Planting Archives - Goldberg & Rodler, Inc.

Community Gardens

March 7, 2017/in Planting, Commercial /by Goldberg and Rodler

Although community gardens have a long history prior to World War II, it was during this time, in the midst of food rationing, when citizens answered the call in the name of the war effort, planting Victory Gardens to grow, eat and preserve fruits and vegetables for themselves and their families. At least 20 million private and cooperative gardens were created back then in backyards and empty lots in the name of patriotism.

Today, concern for the environment and awareness of the health issues associated with the use of chemicals and pesticides, has brought about a trend toward more nutritious, organically grown, fresh produce. Organic gardening relies on crop rotation to avoid insect and disease problems associated with a particular crop and the use of organic fertilizers, compost and mulch rather than the more traditional methods using insecticides, fungicides and chemical fertilizers. Local or home grown organic food is also known to be far more nutritious than traditionally grown produce. The organic movement is not lost on the traditional supermarkets, as most have jumped on the bandwagon, introducing organic produce and grocery items to their shelves. Limited selections and higher costs, nevertheless, have compelled many consumers to consider growing their own vegetables and herbs. Others, without the benefit of a personal outdoor space, have gravitated toward local community gardens where they can enjoy and appreciate the satisfaction of tending, harvesting and eating their own produce. There is also the added benefits of physical exercise, social interaction with fellow gardeners and emotional and physical health when eating a healthier and more wholesome diet. Gateway Park Community Organic Garden, located in Huntington, is a wonderful example of how a local community can come together. Growing produce while also supporting those less fortunate, provides an opportunity for the local community to improve their quality of life with a diet of healthy, home grown and nutritious food while also significantly reducing food costs.

Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA’s, are another path to realizing the benefits of healthy, sustainable organic produce while also supporting local farmers and the environment. These programs are based on you, the consumer, purchasing a share of a farmer’s harvest. A membership fee is prepaid early in the year to help the farmer purchase needed equipment and seeds. Then, from May or June until November, depending on the crops a particular farm grows, a weekly allotment of fresh picked produce is harvested specifically for you. Many of these farms have weekly drop off points in our area, so it’s important to choose a farm that delivers to a convenient location for you. Some membership require work participation, but considering that the majority of CSA’s are located at the east end of Long Island, this concept may be impractical for most of us. Produce selections and costs also vary from farm to farm, so checking out websites for the details is important. Homecoming Farm in Amityville is a wonderful example of a group, the Dominican Sisters in this case, coming together to support themselves and the community with a healthy and sustainable Community Supported Agriculture project. Bayard Cutting Arboretum and Bethpage Restoration Village are also CSA’s, but may or may not be organic.

As a consumer who purchases organic foods whenever and wherever possible, I find myself purchasing the same few available organic fruits and vegetables week after week. The experience of tasting a healthier and more varied choice of local organic produce, fresh from the farm, is very appealing and adds another benefit, for me at least, to join a CSA.

Being aware of the many options available on the garden path to a healthier diet, whether to have your own backyard garden, a plot at a local community garden or a weekly delivery from a CSA you will be an integral part of a rapidly growing movement to reconnect with nature and support a healthier, more sustainable environment.

Written by: Maria Ferrero

A Contemplative Garden

April 19, 2017/in Planting, Curb Appeal, Patio /by Goldberg and Rodler

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Healing Gardens were first recognized in medieval Cloister Gardens where the monks grew herbs known for their medicinal and healing qualities. The Cloisters at Fort Tryon Park in Northern Manhattan is a picture-perfect example of a contemplative garden. As they say, what is old is new again and for the past decade or so, we have come to realize the benefits of self-healing.

Hume Japanese Stroll Garden in Locust Valley

Whether to engage in yoga, physical exercise, growing our own vegetable and herbs, converting to vegetarianism, holistic medicine or investing in organic foods, we are all searching for a natural way to avoid illness, cure chronic disease and quiet everyday stresses. The simple act of gardening is known to be therapeutic, both emotionally and physically and subliminally establishes a link to the earth and our ancient ancestors.

