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TAKE TAKE GardenerGardener Serving the Agricultural, Gardening and LandscapingNewsNews Communities ONE ONE August, 2012 GARDENERNEWS.COM No. 112 Four decades of imaginative children’s gardening!

Tom Castronovo/Photo Gwen Montgomery, Senior Horticultural Program Specialist for the Morris County Park Commission, center, and Laura Jankura, to her right, an Education Assistant for “Branching Out!” help a group of children with watering one of the 72 raised garden plots, and harvesting some fresh produce and flowers from the “Branching Out!” garden at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township, Morris County, New Jersey. celebrates its 40th birthday. What began with a into one of the arboretum’s Pest Management (IPM), By Tom Castronovo “Branching Out!” has taken proposal from The Garden premier youth horticulture examining nature, and as a Executive Editor thousands of young people Club of Morristown to programs. result, they discover the joys of outside and into the garden the Morris County Park Each year, more than eating fresh-harvested produce This August, “Branching where they learn to plant, Commission for a small piece 130 young people from 5 to directly from the garden that Out!” the gardening program harvest, have fun and learn to of land on which to teach 13 years old garden in their they helped grow. for children held at The be future gardening stewards teenagers about gardening has own plots, getting dirty, Beginning on Saturdays in Frelinghuysen Arboretum, and lifetime gardeners. developed over the decades learning about Integrated April through (Cont. on pg. 20) 2 August, 2012 G arden C enter d ireC tory Gardener News

This Fall Restore Your Lawn The All Natural Way

Learn About Organic Fertilizers Eco-friendly grass seed mixtures Questions specific to your lawn Saturday, September 22 10AM to 1PM Gardener News August, 2012 3

Around The Garden By Tom Castronovo Gardener News Going back in time! Every once in a while, I feel the need to deviate from my monthly agricultural, gardening and landscaping-related columns to bring you an interesting topic. On the morning of July 3, I traveled to the New Jersey Division Motor Vehicles office in Somerville, Somerset County, to renew my driver’s license. Upon my arrival, I looked into the rearview mirror to make sure my hair looked OK. The mirror told me I looked great…only kidding! I wanted to make sure I was ready for my new photo, which was going to last me for the next four years. With my six-point verification in-hand, and my renewal form all filled out, I entered the office. I was greeted by a very polite and friendly receptionist. She looked over my renewal documents very carefully, and marked up my renewal form. All was in order. She directed me to the back of the room, where there was a directional sign for getting your license renewed. The short line moved quickly. After I heard the word “next,” I stepped up to the opening in the office-style cubicle and handed the agent my paperwork. He studied each document very carefully. He then asked me for my old driver’s license. I thought to myself, “Wow, these folks really do take their jobs seriously.” My credentials were checked twice. Driver’s licenses must really be a very serious and legal form of identification. You need them for travel, to cash a check, to purchase alcohol and tobacco, to open a bank account, to enter into a bar, to enter into a state and/or a federal building, to get a U.S. Passport, and if you are stopped by the police. A pretty serious document. The agent then punched a hole into my old license with a giant hole-puncher and handed it back to me. At the same time, I was asked for the $24 renewal fee. Next, my photo, from four years ago, appeared on a screen, right in front of me, right next to a big digital camera. I glanced at the photo and I thought to myself, “Boy, do I look a lot younger in that photo!” He then asked me if I liked the photo on the screen, I said yes. He then asked me if I would Gladly like to use the same photo on my new license. After pausing for a moment, I said to him, “Are Accepting you sure it’s OK? This is for another four years.” He said yes. So I said, “OK, do it.” Poof, SNAP just like magic, it was done. I was then handed back all of my six-point paperwork EBT Cards When I was younger, in my late-teens and early-20s, I always wanted to look older. Now that I am in my late 40s, I always want to look younger. I’m sure a lot of you felt and feel the same way. He then told me he would call me in a few minutes. I proceeded to the waiting area and sat down. In just a few short minutes, he called my name. I hopped up to proudly retrieve my new license. I looked it over and said to him, “This is the only place in the world that you can come to and get younger looking as you get older.” He looked at me, hesitated, then laughed and said, “You’re right.” Now, here is the million-dollar question. If my driver’s license is supposed to be a legal form of photo identification, and the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles allows you to use an old photo on it, how is it a valid, up-to date, form of photo identification? It seems like the photo on it is the most important part. Everybody wants to see it, to compare the photo on it, to make sure it’s you. How many times has someone told you that you look different in your photo? Now, as much as I hate to say this…as we all get older, our hair begins to grey, and in some cases thins and falls out. Our skin also begins to wrinkle a bit and our facial expressions begin to change. If you haven’t seen a friend in a year or two, or three, sometimes they look a bit different. Face it, we all change. Although, I think I still look pretty good… So, my photo is already four years old, and I just renewed my license for four more years. Will I look exactly the same in a couple more