Gardening is a family matter

The nursery has expanded considerably since its inception, said Maria Cipriano, Rosa’s oldest daughter. When the nursery first opened, Rosa cared for the garden center while her husband, Pietro, sold firewood and focused on lawn maintenance.

As years passed, the family purchased land owned by neighbors and restored a house to create a gift shop. Now, they sell more than 100 bushes and trees and a limitless amount of flowers, said manager John Nunnenkamp.

“My mother had a vision of what it could be,” said Maria. Rosa was raised on a farm in Italy and grew up in the garden, she said.

The nursery also offers customized bouquets arranged by a floral designer, personalized garden and pond displays created by a digital designer and budget-friendly advice from tree expert Charles Pettit. “We plant according to needs,” said Pettit. “We try to put the right plant in the right place to create a time-proven design.”

While the staff members at the nursery make their jobs look easy, Pettit said experience and knowledge give them an edge against their competitors.

Nunnenkamp said the nursery is also community-focused. The company is involved with the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, and donates annual items like corn stalks to local schools. “Organics are also very strong here, and we give out lots of personalized experience,” Nunnenkamp said.

East Meadow resident Todd Weinstein said in a recent Herald poll that Cipriano Nursery is his favorite local garden center. “Not only are the selection and prices good,” Weinstein wrote, “they are also active in the community.”

Kristina Kelly agreed, and added, “I love their gift shop and the personal service they offer. They did a terrific job on my twin daughters’ centerpieces for their Communion reception. I was 100 percent satisfied.”

The season for seeds

“Fall is for planting,” says Cipriano Nursery manager John Nunnenkamp. Nunnenkamp worked at the nursery in high school and returned after earning a degree in horticulture, a science concentration with a focus on plant physiology and garden aesthetics. Here are his top five gardening tips this season.

Start a garden. Plant bulbs by the end of October if you want a flower-filled garden next spring.

Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are the most popular bulbs to plant in the fall and are available in numerous colors.

Plant each bulb in its own hole a few inches deep in the soil. Add one tablespoon of fertilizer to each hole.

Choose a good fertilizer. There are three important numbers on a fertilizer bag. In order, the numbers represent nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. A high phosphorus number is desirable when planting bulbs because it will help them take root and flower.

It’s not too late for fall flowers. Choose garden plants rather than greenhouse plants if you want fall flowers to return next year. Common fall flowers include chrysanthemums, asters, pansies and Montauk daises. Decorate with cabbage, kale, pumpkins, corn stalks and scarecrows for added holiday detail.