75°
ARMONK, N.Y. Benedict Nursery on Bedford Road is in total fall-mode and second-generation owner Craig Benedict said he is enjoying the season so far.
I love the colors and coolness after the summer, Benedict said. Its great to be able to work outdoors, create things and see the fruits of your labor so-to-speak.
Benedict Nurserys hot-sellers in October are pumpkins, gourds, mums, and cyclamen, which are all grown at the nursery other than a few pumpkins that came from a business in Dutchess County.
Each year, Benedict said that in order to stay current, the nursery keeps a close eye on whats popular and whats not.
Its evolving, were always changing, he said. We rarely do the same thing two years in a row. Well tweak it here or there or I may eliminate some products that didnt do well. You have to adapt with the trends.
Craigs father, Alexander Benedict, began the company 53 years ago when he bought the property and began raising and selling shrubs, which is no longer the nurserys main focus. Craig and sister, Faith Benedict Calvert, now run the nurserys day-to-day operations.
Weve gotten a little away from the shrubs and more into the annuals because its more lucrative despite the economy, Benedict said. We have 100,000 different annuals and all types of hanging baskets and plants.
Indian corn and corn stalks have been popular for people decorating their houses in the spirit of fall, he said. Different dried arrangements and scarecrows are also available while the season lasts.
Alexander Benedict had a roadside stand originally but when traffic slowed due to the construction of Route 684 it wasnt worth keeping it up, his son explained.
We used to sell apple and all kinds of fruits and pies but he didnt want to do that anymore and we took that down in 1970, Benedict explained about his fathers roadside stand. Now I wish I had it back with everybody eating home-grown natural and organic stuff.
Benedict said some of the fall merchandise will remain until Thanksgiving so people can decorate but by about mid-November the nursery will be gearing-up for Christmas.
Our trees are Connecticut-grown so theyre not imported from Quebec or anything like that, Benedict said. We make our own wreaths and arrangements as well."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Armonk and receive free news updates.