years as I looked four years ago when my photo was taken? Time will tell. In today’s day and age of feeling secure as we travel, and being able to present a true, up-to-date, form of photo identification, and for Homeland Security’s sake, I ask this question: Should the New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles take a new photo every time a driver’s license is renewed? After all, you’re there, and the digital camera is right in front of you. Till then…I think I finally found the Fountain of Youth. Every time I want to feel younger and look younger, I’ll just look at my new driver’s license. As always, I hope you find the information in the Gardener News informative and enjoyable. Until next time…Keep the “garden” in the Garden State. -Tom Editor’s Note: Tom Castronovo is executive editor and publisher of Gardener News. Tom’s lifelong interest in gardening and passion for agriculture, environmental stewardship, gardening and landscaping, led to the founding of the Gardener News, which germinated in April 2003 and continues to bloom today. He is also dedicated to providing inspiration, Robert Belleck and education to the agricultural, gardening and landscaping communities through this newspaper and GardenerNews.com. Water Garden Specialist 4 August, 2012 Gardener News

New Jersey farmers grow Before you know it, we more than 100 varieties of will be in the fall season, fruits and vegetables, and right when other late-summer and now, we are at the height of fall favorites are available. the summer growing season. NJ Dept. of Agriculture To keep up with what is in Two things are visibly season in New Jersey, the apparent – just about all of our By Douglas H. Fisher Department posts a weekly favorites are either here or will Secretary of Agriculture update of what Jersey Fresh be arriving soon. Everyone is being harvested and what has the opportunity to taste all is coming up next at www. that New Jersey agriculture state.nj.us/jerseyfresh/ has to offer and, boy, does At the Height of Jersey-Freshness JFreport.pdf. We also have New Jersey offer a lot. fruit and vegetable farm in rutgers.edu/pubs/subcategory. pounds worth $178 million a seasonality chart where you In season now are fruits, Bergen County; a 300-acre asp?cat=5&sub=1001. each year. Plus, New Jersey can easily see the general such blackberries, peaches, Hunterdon County farm with It also is the time for ranks at the top in the nation range of when some of the nectarines, pears, plums and more than 5,000 peach trees a natural outgrowth of in clams and scallops landed. most popular fruits and melons. For vegetables, we and 10,000 apple trees and your efforts – canning and It also is still a good time vegetables are in season at have beans, beets, carrots, an eight-acre community- preserving. Rutgers has run to visit your local nursery or www.state.nj.us/jerseyfresh/ cabbage, chard, collards, supported-agriculture farm workshops on how to can and garden center to add to your searches/availability.htm. cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, in Gloucester County; and, a preserve properly, so contact garden, replenish plants and We thank sellers and a large variety of herbs, lima 400-acre Asian pear farm in your local extension office get the proper plant food or buyers for their support of beans, okra, onions, peppers, Mercer County, only one of to see if they are planning mulch. The United States Jersey Fresh, Jersey Seafood potatoes, scallions, squash, five farms in the United States a session in the future. To Department of Agriculture and Jersey Grown. sweet corn, tomatoes and an growing Singo pears, and a find an office, visit http:// recently released its 2011 abundance of many others. 40-acre fruit and vegetable njaes.rutgers.edu/county. In survey of floriculture crops Editor’s Note: Douglas As a state with such a pick-your-own/retail market addition, the National Center and found that New Jersey H. Fisher is New Jersey’s small area, we have some farm in Middlesex County. for Home Food Preservation at ranked seventh in the nation in Secretary of Agriculture. He of the most diverse and Amid all our fabulous http://nchfp.uga.edu has some the expanded wholesale value is the department’s executive specialized crop arrays on growers, there always is the great information on how to of floriculture crops with a officer, secretary to the State the East Coast, with farms opportunity to tend your can and preserve properly. value of $179.6 million. To Board of Agriculture and a encompassing thousands of own backyard fruits and Don’t forget, when you find a nursery or garden member of the Governor’s acres to five-acre plots. vegetables. So, how is your are at the shore this summer, center near you, visit www. cabinet. Secretary Fisher There is a 1,300-acre farm garden growing this summer? ask for Jersey Seafood at jerseygrown.nj.gov/retailers_ fulfills executive, management in Atlantic County growing Rutgers Cooperative local restaurants. Nothing info.html. and administrative duties plump, juicy blueberries and a Extension has an extensive completes a day at the beach This reminds us of what prescribed by law, executive 15-acre farm in Salem County selection of fact sheets that can like a meal of seafood caught is so special about agriculture order or gubernatorial growing organic vegetables; assist you with any questions by our state’s fishermen. There in the Garden State, whether direction. He can be reached a 1,400-acre vegetable farm you might have about your are more than 100 varieties of it is fruits and vegetables, at 609.292.3976. For more in Cumberland County and ornamental or vegetable shellfish and finfish landed to horticulture or seafood. Local info, please visit: http://www. a 30-acre retail/agri-tourism/ gardens at: http://njaes. the tune of about 161 million is so meaningful to all of us. state.nj.us/agriculture Look Who’s Reading the Gardener News!

