Hi Joel,
I just went to both places Friday.
For me, it's about plants nobody else has, or has even heard of,
that I just have to have.
I thought prices were a bit o.t.l. myself, only for special things is it worth it.
And Phantom has good prices in the fall. Try them on a rainy
Tuesday in October,
Not a soul!

Agree that the hostas at NDBG are way over-priced (though they have some really fancy varieties - they supply these to some of the estates around) but some of their smaller plants are real finds. I was there Saturday and got four Sungold tomatoes, a pak of 4 very well-grown nicotiana sylvestris, a 4 pak of basil (I'll need more but that's a good start), three Coral Nymph salvia and a Newport Pink sweet william (most nurseries only sell these in mixed colors and usually only the dwarf kinds). Think the total bill was $14. and that includes tax. The display of annual salvias was astounding - I may go back for the white version of the Coral Nymph. They had to get the Coral Nymph and the basil out of the greenhouse for me since the benches had been emptied.
Now if it had been me at Phantom Gardener, I would have parked right in front of the building and gone in to complain - they have acres of parking out back. I got an heirloom tomato plant there a week or so ago and may go back for a few more - after I plant some of the things that are lined up along my driveway.
Northern Dutchess closes in July (well they have in the past) and have a week of sales when there are terrific bargains. The prices keep going down right through the last day when perennials can be gotten for 50 cents.

Where is Northern Dutchess??

W

Stopped by Phantom Gardener today - no one was there in this heat except the staff. Walked away with a very nice sized Frau Dagmar Hartopp (Hastrup) rugosa.

For some reason nobody around here seems to have any rugosas.

Wonder why?

Dee

Wayne if you're still there - Northern Dutchess Botanical Gardens is really a nursery and a big one. They are out in the woods near Rhinebeck. To get there from Rhinebeck, go out Route 308 to Salisbury Turnpike - a right hand turn beyond Route 9G. Follow Salisbury Turnpike (a VERY small road) bearing left when Round Lake Road branches off. The nursery sign is on the left - you go up the dirt driveway to find them.
From the Taconic State Parkway, take Route 199 west to Milan Hollow Road (think it is the first left turn) and then take the first right on Salisbury Turnpike. The nursery sign will be on your right.
Ober 4,000 perennials and lots of annuals, some vines, etc. The hostas are collectors items and priced accordingly.

What about Grandiflora which is near greig farm? I found them to be very nice, and plenty of parking always. Also, there is some place off of Bulls Head Road before the taconic if you are coming from Rhinebeck.

Is there an address for Northern dutchess botanicals, so I can look up directions on map quest? I've been looking to go there for a while

389 Salisbury Turnpike

Don't forget, they sell a lot of perennials in two sizes: regular and "pint-size." Prices on the little ones are much better, if you can afford to be patient. They're at the back by the greenhouses.

Sale starts July 14th but is for plant pass holders only (sort of a member's group that costs to join). Some perennials are going to be down to $1. - if you want a lot of these it might pay to join up. My driveway is chock-ablock with plants that need to go in the ground but of course I have to see what they have I can't do without. Last year I got some very small buddleia which are in bloom right now and look great. Think they cost 50 cents each! I could use some geraniums asnd a few more astilbe and maybe even some heuchera?

Oldroser,

What does a membership at Northern Dutchess cost? Is it a once in a lifetime fee or does it need to be renewed each year?

Marianne

I think it's $25. a year. It enables the holder to take advantage of special sales during the season, get 10% off on all purchases and get into the final sale in July.