The Watnong Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society (NARGS) is partnering with Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum’s staff and volunteers to restore the South Rock Garden at Laurelwood Arboretum. Dorothy Knippenberg was a lifetime member of NARGS and created rock gardens as one of her special display areas. Although they have been cared for by Rutgers Master Gardener and Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum volunteers, many of the original rocks have become covered with soil and vegetation and the original designs obscured.

Volunteers from the Watnong Chapter are working with Laurelwood’s staff gardeners and volunteers on the project. Members of both organizations will have the benefit of learning garden restoration, rebuilding a rock garden, and selecting plants.

The Watnong Chapter began the project in 2014 and have returned each year. The renovation of the Laurelwood Arboretum rock garden is a five-year project that will offer its members opportunities hands-on experience in planning, building, planting and maintaining a rock garden. When their work is completed, the chapter expects to schedule workshops and demonstrations at Laurelwood.