Ask Elaine

With remote learning, home school supervision and warmer weather, do you have any ideas for flower gardening? We would love to get out of the house and grow something gorgeous and useful.

With schools and businesses closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is Laurelwood Arboretum open for tours or educational programs? Any ideas for the gardeners and children?

Are there any plants that bloom very early in the season? I need a boost of color after a cold bare winter.

The days are getting longer but it’s so cold outside. I’m getting anxious to start gardening, digging in the soil and enjoying some greenery. Do you have any ideas to bring color and joy to the bare, cold winter before spring?

I just moved to New Jersey and noticed that the license plates have the words “Garden State” on them.  Does this have anything to do with public gardens or arboretums?  Thank you for your answer and Happy New Year.

As the winter holidays approach, I am thinking of plants to give my garden friends. I would like to know the care that the plants need to have them last as long as possible, and maybe even rebloom. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

I haven’t been to Laurelwood Arboretum for a few months. When I returned at the end of October, the Sensory Garden was gone! What happened?

I would like to plant spring-blooming bulbs in October. What flowers are deer resistant, if there is such a thing?

My mother has difficulty walking. I was wondering if there are places at the Laurelwood Arboretum that would accommodate special needs people?

My children just love the colorful butterflies that are flittering about our backyard. How can we attract more of these gorgeous creatures?

It’s summertime and the kids are out of school. Time for bicycle riding, softball games, catching fireflies, and other outdoor activities. While I don’t generally participate in that liveliness, I’m wondering if my outdoor gardening has any health benefits.

I went to the May plant sale at Laurelwood Arboretum. There were so many beautiful plants! I had a chance to walk around and decided to join Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum. What are some of the opportunities and benefits of being a member, besides the 10 percent plant sale discount (much appreciated)?