Community

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

Published

9 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

Brian Burns Hosting NY Giants Celebrity Softball Game at Clover Stadium May 30

Published

22 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Brian Burns is bringing football fans and families together for a fun-filled charity event this spring as the annual New York Giants Celebrity Softball Game returns to Clover Stadium on Saturday, May 30.

The celebrity softball showdown will feature current and former New York Giants players competing against one another on the baseball diamond. Burns will captain a team made up of current Giants players, while former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will lead a veteran squad featuring players from the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII and XLVI championship teams.

Fans can expect appearances from several popular NFL stars and former Giants greats, including Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Isaiah Likely, Arvell Reese, Ahmad Bradshaw, Amani Toomer and Shaun O’Hara, with additional guests expected to participate throughout the evening.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Hype 4 Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Brian Burns and his brother Stanley McClover. The foundation is dedicated to supporting families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and raising awareness within communities nationwide.

Longtime Giants superfan Joe Ruback — better known to fans as “License Plate Guy” — shared his excitement about the event’s return.

“Getting this amazing group of athletes together for a high-energy, fun-filled day, all while supporting an incredible cause like Hype 4 Life, never gets old,” Ruback said.

The evening will feature more than just softball. Fans attending the event will also enjoy a dodgeball competition, a home-run derby and opportunities to interact with players throughout the night. Attendees can additionally enter a raffle for a chance to win a custom New York Giants-themed golf cart.

Event Schedule:
• Parking lot opens — 11 a.m.
• Gates open — 2 p.m.
• Dodgeball — 5 p.m.
• Home-run derby — 6 p.m.
• Celebrity softball game — 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $50 and are available through SpidaGame.com, where fans can also find updated rosters and event details.

The Hype 4 Life Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit inspired by Stanley McClover’s son, “Champ,” who is on the autism spectrum and is also Brian Burns’ nephew. Through fundraising events and outreach efforts, the organization works to support autism awareness initiatives and families navigating ASD challenges.

Ruback, one of the most recognizable Giants fans, is famous for wearing a lanyard of New York Giants license plates around his neck at games and fan events. Outside of football, he also serves as Athletic Director at the Biondi School in Yonkers, New York.

Community

Gran Fondo Bicycle Race Brings Energy and Traffic Delays to Rockland County

Published

1 day ago

May 17, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With detours and some traffic delays throughout the day, many Rockland residents chose to make the best of the situation and enjoy the atmosphere as the Gran Fondo bicycle race made its way through Rockland County. Families, spectators, and local supporters gathered along the route to cheer on riders, turning the event into a fun and energetic community experience despite the temporary disruptions.