Community

Down to Earth Living Shares Why Autumn Is the Best Season for Planting

Published

8 months ago

August 29, 2025

Pomona, NY – While many homeowners traditionally view spring as the prime season for planting, experts are urging gardeners to take advantage of the fall instead. With its cooler temperatures, increased rainfall, and still-warm soil, fall offers the ideal environment for planting trees, shrubs, and lawns that thrive come spring.

According to local gardening expert Stuart Leventhal, owner of Down to Earth Living in Pomona, plants installed in autumn have a significant advantage.

“Shrubs and trees planted in the fall prosper in the spring because their root systems have had time to develop and strengthen,” said Leventhal. “In fact, they continue to caliper up during the winter months and store nutrients for spring use. When dormancy ends, they are ready to grow with greater vigor and resilience.”

Benefits of Fall Planting

Favorable Growing Conditions:
Fall’s mild weather creates less stress for both plants and gardeners. While air temperatures cool, the soil retains warmth from the summer, allowing roots to grow deep before winter sets in. This extended root development gives plants a strong foundation for spring growth.

Natural Irrigation and Water Efficiency:
Autumn typically brings more rainfall and reduced evaporation, meaning newly planted trees and shrubs require less supplemental watering. The increase in soil moisture supports better establishment and growth.

Reduced Threat from Pests and Diseases:
As insect populations decline and common plant diseases subside during fall, new plantings are less vulnerable to damage. This helps young trees and shrubs get off to a healthier start.

Root System Development Over Foliage:
Unlike in spring, when plants devote energy to leaf and flower production, fall plantings focus their energy below ground. This allows for stronger, more resilient root systems to take shape before winter dormancy.

More Affordable Landscaping:
Fall is considered the off-season in the gardening industry, which means garden centers often offer discounts to move inventory. Homeowners can find deals on a wide variety of trees and shrubs, making it a cost-effective time to invest in their landscape.

Support for Pollinators:
Planting in the fall also supports early spring pollinators like bees and butterflies. Many fall-planted species bloom earlier, providing vital food sources for these essential insects.

Down to Earth Living Garden Center, located at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona, offers 12.5 acres of flowers, perennials, shrubs, and trees, with fresh stock arriving weekly. The 10,000-square-foot indoor showroom features a curated selection of teak, aluminum, and all-weather outdoor furniture in styles ranging from contemporary to traditional.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 845-354-8500

Community

Rockland County Family Injured in Tragic Crash on Way to Florida

Published

2 weeks ago

April 3, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

On March 28, a Rockland County family of five—mother Yuliya, father Yuriy, and their three sons, Deny (15), Mark (12), and Dave (9)—set out for what was meant to be a joyful family vacation to Florida.

Tragically, their journey was cut short when a pickup truck crashed into the back of their vehicle.

Today, two of their young sons, Mark and Dave, are fighting for their lives in critical condition in the ICU at WakeMed Raleigh Campus in North Carolina.

While Yuliya and Yuriy did not suffer severe physical injuries, the emotional toll of this unimaginable tragedy is profound. No parent should ever have to endure this kind of pain and uncertainty.

The Hlovatsky family, along with their friends and loved ones, are asking for prayers and support during this incredibly difficult time. Right now, Mark and Dave’s lives hang in the balance.

A GoFundMe link to support the family is being shared on our Facebook page.

Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Community

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Katelyn Tuohy – Rockland County’s Record-Breaking Distance Runner

Published

1 month ago

March 12, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

In recent years, few athletes from Rockland County, New York have captured national attention the way Katelyn Tuohy has. From record-breaking high school performances to championship victories at the collegiate level, Tuohy has become one of the most accomplished distance runners of her generation.

Tuohy first rose to prominence while competing for North Rockland High School. As a teenager, she dominated cross country and track competitions across New York and the United States. Her performances regularly shattered course records and national marks, quickly turning her into a household name in high school running circles.

During her high school career, Tuohy earned multiple national honors and repeatedly claimed the prestigious Gatorade National Player of the Year award for girls cross country and track. Her ability to maintain both speed and endurance allowed her to excel in events ranging from the mile to longer distance races. Coaches and analysts frequently described her as one of the most talented high school runners the country had ever seen.

After graduating from North Rockland, Tuohy continued her career at NC State Wolfpack, where she quickly proved that her success was far from over. Competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics, she became a key member of the university’s powerhouse distance program.

Her biggest breakthrough came when she captured the individual title at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, cementing her place among the elite runners in college sports. The victory not only highlighted her consistency and determination but also helped bring national recognition to the NC State program.

Despite competing on a national stage, Tuohy’s story remains closely tied to her roots in Rockland County. Many local runners view her as a role model who demonstrates what dedication, discipline, and perseverance can achieve. Young athletes throughout the region continue to look up to her as proof that world-class talent can come from their own community.

As Tuohy’s career continues to evolve, many expect her to pursue opportunities on the international stage and possibly compete in global championships or future Olympic events. Regardless of where her path leads next, her journey from Rockland County standout to national champion has already secured her place among the most inspiring athletes to come out of the region.

For runners across New York and beyond, Katelyn Tuohy’s success sends a powerful message: with talent, hard work, and determination, even the longest race can be won.

Photo courtesy Wikipedia