Sprout Home Brooklyn

BLOG IS BEING MOVED

2011-10-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Blogwatchers:

Since we got a new website we have integrated our blog onto it. Our Brookyn blog will now be found at:

http://www.sprouthome.com/blog/category/brooklyn/

Please bookmark, change your RSS feeds etc. And come visit us over there!

Onward!
THE SPROUT BLOGGERS

Alex & Tauntan's cacti & succulent collection!

2011-09-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

Alex is one of our favorite regular customers. He has a bit of a cacti/succulent addiction which we think is just fine! We asked him for pictures of his collection and he happily obliged with these lovely ones.

We love his dog Tauntaun. Hi Tauntaun!

Come back for treats!

Terrarium Tools Lesson video

2011-09-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Sorry for a little lull in the blog posting. But we are going to make it up to your right now, with a new video we made!

In this video David from Sprout Home discusses some of the tools that can be useful when making a terrarium. You may think that tools are not necessary, and in fact you can probably get by without many of them. However! If you want to take it to the next level in terms of your precision and artistry, certain implements can be helpful to your work. Hope you enjoy!

Labor day hours

2011-09-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

We are closing a little early tomorrow.

Monday (Labor Day) 10am to 5pm

In other news there are some adorable kittens up for adoption at District Dog in Greenpoint. Why not adopt one if you are in the market for a cat?

You can own one of these little guys.

flower store replenished

2011-09-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

Store flowers were a little scanty because of Irene, but we are back with lots of stuff to look at for at the flower store. Come on by and sniff the flowers.

Rustic Chic

2011-08-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

In northern Manhattan.. The flowers from Sprout had a loose organic “just picked” style. Photos by Jen Huang. Click here to see the whole feature in Once Wed.

Tie down your plants Brooklyn! HURRICANE SCHEDULE

2011-08-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

Or better yet bring any potted plants inside and off of your balcony so they don't fly off. Here's to a safe hurricane Irene everyone!

We love New York! --Sprout Home

Please Note: We will probably be closing early tomorrow (Saturday) and a good possibility we will be closed Sunday. So just call before you come over.

Yellow!

2011-08-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sprout Floral works with Laura and Daniel to create yellow magic at their lovely NYC wedding.

Images by Kristine Foley Photography. More can be seen at Brooklyn Bride http://bklynbrideonline.com/17566/wedding-photos/real-wedding-laura-daniel/

a shot from last weekend

2011-08-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

August

2011-08-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

August is a month when a lot of New Yorkers get out of town. Perhaps they head for the cool mountains of the Catskills, or maybe the luxurious beaches of "Olde South Hampton". However, there are some of us who stick it out in the Big Apple. And the advantage being such a die-hard New Yorker is this: it is a perfect time to put together a beautiful blast of summer annuals to enjoy for the rest of the season in your garden. And/or to set up a tropical paradise indoors. Such a tropical paradise will serve to remind you that it once was hot as hades when you are shivering in the depths of winter.

Chapter 1: Outdoor Blast (Our garden is FRESH with new stuff)

Abelmoschus, a tender perennial

Red Hibiscus like flowers blooms June-frost. Great to put in now. Native to India. Cultivated for aromatic oil from its seeds. Treat it as an annual, but try to bring it inside at the end of season to keep it going.

cimicifuga

Cimicifuga is lovely and in its prime now. Love this plant. Hydrangeas are also looking great now.

ANNUALS

Blue Fan Flower: scaevola

Bonfire Begonia

Bring the begonia it in at the end of the season as an indoor plant. How cool is this thing?

Bonfire Begonias

Caladium

Alternanthera

Alternanthera flowers, but is known for its interesting foliage.

Persian Shields

Persian Shield is purple and stunning, you can have it indoors after the season.

lysimachia

Lysimachia was taken off the invasive list. It should be fine to use in Brooklyn, especially in containers. Easy to grow.

Lantana "Purple Rose" actually pinkish yellow. Remember it attracts butterflies!

Bright Yellow Lantana. Remember it attracts butterflies!

Calibrachoa. Peach-Terracotta color (we also have other colors)

Euphorbia: "Diamond Frost". Delicate flowers

pennisetum rubrum

Everyone loves this grass. Dark burgundy folliage-- an annual-- now is the time to plant it.

GRASSES etc.


Honeysuckle vine smells great

Also* strawberries are ready, gelsemium, honeysuckle vines. Good time for Sedums (not pictured). Most perennials are also new.

Lavender Hidcote and Munstead variety

But sorry not Grosso Lavender (still looking for that variety)

Dwarf Little Bunny Grass with cute little bunny plumes

Chapter 2: Indoor Tropical Paradise

Neoregalia: SEXY PINK (variety)

Neoregalia in red

Bromeliads!

Sundews and sarracenia (carnivorous)

Classic Venus flytraps

Finally new terrariums, from $30-300. Newly engineered by our terrarium artistical engineers. Woah that was a lot to say. See you later! :)

Praying Mantis visit

2011-08-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

Cute or deadly? Both.

in our flower store!

Midsummers wedding

2011-07-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

thanks to photographer Jen Huang

Trees, trees, trees, trees

2011-07-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

Why am I saying trees 4x in a row? Because we received the motherload of trees this morning. Get in here and get the pick of the litter, the cream of the crop. Pines, Japanese maples, get them while their hot people! Plant a tree today!!

Dang it maples! I said "No Parking!"

There's the guy who brought us the trees, with some of the trees in the foreground.

More trees

Meanwhile our next door neighbor's crape myrtle that she got from us is doing great. Look at the beautiful red blossoms. Dreams really do come true!

