From the Soil with Sollecito

In this series, Jim Sollecito of Sollecito Landscaping Nursery in central New York provides a series of helpful talks to help navigate the seasonal shifts that impact plants, shrubs, trees, flower beds, and garden plots. Jim focuses on the use of natural products and cultivation methods specifically adapted to this region's climate, soil composition, geology, and native ecology. Sollecito Landscaping Nursery is the first Be Green garden center licensed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Latest Episodes

Angel's Share

When fruits, vegetables and other vegetation disappear from the landscape, old timers declare that's 'the angel's share.' Other people blame deer - and…
Deer Munchies

Fall is 'bulk up' time for deer. You think they wreak havoc in spring and summer? Fall is the peak of chow down time. But you can do something to pull the…
Landscapes Alive

Jim says the best use for landscape fabric may be shower curtains or really unique high fashion ball gowns. He won't sell it in his shop, and he says you…
Woodsman Pare That Tree

Why is it that a bird can fly through a tree canopy repeatedly without so much as a ding to a wing but a golf ball will find a limb every time? No answer…
You Are how you Plant

Question: which of the following is the most sensible statement?A) best time to do your landscape chores is on a hot, sunny day at noon.B) best time to…
Bling Bling Plants

Bling is all about flash, sparkle, and impact. Bling has a place in the garden, too. Here's Jim's list of 'look-at-ME!-plants.' Add some visual…
Dog Days

The 'Dog Days' of summer. Not much more to do in the garden, but the weeding goes on. If your sidewalk or patio cracks are in a weedy pickle, put the…
Just Add Water

Feeling cranky because it's too hot, sticky and uncomfortable to work outside? Think of it this way: when is the last time you had to shovel sunshine? To…
Global Warmups

What's white and black and red all over? A sunburned polar bear in a black bikini? Okay, not so funny. Global warming is no laughing matter. But for all…
Everbrowns

Have the stars in your landscape turned from evergreen to everbrown? Here are some ways to determine whether the condition is permanent, and a few…