Frequently Asked Questions

Since 1946. Gus Alvarez purchased the Bedford property in 1946 and established Perennial Gardens in partnership with Karl Katschke in 1948. We've operated continuously from the same Route 22 location for over 75 years. Currently third-generation family ownership with Augie Alvarez (joined 1968) and Sean Alvarez (joined 1990) continuing the family practice.

Yes. Three-generation family operation. Gus Alvarez founded the business in 1946. His son Augie joined in 1968 (second generation). Augie's son Sean joined in 1990 (third generation). Same family, same location, continuous operation. No corporate ownership, no franchise model.

Four main services: (1) Year-round garden center with premium nursery stock, perennials, annuals, supplies; (2) Landscape construction including hardscaping, planting design, drainage solutions; (3) Floral design for seasonal arrangements, subscriptions, delivery; (4) Wedding and event florals for ceremonies and receptions. All services operate from our Bedford location.

Primary service area: Bedford, Katonah, Pound Ridge, Armonk, and northern Westchester County. Extended service: Fairfield County, Connecticut (Greenwich, New Canaan, Stamford areas). Floral delivery throughout Westchester County. Landscape and event services considered selectively for significant projects beyond primary area. Contact us with your location—we'll confirm service availability.

Garden center open year-round.

Winter
Monday - Saturday: 9am - 4pm
Sunday: Closed

Spring/Summer/Fall
Monday - Saturday: 8am - 5pm
Sunday: 9am - 4pm

Landscape and event consultations scheduled by appointment outside these hours when needed. Holiday hours posted in advance for peak seasons.

Yes. Gift cards available for purchase at our Bedford location for the garden center or online for florals. No expiration date.

No. Garden center open during regular hours for walk-in visits. Browse at your pace. Staff available for consultation, plant selection, problem-solving. No appointment needed. Landscape and event consultations require appointments—those are separate services.

We source from premium regional nurseries with established relationships. Plants selected based on quality and regional appropriateness—not all growers meet our standards. We assess stock personally before accepting deliveries. Some perennials propagated on-site, but majority sourced from trusted regional growers who understand northeastern growing conditions.

Yes. Bring photos or samples to the garden center. Staff can assist with plant identification, pest diagnosis, disease identification, cultural problems. Photos of the entire plant, close-ups of affected areas, and information about growing conditions (sun/shade, soil, watering) all helpful for accurate diagnosis.

Plants guaranteed healthy at time of purchase. With receipt, returns accepted on plants in original healthy condition within reasonable timeframe. Failure from improper planting, inadequate watering, improper care, deer damage, or environmental stress beyond our control not covered. Detailed care instructions provided with all plant purchases. Goal is successful establishment, not warranty claims.

A full list of all of our shipping areas can be found here.

If your country or region is not mentioned, please feel free to reach out to see if we can work out the details.

Often yes, depending on season and grower availability. Special orders possible with advance notice for many varieties. Some rare or unusual cultivars may not be available through our grower network. Ask staff about specific requests—we'll check availability and provide realistic timeline if available.

Spring and fall optimal for most perennials and woody plants. Spring (April-May) allows full season establishment. Fall (September-October) takes advantage of warm soil and cooler air. Summer plantings possible but require more attentive watering during establishment. Winter generally not recommended except for dormant bare-root material. Staff guidance on optimal timing for specific plant types.

Delivery available for larger orders. Minimum purchase required. Inquire at garden center for current delivery fees, minimums, and scheduling. Small purchases easily loaded into most vehicles—staff assistance available. Drive-up loading area accessible.

Returns accepted with receipt on healthy plants in original condition. Sale items excluded from returns. Cash purchases may be returned for store credit. Refund or exchange based on original payment method. Reasonable timeframe expected—plants in ground for three weeks not returnable.

Yes, throughout primary Westchester service area when ordered by noon Monday–Saturday. Same-day delivery available to Bedford, Katonah, Pound Ridge, Armonk, Mount Kisco, Chappaqua, Pleasantville, Briarcliff Manor, Croton-on-Hudson. Orders after noon deliver next business day. Extended Westchester areas standard delivery (next business day). Delivery availability confirmed at checkout.