Crape Myrtle. Feeling fine

Finally here is a little tree-inspiration. I think there are some shots of people planting trees in Central Park in the video-- which I feel like must be illegal or something- but still the sentiment is nice.

<br>d

Large Branch Arrangements

2011-07-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just want to go big and bust out with a majorly large branch arrangement. We had fun doing a couple of these for a wedding over the weekend.

Branch Arrangement #1

Branch Arrangement #1 and #2

Heat and Plants

2011-07-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

Well I just checked the weather and it says it is 104 degrees. Yikes.

Ho Ho Ho. I am the SUN KING.

Make sure to stay out of the sun as much as possible, wear a hat and drink water. Taking care of yourself is the proirity. If you got that covered, what about your outdoor plants? What's going through their minds?

In extreme heat like this, it is important to hit outdoor plants in containers with water 2x a day. The best time for watering is early in the morning. Its cooler for you and it lets the plants absorb water before the hottest part of the day. The water also tends not to evaporate as quickly as later in the day. The next best time is later afternoon/early evening. However be careful: if you are approaching evening try to avoid getting water on the leaves of the plants because powdery mildew or other fungus type nastiness may occur.

Another safe-guard is to work with plants that can tolerate drought. Some such tough guys we have in the yard include:

Ice Plant

Delopserma Cooperi: (Ice plant) South African succulent. Does nicely among rocks and drained soils. Great pink flowers which should stay until September.

Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia: (aka Black Eyed Susan) A coneflower like echinacea. Which means butterflies. Full sun, drought tolerant.


Oregano!

This is a very cool kind of decorative oregano called "Kent Beauty". It may be named after some of the beauties that live on Kent street. I'm not sure.

Thunderhead Pine

This little pine is called Thunderhead, which is ironic, because it doesn't need to see rain very often.

Panicum grass

Panicum Grass, we have the above, with red blades (growing 3-4ft. tall) as well as a taller 5ft. variety that works well as a privacy maker because it is so thick. They don't need too much water.

Sedums

Sedums. Varieties include: Autumn Joy (which will get some nice pink flowers when we get out of this summer mess), T-rex and others.

Drought tolerant label

There are other plants which do well with less water, just look for the little cactus sign on the label. Stay cool out there!

Plants for the House

2011-07-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

We've gotten quite a few nice house plants just recently. Some of them have been placed in brand new constructions and terrariums. Others are awaiting your personal creative decisions.

HANGING BASKET ALERT: Rhipsalis

HANGING BASKET ALERT: Philodendron

HANGING BASKET ALERT: "Hindu Rope" Hoya

HANGING BASKET ALERT: Jade


Pencil Cactus

Echeverias (blooming)

Succulents, displayed on red saucer

One of our new large tillandsias

Odd shaped tillandsias

Bite sized tillandsias

Super Odd Shaped Tillandsia

Mikado plants: Swamp plants, topped with golden balls

More cacti and succulents

Cacti construction

Wall hanging terrariums

Cacti-succulent fishbowl style terrarium

baby tears fishbowl style terrarium

and me.

Attracting butterflies!

2011-07-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

One on the joys of raising plants is to see them pass on your good karma by helping to sustain other life-forms. Butterflies and bees are two well loved winged creatures. Today we will talk about butterflies.

Butterflies are fun for everyone, especially kids. Attracting them can be of two levels of seriousness. Level one is planting the things that butterflies like to feed on (butterfly nectar plants). If you really want to get into it, then you can begin to plant those things that butterflies will lay their eggs on, and that their baby caterpillars will love to eat. For now, let's just assume you want to attract butterflies to visit. You can decide later if you want to up the ante.

Small florets like those on this butterfly bush attract butterflies

Listed below are butterfly nectar plants we have at Sprout right now followed by the types of native butterflies (the ones that can be found in New York) that they attract...

* * *

Butterfly Bush: (one of the best plants for this purpose) Eastern Tiger, Spicebush Swallowtail, Pipevine, Variegated Fritillary, Great Spangled Fritillary, Monarch, Painted Lady, American Lady, Red Admiral, Question Mark, Silver-Spotted Skipper, Wild Indigo Duskywing, Horace's Duskywing

Echinacea (aka purple coneflower, the other best choice): Painted Lady, Swallowtail, Great Spangled Fritillary, Pearl Crescent, Monarch, Painted Lady, American Lady, Wild Indigo Duskywing, Horace's Duskywing

Oregano: (who would have thunk it?): Swallowtail, Variegated Fritillary, Silver-Spotted Skipper, Wild Indigo Duskywing

Lantana: (you will notice the small florets, like the butterfly bush): Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail, Monarch, Red Admiral, Silver-Spotted Skipper, Wild Indigo Duskywing

Liatris: Swallowtail

Zinnia: Painted Lady, Swallowtail, Silvery Checkerspot, American Lady, Silver-Spotted Skipper

Salvia: American Lady, Silver-Spotted Skipper

Sedum autumn joy: Pearl Crescent

* * *

Question Mark butterfly

We would really love to hear about the different types of butterflies you see. If you get pictures of them, show us! Butterfly identification is fun, and I've heard that people who get bored of bird watching move on to butterfly watching.


Spicebush Swallowtail

Information painstakingly cross-referenced from the Butterfly Site http://www.thebutterflysite.com/.

Lantana!