Who doesn’t find respite indulging in a cup of coffee on the porch or patio on a beautiful spring morning! Wouldn’t it be nice to have your own private space to escape from the frenetic world to find solace, or meditate surrounded by the peace and tranquility of nature? It is here where we can bring the fragrance of grandma’s lilacs from our childhood memories or the hummingbirds that captivated us on a vacation long ago.

Hume Japanese Stroll Garden in Locust Valley

Whatever it is that appeals to our most inner self should be given due consideration when designing our personal sanctuary. Find a quiet place on your property or, if one does not exist, create one. This garden space should be enclosed whether by attractive fence panels, trees, or shrubs separating one’s self from any intrusive sounds or views. A comfortable bench, maybe stone or teak, may lure you in and provide a place to rest and reflect. A simple water feature with a bubbler or water fall can be incorporated into the plan helping to quiet the mind and mask unwanted sounds, or a small pond to cool off on a hot summer’s day. A single sculpture that is meaningful to you might be the focal point. Perhaps, the focus can be a bird house or feeder, complemented with shrubs that attract birds. The planting should represent nature and be soothing with subtle shades of green, interesting foliage and textures. Flowering trees and shrubs can provide color, but avoid strong colors that may jar your senses rather than calm the mind. The garden should provide an environment for quiet introspection.

Hume Japanese Stroll Garden in Locust Valley

Many Asian gardens are designed for the purpose of contemplation and reflection. They typically include a grouping of 3 rocks carefully positioned to represent heaven, mankind and earth, a stone lantern, and a pond representing paradise. The John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden in Locust Valley is a fascinating study of the Japanese garden and should be visited several times to fully understand the meditative and healing qualities, as well as the symbolism that such a garden represents.

A visit to either The Cloisters or John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden will surely entice you to identify the elements you need to provide the perfect setting for your Contemplative Garden.

In today’s busy world, we could all use our own personal space where we could go to getway from it all. Let us help you create your own contemplative garden. Call us at 631-271-6460 or visit our website www.goldbergandrodler.com.

Photos by: Maria Ferrero

Written by: Maria Ferrero

Healthy Landscapes Are the Root of Happiness

February 2, 2017/in Planting, Maintenance /by Goldberg and Rodler

A great article from our friends at NALP, National Association of Landscape Professionals. Love your landscape! Want to protect your family from ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and more? Contact us today to protect your property! We have a range of sprays including organic options to protect you and your family. Our newest team member, Chris Tanner, is an expert on caring for your plants. He will make sure everything is pruned properly and at the appropriate time. Concerned about oak wilt? Speak to our arborists about your trees.

An Award Winning, Peaceful, Passive Garden

May 6, 2016/in Planting, Patio /by Goldberg and Rodler

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The soothing sound of water trickling over the rocks creates a calming backdropIntroducing our 2016 NALP Grand Award Winner, 2015 LINLA Gold Award Winner for Passive Use and 2016 NYSNLA Environmental Beautification Award Winner. We designed a soothing space in East Northport with a waterfall and pond to create a relaxing environment with a harmonic balance using natural rock formations and the sound of flowing water. The interplay of light and shadow add to the relaxing garden scene. Plant textures and vibrant color surround the irregular bluestone seating area.

A cast iron urn elevates colorful annuals plantings in the landscape, offering a unique focal pointThe homeowners are very adamant about their privacy and don’t want to see any visual signs of neighbors while they are in the backyard. The new border planting throughout the site was woven into existing vegetation. Large hemlocks surrounding the property are routinely treated for woolly adelgid and were pruned to allow for light and air to reach the understory. Our client did not want a typical row of screen planting, so our solution was to utilize a woodland aesthetic with thick, layered planting and a charismatic border.

