Bayport Flower Houses Newsletter - August 2025 by bayportflowerhouses

Gardener

Christine Saroka tells us about what’s happening at Bayport Flower Houses.

Head Grower John Auwaerter’s Guide to Smarter Summer Watering

Perfect Picks for Hosts and Guests to End Summer in Style.

Stress free, low-maintenance plants for students to ace their space

Nick Pitrelli, Nick Pitrelli, Tree, Nursery, and Yard Sales Associate

A LETTER FROM THE

Floral Studio

Our day starts pretty early in the flower shop. I love this time of the morning, so quiet. The birds have just started chirping, and boxes of fresh flowers, here since dawn, wait to be opened Their travel logs tell stories from faraway places and nearby gardens Our blooms come from literally around the world, as well as right here on Long Island and from our own gardens. Mornings like these are our family’s tradition since 1932, and I feel lucky and grateful to work with such beautiful flowers every day.

Great care goes into every flower we handle Imagine the journey of a single stem: breeders, engineers, growers, planters, harvesters, packers, drivers, pilots, more drivers, trucking, sorting, designers, and more, before arriving safely at your doorstep. This is the power of flowers.

Our care and handling are the final, essential steps to ensure our clients enjoy the best displays possible.

In a world where AI and other technology seem to be reorganizing every aspect of our lives, flowers remain firmly in control of our relationship with them. The connection that grows between us, our flowers, and our garden roots us solidly to the earth. And that’s a bond that simply cannot be artificially replicated.

Seeking joy on earth,

OWNER&FLORALDESIGNMANAGER

My daughter Katie, my father Gisbert, and I are having a wonderful weekend out East, surrounded by none other than our famous sunflowers!

Christine Saroka

UpcomingWorkshops

To secure your spot register online at shop.bayportflower.com, by phone at (631)-472-0014 or in-store 7 days a week.

Register Now

Bouquet

Basics:

The Tussy Mussy

Want to dip your toes into floral design without feeling overwhelmed? Our Tussy Mussy class is the perfect place to start! Learn the basics from our talented designers while creating your own charming, petite bouquet. Grab a friend and join us for an afternoon of blooms, creativity, and fun!

SAT. SEPTEMBER 27 AT 10 AM or SAT. OCTOBER 4 AT 10 AM

Creative Autumn Planters

Welcome the season in style with your own handcrafted fall porch pot! In this creative, hands-on class, you’ll design a container filled with autumn’s best—mums, kale, grasses, pumpkins, gourds, and other seasonal accents. We’ll guide you through plant selection, arrangement tips, and care so your porch pot stays vibrant all season long. SAT. SEPTEMBER 13 AT 3 PM

SAT. OCTOBER 4 AT 3 PM

$20 PER CHILD

WED. OCTOBER 8 AT 10 AM

$10 PER CHILD

SAT. OCTOBER 11 AT 3 PM

$35 PER CHILD

SAT. OCTOBER 18 AT 10 AM

$65 PER PERSON

SAT. OCTOBER 25 AT 3 PM

Creative Pumpkin Carving

$20 PER PUMPKIN

Kids plant and decorate their own colorful fall mum, add extra blooms, and learn simple care tips. Includes Harvest Hayride. Recommended for ages 3+

Preschoolers explore the children’s garden with leaf crunching, seed planting, crafts, and outdoor play. Includes Harvest Hayride. Recommended for ages 3–5

Tweens design a moody, magical fall bouquet with enchanting accents while learning floral care and design tricks. Includes Harvest Hayride. Ages 6+

Give your fall décor a fresh twist by turning a real pumpkin into a living succulent centerpiece. Learn arranging and care techniques so it lasts through the season.

Bring your pumpkin to life with creative designs, safe carving techniques, and decorating ideas. We provide the tools and inspiration. Includes Harvest Hayride. All ages welcomed!

Support Your Pollinators!

EXPLORE OUR COLLECTION OF NATIVE AND POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY PLANTS

Pollinator Week is an annual celebration in support of pollinator health that was initiated and is managed by Pollinator Partnership. It is a time to raise awareness for pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them. Shop our native plants to make space for the pollinators in our community!

ful time of year know what that arrangements! y, spread some bouquet.