Weekend Update List

2011-07-09T13:14:00.000-07:00

NEW Perrenials

agastache 2 kinds

flowering creeping thyme
balloon flowers (pictured below)

ligularia
japanese anemones (probably will bloom this week!!)

grasses that are starting to bloom
--pennisetum, carex, hakonechloa--
black cohosh (cimicifuga) NATIVE shade plant
more catmint, blooms all summer long

Bees balm native vareity resistant to powdery mildew!
coreopsis
russian sage (drought tolerant)
liatris native perennial (tall purple flowers)
fairy tails grass
echinacia, shorter variety

Other NEW plants

Annual mixed baskets
Celosia
sedum pachyclados (drouth tolerant, pictured below)

FLOWERS

ageratum, jasmine, russian olive, anenome, chocolate allium, lycopodium. mammy blue roses, pink garden roses (2 kinds), dusty miller, solomon seal, white saponaria, rudbeckia white scabiosa, flowering eucalyptus, echinops, brunia, amnesia roses, white garden roses, white peony, chamomile, white ranunculus, large viburnum branches, purple artichoke


White Scabiosa

This has been:

Herbs, Annuals, and a little spatial rearrangement

2011-07-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

A lot of activity here today.

We have received those delicious herbs you've been asking about. Among them: basil, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, and cilantro (for those of you that like that cilantro flavor).

Basil: ready to be cultivated for pesto.

We found some more swallowtail caterpillars on the dill and fennel plants. If you are lucky enough to find a caterpillar on yours, just let them eat the plant. Butterflies are delightful to behold.

Here is some really exciting news. We have insanely beautiful RED passionflower vines. You can get them in small 4 inch pots, or the larger version. When the flowers open they will knock your socks off.

Passionflower. Hot diggity.

Other outdoor additions today: coleus, angelonia, sweet potato vine, zinnias and lantana. Indoor additions: ficus lyrata trees, small wandering jew plants, and fitonias.

Long lasting blooms: Angelonia

On top of all that we also rearranged the store. Sorry for those of you that came in to see us in this messy process, but we are happy with the results, and hope it will be more helpful for you too. Now all the terrarium supplies are in one place up front: rocks, sand, moss, living together in harmony. Give us compliments on how nice everything looks.

Here is a sneak peak at the the new terrarium section. To get a less obscured view, come in person!

Finally to end this blog post: our employee Greg, plant man extraordinaire, will be leaving to go on tour with his band Batillus for a few weeks. We will miss him, but we take some comfort in something he admitted after a little prodding today. Greg revealed that, "All of our songs are inspired by plants, black plants."

Two gems in the yard

2011-07-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

Two delightful summertime plants caught my eye while watering yesterday.

1. Kangaroo Paw: Packing the proverbial punch

There is one kangaroo paw in the yard at Sprout right now. A prize goes to the first person who buys it. What is the prize? Why the kangaroo paw itself! Come try to find it. Its like "Where's Waldo".

The Kangaroo Paw Annual hides amidst the greenery

2. Astilbe: "Vision in Red"
You need to get close and check out the amazing coloration of the flowers on this astilbe. You may get the song "lady in red... is dancing with me" in your head, but don't let that confuse you. Its a vision in red!

Bat Orchids

2011-06-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

Here at Sprout, we're accustomed to dealing with some fairly strange plants, but I've never seen anything quite like this Bat Orchid. This South American flower, also known as Coryanthes, grows on anthills in the wild. The petals are designed to lure in bees, trap them, and force them to walk through a tiny tunnel where they collect the flower's pollen. Come by and check it out.

So many beautiful weddings yesterdays

2011-06-26T09:55:00.001-07:00

Here's a sneak peak... Thanks Jen! jenhuangphotography.com

Congrats to the new couples! xoxo

Shady Garden Design

2011-06-24T14:25:00.001-07:00

A couple of images from a shady garden we designed and installed last year.

Ladybugs

2011-06-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Recently, many Sprout customers have been asking about ladybugs. Well, they have finally arrived and they are quite adorable. In addition to being cute, ladybugs help to ward off common garden pests. One ladybug can eat hundreds of harmful aphids and mites in its lifetime. Stop by today and get your own bag of tiny garden assistants.

Backyard Weddings

2011-06-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

What better place to profess your love in when you have a backyard this beautiful!

A Successful Transformation

2011-06-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

Here at Sprout we love working with inspired clients to create the mood of a space.

From concept...

to success!

This wedding was held in a converted garage here in Williamsburg.

Terrariums filled the table tops and plants hung from woolly planters

what a cool wedding to be part of!

Summer Wedddings

2011-05-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

Yah we know it's pretty darn hot out there, but how great are outdoor weddings this time of year?

Creamy whites and peaches with pops of lavender blue

Nothing fussy with pretty arrangements in a mason jars

Our clippers are sharpened and fingers flexed to bring on more bridal magic!

Thanks Jen for the pics!

http://www.jencauseyweddings.com/

Low-Light House Plants

2011-05-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you live in one of those New York apartments that get about as much light as a prison cell. Perhaps you think this will prevent you from ever having a house plant of your very own.

Never fear. Sprout Home in Williamsburg has some low-light plants that would love to move in with you. Below you will see a dark green, leafy ZZ Palm and a lime-green Golden Pothos. Both of them can make due with very minimal light. This tall fellow is a Snake Plant or Sansevaria, and below it is a nicely-striped Dracaenia. Either of these plants will be happy sitting on an end table in the dark corner of your living room.

Yellow is the color

2011-05-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Ramsay for the pics!

http://ramsaydegive.com/

Plants Galore!

2011-05-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

First and foremost these rainy days make for great planting with the soil being nice and moist. Check out these tomato cages and matching watering cans? Nice way to jazz up your plantings!

Also just in are these wacky Rhipsalis...

Woah.. how neat would this one look in your terrarium?

And lastly, we bring you a bed beautiful coleus + begonias

You know what you need to do.

Cloudy Days Call for Flowers

2011-05-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

Check out this beauty Doan made

tres jolie indeed!

Thank Your Mama With Flowers!

2011-04-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

Don't forget Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th and we are prepping our loving hands to create some spring magic for your wonderful mama's.