Carefully crafted views through the landscape highlight different focal points at every turnThe homeowners love to entertain and have large parties for up to 100 people, making a large lawn area a necessity. Our clients also adore their children. They have had dedicated annual planting themes based on their kid’s favorite colors, showcased at their graduation parties. Each year, a new annual theme is designed for the site. The homeowners are very involved with their landscape and annual color displays for spring, summer and fall. They are consistently involved with providing inspiration and suggestions for planting. We have added large cast iron urns and cast stone planters that provide an elevated explosion of color throughout the landscape and have increased the impact of the changing seasons.

This multi seasonal display is enjoyed by both friends and family throughout the year and is a tranquil getaway from the bustling commotion of day to day life.

Landscape Design Principles and Elements of Composition: 50 Shades of Landscape

October 16, 2015/in Planting /by Goldberg and Rodler

This is the third in a series of articles on Landscape Design Principles and Elements of Composition (click here for the first entry on Color and here for the second entry on Texture). Today we want to talk about light and shadow in the landscape. Light and shadow could be simplified into sun and shade but light and shadow are about so much more than that. Light and shadow are about depth and dimension.

Dappled shade on Irregular Bluestone patio surrounded by a vibrant perennial border.There are different types of shade. When talking about plants in particular, there is light, partial, full and deep shade. There can be a total blocking of light, like from a solid roof or dense shade tree, or dappled or intermittent shade, like from a lace canopied shade tree or pergola. Shade is great for sitting and dining areas where you’d like prolonged shade and cooler temperatures. Mature shade trees are worth their weight in gold. Think twice when locating a new pool. You can easily cut down a tree, but it can take decades for a newly planted tree to offer enough shade for a large area. Most people want their pool and pool patio to be in a sunny area. The sun offers natural warming of the water, but even with warm water, swimming in the shade can be chilly. A pool patio with some umbrellas for sun protection is perfect for keeping the area nice and warm while cooling off in the pool.

There are different types of plants for sun or shade and they run the gamut from full sun all day long to full shade and anywhere in between. Pay attention to flower colors for different lighting scenarios. In deep shade, white, apricot, pale yellow, pastels of pink and lavender, and other light colors really pop and brighten up a shadowy area. In bright sun, vibrant and saturated colors stand out more than their paler counterparts. Deep reds, corals, purples, yellows, oranges and blues stand up to the sun’s dramatic rays.

Pergola casting striped shade over a sophisticated seating area, emphasizing the architectural detail of the overhead structure.Outdoor lighting not only extends the use of a space from day to night, it can be used to highlight architectural features such as this Westchester granite fireplace.Just as shadows can be functional in the day, they are also useful at night. Use shadows for dramatic effect when it is dark out. Pergolas that cast filtered shade during the day can also act as a dramatic filter for light at night. Lighting angled up or down through a pergola sets the scene for an intimate gathering. Using lights in the garden can highlight more than the architectural elements like pergolas and stone walls. Utilize spotlights to display specimen trees. Moonlighting in a mature shade tree is more than functional; it creates a fun nighttime atmosphere. Moonlighting involves placing downward facing light fixtures 30 feet up inside of a tree’s canopy. With the right lighting scheme, not only can a property be used day or night, it can also enhance the beauty of both man and Mother Nature’s architecture.

Aesthetically, light and shadow play a huge part in the drama of our gardens. Functionally, you need a varying palette of height, spread and depth from your plantings to create a harmonized space. Hierarchy is king in our next piece on scale in the garden!

Written by Ashley Palko Haugsjaa

Farewell to Summer, Autumn is Here

September 23, 2015/in Planting, Maintenance /by Goldberg and Rodler

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Records indicate that this summer and, in fact, this year is looking to be the hottest on record. This extreme heat coupled with very little rainfall has placed our trees, shrubs and lawns, under considerable stress. Irrigation systems, which we tend to over rely on, are not designed to replace Mother Nature, but to supplement her. Have you ever noticed how much greener and lusher the garden appears after a rainfall?A lush expanse of lawn thrives after recent renovations and some TLC.

