs. We build everything ourselves, from the planter boxes to the flooring in order to ensure the grains in the wood match, and the entire project seamlessly flows together. New York Plantings team is dedicated to preserving the authenticity of original Asian gardens, from a place of respect and a true love of nature and aesthetic.

            What makes New York Plantings specialization in Asian garden design stand out is our dedication to maintaining the work we’ve done, and preserving a beautiful piece of history in your outdoor space. We have landscaped and designed gardens from Long Island to Upper Manhattan, and look forward to working with you to build something beautiful together. 

Sharing Our "Greening-Up Manhattan" Press Release

This is one of our recent press releases. I'm sharing it because it contains good information about the health benefits of evergreen plants and because of its seasonal importance; evergreens do best when planted in the spring before the weather gets too hot.

New York Plantings is Greening-up Manhattan

The professionals at New York Plantings, one of the top landscape and garden design companies in the New York area, are on a mission to make New York beautiful, one yard at a time. Horticulturist and Lead Garden Designer, Todd Nappi, will be the first to tell you that it’s not only about the beauty of their award-winning, innovative designs. Todd wants you to help New York “go green!”

“Living in a city that is faced with air quality issues including the challenge of particulate matter pollution,” Todd maintains that “we can all make a difference. Planting evergreens helps filter dangerous particles from the air, making the city healthier for all of us.” Why evergreens? “Evergreens remove particles from the air year ‘round, making it an excellent choice when creating or updating your garden area. This can be especially beneficial for the young, old and people with conditions such as asthma and heart disease.” Where does Todd get his appreciation for the many rolls plants play in our urban environment? Todd received his education in horticulture from Cornell University and has over 18 years of experience working as a landscape designer in the New York area.

New York Plantings can meet all your landscaping needs with an array of seasoned professionals on their team including master carpenters, stone masons and irrigation specialists and their own “in house” architect. Want an Asian, Zen or Japanese garden? Rooftop or rock garden? Decking, walkways, tree wells or quality irrigation? Residential or commercial, New York Plantings does it all!

Evergreens should be planted in the early spring before the weather starts getting warm. So, if you want to make an appointment with Todd, the resident plant expert at New York Plantings, do it soon! His schedule fills up fast and he reminds us, “Going green is easier than you think. We can all do our part in making the city a healthier place to live!”

If you want to “go green” call New York Plantings today at (347) 558-7051 or visit their website at http://www.newyorkplantings.com/

Manhattan Yard Renovation and Tree House Completed on Schedule

Just in time to avoid the recent mid-winter cold snap, the Asian inspired Garden and Landscape Design and yard renovation has been completed. More than general landscaping, this inclusive project incorporated irrigation, landscape lighting, a new concrete paver patio and walkway. The addition of a custom designed tree house made this a unique and fun project for the whole team at New York Plantings. 

Before the project gets started, our Project Manager or Owner at New York Plantings takes the time to explain the entire landscape design and building process to the client so they know exactly what to expect from inception to the completion of their garden and landscape project; What will be completed and our anticipated time frame for each step of the project.

Being “city folk,” they never had a backyard and were excited at the possibilities. Having a modern "Zen" taste, they wanted to create the yard with an Asian inspired design. The customer's didn't really specify an actual blueprint but more of some concepts and suggestions. They wanted more patio area and their current patio was in poor shape, serving more as a pathway and foundation skirt than usable patio space.

Listening attentively to what the family wanted, we established their need for space for a barbeque area, eating space, etc.  For the children, at the couples' request, the modern style playhouse/tree house concept was added to the design. The tree house was a great addition due to limited space and sheer coolness factor! A few accessories were included such as a ships wheel, telescope – and of course – a fireman’s pole! 

The first day of this project started with a dawn-to-dusk day of set-up, material delivery and unloading. We began our day by protecting the home by carefully moving furniture, covering floors and walls, etc., so we were prepared when the materials arrived. “The guys really pulled together and worked from early morning to early evening – dark to dark – to bring all the materials to the rear yard,” said New York Plantings Garden Design Owner and Lead Landscape Designer, Todd Nappi. 

“Our crew of six men moved over three hundred bags of sand, twelve bags of concrete and four pallets of bricks (about six tons of materials) gently and efficiently through the luxury townhouse and staged the materials in the yard ready for installation. With the arrival of the carpentry crew with a truck full of lumber and hardware for the tree house, our material delivery was complete.” It was a full day of work accepting materials and transferring them from the street to yard. 

The installation of the patio pavers by New York Plantings masonry team went very well. Greg, one of our new tradesmen, demonstrated his skill and proved himself to be both capable and reliable. Our team worked through the holidays in good spirits and harmony.








The day after the New Years 2011 Holiday, Todd Nappi put the finishing touches on the children’s tree house, mulching the garden beds and adding landscape lights for evening ambiance.

As is usually true of our terrific team, the project went off without a hitch. Instead of detailing each step of the process, we’ll let our pictures of the project speak for themselves (for more extensive photos, you can visit our Flickr). We’ll offer you a few final words, comments from the homeowners on W80th St., in Manhattan, “The tree house is amazing, our kids love it! And all of our backyard is so nice now, thank you!" - Another satisfied client of New York Plantings and Garden Design.

New York Plantings garden design and landscape construction offers a complete scope of garden and landscape services in the NY tri state area, servicing residential, corporate and the trade (subcontracting for builders and other garden companies). Visit wwww.newyorkplantings.com for more information or call 347 558 7051 anytime for a consultation.

New Digs on the Upper Westside

Now here’s a job New York Plantings doesn’t see every day; the lucky little residents of this Upper Westside home are getting a custom designed tree house!