Unfortunately we are not able to send out of state, but if your mama is here we would love to send her something special from you.

It's a good idea to to call and pre-order so we can assure to have flowers reserved for your order, and that your arrangement is ready for pickup or delivery.

Easter Bouquets

2011-04-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

What better way to accent this Sunday's brunch with a spring bouquet. Bring them to the sweet child in your life, a dear friend, or simply carry a posie to compliment your Easter frock.

Bouquets starting at $40

Arrangements starting at $50

Give us a call 718-388-4440 or email nyfloral@sprouthome.com

Lithops

2011-04-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Another army of lithops has arrived, almost all of them in the process of splitting open to expose the emerging new leaf set.

Bamboo has arrived!

2011-04-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

New arrivals

2011-04-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick preview of some of the things that have just come through the door. At the rate things have been going, they probably won't last long, so come by and check them out in person.

Japanese maples. . .

Lots of different evergreens. . .

New varieties of orchids. . .

"Salad bowls" of mixed edible greens . . .

April Class Schedule & New Terrarium Classes Added!

2011-03-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

APRIL

Thursday, April 7th 6-7pm: SPRING NOW! Cold Tolerant Annuals, Perennials, and Herbs Want to get an early start adding early spring color to your containers, window boxes, or garden? We will discuss options for annuals, perennials, and herbs that bloom early in the season and/or are tolerant to colder temperatures of early spring.

Sunday, April 10th 12-1pm: Flower Class: Wedding Workshop We will demonstrate how to create two essential elements to any wedding, a spiral stemmed bouquet and a pinned corsage/boutonniere. Fees are based on the types of flowers used and are estimated at $85 - $150.

Thursday, April 14th 6-7pm: Terrariums *THIS CLASS IS FULL*

We’ll demonstrate the steps for building a terrarium. Options include high light cacti/succulent, low light fern/moss, carnivorous plants, and no maintenance terrariums. Students may bring their own container or purchase one at Sprout. Fees are based on the type of the terrarium and materials used and are estimated at $35 - $250.

Sunday, April 17th 12-1pm: Terrariums *THIS CLASS IS FULL*

To sign up for a class please email nyinfo@sprouthome.com

Check out our Woolly Pockets Installation!

2011-03-14T11:21:00.001-07:00

Double Slipper

2011-03-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

Cool plant photo of the day. . . check out this paphiopedilum (Lady Slipper orchid), with two flowers in bloom and a third one on the way.

Walk Study

2011-03-02T09:03:00.001-08:00

Ok folks, it's almost Spring! Here's something you can do outside to start enjoying the beautiful weather.

The Walk Study Training Course is a series of meetings  of walking about reading,  and reading about walking.   Each week case studies of strategic walking practice and theory in art, politics, ecology, and philosophy, are combined with specific short walks. The course will result in an understanding both theoretical and practical and culminates with a group walk constructed by the class for the public. WSTC meets weekly for 6 weeks starting March 13 in different public spaces throughout New York City. We are offering the course for up a limited number of participants. It is free. Participants should commit to attending all sessions.
Organized through The Public School.

more information http://www.implausibot.com/walkstudy/

Busy Flower Week & Mohawk Dog

2011-02-23T13:28:00.000-08:00

Who knew it would be so busy the week after Vday?? So many beautiful things coming in and going out of the floral & garden studio...including this mohawk dog!

New tiny cacti and succulents!

2011-02-22T15:36:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Hands

2011-02-08T13:19:00.001-08:00

Just a few days left to preorder your valentine's day arrangements. Not sure what type of arrangement to order?? We've made a video that can help you:

Bouquets start at $50. Arrangements start at $65. Delivery is available.

718-388-4440 or nyfloral@sprouthome.com

Carnivorous Plants

2011-02-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

For those of you interested in or curious about carnivorous plants, here's a great on-line resource: The International Carnivorous Plant Society

CLASS TONIGHT! 6-7, Thursday, February 3

2011-02-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

TILLANDSIAS, LITHOPS, CARNIVEROUS PLANTS

with origins in the driest deserts or in the boggy swamps, these plants have very specific care requirements. Learn about these strangely magical little plants and how to keep them happy.

Sunkist

2011-01-30T12:13:00.000-08:00

You should see this arrangement with your own eyes. It makes my mouth watery for a certain sugary summer beverage. Doan slam dunked it with this orange beauty, just wait and see what we are going to hit you with come Valentines Day.

Fresh batch of Lithops

2011-01-21T10:25:00.000-08:00

Come and check out the brand new bunch of lithops (living stones) we just received. . . for those of you who tend to forget about your plants, these guys like to be almost completely ignored!

New Terrarium Class Addded

2011-01-20T07:05:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Our terrarium classes are filling up fast and it seems that many of you want to take the class with your friends, so we've added another class for Sunday, Jan 23rd from 2-3pm.

*THIS CLASS IS FULL, SORRY!*

We've also added a class on Sunday February 27th from 12-1pm.

Let me know if you're interested in signing up nyinfo@sprouthome.com

Fun Flower Day

2011-01-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

Lea and I splurged a little on flowers today. We forgot that it was a WEDNESDAY and not a wedding or event day, not a weekend, and a rainy day at that!

Cool mutant Protea pin cushions:

Bromeliads

Hanging Helconia - And they're fuzzy!

We like to live the glamorous life sometimes.

Teacup Arrangements

2011-01-17T15:48:00.000-08:00

We love these new teacup arrangements! Have your own vase you'd like to use for a special arrangement? Bring it in and we'll fill it w/ beautiful flowers.