To help counter this stressful condition and give our lawn and gardens a helping hand, Goldberg and Rodler has several ala carte services to offer you. These methods have been proven to be very effective in improving the health and beauty of your landscape. The cooler temperature of fall and our special services are a perfect combination.

Right now your lawn will benefit from core aeration and over-seeding. Core aeration is the systematic removal of small plugs of lawn, including thatch and some soil, which are tossed out of the ground by a machine called a core aerator. The small plugs sit on the top of the lawn, distributing the soil and other elements to help promote the growth of the new seedlings which are then over seeded onto the lawn. The cores also bring valuable air circulation to the lawn’s root system.Core aeration follows behind fertilization to reinvigorate existing lawn

You have now relieved the soil of harmful compaction and made an excellent medium for your new grass seeds. The grass seed will be evenly spread over the entire lawn area to make an even, new addition of young, healthy grass. You have now helped the lawn become healthy, more resistant to drought and also better protected from insects, pests and diseases.

Another option to strengthen your living landscape investment and irreplaceable specimen shade trees are precise soil injections of the proper nutrients delivered by deep root injection and soil drenching.

Providing the proper nutrients into soil is our specialty. We do this when the weather is cooling down in the fall. These treatments will also provide the proper nutrients where they are needed most at the root system and reduce the stress that this past summer has caused.

G&R certified professionals spray anti-desiccant to protect Hollies, Rhododendron and LaurelsLast of all, adding winter protection with an application of Vapor Guard, an anti-dessicant, on your broadleaf evergreens will help protect your rhododendron, azalea, hollies and laurels by coating the leaves with a beneficial clear wax like substance. This slows down transpiration and therefore helps the plant retain moisture through the drying winds of the winter months.

After a hot, dry season like this one, now is the time to protect, preserve and invest in the future health of your landscape. Call today to arrange a complimentary consultation and reserve a spot for these services in our upcoming calendar.

Written by Gary S. Carbocci

Adapting the English Cottage Garden

July 30, 2015/in Planting, Stonework, Patio /by Goldberg and Rodler

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The English Cottage Garden has become one of the most beloved garden styles, provoking images and visualizations of the idyllic garden. The mystique and romance of the English Cottage Garden captivates every gardener’s imagination. Interestingly, the earliest history of cottage gardens teach us that they were for the most part, strictly utilitarian, planted mostly with fruit trees, vegetables and herbs with a pen for chickens. It wasn’t until the 18^thcentury, when beautiful cottages were built for the ‘well to do,’ that the small working gardens developed into the beautiful flower gardens we admire today. This well placed bird house adds charm to an otherwise simple flower border.

It is a quandary, how we can love and want our gardens to emulate the cottage garden, but we abhor the idea of informal, messy looking flower beds, the very essence of the cottage garden. Having had the pleasure of visiting Sissinghurst Castle in England, one of the great examples of romantic gardens, and Monet’s garden in Giverny, France, I remember thinking that I would be tarred and feathered by my clients had I designed these gardens. However, the overall effect was complete and total awe. They have a wonderful random and haphazard quality about them that appeals to today’s most avid gardener.

So how do we meld the nostalgia of the English garden with our busy lifestyles and need for minimal maintenance? Let us begin with garden accessories. Maybe we can add a comfortable, well-placed bench where one can relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the garden, or an arbor covered with roses or clematis inviting one to enter. A picket or antique wrought iron gate at the end of the front walk, or groupings of terra cotta pots filled with a riot of colorful annuals and situated in sunny spaces around the yard can mirror the charm of the English Cottage Garden. Jasmine, gardenias, rosemary, and other fragrant annuals or culinary herbs assimilated into the pots offer the visitor the lingering fragrance so important if one wants to achieve the true essence of the cottage garden.