It’s in the news Tom Castronovo/Photo While wearing a Billabong hat, Sam Hammer, currently the most recognizable name in New Jersey surfing, who rides waves for a living, looks over the July Gardener News just before heading into the ocean in Lavallette to chase a few swells. Hammer has been a professional surfer for over 13 years and has surfed all over the globe. He has won many local and professional contests, including the Smith Optics Garden State Grunge Match and the ESPN X-Games. Hammer also owns and operates the Hammer Surf School. Gardener News August, 2012 5

Can Trees Cause Pollution? In a recent study, it was shown that mountain pine beetles may be contributing to haze and air pollution in Western forests. In our area, there are pine beetles, ips beetles, and other bark-boring insects that attack East Coast trees; Can beetles in our area also contribute to haze and air pollution? Local Forest Service personnel say yes, however, that’s the least of our worries when it comes to these pests. The bigger problem? The loss of these trees from our forests and landscapes. According to the American Chemical Society, it has been shown that beetle-infested trees are capable of releasing up to 20 times more organic substances than non-infested trees. These organic substances come in many varieties and trees release these organic compounds to fight the beetles that bore into the trees’ bark. It’s kind of like the tree’s immune system. According to researchers, these compounds not only help the tree fight the invaders, they also produce a haze that may harm human health, reduce visibility and affect climate. Though increased haze may obscure some nice vistas and views of scenic sites, what concerns arborists and tree experts more is stopping the spread of these insects and preventing those green trees from turning into brown forests. Preventing bark beetle spread is the main focus. As pointed out in the study, “one infested tree can lead to eight to 10 other trees being infested the following year, which causes a problem that grows exponentially.” There are other side effects of the beetles that are also a concern for foresters and landscape managers as well as golf course officials and others: There’s the social impact of having all these dead trees, there’s the economic impact of losing the important ornamental beauty of our parks and golf courses, and there is the value of all these dead trees that we’re losing from a timber standpoint. But it certainly is an area of new research into the effect of pine beetles that shows that there are more than just a few dead trees. It also shows that pollution and global warming concerns are not just from cars and factories. What are bark beetles and borers? Borers and bark beetles are common pests of pines. These pests are highly damaging because they feed under the tree bark. Pines that become stressed by drought or root damage are often rapidly killed by these pests. Pines at highest risk of these pests are those with root damage or bark injuries. Unfortunately, infestations may not be discovered until advanced symptoms appear, which include yellowing of the needles, holes in the bark that exude sap or sawdust, and emergence holes of the borers through the bark. Here are some things you can do to help with these insects - Plant healthy trees and pick species that adapt best to our area (Remember the Maxim - Right Tree, Right Place). Avoid injuries to roots and trunks and soil compaction during construction activities. Make sure you water your trees! Irrigate when appropriate around the outer canopy and not just near the trunk. Be sure to water at least twice a month during drought periods. As always, properly prune your trees and dispose of dying trees so that these pests do not emerge and attack other nearby trees. Mostly, it’s as easy as right tree, right place and general TLC to keep opportunistic pests such as bark beetles from damaging your trees and the environment. As always, I hope you learned something! …..’Till next month

Editor’s Note: Robert graduated from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Syracuse University with degrees in science education and forest biology. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and a New Jersey Certified Tree Expert. Robert is currently teaching AP Environmental Science, Biology and Chemistry at Liberty High School in PA., and on staff at Temple University teaching Horticulture. He delivers many short courses and seminars at various outdoor education facilities. He is available for talks and consultations in both NJ and PA. Robert can be reached by calling (484) 560-5744. 6 August, 2012 Gardener News

Unique Plants By Bob LaHoff INTERACTIVEBB Nursery Specialist A Web Design & Search Engine Optimization Company Shore To Please We are Google Certified A few weeks ago my family took a “daycation” to the Jersey Shore. Traveling down to Long Branch for a little “fun in the sun,” we made our way back home in a most indirect way. Traveling through Oceanport, Little Silver, Rumson and Red Bank, I saw Need a Website? a small tree represented, more than once, as a foundation planting and doing exceedingly well. A tree that, I know, has been criticized for being invasive in some parts of the country, but is very well suited for seaside applications. Of course, I’m talking about Tamarix, Tamarix ramosissima. Most of us in the industry know that daylilies, hydrangea, Hollywood Juniper, Knock Out Roses, Japanese Black Pine and ornamental grasses all flourish down the Jersey Shore. Add to this list, if you will, Tamarix or Tamarisk. A large shrub or small tree, Tamarix typically reaches 10 to15 feet high and a bit less in spread. An attraction, for me, is the fine, scale-like foliage that is bright green, reminiscent of juniper. Interesting rosy-pink, slender, one- to three-inch-long racemes form large terminal panicles in June Website Design Services and July and should begin to paint a picture as to why it took