The Plant Success Issue - June 2025

SUMMER PLANT SUCCESS TIPS, NEW ITEMS, SPECIALS, SPRING CLASSES, AND MORE!

Gardener

Head Grower John Auwaerter shares his advice for June and summer growing!

Specials on Bayport’s Best Plantings.

Tips and trick to keep your garden thriving.

Native plants and pollinator-friendly plants to show them your love Maura Walker, Garden Center Retail Lead

A LETTER FROM THE

Greenhouses

“The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies. ”

–

GERTRUDE JEKYLL

This quote is very true. Gardening is an itch, a desire for more, and to some, an addiction Here at Bayport Flower Houses, we have ALL that you could need or want to help satisfy this desire From our stunning annuals, pollinator-loving perennials, and magnificent trees and shrubs, to our giftware, gardening products, and tools, we have it ALL.

June marks a time on a Horticulturist’s calendar when we can take our first big sigh of relief. Seeing the impact of our efforts in April and May But, Mums and Poinsettias are coming in soon to be planted for the fall and Christmas seasons

To all our graduates out there (and we have some of our employees here who are graduating), remember to follow your passions, wherever they may lead you. And remember your roots (no pun intended), it's important to be able to ground yourself somewhere, especially if you are leaving home for college or your career!

I just want to remind everyone to sign up for our Ladybug Breakfast event. You can sign up by visiting our website at www bayportflower com or by calling us On that note, I wanted to thank all of you, our faithful customers, for your continued business and support! Also, a HUGE shoutout to our staff! It takes a village this time of year, and we made it happen!

All the best and enjoy your June,

John Auwaerter

HEAD GROWER & CO-OWNER

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

Flowering Porch Pots

With the help of our savvy team, you can design your own lively and colorful flower pot perfect for jazzing up your home!

Kid’s Summer Garden Pot

Kids will choose from flowers and herbs/vegetables to make their garden in a pot.

Kids will learn about the role of ladybugs in the garden and even help us add some to ours! Proceeds will go to the Cornell Cooperative Extension Children’s Garden at Yaphank Farm.

16, 2025

Hydrangea Hydrangea Weekend Weekend

Valid In-Store at Bayport Flower Houses from June 1316, 2025 Only. Not valid on gift cards, classes or past purchases. Cannot be combined with other offers.

FATHER’S DAY IS SUNDAY JUNE 15, 2025

Gifts that Gifts that Grow Grow

FATHER'S DAY PICKS FOR GREEN-THUMBED DADS

Help him elevate his grill game with a

Herb Garden

A meal featuring homegrown ingredients is memorable. Herbs are easy to grow, perfect for busy dads, and serve as excellent garnishes that highlight his effort

3.5" Herb Pots $5.99 each

Buy 12 or more, get 10% off!

Showhimhowtocreatea sancutaryinhisbackyardwith

These stunning bird houses will not only jazz up their garden but also offer a snug retreat for your feathered pals. Pure bliss!

Give Dad something he can grow and—literally enjoy the fruits of his labor (dad joke totally intended). From citrus to fig to other fruiting trees, we’ve got options to fit just about any backyard. Worried about winter? We’ve got that covered too. Our Overwintering Services let our expert staff care for your fruit trees or other plants through the cold months, so they’ll keep thriving season after season.

NSNSTANTREFRES

THE SECRET TO A GARDEN THAT LASTS ALL SUMMER LONG

TIPS ON DEADHEADING, FERTILIZING, WATERING AND MORE TO KEEP YOUR GARDENS THRIVING AND BLOOMING

Summer gardens are a source of joy but heat, dry spells, and long vacation days can challenge even the most enthusiastic gardener The good news? With a few simple habits, your garden can stay lush, colorful, and healthy through the hottest months. From proper pruning to smart watering, here’s your go-to guide for garden success that lasts all summer long

The Power of Deadheading

One of the simplest ways to extend the life of your garden blooms is to deadhead That means snipping or pinching off faded flowers before they go to seed. While this might sound like just a cosmetic clean-up, it actually serves a purpose: when a plant isn't spending energy on producing seeds, it can put that energy back into new blooms and foliage growth.

That said, not every plant needs it. Many modern varieties especially Proven Winners selections like Supertunias®, Calibrachoa, and certain impatiens are "self-cleaning," meaning they drop their own spent blooms and continue flowering without help. But others, like Shasta daisies, butterfly bush,

and non-self-cleaning petunias, benefit greatly from regular deadheading. You’ll often see a noticeable boost in blooms just a week or two after cutting them back.

Deadheading should be done in spring to early summer, waiting until late summer or fall to begin deadheading is usually too late and the shortening days of fall and cooler temperatures will work against the growth of new flowers Simply use your fingers or clean shears to remove the faded flower along with any developing seed pod, cutting just above the nearest healthy leaf or bud.