Meandering moss, stepping stone or gravel paths, cottage style bird accessories such as feeders, baths and houses are details that can also add charm to the cottage garden. Raised beds planted with vegetables and herbs, a berry patch, dwarf fruit trees or a few pots of tomatoes are details so characteristic of these garden spaces that at least one should be included. A perennial border at Sissinghurst Castle in England.

To emulate the flower gardens of England, consider inter-planting your existing perennial gardens or annual borders with taller perennials and annuals. Cleome, although it can’t possibly replace the allure of hollyhocks, is a great old fashioned annual that can represent the charm and informality of the cottage garden. Other favorites include Salvia ‘Black and Blue,’ Salvia ‘Indigo Spires’ and Nicotiana. Although perennials such as Filipendula ‘Venusta’ and Campanula persicifolia would certainly be more appropriate to the character of the garden, they cannot compete with the long blooming season annuals offer. Although located in Giverny, for me this bench in Monet’s garden is a classic representation of English Cottage charm.

Whether you add a bench or plant the terra cotta pots you have hidden in the garage with a potpourri of color, or you add all of the above, you will be lured into the charm and nostalgia of yesteryear and simpler times.

If you would like advice or guidance creating your cottage garden, please call or e mail me to schedule a consultation.

Written by Maria Morrison – Ferrero

Photos by Maria Morrison – Ferrero

The Truth about Ecological Restoration

May 5, 2015/in Planting, Maintenance /by Goldberg and Rodler

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Currently, climate change and its validity is a hot debate in this country, but many people are seeing the effects first hand and have no doubt. The world’s top scientists agree that tides are rising, land is eroding faster, rivers run with heavy metals, and oceans have become our wastebasket. Climate change is an unstoppable natural process, but we can create a more resilient nation through the Restoration, Reclamation, and Rehabilitation of the landscape.

This seaside property was restored to withstand the ever changing climate.When you read our blogs here on Outdoor Spaces, we talk about anything and everything landscape. You might be thinking about all your trees, shrubs and flowers on your property, but the truth is that the term landscape holds a deeper meaning. Landscapes are far more than the scenery in your backyard, or your neighbor’s gorgeous Crape Myrtle, because landscapes are 3 dimensional compositions of earth, water and atmosphere. The landscape is our home to share with nature and it is our duty to ensure its healthy longevity.

Globalization in the past decade has been a bitter sweet part of our lives. We live in a post-industrial society and in the midst of a technological revolution. Communications are being optimized and almost everyone is carrying a small computer in their front pocket. Now, more than ever, we can see the evolution of technology manifest within our lifetime. As a result of this globalization and urbanization, mankind has put an unprecedented amount of stress on the environment. For example, many rivers have become engineered channels of concrete, and sometimes piped underground, which has reduced their ability to provide ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are the environmental benefits associated with a functional ecosystem. This channelization of rivers has increased the number of people living in flood zones. When a storm surge happens, the capacity of the engineered concrete channel is exceeded, resulting in destruction of the local community. A solution is to restore the stream to a more naturalistic meandering form, with tidal buffers and constructed wetlands. This doesn’t mean we abandon engineering. In fact, environmental engineers can calculate what it takes to build a restored river ecosystem just like an engineered concrete channel.

This residential woodland path creates a space for humans and wildlife to thrive and live in harmony.After Hurricane Sandy, Long Islanders were faced with restoration projects both large and small. Houses, beaches, canals, streams and properties needed to be repaired and updated to withstand a greater force of nature. Ecological restoration provides added benefits in addition to an improved aesthetic. Projects of any scale can restore habitat for flora/fauna, and this directly influences your life. Some people may think they are isolated from nature in their urban and suburban world, but the truth is quite the opposite. Humans are just as important for a functional ecological web of life as plants and animals. When we truly become stewards of the land, we can create a healthy and thriving landscape for all. Goldberg and Rodler has design experts who are passionate and dedicated to the sustainable environment. Give us a call if you would like to create a sustainable landscape, and a Goldberg and Rodler designer can help bring your vision into reality.

