Roses may have a reputation for being difficult to grow, but gardening experts at Down to Earth Living say many modern varieties are easier to maintain and more disease-resistant than ever.

For healthy blooms, roses should be planted in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight and have well-drained soil. Consistent deep watering, regular fertilization during the growing season, and seasonal pruning can help promote vigorous growth and continuous flowering.

Gardeners should also watch for common issues such as aphids, spider mites, black spot, and powdery mildew. Proper spacing between plants and watering at the base can help reduce disease, particularly during the humid summers common in the Hudson Valley.

In addition to growing roses, experts recommend adding pollinator-friendly plants such as bee balm, cardinal flower, honeysuckle, lantana, and salvia to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

“With sunlight, water, nutrients, and care, roses provide months of color and fragrance,” said Stuart Leventhal, owner of Down to Earth Living. “Pairing them with hummingbird-friendly flowers creates a vibrant garden with continuous blooms and thriving wildlife.”

For La Casa Di Dolce owner Jaclyn Ryan-Henry, baking is more than a business—it is a way of preserving family traditions and sharing her Italian heritage with the Rockland County community.

Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Ryan-Henry has built a loyal following through authentic Italian baked goods crafted from recipes passed down through generations, including treasured family recipes from her Nonna.

Operating from her home bakery, La Casa Di Dolce offers a wide variety of traditional Italian specialties, including Cuccidati (Italian fig cookies), biscotti di casa, crostata, struffoli, bow tie cookies, seven-layer cookies, and seven-layer cakes. Customers can also choose from an assortment of modern dessert favorites, including cupcakes, cake pops, crumb cakes, sugar cookies, cake jars, and custom-designed layer cakes.

In addition to individual orders, Ryan-Henry provides catering services, party trays, and mobile dessert bars complete with dessert table setup and décor for weddings, birthdays, showers, and other special events.

One of the bakery’s most sought-after creations is its signature viral seven-layer pignoli cookie, a unique dessert that combines the flavors of traditional seven-layer cookies and pignoli cookies into one indulgent treat. The oversized cookie features a jam-filled center, almond-rich dough, pine nuts, and a chocolate-dipped finish.

Ryan-Henry is believed to be the first baker in the Tappan area to offer the seven-layer pignoli cookie as a permanent menu item, helping the specialty dessert gain popularity among local customers and Italian pastry enthusiasts.

Due to high demand, customers are encouraged to place orders in advance, particularly for specialty and signature items.

By blending old-world recipes with modern entrepreneurship, Ryan-Henry continues to provide authentic Italian baked goods while creating a gathering place for celebrations, family traditions, and community connections throughout Rockland County.

Contact

Jaclyn Ryan-Henry

Home Processor

Tel: 718.207.9180

Text: 718.207.9180

Email:Lacasadidolce19@gmail.com