Helping Our Birds in Winter
“For the birds” is an idiom used to describe something as trivial or nonsense. Originating during WWII, it is believed to be a reference to birds pecking at manure to
Monarda – From Bees to Tea
The many common names of monardas make it easy to see why using a plant’s botanical name is important. Bee balm, Oswego tea, horsemint, and bergamot are some of the
Insects: What’s The Real Threat? Tune in to Native Plant Channel to Find Out
Master Gardener Lourdes Osorio has a mission—to create a welcoming world for butterflies, bees and other pollinators, one garden at a time. While many people see insects as a threat,
WAIT! Don’t do it!
As the weather begins to cool this month, gardeners’ thoughts will turn towards putting their gardens to bed. Here is the most trouble-free way of preparing your garden for winter—don’t
Sunflowers – More than a Symbol of Summer
A quintessential symbol of summer and carefree days, when gardeners think about sunflowers many quickly picture our annual sunflowers, those tall denizens that stand statuesquely over a fence and are
Value the Violet
April is an exhilarating month for gardeners as the early spring bloomers begin their show. Diminutive and dainty, sometimes we don’t appreciate a plant that seems common. But take a
If you can plant only one tree, what should it be?
Planting a tree is one of the most impactful actions a gardener can take. Trees can provide innumerable benefits to the landscape, ecosystem, and home. Places where trees stretch across
Winterberry
Most gardeners are familiar with evergreen hollies, a traditional plant used for holiday decorations with its glossy green leaves and stunning red berries. There are various species of hollies native
Getting Started with Native Plants
Let’s face it, the world is out of balance! Our ecosystems are dysfunctional and events that should be occurring once-in-a-blue-moon are now commonplace (hurricanes and tornadoes in New Jersey, and
Singing for Joy with Little Bluestem
Suggesting that gardeners plant a grass can seem humdrum. However, little bluestem will have you singing for joy with its many attributes. Graceful, architectural, easy to grow, wildlife friendly, deer
Oakleaf Hydrangea: three seasons of beauty!
Imagine a large shrub beautifying the landscape for three seasons while requiring little maintenance and covering a large area, keeping it weed-free. Hydrangeas are popular garden shrubs beloved by gardeners.
Serviceberry: a Workhorse for Wildlife!
So you’re looking for a tree but want something that’s not too tall? After all, many New Jersey gardens are not large enough for 70-foot trees such as oaks. Our