When these customers hired us to install a new paver patio, plant lighting and irrigation, they also had a dream of providing a special childhood experience for their children. They entrusted this “dream project” to New York Plantings based on both our reputation and the fact that our team includes both landscapers and a seasoned carpentry crew.

One of the challenges faced by anyone working in landscaping and other backyard building projects is getting materials safely into the yard. Having worked in Manhattan for almost 18 years, we have developed creative ways to be careful. We treat each customer’s property as if it were our own, taking no chances when it comes to treating their property with care.

“Follow our Twitter,” “Like our facebook” or "Follow our blog" so you can follow up with New York Plantings to see the wonderful finished results that will be posted here soon. And keep us in mind for your next project, because as this project shows, if you can imagine it, we can make your landscape dreams come true!

Irrigation Service & Winterizing for Fall

From New York Plantings Irrigation in NY: Our fall irrigation shut down and winterizing and spring start up services are two considerations for preventative maintenance to keep your irrigation system functioning properly. Please see our website at http://www.newyorkplantings.com/ or call 347-558-7051 to set up consultation in NY and the Tri State area.

What is an irrigation system?

An irrigation system is made up of various structures and devices that ensure the supply, conveyance and application of irrigation water. In many countries, including the United States and Canada, ditch companies and independent farmers own their own large irrigation systems. But government agencies, for example the Bureau of Reclamation of the U.S. Department of the Interior, may build the largest irrigation systems and some systems are entirely owned by governments.

Are you tired of lugging multiple hoses around your yard to keep grass, flowers and shrubs green? Perhaps you’ve noticed that many of your neighbors have installed irrigation systems. Did you know that using these systems can provide a substantial savings in water usage?

Please give us a call at NY Plantings to schedule service! If you have any questions, email us at nappidesign@gmail.com or visit our Website for more information

Daffodils – Not Just for Spring

– Greenwich Village – planting daffodil bulbs and cabbage - 

Daffodil facts:

 What is the difference between daffodils and narcissus?

None. The two words are synonyms. Narcissus is the Latin or botanical name for all daffodils, just as ilex is for hollies. Daffodil is the common name for all members of the genus Narcissus, and its use is recommended by the ADS at all times other than in scientific writing.

What is a jonquil?

In some parts of the country any yellow daffodil is called a jonquil, usually incorrectly. As a rule, but not always, jonquil species and hybrids are characterized by several yellow flowers, strong scent, and rounded foliage. The hybrids are confined to Division 7 and the term “jonquil” should be applied only to daffodils in Division 7 or species in Division 13 known to belong to the jonquil group.

How many kinds of daffodils are there?

Depending on  which botanist you talk to, there are between 40 and 200 different daffodil species, subspecies or varieties of species and over 25,000 registered cultivars (named hybrids) divided among the thirteen divisions of the official classification system.

Will squirrels and other rodents eat daffodil bulbs?

No. The bulbs and leaves contain poisonous crystals which only certain insects can eat with impunity. They may, however, dig up the bulbs.

How long do daffodil bulbs last?

Under good growing conditions, they should outlast any of us. While some kinds of bulbs tend to dwindle and die out, daffodils should increase.

How do daffodils multiply?

Daffodils multiply in two ways: asexual cloning (bulb division) where exact copies of the flower will result, and sexually (from seed) where new, different flowers will result.

Seeds develop in the seed pod (ovary), the swelling just behind the flower petals. Most often, after bloom the seed pod swells but it is empty of seed. Occasionally, wind or insects can pollinate the flower during bloom by bringing new pollen from another flower. When this happens, the seed pod will contain one or a few seeds.

Daffodil hybridizers pollinate flowers by brushing pollen from one flower onto the stigma of another. Then the resulting seed pod can contain up to 25 seeds. Each of these will produce an entirely new plant – but the wait for a bloom for a plant grown from seed is about 5 years!

How long is the flowering season of daffodils?

From six weeks to six months, depending on where you live and the cultivars you grow.  After blooming, let the daffodil plant rebuild its bulb for the next year. The leaves stay green while this is happening. When the leaves begin to yellow, then you can cut the leaves off but not before.

Are daffodils difficult to grow?

No. They are probably the easiest and most dependable of all the families of flowers and ideal for a beginner in gardening in most regions of the United States.

Can daffodils be grown throughout the United States?

Daffodils are quite tolerant of cold, especially with a covering of snow, and are grown to the Canadian border. The only exceptions are a few tender cultivars, usually tazettas, such as the popular Paper White. Daffodils can also be grown throughout the South with the exception of parts of Florida which are free of frost. A cold treatment—natural or induced—is needed for flower bud initiation. Along a narrow band adjoining the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Texas there are certain types and named cultivars which have been found to do better than others.

Will daffodils grow in the shade?

They will grow in the shade of deciduous trees because they have finished flowering and the foliage has begun to mature by the time deciduous trees leaf out. However, it is better to grow them outside the drip line of deciduous trees rather than under them. Also, deciduous trees with tap roots are preferable to shallow-rooted trees. Daffodils will not long survive under evergreen trees and shrubs.

Do ground covers have an adverse effect on daffodils?

The two will be competing for nutrients and moisture, so the answer depends on the fertility of the soil and the aggressiveness of the ground cover. Vigorous, tall-growing, and deeply rooting plants, such as pachysandra and ivy, are likely to discourage daffodils, but they will usually do well in the company of shallow-rooted, trailing plants, such as myrtle, foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), or creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera).

Tropical Plants 1, Winter 0

How can we keep your tropical plants healthy over the cold Manhattan winter?

We start with building a custom frame:

We spray down your plants with Wilt Pruf:

We attach chicken wire to the frame to support the burlap (which comes in in the next step):

Then it all gets enclosed in burlap:

… Plus a few other tricks of the trade, which we will not disclose.