Written by Ellen L. Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County After two decades of advocacy by scientists, environmental groups, land managers, and industry stakeholders, New Jersey finally enacted the Invasive Species Management Act when Governor Phil Murphy signed it into law on January 20, 2026. The law establishes a comprehensive framework to manage, restrict, and prohibit the sale, import, export and […]
Written by Mary P., Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County Ilex verticillata, commonly known as winterberry, is a deciduous, clumping, multi- stemmed holly native to eastern North America. It is noted for its berries, has an upright-rounded shape and usually grows 6 – 12’ tall and wide. It is adaptable to light and heavy soils but prefers […]
Written by Mary P., Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County Lindera benzoin is not a fussy plant and is noted for its adaptability. It can grow in sun to full shade, acidic or slightly alkaline pH, clay, loam or sandy soil. It prefers moist loamy soil in partial shade. In all cases, moist, well drained […]
Written by Karen D’Ambrosio, Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County, ‘15 Just because winter is here, it does not mean you can’t putter around in the yard. While waiting for the warmer days of early spring to arrive, bundle up and head outdoors. Winter is the perfect time to weed, yes I said weed and […]
Written by Laura H., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener After an interminably gray and frigid winter, the first peeks of spring’s colors elicit those giddy feelings of anticipation of warm weather and rebirth. Among the earliest of these vernal messengers are the hellebores, beautiful perennials that flaunt their colors in winter and early spring. Displays […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