Written by, Nick Onesto

Choosing Annual Flower Colors

April 23, 2015/in Planting /by Goldberg and Rodler

A riot of color lasting all summer long in these planters.FINALLY, spring is here and so begins the annual pursuit to embellish our gardens with color… lots and lots of color! Before your first trip to the nursery this year, as there will surely be many, consider choosing a color scheme. It may be your favorite 2 colors or 5 or 6, but let’s first consider how the colors play off of each other and try to avoid those harsh color combinations we’ve all experienced in the past. It can also be fun to choose just one color. White gardens are lovely and if you spend a lot of time outdoors in the evening, the effect is breathtaking! Be aware, however, working with any one color is an exercise in restraint, a word rarely found in a gardener’s vocabulary, but the effect is dramatic if you have the courage to try it.

The first colors you may want to consider are blues and purples. They are great unifiers and intermingle well with just about any other colors you choose. When left on their own they tend to disappear into the landscape, but add a white flower and you’ve got a winning combination!! Sun loving blue, purple or white annuals for beds can include varieties of Petunias, Angelonia, Salvia, Heliotrope and Scaevola, just to name a few. For shade, you may want to consider Torenia, Ageratum or New Guinea Impatiens.

Purple, yellow and pink compliment each other beautifully in this summer planter.Now it’s time to add other colors to your palette. Complementary colors, such as purple and orange make up one of the best combinations. They work well in the foreground of an evergreen border or where a lot of blue and white hydrangeas reside, but if you have pink or red roses blooming nearby, you may want to avoid orange and consider adding shades of pink or red instead. Orange along with its many shades of peach, apricot and coral, can include varieties of lantana, creeping and upright zinnias, marigolds and salmon geraniums for the sun. For the shade, consider upright fuchsia varieties, New Guinea impatiens or Nonstop begonias. There are countless choices for red and pink. My favorites would include the pink variety of Angelonia, Petunias, Salvia ‘Lady in Red’ and Madagascar Vinca for the sun. Dragon wing Begonias, Nonstop Begonia, New Guinea impatiens and Fuchsia would all do well in the shade. Yellow and purple are another terrific complementary color combination. Yellow annuals can include marigolds, mimulus, lantana and melampodium. For shade try Nonstop begonias and yellow shades of coleus. Adding a splash of taller annuals in garden beds around low shrubs or short blooming perennials, adds another texture and continuous color to the space. Pink, purple or white shades of Cleome or Salvia varieties such as ‘Indigo Spires’ or ‘Black and Blue’ are great choices, as are Nicotiana, tall Zinnias such as ‘State Fair’ and Cosmos as tall flowering annuals in a sunny bed. Working with shades of one color is another winning combination.

There are infinite choices of flower combinations. A few possible suggestions for sunny borders include:

Purple ANGELONIA and yellow, orange or multi colored LANTANA
Tall yellow MARIGOLDS and blue SCAEVOLA
SALVIA ‘BLUE VICTORIA’ and NEW GUINEA IMPATIENS or MADAGASCAR VINCA
Purple PETUNIA and SALVIA ‘LADY IN RED’
MELAMPODIUM and purple HELIOTROPE
White ANGELONIA or SALVIA ‘WHITE VICTORIA’ and Purple PETUNIA or SCAEVOLA

For shade borders:

Tall AGERATUM and NONSTOP BEGONIA
Blue TORENIA and COLEUS
Pink or Red DRAGON WING BEGONIA and White NONSTOP BEGONIA
Lavender NEW GUINEA IMPATIENS and Upright FUCHSIA
White NEW GUINEA IMPATIENS and Blue TORENIA or Blue AGERATUM