me so long to get home Mobile Website Design We Take Pride in Providing that day. Tremendously salt tolerant, Tamarix flowers for about four to six weeks and Mobile Applications Great Customer Service goes by another common name…Saltcedar. Aptly named because it is not only tolerant & Reasonable Prices to saline conditions, they also produce salt, often encrusted with salt secretions. Capable E-Commerce Websites of taking up salt from deep ground water, storing it in their foliage, eventually it gets Graphic Design “We’re Good at this washed away during heavy rains. Appreciative of sunny locations, Tamarix survives in Google Certified virtually any soil type and is useful as a windbreak or informal hedge and can be used Online Stuff” effectively on dry slopes for erosion control. Prune this rugged shrub in late-winter or Call or visit our site today for a FREE quote or consultation early-spring and Tamarix will thank you for the haircut, responding with more flowers on new wood. Don’t be afraid to prune aggressively as Tamarisk will bounce back the same way Buddleia do. www.ebbinteractive.com There are a handful of cultivars to be on the lookout for. “Cheyenne Red” has deeper (877) 323-0661 pink flowers than the species. “Rosea,” considered one of the “hardiest” cultivars, has rosy-pink flowers that seem to happen just a bit later than other types. “Summer Glow” has dense, feathery, blue-tinged foliage and “Pink Cascade” has slightly richer pink Reducing Organic Certification Costs flowers than “Rosea.” All are vigorous growers! Which leads to the argument on the other side of the fence. How aggressive is Tamarix and where is it considered most (TRENTON, NJ) ― The New Jersey Department of “invasive”? Agriculture recently announced a partnership with the federal government to reduce organic certification costs A simple Google search and you will see as much good about this plant as you will as part of the Christie Administration’s ongoing efforts see bad. The word “INVASIVE” seems to come up, too. I bring this up not to scare the to promote New Jersey-grown and marketed organic reader, but rather to educate them. Tamarisk, according to many accounts, is invasive in food products. the WESTERN PART of the United States. In fact there have been many research papers submitted on how to control and eliminate Tamarix species. Native from Southeastern The New Jersey Department of Agriculture Europe to central Asia, Tamarix is “hardy” from zones 2 through 8. It is in the warmer is participating in the United States Department of winter climates that this unusual tree is considered a problem. Dropping seed into the Agriculture (USDA) Organic Certification Cost Share water could, and likely will, further colonization downstream. Hence, why many, in that Program. Each qualified producer and handler of part of the country, see it for what it is there. organic products is eligible for a reimbursement of up There are 2 sides to any argument. Many people love the attributes that Saltcedar to 75 percent of its costs of certification not to exceed has, while others see it as a problem. For me, I appreciate both sides. However, it’s hard $750. Certification costs include fees and charges levied to deny the beauty of the plant in the summer down the Jersey Shore. Be mindful to see by the certifying agent for certification activities. Tamarix for what it is, a handsome plant in the summer along coastal regions. Tamarisk To qualify for reimbursement under this program, an is not something to marvel at during the winter. Really rather a scrubby thing to look organic handler or producer must have been inspected at, its coarse appearance would benefit from a small buffer. Known, it seems, forever, and certified or inspected and receiving continuation of Tamarix have been referenced in Genesis 21:33 and the Quran 34:16. Clearly, its cultural certification during the period of October 1, 2011 and history has had the attention of many. September 30, 2012. Certification must be through a Finally, for those of you considering this unique tree, perhaps as a container plant USDA-accredited certifying agent. around your patio for the summer, recognize that high-fertility soils do this plant no In the event that demand exceeds the amount of funds good. For me, the equation to great success for your garden remains, right plant, right allocated to New Jersey, applications will be processed place. Maybe Saltcedar’s only real purpose is for those to enjoy in the East at the on a first come, first served basis. In the case of multiple shore. Finally, as my family made its way home that day, I certainly enjoyed the three certifications, excluding renewal of certification, only specimens I saw. All looked to be doing quite well and none seemed to pose a threat to one payment shall be made to the operation. their surrounding green friends. Applications must be received by the New Jersey Editor’s Note: Bob LaHoff is co-owner of Hall’s Garden Center and Florist in Department of Agriculture no later than November 19, Union County, a member of the Union County Board of Agriculture, the New Jersey 2012. Applications and more information about the Nursery and Landscape Association, the American Boxwood Society, the European program are available online at www.nj.gov/agriculture/ Boxwood Society, a members of the Reeves-Reed Arboretum Buildings and Grounds grants/organiccostshare.html. Committee, a lifetime member of the Conifer Society, a member of the NJ Plants Please contact Melissa Spakosky with any questions Trade Show Advisory Board, and past member of the retail council for Monrovia at (609) 984-2225 or [email protected]. Growers. He can be reached at (908) 665-0331. Gardener News August, 2012 7