Monday–Friday: 10am–5pm delivery window. Saturday: 10am–4pm delivery window. Sunday: No delivery. Specific time requests noted but not guaranteed—route efficiency determines exact timing. Morning/afternoon preferences accommodated when possible.

Delivery fees vary by location and distance from Bedford. Calculated automatically at checkout based on delivery address. Subscription service includes delivery—no per-delivery fees for recurring service.

Yes. In-store pickup available at Bedford location (414 Old Post Road). Select pickup at checkout. Orders ready within 4 hours of order placement. No delivery fee for pickup. Garden center hours apply for pickup: Monday–Saturday 9am–5pm, Sunday 10am–4pm.

We attempt delivery at address provided. If recipient not home, arrangements left in safe location when appropriate (covered porch, building lobby, concierge desk). We contact recipient by phone if uncertain about safe placement. Will not leave in exposed locations where flowers might be damaged or stolen. Email confirmation sent when delivery completed.

Yes. Provide business name, recipient name, suite/floor number. Note business hours if limited availability. Delivery during business hours only. Cannot deliver to businesses after-hours when buildings locked.

Typically 7-10 days with proper care. Care instructions included with every delivery. Longevity depends on flower variety, environmental conditions (temperature, light, air flow), and care (water changes, stem cuts, placement away from heat sources). Seasonal materials generally longer-lasting than forced imports.

Contact us immediately at (914) 234-6311. We'll arrange prompt replacement. Delivery damage rare but occasionally occurs. Photos helpful for assessment. Replacement priority depends on circumstances but typically same-day or next-day depending on timing of report.

For online orders, arrangements designed as shown with seasonal substitutions when necessary. For custom requests, call (914) 234-6311. Specific flower availability depends on current season—we can't source peonies in September or dahlias in April regardless of budget. We redirect toward seasonally appropriate alternatives that perform better.

Select the frequency you want fresh seasonal arrangements delivered to your home or office. Our design team selects materials at their peak. You specify frequency, delivery day, delivery address. We handle everything automatically—no re-requested ordering needed.

No minimum commitment. Cancel or pause anytime with one week notice. No cancellation fees. Service designed for flexibility—pause during vacations, adjust frequency as needs change, cancel when desired.

General preferences noted (color palette, style). Specific flower requests depend on seasonal availability. Subscription model relies on our design team selecting best current materials—eliminates decision fatigue while ensuring quality. If you require specific flowers weekly, subscription may not be ideal approach.

Monthly billing at beginning of each month for upcoming deliveries. Payment processed automatically via credit card on file. Invoices emailed for record-keeping. Delivery included—no separate delivery fees. Adjust or pause before billing cycle to affect that month's charges.

Pause subscription through your account or by contacting us. Resume when ready. No charges during pause period. Advance notice appreciated (one week ideal) but we accommodate shorter notice when possible.

Yes. Weekly and bi-weekly service available for corporate lobbies, reception areas, executive offices, professional practices. Multiple locations can be combined. Net-30 billing available for established corporate accounts. Initial consultation determines appropriate scale, placement, frequency.

Minimum six months for any wedding date. Twelve to eighteen months preferred for peak season weddings (May through October). We accept one major wedding per weekend—popular dates fill early regardless of season. Early booking secures preferred date and allows complete planning timeline without rush.

Yes. Initial wedding consultation complimentary, no obligation. Typically 45-60 minutes by phone or in-person at our Bedford location. We invest consultation time to ensure good fit before engagement. If we proceed, detailed proposal provided within one week.

Yes, with seasonal reality acknowledged. Your wedding date determines available flowers. June weddings can feature peonies and garden roses. October weddings access dahlias and fall foliage. Requesting peonies for October or dahlias for April isn't possible—they don't exist then regardless of budget. We redirect toward seasonal alternatives that perform better, photograph better, cost less. Honest assessment of seasonal availability during consultation.

Investment varies by guest count, venue requirements, seasonal selections, and service scope — from intimate ceremonies to larger weddings with multiple installations. We provide a detailed proposal after a consultation clarifies your specific requirements. No package pricing.

