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Rutgers Master Gardeners

Grow Sisters, Grow

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Written by Lorna F., Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County Edibles Garden spotlight: Companion Planting  Companion planting seeks to grow plants together in the garden that may: benefit each other, repel insect pests from the garden, and/or attract pollinator and beneficial insects to the garden.  A classic example of companion planting is known as The Three Sisters. This Native/indigenous method of growing food combines corn, beans, and squash together. Corn stalks provide support […]

New Duke Island Park Native Plant Brochure Posted!

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Ellen Locker ’20, Karen MacNaul ‘22 In 2023 and 2024, the Rutgers Master Gardener Native Plant Team Hiking team hiked, sleuthed, identified, photographed, catalogued and researched fun facts on native plants found in Duke Island Park (DIP), part of the Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC) system in Bridgewater.  The team identified 75 native plants, of […]

Amaryllis

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Written by Mousumi P., Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener With its vibrant colors of reds, whites, and even pinks and peaches, Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) aptly comes from the Greek word amarysso meaning “to sparkle”. Although Amaryllis are usually thought of as a winter or holiday flower, this commercially popular bulb is a hybrid originating in the […]

The Trouble with Boxwoods

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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 […]

Deadheading for Continued Summer Blooms

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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 […]

The SCRMG Sensory Garden Hosts 4-H Campers

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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 […]

Campers at Camp Jotoni love exploring monarch butterflies with RMGSC

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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 […]

Native Bee and Native Plant Garden Sign Refresh

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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, […]

Monarch and Black Swallowtail Release at the 4H Fair

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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 […]