Herb Scissors— A great Atlanta, Ga. And yet another the specialty garden and kitchen Ohio Short Course in Columbus, tool that has five parallel blades OH. Plus, there are numerous for cutting and mincing herbs Garden Shopping local shows both in Pennsylvania right into your recipes—you’ll and New Jersey. Of course, I will easily cut chives, parsley, basil By Leslie Barlow be attending as many as I can and so many more quickly and (some do overlap). I will be going evenly, without crushing them. Garden Educator to workshops, learning of new A very useful and unique gift products and plant introductions for a cook, especially one who and visiting other garden centers. has an herb garden! Secrets du Market Guide and seasonality Artisan Cachepots— I just can never seem to get enough Potager. chart. Edible Jersey Handmade willow upright and of this industry. My mind whirls low square containers lined with valuable information from with galvanized metal—chic professionals and true gardeners for decorating indoors or out that I meet along the way and I and blends well with coastal always return with a renewed love décor. 9”x 9” x 9”, 7” x 4” , 8” for what I have been doing for x 4” Braun Horticulture thirty years! It is great fun and so rewarding. So, keep reading “The Gardener News” and watch for all Zip-It Tree Ties— the great garden products I found Combines the ease and strength at the shows! of a UV rated zip tie with a rubber hose that is adjustable Editor’s Note: Leslie Barlow is during the growth of the tree. co-owner of Barlow Flower Farm GroVert– A simple way for Installs and adjusts easily and in Sea Girt, NJ, one of the largest you to design your own living is re-usable when the tree no retail growers in NJ since 1983. wall planter. First, fill each longer needs the support. Very She has appeared on News 12 “cell” with soil and plants to simple to use--saves time and NJ and has been a guest speaker form a collage of living greens. labor Zipittreeties.com at local garden clubs. She is a Next, attach the mounting strip Certified Staging Professional™ Farmers’ Market to a secure vertical surface and The summer months are the with a specialty in Curb Appeal. Cookbook— Discover favorite hang your work of living art. time for shows of all kinds in She has been gardening for many recipes from farmers’ markets Finally, water in the top drip the Horticultural Industry. New years and is always at trade shows throughout New Jersey. It irrigator and the moisture mat and exciting garden items will hunting for useful accessories for includes over 30 delicious allows adequate amounts of be showcased for buyers all over the home garden. For product seasonal recipes and tips on water to surround each plant. the world. One such show is information she can be reached how to best select and store It’s that easy! Several sizes called the Independent Garden at lbarlow@barlowflowerfarm. fresh produce. Also included is and frames available Made in Center Show held in Chicago, Ill. . com or through the website: Edible Jersey’s 2012 Farmers’ USA Bright Green Another is the Atlanta Gift Mart in www.barlowflowerfarm.com Physocarpus – A Plant with Nine Lives native plants, Ninebark is than green. In February of color other than dark purple becomes evident on stems found from Quebec south to 2000, Monrovia Nurseries or copper, “Lemon Candy” over two years old. Virginia and west to Michigan patented a dark-purple offers a new choice with Ninebark offers a and Tennessee. It is also leaved form under the name chartreuse-yellow foliage on number of great advantages I have yet to meet a safe to assume that it is very of Diabolo® which started a more compact plant of only to the garden in terms of gardener who fails to have a winter hardy; with a hardiness to bring Ninebark into the three feet tall! Obviously, flowers, bark, foliage, native strong opinion about plants. range of 2-7, Ninebark home gardening spotlight. these new selections greatly provenance and general Whether it is the debate over actually performs better in Diabolo®, which is from the extend Ninebark’s seasonal toughness. Fortunately, the native versus non-native, more northerly gardens than Greek Diabollos, meaning interest and use with plant has proven to have nine opinions over the color of southern. Ninebark is also a devil, grows to eight to 10 feet flowering plants. lives as well as bark and flowers, or considerations fascinating name that always tall with an attractive reddish- Whether you decide to is now more available than of a plant with one season begs for a definition. The purple fall color. In May, grow the species or any of ever, allowing gardeners to of interest versus four, there common name is derived two-inch-diameter clusters of the selections, the plants develop new opinions for is sure to be a “discussion” from the exfoliating bark on pinkish white flowers appear perform best when sited discussion. whenever gardeners gather. the older stems. It exfoliates along the top of the arching in full sun and in moist to As a plant lover and a to such a degree that it gives stems and are followed by average soils. At Rutgers Editor’s Note: Bruce, designer, I enjoy discussing the appearance of having nine seeds that are initially bright Gardens, the foliar selections foremost a lover of plants and sharing opinions upon layers of bark! The underlying red in mid-summer, turning to are cut back to 12 to 14 since birth, is director of the underused plants that are portions of the bark are an black come fall. Fall color is inches each spring. This Rutgers Gardens, an adjunct not only tough, but can attractive white with touches an attractive reddish-orange. type of pruning encourages professor in Landscape bring numerous merits to of pink. The botanical name Since the introduction of a proliferation of new canes Architecture at the Rutgers the garden. Ninebark, or of Physocarpus also draws Diabolo®, Summer Wine® that continue to grow and School of Environmental Physocarpus opulifolius, a bit of interest as well from and Copertina™ have also yield new colorful foliage and Biological Sciences, is one such plant that was those who are botanically begun to garner their share of throughout the summer, an instructor