Written by Kris G., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener Many pollinators depend on leaf litter, herbaceous plant stalks, and plant debris to lay their eggs for overwintering. If we remove these items in the fall, then we are essentially removing the next generation of pollinators. Instead of disposing of leaf litter, dead herbaceous plant stalks, […]
Written by Laura H., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener As the days grow shorter and temperatures cool, plants begin to prepare for the long winter ahead. Turf, in particular, requires our attention at this time of year. Timely fall upkeep will pay off in just a few short months, with verdant green turf carpets in […]
Register Today for Composting at Home – September 19th at 10 a.m. at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County. The event is free, with an optional cost of $50 per person if attendees wish to purchase a compost bin. To register, please contact Recycling Coordinator Melissa Harvey, Somerset County Division of Solid Waste Management, at […]
Written by Mimi J, Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener Although its appearance and fragrance remind many of us of summer, invasive honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) can cause ecological harm. Being a vine, it can both form a mat on the forest floor and climb up trees and shrubs. Its robust growth can shade out native understory […]
Written by Jody F. and Mousumi P., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardeners Camp Jotoni in Warren, NJ serves special needs individuals with varying degrees of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rutgers Master Gardener’s Gardening with Special Needs Audiences Team has been involved with the camp for over 15 years. Campers enjoy activities and games in the […]
Written by Mousumi P., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener Box Tree Moth (Cyadalima perspectalis) is a non-native insect currently under watch for its threat to boxwoods (Photo 1). Originally native to China, Korea, and other Asian countries, the Box Tree Moth has made its way into Europe (2007) Ontario Canada (2018) and recently confirmed in […]
Our sign at the Environmental Education Center (EEC) just got a refresh! It features information about the Native Bee Garden which is a project by two Rutgers Environmental Stewards, Ellen L. and Shona E. The sign also includes details about the nearby Native Plant Garden, which is maintained by a dedicated group of Rutgers Master Gardeners, […]
Written by Barbara V., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener During July’s 4H TOPS Camp, campers created and designed their own “dream gardens” with the help of our own Rutgers Master Gardeners. To begin with, campers discussed and charted all the responsibilities and duties a garden demands. We also learned how important it is to read the back […]
Written by Karen D., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener Who doesn’t love butterflies! These majestic creatures delight the young and old. Before butterflies can be seen gliding about in our gardens, we have to consider the true heroes who make it all possible. We are talking about caterpillars. Monarchs and Black Swallowtails have specific host […]