Bring late-summer color to your garden with Rose of Sharon! Featured Proven Winners varieties include Purple Pillar, Blue Chiffon, and Starblast Chiffon—all hardy, lowmaintenance, and full of pollinator-friendly blooms. Perfect for adding vibrant color from August through September.

PLANT OF THE MONTH

ROSE OF SHARON

Hibiscus syriacus

Watering Wisdom

Head Grower John Auwaerter’ s

Guide to Smarter Summer Watering

When it comes to summer gardening, moisture management is one of the biggest challenges we face. Watering may seem simple, but a variety of plant, soil, and environmental factors can make it more complex than it appears. Here are a few key considerations to help your garden thrive through the hottest months.

Choose Naturally Resilient Plants

Some plants naturally tolerate dry conditions better than others. While drought-tolerant plants still need water, they can handle short dry spells more easily. If you’re looking for low-maintenance options that can survive a week away, consider annuals like lantana, cascade (ivy) geraniums, portulaca, angelonia, and pentas. Planning your garden with these resilient choices in mind can save you stress later.

Know Your Soil & Garden Conditions

high-quality planting mix with good waterholding capacity to extend moisture between waterings Also consider other factors: direct sun, wind exposure, and even how close a plant is to your house can change how fast it dries out.

Be Adaptable to the Weather

Our summers often bring stretches of hot, dry weather especially in July and August. When drought conditions hit, you may need to water more frequently to keep plants healthy. But be careful: too much water can be just as harmful as too little, especially during wetter months like September and October. Learning to balance your watering routine is part science, part trial and error. The type of soil in your garden plays a big role in how often you need to water Here on Long Island’s south shore, our sandy soils dry out quickly because sand doesn’t hold water well For container plants, like hanging baskets, planters, and window boxes, use a

If you have questions about proper watering or want advice tailored to your specific garden, our knowledgeable staff is always happy to help You can also reach out to me directly at john@bayportflower com

Labor Day Party Must-Haves

PERFECT PICKS FOR HOSTS AND GUESTS TO END SUMMER IN STYLE

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer one last chance to fire up the grill, gather friends and family, and soak up warm-weather vibes before fall arrives. Whether you’re the one setting the table or the one ringing the doorbell, the right touches can make the day feel extra special. Here’s your go-to guide for celebrating in style—whether you’re playing host or showing up as a guest

Set

Hosting

SEASONAL

Showing up empty-handed? Not on Labor Day A thoughtful gift says “thanks” before the first burger hits the grill.

At its core, Labor Day is about more than burgers and backyard games—it’s about enjoying the company of the people who make your life richer. Whether you’re decking out your patio or arriving with a gift in hand, these little touches help turn an ordinary gathering into a celebration worth remembering. Here’s to ending summer on a high note—and starting fall with full hearts (and full plates).

Plants for Dorm Life

Stress free, low-maintenance plants for students to ace their space

Tiny, trailing leaves make this plant a cheerful addition to a shelf or terrarium. Its compact size and easy care are perfect for busy students

Pilea aka Baby Tears Spider Plant

ZZ Plant

Nearly indestructible, the ZZ plant tolerates low light and irregular watering, making it perfect for students who are juggling classes, homework, and late nights

Pothos

Known for its hardy nature, pothos grows beautifully in a variety of light conditions. Its trailing vines add instant greenery and can hang from shelves or cascade from planters

A classic favorite, spider plants thrive in indirect light and bounce back quickly from neglect, making them ideal for a hectic school schedule.

DEER, INSECTS, AND DISEASES

OH MY!

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR LONG ISLAND GARDEN FROM NATURE’S MOST PERSISTENT PESTS

by John Auwaerter, Lead Grower

If you garden on Long Island, you already know—nature can be both beautiful and… persistent. From four-legged foragers to microscopic invaders, pests of all kinds can challenge even the most seasoned gardener. Some are long-time residents, others are newer arrivals, and some are just downright annoying. But with a few preventative measures, you can protect your plants and enjoy a healthier, more vibrant garden.

DEER

THE LONG ISLAND LAWN MOWERS

Deer have always been part of the local landscape, but in the last five years, their numbers—and their appetite for our plants—have skyrocketed. It’s no surprise that one of the most common customer questions I hear is: “Do you have anything deer resistant?”