For anyone in a relationship reading this blog, get some flowers for your special friend. Don't just do it on Valentine's Day. It doesn't have to be a giant expensive bouquet. Just get a few flower stems, or a small bud vase, a single peony, or a stunning poppy. The recipient of the flowers will feel special and happy. Worried about appearing overly sentimental or cheesy?? Don't worry, you won't! Seriously, 1st date, 2nd date, married, flowers are always appropriate and bring smiles.

Love on the Mind?

2011-01-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

Preorder your Valentine Arrangment

Bouquets starting at $50

Arrangements starting at $65

*Delivery is avaliable*

Why preorder? Valentine's Day is a very busy time for us.

Preordering ensures we have flowers reserved for your order and your arrangement is ready for pick-up or delivery.

Remember our bouquet class Sunday, Feb 6th @ noon!

Email us to sign up nyfloral@sprouthome.com

For more information visit: http://sprouthome.stores.yahoo.net/prforvadayar.html

Flower Update

2011-01-13T09:34:00.001-08:00

New flowers just in: Pink ranunculus - kind of an antique pink - amazing.

Sweet Pea - probably the best smelling flower around. Soft, fluffy, multi-shades of purple. Perfection.

Water lily - What better way to contemplate the nature of life than looking at one of these water lilies which open and close according to the sun and heat.

French Heather - stunning!

Anemones - still love them week after week. The perfect black center in the vibrant purple or white gets me every time!

Anyone interested in early morning botanical drawing classes?? We are. Sunday morning 9ish? Coffee, Tea, a little drawing disclipine. Let us know what you think.

New year, new plants!

2011-01-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

Orchids,

Blooming pussy willow branches,

Blooming tillandsias,

Weeping pussy willow trees,

Big selection of herbs,

Bay laurels,

Lace aralias,

Aglaonema,

Lots of begonia rex,

Jasmine,

Maidenhair ferns (which look better as a group),

An army of haworthias,

Beautiful and strange succulents,

And some nice rust-colored kalanchoes.

Come on in and take a look in person before they're gone!

Winter Blossoms, Branches, and Succulents

2011-01-05T13:46:00.001-08:00

Our first floral class of the new year is this Sunday @ noon. We'll be working with quince blossoms, sweet pea, raunculus, anemones, peonies, and succulents. To register email nyfloral@sprouthome.com

And, a beautiful large arrangement from earlier this week.

p.s. don't forget our houseplant 101 class this Thursday @ 6pm. Free and open to anyone - lecture style. Just stop by!

Terrarium Kits

2011-01-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

Terrarium Kits are now available for only $40.00
We have 2 different kits:
"Cacti, Succulent, Open Terrarium Kit" &
"Ferny, Mossy, Closed Terrarium Kit"
Terrarium Kits include:
Container, Soil, Plant, Rocks, Charcoal, Decorative Items and Instructions.

"Cacti, Succulent, Open Terrarium Kit":

"Ferny, Mossy, Closed Terrarium Kit" :

2011 Winter Class Schedule

2010-12-30T10:04:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 2011 CLASS SCHEDULE:

To view the 2011 schedule check our website: http://sprouthome.stores.yahoo.net/frclforasgr.html

or to sign up for a class please email nyinfo@sprouthome.com

JANUARY 2011 CLASSES

Thursday, Jan 6th 6-7pm: Houseplants 101
Learn the do’s and don’ts of indoor plants, including water and light requirements, common plant pests, pruning and transplanting techniques.

Sunday, Jan 9th 12-1pm: Flower Class: Winter Blossoms, Branches, and Succulents
We’ll demonstrate the art of texture and form using winter blossoms, woody branches, and wired-in succulents. Students will create a hand-tied winter bouquet or vase arrangement they take home. Fees are based on the type of flowers and containers used and are estimated at $65 - $150.

Thursday, Jan 13th 6-7pm: Terrariums **THIS CLASS IS FULL**
We’ll demonstrate the steps for building a terrarium. Options include high light cacti/succulent, low light fern/moss, carnivorous plants, and no maintenance terrariums. Students may bring their own container or purchase one at Sprout. Fees are based on the type of the terrarium and materials used and are estimated at $35 - $250.

Sunday, Jan 23rd 12-1pm: Terrariums **THIS CLASS IS FULL**
We’ll demonstrate the steps for building a terrarium. Options include high light cacti/succulent, low light fern/moss, carnivorous plants, and no maintenance terrariums. Students may bring their own container or purchase one at Sprout. Fees are based on the type of the terrarium and materials used and are estimated at $35 - $250.

Holiday Hours

2010-12-28T07:19:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to update our holiday hours:

December 31st 10am-5pm (both stores)

January 1st 1pm-7pm (main store open / flower store by appt)

January 2nd Resume normal hours 10am-7pm every day

Have a great New Year!

Sproutpocalypse

2010-12-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

We are closed today due to the snow. We will reopen Tuesday, December 28th. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Thanks! Travel safely! Play in the snow!

Pre-order Your Holiday Party Arrangements

2010-12-21T14:53:00.000-08:00

Pre-order your holiday party arrangements now! (We want to make sure to have what you need.) We can create traditional holiday arrangements using evergreens, red and white or something unusual to fit your theme. Bouquets start at $35 and vase arrangements start at $50. Seasonal branch arrangements are also available, starting at $75. Delivery is available.

Holiday Hours

2010-12-21T14:33:00.000-08:00

December 24 10am-3pm
December 25 CLOSED
December 26-30 10am-7pm
December 31 10am-5pm
January 1 1pm-7pm (main store open / flower store closed)
January 2 resume normal hours 10am-7pm every day

Happy Holidays!

Tis Thee Terrarium Season!