for Rutgers - omitted from most gardens driven. It is derived from the the spotlight. Summer Wine® while keeping the plants NJAES Office of Continuing until recently. Greek Physa, for bladder, and is a more compact form of more compact. Foliage is and Professional Education Ninebark is a multi- Karppon, for fruit, referring Diabolo®, only growing to also somewhat larger than and chairperson of the stemmed arching shrub, to the inflated, bladder-like five feet tall and wide, while on untreated plants and – at Garden State Gardens typically growing to eight feet fruits. Copertina™ features very least in New Jersey – they group. He is a member of the in height and 10 feet in width. However, its recent surge attractive copper-colored retain the desired foliar color Garden Writer’s Association The leaves are three- to five- in popularity lies not with its foliage, with the new growth well throughout the heat of and the New York Hortus lobed and resemble those of name, nor the fact that it is appearing as glowing hot summer. Unfortunately, this Club. He can be reached at Viburnum opulus, hence the native, but with the advent copper. Fall color for both removes the flower buds and (732) 932-8451. For more species epithet of opulifolius. of new cultivars that feature selections is an attractive red. any chance of seeing the information, please visit For those who enjoy using foliage with colors other For those preferring a foliage “nine” layers of bark, which www.rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu 8 August, 2012 Gardener News

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Governor Chris Christie Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher jerseygrown.nj.gov Gardener News August, 2012 9

Boxwood Blight Confirmed on Pachysandra in a Connecticut Landscape CASE FILES (NEW HAVEN, CT) ― A natural infection of pachysandra in the From the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County Garden Help Line landscape by Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum, the boxwood blight fungus, was confirmed by Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station By Madeline Flahive DiNardo, Union County Agricultural Agent (CAES) plant pathologists on June 29, 2012. The pachysandra sample had and Master Gardeners, MC Schwartz and James Keane been collected by a CAES inspector while visiting a residential property Q. The past two years my pumpkin crop has not been good. The pumpkins get in Fairfield County that had installed B&B boxwood plants in May 2012. large circles with white fuzz in the middle on them. It looks like a disease. What These plants had been confirmed by CAES to be infected with boxwood should I do? -The Not So Great Pumpkin blight one week prior to the visit. The inspector noticed that an established A. Vegetable diseases can be a challenge for home gardeners. Sometimes they bed of pachysandra bed adjacent to the infected boxwood had unusual, appear “overnight” and other times they seem to be an annual problem. The key foliar symptoms, so he collected the sample to bring to the diagnostic lab to managing vegetable diseases is to identify the type of disease and take action to for examination. prevent infection. Source: The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station The NJ Agricultural Experiment Station, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, provides a variety of fact sheets with information on home vegetable gardening including identifying and managing vegetable diseases. “Vegetable Disease Recommendations for Home Gardens” (FS1124) by Andy Wyenandt, Specialist in Plant Pathology and Master Gardeners Graduate Peter Nitzsche, Morris County Agricultural Agent, was recently published this spring. (SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) ― Congratulations to 35 area Some vegetable diseases are caused by fungi and are spread via soil or air. residents who have graduated to become Certified Rutgers Master Soil borne fungi cause diseases such as Fusarium, Phythium, Rhizoctonia and Gardeners. On Thursday, June 21 the Master Gardener graduation Phytophthora. These fungi can survive in a soil for many years, making them difficult to manage. Let’s take a look at an example, Fusarium Fruit Rot on pumpkins, which ceremony was hosted by Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex may be what you are experiencing in your garden. County’s Agriculture Department. Attending the ceremony were Fusarium appears on the belly of the pumpkin, as it begins to ripen. Circular Master Gardeners, Cooperative Extension staff and the families of the lesions begin to appear on the maturing pumpkin where it touches the soil. The new graduates. lesions have a sunken reddish-purple margin. A white fungal growth develops in the In Middlesex County, Master Gardeners are community volunteers, center of the lesion and produces spores. The spores spread in the soil to infect other trained in earth-friendly gardening and environmental principles. MGs plants and splash onto nearby fruits. are trained through class room lecture time and hands-on practical Infected pumpkins should be removed from the garden and destroyed as they will only continue to rot in storage. To try to protect pumpkins from coming in contact application of sound horticulture practices. They are required to with the disease, place a six inch layer of mulch underneath the pumpkins. Avoid volunteer time to their local extension office as a way of educating planting pumpkins, or any other members of the curcubit family (cucumbers, squashes Middlesex County citizens in environmental stewardship. Their and melons) in the garden for three to four years. headquarters is the EARTH Center, in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Another example of a soil borne disease is Anthracnose on tomatoes. It’s not Riva Ave. South Brunswick. Activities include EARTH Center garden very noticeable on green tomatoes, but as they ripen water soaked spots appear. The