Yes. We coordinate with wedding planners regularly and appreciate their organizational expertise. Planners manage timeline, vendor coordination, day-of logistics. We handle floral design, material sourcing, proposal creation, installation directly. Three-way communication (couple, planner, florist) ensures alignment throughout planning.

Every wedding proposal custom based on venue, guest count, requirements. Typical full-service weddings include: ceremony florals (altar/chuppah, aisle markers, entrance), reception florals (centerpieces, bar arrangements, cake table, escort display), personal florals (bridal bouquet, bridesmaids, boutonnieres, corsages). Additional options available. Proposals itemize each element with material options and investment breakdown.

A non-refundable deposit is due at contract signing to secure your wedding date, with the remaining balance due 30 days before the wedding. Final payment deadline allows material ordering, availability confirmation, and installation logistics finalization. Major credit cards accepted. Checks accepted with advance clearance time.

Yes. Corporate receptions, private celebrations, milestone birthdays, anniversary parties, retirement celebrations, holiday events, product launches, galas. Consultation required for all event work—contact us to discuss scope, timeline, budget.

Yes. We accommodate purchase orders, net-30 billing terms, vendor documentation (W-9, insurance certificates), vendor registration forms. Established corporate accounts receive net-30 billing. First-time clients typically provide a deposit with balance due before or at event. Purchase orders accepted and invoiced according to your accounting requirements.

No strict minimum. Small office events and large corporate galas both receive professional service. Project scope and requirements determine approach, not arbitrary minimums. Initial consultation clarifies appropriate scope for your budget and needs.

Sometimes. Ability depends on current commitments, seasonal availability, project scope. Small office arrangements often delivered within 24-48 hours. Larger events need minimum one week for material sourcing and design. Complex installations require 2-3 weeks minimum. Contact us with timeline—we'll confirm feasibility honestly. Rush fees may apply.

Yes. Weekly and bi-weekly arrangements for corporate offices, professional practices, hospitality spaces, residential building lobbies throughout Westchester. Service includes: seasonal design, reliable delivery, professional installation, removal of previous materials, automatic monthly billing, consistent service team. Initial consultation determines scale, placement, frequency.

Investment depends on arrangement size, delivery frequency, and location — from a small reception desk arrangement to a large corporate installation. Bi-weekly service reduces frequency cost, and multiple locations are combined for efficiency. Custom proposals reflect your specific requirements.

Yes. Initial site visit and consultation complimentary, no obligation. We assess property, discuss objectives, identify opportunities and challenges. Detailed proposal provided within 1-2 weeks after site visit. No charge for initial consultation regardless of project scope.

Timeline varies significantly by scope and seasonal requirements. Focused projects (new terrace, foundation planting, targeted drainage): 2-4 weeks typically. Medium projects (multiple terraces, extensive planting, site grading): 6-12 weeks. Complete estate landscapes: 3-6 months for initial construction plus establishment time. Multi-year phasing common for large properties. Weather affects outdoor work—summer heat limits planting, winter stops masonry, spring mud delays earthwork.

Landscape investment varies widely based on scope, materials, site conditions, and complexity — from focused projects (a new terrace, foundation plantings, drainage work) to estate-scale development (multi-acre properties, complex grading, extensive stonework), often phased over multiple years. Site visits allow us to provide an accurate, detailed proposal. No package pricing.

Yes. We collaborate regularly with landscape architects throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties. Some projects arrive with complete architect plans requiring construction execution. Other projects we design in-house through consultation. Both approaches work well. When working from architect plans, we coordinate during design phase—providing constructability input, material sourcing guidance, cost estimates, seasonal timing recommendations.

Client responsibility to obtain permits. We provide information needed for applications: site plans, material specifications, construction approach, drainage details, tree protection measures. Familiar with requirements throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties—can guide application process. Some towns require permits for retaining walls over certain heights, significant grading, wetland work, tree removal. Requirements vary by municipality. We identify potential permit needs during site visit.

Yes. Seasonal maintenance available for completed projects: perennial care (deadheading, division, trimming), mulching and edging, plant health monitoring, seasonal property opening/closing, irrigation management. Monthly or seasonal schedules. Same crews who built landscape handle maintenance when possible—consistency protects investment. Many client relationships continue decades through ongoing maintenance.