2010-12-13T11:39:00.000-08:00

Week Recap

2010-12-05T17:36:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Here's a recap of fun and exciting plant happenings:

Wreath Class - Amazing (I forgot to take pics, but trust me, fun!). You should sign up for our next wreath class on Sunday December 12th @ noon. Having a fresh evergreen wreath in your home will make your house smell wonderful and piney.

Infinity is Forever - A great show at Cinders by Maya Hayuk. Think plants in outerspace. http://blog.cindersgallery.com/

Arctic Plants show - New Yorkers - check this out! Very cool art space in Gowanus and really interesting and beautiful art show by artist James Walsh about the Arctic Plants of NYC. http://observatoryroom.org/

Terrarium class - Awesome! Thanks to everyone for coming and making it so fun.

Rebar Wedding Chuppah - We want to construct and hang out under chuppahs all the time!

Foraging Friends

2010-12-01T14:39:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow foraging friends,

If you are into foraging and want to relate and read stories about what you find and eat, here is a good new site for you:

http://sharingfound.wordpress.com/

And if you know the secret spot for where maitake mushrooms grow around Greenpoint and Williamsburg let me know!

Wreath-making class on Thursday

2010-12-01T14:21:00.000-08:00

Thursday, Dec 2nd 6-7pm:

Learn how to create and decorate your own unique custom wreath using a variety of holiday greens, branches, berries, birds, and other items to personalize your wreath. Materials fee is estimated at $35 - $75 (based on your selections) and pays for a small wreath you make and take home.

Or just get a wreath like this and tack it up to some mdf board and call it good!

Colorful Fall Weddings!

2010-11-27T13:28:00.001-08:00

The other day, a bale of vibrant red maple branches engulfted the entire new floral store. It was my doing--I was greedy when I saw that shade and had to buy as much as possible. Red branches everywhere. Red leaves covering the entire floor. There wasn't enough room for all the branches so Shirley and I had to duck under, dodge around, and hop across to manage. We even squeezed past. A forest turned inside out in our store, and no one would have guessed it down the street. Our little playground.

Enjoy these vibrant fall wedding centerpieces!

And please visit Sprout Floral!

New Indoor Plants

2010-11-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

We've got some awesome new indoor plants. Below are my top picks:

Ficus creeping fig - good for terrarium or hanging planter

Philodendron silver - silver sparkle leaves

Asparagus Plumosa Fern - like a little delicate evergreen tree - awesome!

Philodendron Micans - a really pretty black leaf variety

Lady Slipper Orchids: The easiest orchids around in my opinion. Good for med light.

Frosty fern - the tips look like they have snow on them

Purple Waffle - it is how it sounds

English baby tears - great for terrariums and a nice chartreuse green color

Then and Now

2010-11-24T16:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! We will be closed on Thursday, November 25th. Here's to being thankful to then and now...

Holiday Containers - it's time!

2010-11-22T17:22:00.000-08:00

It's time to freshen up your outdoor containers! We've got cedar, pine, juniper, rosehips, eucalyptus, bronia, leucadendron, pinecones, and berries to jazz it up. Yes, I did say jazz!

Stop by and pick up your supplies or or let us design a custom container for you!

And, snow on the westcoast!

Ready for Thanksgiving....Check!

2010-11-21T16:16:00.000-08:00

We are ready for Thanksgiving! At Sprout Home #1 44 Grand St. we've got herbs, paperwhites, amaryllis, poinsettias, cabbages, and much much more.

At Sprout Home #2 48 Grand Street we're loaded to the brim w/ flowers. Pre-ordering is recommended :) We'll be open 10am-7pm on Wednesday. Stop by and pick up your perfect table centerpiece!

Fantastic Fall

2010-11-19T16:44:00.000-08:00

Some pics from recent fall weddings. The colors were out of control!

Family Flowers & Class Arrangements

2010-11-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

Here are some arrangements I made at my parent's house in Seattle clipping and snipping away in my mom's garden.

And flower orders from this week...

And our fall floral class #1! Thanks to everyone who joined us. Your arrangements were so beautiful!

Preorder your Thanksgiving Day Arrangements

2010-11-10T15:27:00.000-08:00

We are now taking pre-orders for arrangements
for your holiday parties and dinners.

Bouquets start at $35 and vase arrangements start at $50.
Seasonal branch arrangements are also available, starting at $75.

*Delivery is available* or pick up your arrangement on or before Wednesday, Nov 24th 10am-7pm

Why preorder? Preordering allows us to reserve flowers for your arrangement. We’ll also have your arrangement ready when you need it.

To preorder call 718-388-4440 or email nyfloral@sprouthome.com

Art & Plants

2010-11-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

There is a plant swap at Regina Rex Gallery on Saturday, November 13 @ 3pm

Regina Rex

17-17 Troutman, buzzer #329

between Cypress & Onderdonk

L train to Jefferson

info@reginarex.org

or http://www.reginarex.org/

So many flowers

2010-11-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

We got a motherload of flowers this week. Seriously, so beautiful. Come check out our new garden roses, anemones, peonies, mimosa, orchids, and much more!

New flowers

2010-11-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

New flowers in today: french parrot tulips, lotus pods, thistle, date palm, asplenium, castor bean, kangaroo paw, and anemones. Come and check out the anemones, even if you don't buy one I promise you they are worth the look alone. So beautiful! Thanks for the cool pics Lea!

Fall is my favorite

2010-10-29T11:38:00.001-07:00

We've got some amazing new fall flowers. Artichokes, bittersweet, oak branches, rosehips. Fall is my favorite time of the year!