Enhance a functional area with color to make those daily trips to the mailbox a delight.Choosing annuals for pots can also be a lot of fun. Whether you’re looking for a dramatic statement at the front door, or on a pool terrace, or you want to create the appearance of a small garden by grouping pots together, there are a few things you may want to consider. When planting a grouping, feel free to set odd or even groups of pots together. They don’t have to match or be the same size, in fact, it is usually more effective when they are different sizes. The universal design mantra is to plant a thriller, fillers and spillers. If working with groupings, thrillers would be planted in the larger pot. Although the choices are many, hibiscus, mandevilla, jasmine, solanum or any other topiary annuals, grasses, dracaena or elephant ears would all be effective. Fuchsia topiaries or tall ferns, such as Australian tree fern or Kimberly Queen fern are thriller options for the shady container. Fillers, with limitless varieties to choose from, include most of the previously mentioned annuals as well as the many varieties of million bells and lantana, bacopa and verbena. Spillers can include creeping zinnias, chartreuse and purple potato vines and English ivy.

Enjoy mixing and matching these or any other plant combinations until you find one that talks to you. Remember one thing, no matter what color or colors you choose the experience should be fun, for that is what gardening is all about!

If you would like advice or guidance designing and planting your annual garden, please call (631) 271-6460 x28 or email me to schedule a consultation.

Written by Maria Morrison-Ferrero

Beach Restoration: Where did all of the sand go?

April 17, 2015/in Planting, Maintenance /by Goldberg and Rodler

Here on Long Island, our precious coastline is a big part of our pride and recreation, weather it’s the scenic beauty of the North Shore bluffs or the pristine sand coast of the South Shore beaches and bays. We’ve got it all. However, our shores are constantly under attack with Nor’easters, hurricanes, tidal surges or even bad wind storms. During these storms, immense power rips away at the bluffs, sand dunes and beaches, compromising our land and homes.

Beach restoration has been a hot topic for many of our communities close to the water. I will address two properties, one on the North Fork and one on a South Shore Bay. Both had been battered with hurricane Sandy, with pre and post Nor’easters.

NORTH SHORE BLUFF:

This property sits high on a bluff which has previously suffered from numerous storms and erosion. Past attempts were made to stabilize the bluff without success. For this property the DEC approved a boulder embankment to stabilize the bottom of the bluff but the slope was still eroding from the top down. We were brought in to stabilize the slope with a network of jute netting and native vegetation, consisting of American Beach Grass, Rugosa Rose, Beach Plum and Bayberry to reflect the existing plants on the adjoining embankment. Within one year the roots took hold, the natural indigenous habitat was restored and the slope is on its way to a full recovery. This has held up well in the past two Nor’easters with no erosion or slippage of the slope.

SOUTH SHORE BAY:

On this property we have a different scenario with the lower elevation and less slope to the shoreline. This south shore property was hit hard with tidal surges from past storms. A previous homeowner had cleared and planted a lawn along the shoreline which did not hold up well in the aftermath of these storms. To restore this eroded area we added a sand and soil mix with jute matting and some boulders to strengthen the area. The DEC does not permit a retaining wall of any sort so we had to slope the area gently and re vegetate. We added American Beach Grass, Bayberry and White Potentilla which fare well with this deer inundated area. The existing vegetation on either side of the eroded area was kept in a natural vegetated state with native grasses and shrubs which absorbed the tidal surges from Hurricane Sandy. Very little erosion was present in the adjacent area that was left natural while the cleared area with lawn was carved away by the storms. This made for a good case study on the effects of removing native vegetation and over development of a shoreline. Two years later the shoreline is stable and the plantings have spread their root system throughout the sandy mix to strengthen the shoreline and blend seamlessly with the adjoining natural habitat.

South Bay Beach before and after restoration.

With a professional plan to restore Mother Nature we can revive and care for our waterfronts so we can retain the soil, sand, and vegetation. This protects our parks, beaches, property values and the overall beauty of this magnificent island we call home.

If you want advice or guidance on restoring your waterfront property please contact Goldberg and Rodler and we will connect you with one of our designers to schedule a consultation.

Written by Rick Schneider