Some types of plants grow better when planted near a plant of another species. This is calledcompanion planting. It is an older system of planting vegetables, herbs, and other plants, that was used before herbicides and fertilizers were common, but still works. In some cases,companion plantingtraps pests in a bait crop to save the food crop. For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes helps trap root rot nematodes in the marigolds, sparing the tomatoes. Marigolds also repel tomato hornworms from tomatoes. Another use forcompanion plantingis to encourage pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds to visit your garden. Planting flowers that bees and hummingbirds are attracted to will draw them in. They will stay and pollinate your squash and cucumbers and other plants that need their help to grow. Planting herbs and flowers among your vegetables is the easiest way to accomplish this particular type of companion planting. Part ofcompanion plantingis understanding that some plants should not be planted near each other. Dill and fennel do not get along, and cucumbers and cantaloupe will cross pollinate and produce foul tasting fruit. These plants should be separated as much as possible in thegarden. One of the most famous cases of companion planting is the Three Sisters method of planting corn, beans, and squash used by Native Americans. The corn is planted first and allowed to germinate and come up. Then the beans are planted and they use the corn as poles to hold themselves up. In return, they fix nitrogen for the corn to use to grow. Finally, the squash is planted between the rows of beans and corn. The squash is shaded so it does not get too hot and sunburn the squash, while providing a ground cover that keeps down weeds near the beans and corn. This is also an example of spatial intercropping, in that the shade tolerant squash are planted under the corn and beans. The spiny squash vines are also said to repel raccoons from looting the sweet corn in the field. Companion plants can also be planted to provide nurseries and habitat for beneficial insects, which then hunt down pests on the nearby crops. Again, planting herbs and flowers around your vegetables is the easiest way to accomplish this goal. While scientists are only now seriously beginning to explore companion planting, it has been practiced for thousands of years. It is mentioned by Theophrastus (300 B.C.E.), Pliny (50 C.E.), and John Gerard (1597 C.E.). In China the mosquito fern has been planted around rice to fix nitrogen and shade out weeds for thousands of years. Something does not usually endure that long unless it works to some degree. Companion planting was widely promoted in the 1970s by organic producers as a way to protect plants while reducing the need for herbicides and fertilizer. There is a famous book on companion planting by Louise Riotte called Carrots Love Tomatoes that mentions many more ways to practice companion planting in yourgardenif you are interested in reading further on this topic. (original post) ...read more

Completely proactive in nature, our approach is to develop productive relationships with our clients that allow for a constant flow of communication. Our experience allows us the ability to facilitate almost all of theoutdoor servicesthat a client could need with respect to thelandscape. Our complete range of services allows our clients the freedom to enjoy the beauty, tranquility and privacy that theHamptonsare known for without the need to micro-manage multiple service companies. We can design, install and maintain a wide variety of properties, from beach homes inAmagansettto classic estates inSouthampton Village. Our concept revolves around a three-step approach: diagnosis, implementation and managed sustainability. The first and most important of all steps involve getting a clear picture of the one thing that we cannot physically see: the SOIL. Once a thorough soil analysis is completed, then a custom blueprint can be devised to guide us towards renovation and/or proper management of each individual property. http://heirloomgardensllc.com/  ...read more

Our business model and philosophy needed to be consistent with our clients, who are health minded, active and involved. We̢۪ve chosen to focus onnatural and organicmethods as a better alternative in caring for yourlandscape. The choice to take a leadership role in the use oforganicson theeast end of Long Islandhas helped us improve the outdoor environment and provides everyone with peace of mind and certainty that we are carrying out our mission: to continue as responsible stewards of the land, working with what exists naturally, striving to create and maintainbeautiful landscapeswithout the use of harsh and destructive inputs. Call Us Today!631-726-0469 337 Montauk HighwayWater Mill, NY 11976 ...read more

Heirloom Gardens, specializing in high-end landscape / garden design, installation and maintenance on the East End of Long Island. The choice to take a leadership role in the use oforganics on the east end of Long Islandhas helped us improve the outdoor environment and provides everyone with peace of mind and certainty that we are carrying out our mission: to continue as responsible stewards of the land, working with what exists naturally, striving to create andmaintain beautiful landscapeswithout the use of harsh and destructive inputs. ...read more

Our Philosophy….. BALANCE, by definition, is a biological system that enables us to know where our bodies are in the environment and provides the point of reference, that, if attained, will keep us healthy. Balance is also the lofty goal we strive for with respect to the care of the natural world we work in.Today we are flooded with the words “organic,” “green,” “natural” and “sustainable.” However, none of them hold much value without balance, and whether we realize it or not we all strive for it in one sense or another. By pursuing anorganic approach to the care of the landscapesof our clients we can create and sustain the natural environment that surrounds their homes.Conversely, the use of extensive pesticides, herbicides and insecticides, all of which are manmade and engineered chemicals, does nothing more than control the immediate symptoms or problems that arise. These chemical solutions do nothing for the overall health of the plants themselves in the same way that taking an aspirin does nothing to cure the common cold.Therefore, our philosophy is simple: we will take care of thelandscapesthat we are entrusted with in the same manner a personal trainer cares for a professional athlete. We will strive for simple beauty, fluidity of movement and most of all, balance. After all, plants are just like us!CONTACT OUR HAMPTONS LANDSCAPERS TODAY! ...read more

Enjoy the Beauty and Benefits of an Organic LandscapeWe are a full service landscape design, installation and maintenance company. Heirloom Gardens has the only fully accredited organic land care professionals exclusively servicing the East End for over 10 years. We provide sustainable and traditional landscape design, installation and complete maintenance services. When Heirloom Gardens designs, installs or maintains your outdoor environment, you enjoy impeccable service, deep caring and stunning results. From day-to-day details to striking outdoor organic landscapes, you'll appreciate your surroundings and know that you're doing the right thing for your family and pets. Every year more and more East End homes improve their properties with Heirloom Gardens — let us do the same for yours. ...read more