Winter Class Schedule

2010-10-28T09:31:00.001-07:00

Sprout Home Floral & Garden Studio
Winter Class Schedule
48 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
E: nyinfo@sprouthome.com
T: 718.388.4440

The aim of our courses is to share our skills and philosophy on floristry and horticulture, we limit class sizes to 6 students in order to provide individual attention. To sign up for a class please email nyinfo@sprouthome.com

NOVEMBER

Thursday, Nov 4th 6-7pm: Terrariums
We’ll demonstrate the steps for building a terrarium. Options include high light cacti/succulent terrariums, low light fern/moss terrariums, and no maintenance terrariums. Students may bring their own container or purchase one at Sprout. Fees are based on the size of the terrarium and materials used and are estimated at $35 - $75.

Thursday, Nov 11th 6-7pm: Holiday Flower Arrangements & Decorating Your Outdoor Containers
Learn how to make a small table arrangement for your holiday parties. Materials fee is estimated at $35 - $75 (based on your selections) and pays for a small vase arrangement you make and take home. We will also discuss how to use evergreens, vines, and branches to decorate your outdoor containers for the holidays.

Sunday, Nov 14th 12-1pm: Terrariums
**THIS CLASS IS FULL**
We’ll demonstrate the steps for building a terrarium. Options include high light cacti/succulent terrariums, low light fern/moss terrariums, and no maintenance terrariums. Students may bring their own container or purchase one at Sprout. Fees are based on the size of the terrarium and materials used and are estimated at $35 - $75.

Thursday, Nov 18th 6-7pm: Holiday Flower Arrangements & Decorating Your Outdoor Containers
Learn how to make a small table arrangement for your holiday parties. Materials fee is estimated at $35 - $75 (based on your selections) and pays for a small vase arrangement you make and take home. We will also discuss how to use evergreens, vines, and branches to decorate your outdoor containers for the holidays.

Sunday, Nov 21st 12-2pm: Autumn Floral Class
We will be creating a cornucopia (not literally) of seasonal fall blooms in a classic hand-tied style arrangement to warm up the home. Materials fee is estimated at $100 (based on your selections) and pays for a small vase arrangement you make and take home.

Sunday, Nov 28th 3-4pm: Terrariums
**THIS CLASS IS FULL**
We’ll demonstrate the steps for building a terrarium. Options include high light cacti/succulent terrariums, low light fern/moss terrariums, and no maintenance terrariums. Students may bring their own container or purchase one at Sprout. Fees are based on the size of the terrarium and materials used and are estimated at $35 - $75.

DECEMBER

Thursday, Dec 2nd 6-7pm: Wreath-making
Learn how to create and decorate your own unique custom wreath using a variety of holiday greens, branches, berries, birds, and other items to personalize your wreath. Materials fee is estimated at $35 - $75 (based on your selections) and pays for a small wreath you make and take home.

Sunday, Dec 5th 12-1pm: Terrariums
**THIS CLASS IS FULL**
We’ll demonstrate the steps for building a terrarium. Options include high light cacti/succulent terrariums, low light fern/moss terrariums, and no maintenance terrariums. Students may bring their own container or purchase one at Sprout. Fees are based on the size of the terrarium and materials used and are estimated at $35 - $75.

Thursday, Dec 9th 6-7pm: Terrariums
We’ll demonstrate the steps for building a terrarium. Options include high light cacti/succulent terrariums, low light fern/moss terrariums, and no maintenance terrariums. Students may bring their own container or purchase one at Sprout. Fees are based on the size of the terrarium and materials used and are estimated at $35 - $75.

Sunday, Dec 12th 12-1pm: Wreath-making
Learn how to create and decorate your own unique custom wreath using a variety of holiday greens, branches, berries, birds, and other items to personalize your wreath. Materials fee is estimated at $35 - $75 (based on your selections) and pays for a small wreath you make and take home.

Thursday, Dec 16th 6-7pm: Terrariums
We’ll demonstrate the steps for building a terrarium. Options include high light cacti/succulent terrariums, low light fern/moss terrariums, and no maintenance terrariums. Students may bring their own container or purchase one at Sprout. Fees are based on the size of the terrarium and materials used and are estimated at $35 - $75.

Sunday, Dec 19th 12-2pm: Winter Floral Class
An exciting time of year, we will create holiday cheer with a table centerpiece composed of seasonal flowers & foliage. Materials fee is estimated at $100 (based on your selections) and pays for a small vase arrangement you make and take home.

Mystery Plant

2010-10-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

Anyone know what type of plant this is? A free pack of Spring bulbs to the first 3 people who guess correctly.

Email nyinfo@sprouthome w/ "mystery plant" in the subject line.

Best Shop for the Urban Gardener

2010-10-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

We won the Village Voice Awards 2010 Best Shop for the Urban Gardener. Thank you Village Voice! And congrats to my good friend Ben who is also featured in the same issue for his new book on Best Dive Bars in New York. Hooray!

http://www.villagevoice.com/bestof/2010/award/best-shop-for-the-urban-gardener-2167702/

TERRARIUMS GALORE!

2010-10-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

We have serious terrarium fever over here at Sprout Home! We have been experimenting with lots of different styles and combos. And we even got a request to make table terrariums for a wedding! It was lots of fun playing with different plants, themes and tiny figurines. Definitely a fun idea for wedding displays! Check out our current creations below:

CACTUS SANDSCAPE:
MAINE SCENE (WEDDING TERRARIUM):

Bouts

2010-10-10T15:50:00.001-07:00

I think boutonnieres are the cutest little things ever...

Sprout Home Weddings

2010-10-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Brides-to-be,

Now is the time to meet and discuss your 2011 weddings. To schedule an appointment call 718-388-4440 or email nyfloral@sprouthome.com. We had a great wedding season and are looking forward to many more to come!