maintenance, answering resident inquiries on the MG Helpline, spots begin to enlarge to about ¼ inch and produce black fungal structures called harvesting produce for food banks and horticultural therapy. microsclerotia. The microscelerotia can overwinter in the soil, ready to attack next years’ crop. Graduating Master Gardeners are: Griselda Arrosa, Edison; Evelyn So what can the home gardener do to manage soil borne vegetable diseases? If Balejcsik, Woodbridge; Michelle Bennet, East Brunswick; Samuel & you are currently experiencing a problem in your garden, totally remove any infected Lisa Bhattacharya, Dayton; Joseph D. Boyle, East Brunswick; Janis plants. Leaving infected plants in the garden harbors the pathogens, potentially Bozowski, Kendall Park; Jeanne Bucholz, Fords; Richard & Tonette, leading to more spread of disease. Don’t add the infected plants to a mulch bed or Edison; Louise Cymaluk, Piscataway; Nancy Germaine, Kendall Park; compost pile as some organisms can survive in compost piles. Ellen Goldblatt, Cranford; Gina Hickey, Laurence Harbor; Josephine The most important action is to rotate vegetables crops – avoid planting the same Incardona, Somerset; E. Karen Kennedy, Plainsboro; Rana Korintus, crops in the exact same location year after year. If the entire garden can be moved Colonia; Vivian Landix, Jamesburg; Louise Lopez, North Brunswick; to different sections of the property that would be ideal – but may not be an option William Maccombie, Hillsborough; Debra Masperi, Colonia; Jennifer for some residential properties. If the same space is used annually, rotate the types Merz, Franklin Park; Bernadette Methven, Highland Park; Jean of crops grown in that section. Plant tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplants in one section of the garden; plant your curcubits in another section. Then, next growing Meyers, New Brunswick; Susan Muckelmann, North Brunswick; season, switch the location of the vegetables within the garden, so they are not Cynthia Passarelli, Metuchen; Adele Pudner, Edison; Dyana Robenalt, growing in the same spot as the previous year or in the same spot a member of the Milford, PA; Bruce Rogove, Somerset; Kelly Rok, Monmouth same plant family was growing. A minimum rotation of three years is needed to help Junction; Marlene Rosenblum, Metuchen; Gabrielle Saylor, East reduce soil borne fungi. Brunswick; Brenda Swissman, East Brunswick; Judith Triola, Edison; Select vegetable seeds and transplants that are resistant to diseases. Plants that Joan Tyson, Plainsboro; Mel Waller, Monroe Township; and Jacqueline are resistant to diseases may get a disease, but it will survive and bear fruit. The D. Woodruff, Somerset. catalog or plant label will note if the variety is resistant. For example, ‘Paladin’ and ‘Aristotle’ are pepper varieties that are resistant to Phytophthora crown and fruit rot. Orientation for the next semester of Master Gardener classes will To protect crops from soil borne fungi, keep a six inch layer of a vegetable garden take place on September 6 & 7, 2012, at the EARTH Center, home to mulch such as salt hay underneath the plants, so the fruits are not in contact with Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County, in Davidson’s soil. Staking or caging tomatoes and other plants keeps the fruits off the soil and dry. Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave, South Brunswick, NJ. Classes will start Harvest your vegetable as soon as they are ripe. the following week. If you are interested in Middlesex County’s Master Most fungi need moist conditions to survive. By properly spacing your vegetables Gardener program, please contact 732-298-5278 for an application. in the garden and keeping up with weeding, you allow good air circulation among the plants. This air movement helps keep the leaves and fruits dry, making them less susceptible to disease. The best way to water your vegetable garden is with a soaker Ingram Named President of Bartlett Tree Experts hose or hand watering at the base of the plant. Morning or early afternoon is the best time to water, so that leaves have enough time to dry before sundown. (STAMFORD, CT) — Bartlett Tree Experts is pleased to announce that James Ingram, currently Vice President and Division Manager of the Editor’s Note: The Union County Master Gardener’s HELP LINE fields company’s field operations in New England and eastern Canada, has been hundreds of citizen inquiries a year – offering assistance with their indoor as well named president and will begin this role on January 1, 2013. The news as outdoor gardening and pest control questions. Responses to resident phone comes shortly after the announcement that Greg Daniels will be retiring as calls and on-site visits comply with current Rutgers NJ Agricultural Experiment president of the company at the end of this year. Station recommendations. Union County residents can call (908) 654-9852 or The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company was founded in 1907 by email [email protected] for assistance. A complete listing of Rutgers Francis A. Bartlett and is the world’s leading scientific tree and shrub care Cooperative Extension (RCE) offices where you can contact a Master Gardener in company. Bartlett has locations in 26 U.S. states, Canada, Ireland and your area can be found on page 22 of the Gardener News. Free RCE fact sheets Great Britain. are available at www.njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs. 10 August, 2012 Gardener News

