Writted by Debbie C. Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener Who doesn’t cheer at the sight of the iconic red berries and evergreen branches of Holly during the December holidays? Over 480 species populate the genus Ilex yet the term “Holly” traditionally references English Holly (Ilex aquifolium), a Christmas decoration brought to the United States with […]
Written by Mousumi P., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener The Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener Helpline has been getting many inquiries lately about Boxwoods. Boxwoods, with its many species and cultivars, are broad-leaved evergreen shrubs mostly used as foundation planting and backdrops for planting beds and formal gardens. Unfortunately they are often susceptible to several […]
Written by Irene F., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener If your perennials are looking a little worn out and tired after weeks of excessive heat followed by pouring rains, fear not! In most cases your plants can be rejuvenated with a little deadheading. Summer beauties like daisies, blanket flower, hyssop, bee balm, and butterfly bush […]
Written by Debbie C., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener Solidago species, commonly known as goldenrod, signal the changing of seasons from summer to autumn. A short-day, herbaceous, perennial in the Composite or Asteraceae family, different Solidago species bloom from July through October. Often challenging as a group to identify down to species, the golden yellow […]
Written by Laura H., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener Walking in a park, I often study tree bark and, not infrequently, find it patched with lichen. What is lichen, actually? Well, it can be tricky to classify, as lichen is composed of two or more different species which inhabit one organism. Typically, a fungus is […]
Written by Mousumi P., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener Earlier this summer, campers from 4-H TOPS Camp visited the Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener’s Sensory Garden. Guided by the Rutgers Master Gardeners, the campers learned about all the ways a garden can incorporate plants and even non-plant items to enhance our five senses. We talked […]
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 […]