Yes, with appropriate care and realistic expectations. Mature tree protection crucial—we establish protection zones, avoid root damage, prevent soil compaction in critical root zones, maintain appropriate grades. Sometimes property improvements require difficult decisions about existing trees—we provide honest assessment of protection possibilities. Established gardens often protected or transplanted if valuable. Assessment during site visit recommends protection, transplanting, or removal based on condition and project requirements.

One-year warranty on stonework, hardscaping, installed materials. Warranty covers workmanship and structural integrity—not acts of nature (extreme frost heave, tree falls, erosion from severe weather). Plant warranty more nuanced: plants guaranteed healthy at installation. Failure from improper planting or material defects replaced within one year. Failure from inadequate watering, improper care, deer damage, or environmental stress beyond our control not covered. Detailed care instructions provided. Goal is thriving landscapes, not warranty claims.

Deer-resistant plant selection combined with property layout and occasional physical barriers. No guarantees (deer are persistent and adaptable), but significant improvement possible through informed decisions. Deer-resistant perennials: Nepeta, ornamental grasses, Salvia, Russian Sage, Monarda, Boxwood, Spruce. Deer will eat almost anything when hungry enough—"resistant" means less preferred, not immune. Staff can recommend appropriate combinations for your specific deer pressure level.

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) optimal for most perennials. Spring allows full growing season for establishment. Fall takes advantage of warm soil and cooler air—roots establish while top growth slows. Summer plantings possible but require attentive watering. Avoid planting during extreme heat or drought. Some perennials prefer spring planting (grasses, late-season bloomers), others fall (spring bloomers, divide-in-fall types). Staff guidance on timing for specific varieties.

First growing season critical for establishment. Water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than shallow daily watering. Deep watering encourages deep root growth. Adjust based on rainfall, temperature, soil type. Sandy soils drain quickly—need more frequent watering. Clay soils hold moisture—risk overwatering. Morning watering preferred (reduces disease). First year most critical. Second year moderate attention. Third year established—only water during drought.

Most perennials benefit from division every 3-5 years to maintain vigor. Spring-blooming perennials divide in fall (August-September). Summer and fall-blooming perennials divide in spring (April-May). General rule: divide opposite bloom season. Exceptions exist (some perennials resent division, others need more frequent division). Staff can provide specific guidance based on varieties you're growing.

Fall cleanup approach depends on philosophy. Traditional approach: cut back perennials, remove debris, mulch beds. Ecological approach: leave seed heads for birds, stems for beneficial insects, natural mulch from plant material. Both valid. We recommend: remove diseased material (don't leave fungal problems), cut back aggressive spreaders, leave ornamental seed heads and grasses for winter interest, apply fresh mulch after ground freezes (protects roots, prevents heaving). Spring cleanup removes winter-damaged material.

Shredded hardwood mulch most common for general landscape use—affordable, available, attractive, decomposes slowly. Cedar mulch deters some insects, lasts longer, costs more. Pine bark nuggets appropriate for slopes (won't wash), acidic-loving plants (azaleas, rhododendrons). Leaf mulch excellent for woodland gardens. Avoid: dyed mulches (unnecessary chemicals), fresh wood chips (ties up nitrogen), stones in perennial beds (permanent, weed suppression poor). Apply 2-3 inches depth—not against plant stems or tree trunks.

Yes, with appropriate care and realistic expectations. Mature tree protection crucial—we establish protection zones, avoid root damage, prevent soil compaction in critical root zones, maintain appropriate grades. Sometimes property improvements require difficult decisions about existing trees—we provide honest assessment of protection possibilities. Established gardens often protected or transplanted if valuable. Assessment during site visit recommends protection, transplanting, or removal based on condition and project requirements.

One-year warranty on stonework, hardscaping, installed materials. Warranty covers workmanship and structural integrity—not acts of nature (extreme frost heave, tree falls, erosion from severe weather). Plant warranty more nuanced: plants guaranteed healthy at installation. Failure from improper planting or material defects replaced within one year. Failure from inadequate watering, improper care, deer damage, or environmental stress beyond our control not covered. Detailed care instructions provided. Goal is thriving landscapes, not warranty claims.