Here’s the honest truth: when food is scarce, deer will eat just about anything green, no matter how “resistant” it’s claimed to be. That said, there are ways to make your garden less appealing:

Organic Sprays like Deer Off or PlantSkydd are safe for plants and effective at deterring browsing.

Physical Barriers, such as netting, can protect vulnerable areas.

High-tech deterrents, such as motionactivated sprinklers or high-pitched sound emitters, can give deer a surprise they won’t enjoy.

Just remember, deer are adaptable. Over time, they can get used to certain deterrents, so it’s wise to rotate your methods.

GARDEN INSECTS THE TINY

TROUBLEMAKERS

Our gardens are home to a wide variety of insects—some harmful, some helpful. While I could write a separate article on each pest, the good news is that controlling many of them often comes down to the same two strategies.

1 Natural “bio-pesticides” such as Captain

Jack’s Dead Bug Brew, which targets a broad range of harmful insects using ingredients derived from natural sources.

2

Beneficial insects like ladybugs and praying mantises. These garden allies prey on aphids, caterpillars, and other damaging bugs, providing a natural form of pest control without chemicals.

A healthy garden often has a balance of predator and prey—sometimes the best solution is to let the “good bugs” do the work for you.

PLANT DISEASES

THE HIDDEN THREATS

Plant diseases can be fungal, bacterial, or viral—and just like with human illnesses, each type requires a different approach.

Fungal Infections:

Fungal infections, such as Fusarium, are a common culprit in garden trouble, particularly with plants like mums. This type of root rot can quickly weaken and kill plants if left untreated, so using the right fungicide is essential for control.

Bacterial Diseases:

Bacterial diseases, like bacterial leaf spot, often show up as watersoaked or dark lesions on leaves and can spread rapidly in warm, wet conditions. While some broad-spectrum antibacterial sprays can help manage them, removing infected plant parts and improving air circulation are key to prevention.

Viral Diseases

Viral diseases, like Xanthomonas in geraniums, are trickier—there’s no true cure once a plant is infected. In these cases, prevention is the best strategy, and removing affected plants promptly helps stop the spread to healthy ones.

We carry some broad-spectrum bio-fungicides and antibacterial solutions, but the first step is always proper diagnosis. If you’re unsure what’s affecting your plants, reach out to us or consult Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, which has experts who can help identify and recommend the right treatment.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The world of garden pests is always changing, but with observation, the right tools, and a bit of persistence, you can keep your plants healthy and thriving. If you’re facing an issue—whether it’s hoofprints in the flowerbed, chewed leaves, or mysterious plant symptoms—give us a call or stop by. We’re always happy to help you win the battle for your garden.

Nick Pitrelli

Tree,

Nursery, and Yard Sales Assoc

Growing With Us Since 2018

Over the past 8 years, Nick has been a friendly and knowledgeable presence in the Bayport Flower Houses outdoor yard, where he spends most of the year helping customers with trees and shrubs As the seasons shift from the busy spring and summer into fall, he enjoys chatting with visitors about their gardens and keeping an eye on the bird hatchlings that make their home on the property. Known for making sure every customer leaves with a beautiful plant that truly fits their space, Nick combines expertise with an easygoing manner that makes shopping for plants both informative and enjoyable His blend of skill, attentiveness, and warmth makes him a valued part of the Bayport experience

Tell us about when you started at Bayport Flower Houses...

I started in the spring of 2018, mostly with the knowledge of forested ecosystems That quickly transferred over to more ornamental plants and other smaller herbaceous species

What is your favorite memory of working at Bayport Flower Houses?

There are too many to choose from! I really love all of the times in the late winter season listening to music and planting all of the seedlings into pots preparing for Spring with everyone.

What do you love about the current season at BFH?

I love seeing all the new varieties and new cultivars of plants. I really enjoy seeing plants I haven't seen before come into flower.

What are your favorite blooming shrubs, perennials, and annuals?

I love hypericum, viburnums, and agastache. I love the bright colors of the flowers for the hypericum and agastache. I also love the color of the berries, the viburnums, and hypericum bring I also love Acmella oleracea for its fun herbal traits

What’s your top tip for keeping blooming shrubs and plants at their best?

Don’t be afraid to cut plants back and have them regrow!