Fertilizing for Longevity

Just like us, plants need fuel to stay active and summer blooming takes a lot of energy. That’s where fertilizer comes in. A midseason feeding can help your plants push through the long, hot days and keep producing flowers well into August and beyond.

Slow-release fertilizers are a great option for busy gardeners, releasing nutrients gradually over time. A balanced formula (like a 14-1414) is a good general-purpose pick for both flowers and foliage For long-lasting results, many gardeners trust products like Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food, which feeds plants for up to four months with just one application.

Apply fertilizer when the soil is moist, and be sure to water thoroughly afterward to help nutrients absorb into the root zone For heavy feeders like annuals or container plants, a liquid feed every few weeks can also be beneficial during the high-bloom season.

Watering Smarter

Watering is both an art and a science especially in the heat of summer. The golden rule? Water deeply and less often Shallow, frequent watering can cause roots to stay near the surface, where they’re more vulnerable to drying out. Instead, aim for deep soaks that encourage roots to grow down into the cooler, moister layers of soil

The best time to water is early in the morning, before the sun is high. This allows time for moisture to soak in without evaporating too quickly. Evening watering is an option too, but be careful not to leave leaves wet overnight, as this can promote mildew and fungal issues.

For container gardens, the rules are a bit different. Pots heat up quickly and dry out faster, especially in full sun They often need daily (or even twice-daily) watering in peak heat. Adding mulch or using self-watering planters can help keep moisture levels steady.

When You’re Away

Going on vacation doesn’t have to mean coming home to wilted plants A little preparation goes a long way:

Group containers together in a shaded spot to reduce water loss.

Use drip irrigation with a timer or selfwatering stakes to deliver consistent moisture.

Enlist a neighbor or friend and leave simple, written instructions.

For more hands-off options, slow-release watering globes or moisture-retaining soil additives can buy you a few extra days without intervention.

Beating the Heat

Summer heat waves can be tough on plants, but not all gardens need to suffer Choosing heat- and drought-tolerant varieties—like lantana, salvia, sedum, or coneflower can make maintenance easier from the start

Adding mulch, minimizing pruning during heat spells, and shading delicate plants during peak temperatures can also reduce stress on your garden.

Weeds are another hidden culprit: they compete for water and nutrients, so regular weeding helps keep your plants hydrated and fed.

Noble Knight Perennial Salvia Available in 1 gallon pots

The Big Secret

The big secret to a garden that thrives all summer long isn’t some advanced technique or hard-to-find product it’s consistency. A little attention at the right time goes a long way Deadhead regularly, feed thoughtfully, water smart, and prepare for the heat before it hits. These small habits, repeated week after week, are what keep gardens lush, blooming, and beautiful straight through the season Stick with it, and your garden will reward you with color, life, and a whole lot of satisfaction

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!

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Maura Walker

Garden Center Retail Lead

Growing With Us Since 2012

Maura has been a steady and knowledgeable presence at Bayport Flower Houses since 2012. Known for her thoughtful approach and calm demeanor, she’s someone customers naturally turn to when they need help finding something specific or just want honest, practical advice Maura’s always learning whether it’s new products, garden trends, or better ways to help customers and that quiet dedication shows in everything she does Her reliability, depth of knowledge, and easygoing nature make her an essential part of the Bayport experience.

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

During the interview process about 13 years ago I was asked, based on my résumé, “Do you even like flowers?” At the time, I had no experience in horticulture or retail! Needless to say, I’ve been trained well and continue to learn more every day

I started on the first day of spring in 2012, and it’s truly been a pleasure working here alongside coworkers who have become like a second family to me

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

John Auwaerter’s wedding ceremony in our tropical house. It was beautiful to see how the space transformed for this special ceremony. This was then followed by the reception across the street at the then-new Bayport Flower Farms

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

My favorite blooming shrub is a Rose of Sharon.

My favorite perennial is Russian Sage

For annuals, I have too many favorites to pick just one! Some of my favorites are zinnias, angelonias, and coleus

5 Minute

Morning Garden Routine

Check Moisture Levels

Stick your finger 1–2 inches into the soil—if it’s dry, it’s time to water. Prioritize containers and newly planted areas

If needed, water deeply at the base of plants (especially veggies, annuals, and containers). Avoid wetting leaves to reduce disease risk

Remove any spent blooms to encourage new ones. Look for seed heads or wilting petals

Water Deadhead Scan for Pests & Problems

Peek under leaves and around stems for bugs or signs of mildew. Address issues early to prevent spread.

Clean-Up

Pick up fallen leaves or debris to keep the garden tidy and airflow healthy. Stake or support anything that looks droopy or top-heavy

Hours (Until July 4th)

Jul 4 ,