Winter Interest Planting Class

2010-10-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

Do you get tired of looking at a bunch of brown leaves and bare branches in your winter garden? Learn about plants that provide color interest and structure in the fall and winter. We'll discuss ideas for how to integrate these plants into your overall landscape design or container garden. We will also discuss how to plant spring bulbs and integrate them into your current plantings.

Please join us on Thursday, October 7th @ 6pm for our Winter Interest Planting Class

Fall Flowers & Friends

2010-10-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

What a lovely fall wedding season we had! So many beautiful brides, amazing spaces, and fun flower-making parties. Thanks to everyone who helped make it perfect.

Hello Pretty

2010-10-03T13:52:00.001-07:00

Bridal magic we made this weekend

Beautiful Blues and Hungry Catepillars

2010-09-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

Some wedding pics from a bouquet & bout for tomorrow:

And, we have a catepillar family here at Sprout! Come and buy some parsley, dill, or fennel, and take home your very own swallowtail butterfly catepillar. Watch it grow fatter and fatter each day and then poof...cocoon and beautiful butterfly!

Flowers & Orchids

2010-09-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

We are now taking preorders for this amazing Bat orchid for halloween, or anytime you want it. This is a cut flower ($40), but if you want an amazing live orchid plant that looks just as cool (ok, almost as cool, the bat orchid is the coolest thing i've seen in awhile), stop by after Thursday and pick up a lady slipper orchid ($38).

And, here are some recent flower pics made in our new floral design studio (48 Grand Street). If you haven't visited the new space, stop by and say hello!

48 Grand

2010-09-22T16:15:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Did I tell you yet that we are OPEN in our new floral & garden studio at 48 Grand Street?! Maybe you've seen me running back and forth between the two stores, which I often do. Stop by and say hello or better yet, tell me to stop running :)

And thank you to all the people walking by protective of Sprout not knowing that it is in fact Sprout that has expanded and saying, "You know you opened next to a really cool garden store don't you?!" Thanks for looking out for us.

There is so much new stuff to tell you:

Fall bulbs have arrived! Tulips, daffodils, crocus, galanthus, allium, muscari...

Our Fall Sale has begun! 25% all outdoor trees, shrubs, and select annuals, perennials, and herbs.

Fall stuff is here - cabbages, kales, pansies, mums, osteospermum, grasses, sedum, and heuchera - the magical plant that lasts far far into the winter months and keeps it leaves.

And, here are some pics from a recent wedding - thanks Jen!
(Photos by Jennifer Causey jen causeyweddings.com)

Terrariums

2010-09-20T17:33:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Bobbi for sending us pictures of her beautiful succulent terrarium. It looks like a miniature NY city landscape!

And here are a few more made by Sprout Home's own Melissa Gorman - her terrarium skills have definitely hit another level. Come get one while they're still available (no maintenance required!).

Our Green Sidewalk

2010-09-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

Probably our last shipment of outdoor plants for the season. Lots of nice tall grasses, which will develop some beautiful feathery plumes as the fall marches on. Get them before they're gone!

Free Class Thursday

2010-08-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

Thursday, September 2, 6pm: Lithops (Living Stones), Tillandsias and Carnivirous plants

Learn about these amazingly weird wonders of the plant world, including planting and care instructions, as well as information about their seasonal growing cycles, watering and feeding instructions.

Sprout Home Floral & Garden Studio

2010-08-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

Is opening soon! Here are some pics from earlier today

Aurora Wedding

2010-08-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

Some pics from a recent wedding at Aurora. We love Aurora weddings!

The Plants Database

2010-08-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a great, massive website with tons of useful information and images. It's easy to kill a few hours browsing, and you'll be learning too.

http://plants.usda.gov/

Rebar

2010-08-11T06:04:00.000-07:00

Pics from a recent wedding at the Rebar. Photos by Ramsay Fitzgerald de Give
Ramsay de Give ramsaydegive.com

Red Hot

2010-08-08T16:53:00.001-07:00

Red is the new hot color for bridal bouquets.

Today's Favorite Indoor Plants

2010-08-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

A big pothos vining around a stake:

Philodendron Xanadu:

Sago palm:

Rhipsalis:

Pitcher plants (perennial in our zone!)

Venus fly trap with a meal:

Real & Fake are friends

2010-08-05T16:45:00.001-07:00

I love when weddings incorporate some DIY and some premade, some real flowers and some fake. Someone's got some skill with the scissors to match our floral designer's magic. Check out more images from this Spring wedding
stylemepretty.com

Sprout Home Floral & Garden Studio

2010-08-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

The plants and flowers are sprouting everywhere, onto the sidewalk and into next door...

Sprout Home Floral & Garden Studio September 2010

Free Classes

2010-08-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

Our next free class is on Thursday, August 5th @ 6pm. It is on Drought Tolerant Plants and Ornamental Grasses. If you would like to attend, please rsvp to nyinfo@sprouthome.com

Learn about flowering annuals, herbs, perennials, trees and shrubs tolerant of the dry conditions common in many Brooklyn yards and container plantings. We will also discuss a number of ornamental grasses, and how to integrate them as part of your garden design. These grasses provide a great variety of forms and textures for your garden, with many varieties providing fall and winter interest as well.

AND, back by popular demand, we are holding TWO more terrarium classes.

Wednesday, August 18th @ 6pm **CLASS IS FULL**
Wednesday, August 25th @ 6pm

We'll demonstrate the steps for building an open terrarium, including planting mediums, plants that work together, and maintenance. Participants can bring their own container and purchase the materials (rocks, charcoal, soil, and plants) for a fee or they may purchase a container at the store. If you bring your own container, make sure the opening is wide enough to fit your hand into. Material charges are based on the size of container and plant pricing (estimated charges are $35 - $75). RSVP to nyinfo@sprouthome.com space is limited.