The following trees have all proven themselves worthy of Hudson Valley gardens. Some are native to North America, while others are well-behaved ornamental introductions that thrive in USDA Zones 5–7. Together they offer year-round beauty, support wildlife, and add lasting value to the landscape.
Read MoreOn a recent episode of the Garden Show, Victoria Coyne and Sally Spillane spoke about what to do after a wind event or other destructive weather event that wipes out trees in your area.
Here are the big questions and short answers they covered:
#1 reason NOT to plant White Pines or Norway Maples, and what trees should you plant?
Can you still plant trees or keep trees near your house?
Tips for pruning the survivors
Here in the Hudson Valley, shade gardens are a common and cherished feature of the landscape. Mature maples, oaks, and sycamore trees create ideal conditions for a wide variety of plants that thrive in dappled light. For those fortunate enough to have landscapes protected from deer, hostas and hydrangeas remain reliable classics for good reason.
Read MoreRecently, Donna and the landscaping crew have been installing some beautiful rockscapes in clients’ gardens that both serve a purpose—for example, as drainage or a splash guard—and add to the flow, beauty, and design of the property as well.
Here are just a few. (We’ll have more in Part 2!)
Read MoreTricyrtis (Toadlilies) thrive in partial to full shade with consistently moist, well-drained soil. Their blooms are intricate, orchid-like flowers. The unique spotted blossoms attract late-season pollinators and add unexpected color to woodland gardens and shady borders.
Read MoreIf you're looking to brighten a shady garden with long-lasting summer color, astilbes are an excellent choice. Their feathery plumes rise above attractive fern-like foliage in shades of white, pink, lavender, and rich reds, adding texture and elegance to woodland gardens, borders, and damp garden beds.
Read MoreAs you can see, flower shape and color vary widely within the Clematis family, but fragrance is another key difference. 'Sweet Summer Love' is prized for its masses of deep purple flowers and an exceptionally sweet fragrance that perfumes the garden throughout summer.
Read MoreThese roses’ continuous flowers, strong disease resistance, and delicate fragrance make them an excellent choice for borders, containers, and mass plantings.
Read MoreOur greenhouses are stocked with annuals for all-season color. We divide annuals into the shade greenhouse and the full sun greenhouse, so you can find the plants that will thrive in a sunny garden or on a shady covered porch.
Read MoreWe get a lot of questions about pruning! Prune after Bloom is the general rule to follow with all flowering trees and shrubs, but there are exceptions. Right now is the time to prune Andromedea (peiris). Clip all the spent flowers off and cut down any awkward tall growth. Fertilize with Holly Tone to encourage bushy growth and next year’s blooms, which will form in early summer.
Read MoreSome of spring’s most rewarding plants are also the easiest to miss.
Woodland perennials like Epimedium bloom early in the season, so if you’re not out in the garden during the still chilly days of April and early May, you might miss them. Prized for its wiry stems of small fairy flowers and durable foliage, which in many varieties emerges with bronze or red tones before turning green for summer. It thrives in dry shade once established, making it a Victoria Gardens’ favorite for shade gardens in the Hudson Valley.
Read MoreAs more gardeners become aware of the environmental benefits of native plants, those gardeners sometimes mistakenly associate “native” with “easy.” Native plants do play an important role in supporting pollinators, birds, and local ecosystems. (For instance, Milkweed is where butterflies lay their eggs, and is important for their lifecycle.) And many are resilient when matched to the right conditions. (Joe-Pye Weed thrives in moist meadows, stream edges, and and rain gardens.)
Read MoreWhen bees venture out from their hives in the spring, it’s because they have used their stores of honey to survive the winter inside their hive. They are hungry! And unfortunately, if there is nothing for them to eat, some bees, or even a whole hive can die in early spring.
Read More🎂🥂 Drop in to celebrate with cake, coffee, and champagne all day long!
Saturday, April 25th, 2026
Victoria Gardens
1 Cottekill Road
Rosendale, NY
Welcome to our rock-top nursery in Rosendale, NY. Victoria Gardens nursery and garden gift shop sits on top of a hill on the corner of Cottekill Road and Rt. 213. Driving by, it’s impossible to know that there is a full plant nursery and gift shop open from March through the end of December, but there is!
Read MoreSeveral varieties thrive year after year!
These resilient succulents offer a unique combination of drought tolerance, striking textures, and vivid color—especially welcome during dry spells or in lean, rocky soil. Here are a few standout succulents that are both cold-hardy and garden-worthy:
Read MorePlant Spotlight: Bear’s Breeches (Acanthus mollis)
Bear’s Breeches (Acanthus mollis) is a bold, leafy perennial. This plant grows 3–5 feet tall and spreads by rhizomes, forming clumps over time. In early to midsummer, it sends up tall spikes of hooded white or pink flowers with purple bracts that attract pollinators.
Read MoreIn July, the garden enters its high-summer glory, and upright bloomers take center stage. These upright blooms not only provide structure but also attract pollinators, support beneficial insects, and offer a bold display of color and form.
Here are a handful of stunners in the nursery:
This Hudson Valley backyard transformation began with the removal of an uneven brick patio that butted up against a wooden deck. Instead of rebuilding with hardscape, the homeowners embraced a softer, more plant focused approach.
Read MoreBleeding hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) are graceful perennials known for their arching stems lined with heart-shaped pink and white flowers. Blooming in spring, they thrive in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making them ideal for woodland or shade gardens.
After flowering, the foliage often fades in summer heat, so they're best paired with later-blooming companions that fill in when bleeding hearts fade.
Read MoreVictoria Gardens is located in Rosendale, NY on the corner of Rt 213 and Cottekill Road. We are a fully stocked plant nursery, garden center, and garden gift shop.
Throughout the season we have classes and special events, including private garden tours from March through November. October through December we carry holiday gifts, decor, handcrafted wreaths, and we feature a DIY Holiday Wreath Studio.
At Victoria Gardens during the gardening season, you will find a selection of trees, shrubs, and perennials that are chosen specifically for our area and for our customers most frequently voiced problems: deer, dry soil, wet spots, and shady areas.
Our knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect combinations, so you only have to plant once!
Open 7 days a week!
Monday - Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 10am-4pm
(845) 658-9007
You can purchase Gift Certificates anytime here.
The shop is awash in greenery and stocked full of all the latest plants of interest; trendy foliage, succulents & cacti, petite fairy garden plants, lush ferns, pet- friendly plants, the best air purifiers — truly something for everyone. We promise that you’ll leave with a new plant friend to nurture for years to come.
The Victoria Gardens' landscaping crew are experienced and knowledgeable gardeners. Besides designing and installing new gardens, we also offer maintenance, spring cleanups, pruning, transplanting, weeding, and mulching.
Call to get an estimate: (845) 658-9007
If you are trying to find a special variety, call us and ask. We have a wide range of growers in our network and we can place special orders to meet your needs.
Victoria Coyne
+1 (845) 658-9007
victoriagardens.ny@gmail.com
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