If architecture is the art take shape. Remember that or science of building, and an pruning will spur new growth, architect is a contriver, designer so you will need to keep up a and maker of architecture, then The Landscaper consistent schedule of at least a landscape designer is the one two to three month intervals, who enhances the architecture By Evan Dickerson which will help you achieve of the buildings and structures your end result. Making a they are working with. To Landscape Professional pruning frame will assist you bring the architecture of these in keeping the pruning done structures into the landscape properly. Vines make great and soften and augment the topiaries as well. When grown lines used by the architect is A Structure Belongs In The Garden? over frames and wires, they the designer’s charge. A lot Of course, gazebos will act bright imagination is important in single and multiples, spirals, become almost shrub-like in of this can be accomplished as outdoor rooms with any in the planning process. cones, globes and even some look. As the plants fill in and through the proper choice and number of accoutrements Moving a garden structure pruned to mimic the scroll follow the guide of the wiring, placement of plants. Placement which enhance the quality of further away from the existing of the architecture. Espaliers your wait will be well worth it to draw the architectural life as well. We’ve even seen structures creates interest and are more singly dimensional as the shapes take form. This lines out into the garden with outdoor kitchens in them! And includes the whole garden in forms set on trellises or wired is a great garden hobby for strategically planted trees and trellises and arches can be the design. Structures can be to free stand as well. those who enjoy working with shrubs, which mimic or even built to mimic the architectural made of wood, brass, bronze, The first consideration plants. contrast the structure, can lines and extend an area for stone, marble, and again any is to choose a very healthy So, as summer draws to a bring a finished look to the plants and vines to grow on as product that will survive the specimen, as you will be close and you are looking for property. well. Many times, letting these elements. doing an abnormal amount of some interesting challenges Often the use of additional plants grow over our structures Making sculptures pruning. Set these plants in a in the garden, these structural structures can increase will increase the effects of out of our plants is another large enough pot or planting initiatives can give you a the overall architectural gardens and architecture interesting venture. Espaliers area with excellent drainage wonderful project to work on vision. The use of pergolas, coming together. and topiaries can come in and space for the roots to for years to come. As always, trellises, arches, gazebos and Another way to marry many sizes and shapes. expand and grow. Proper your local landscape contractor other constructed structures architecture into the garden is Again, your imagination is fertilization and hydration are or garden center can assist you are functional as well as through the use of sculpture your only limitation. Names just as important. A good all- in creating some ideas and complementary to the and geometric forms. and addresses can be cut purpose plant food and constant accomplishing these tasks. architecture. Pergolas can be Sculptures can be a way of into hedges and shrubs, watering are needed to ensure as ornate as scrolled and turned personalizing the garden as creating interest as well as success. To set up these plants, Editor’s Note: Evan Dickerson posts and rails with finials well as creating interest in becoming conversation pieces. patience is needed and even is owner of Dickerson and interesting finish points, areas which may not have been Boxwood, Juniper, Arborvitae, some wiring may need to be Landscape Contractors and or as simple as a board-on- noticed before. There are many Alberta Spruce as well as Ivy, done. Depending upon the size NaturesPro of North Plainfield. board shade structure. Often variations, including figurines, Euonymus, Myrtle and many, of the plant you are working He has been pioneering the just a simple frame in the sun animals, insects, pinwheels, many more plants are prime with, only one to three inches organic approach to plant can decrease the temperature bells and just about anything suspects to become espaliers should be pruned at a time health since 1972. Evan can be beneath it 10 degrees or more. imaginable, which means a and topiaries. There are balls as you slowly let the plant reached at 908-753-1490 Hmmmm....August in -put on a plate and set general makes me think aside of grilling, like the peak -return skillet to heat of grilling. But noooo, and add oil not me, I’m thinking From the Deep -add sausage, onions, breakfast. I spend far too and tomatoes and sauté, much time at the grill By Craig Korb moving frequently for anyway. Executive Chef about one minute Every summer at -add eggs and gently the Crab’s Claw we do scramble together with breakfast all summer Greetings once more from the jersey shore! all ingredients until just long. It’s great and a takes on eggs benedict, but great reviews on our important meal of the day. cooked through, about great change of pace for ethnic flair omelets, etc. new dish. Anyhow, it is Crab’s Claw El Ranchero one me. It really gets those So, this summer’s hard to beat our traditional (serves uno) more minute creative juices flowing, quick and best starter is a style country breakfast. 2 eggs -place eggs over trying to think of the take on a classic Mexican- Most of the ingredients 2 corn tortillas warmed tortillas next great seller. My style breakfast known are easy to come by for 1/2 diced tomato, -top with sour cream, wife and I look through as huevos rancheros or our rancher’s breakfast, preferably Jersey Fresh crumbled Mexican or feta magazines, computer sites ranchers eggs. Huevos especially if you have a or garden grown cheese, fresh avocado and and anything else you can rancheros are basically Mexican deli or grocery 2 Tbsp. diced white onion fresh cilantro think of to try and find two fried eggs atop two nearby. There are also 2 Tbsp. diced Spanish -serve with side of the next great breakfast corn tortillas with refried many substitutions as style chorizo sausage salsa or your favorite hot special. beans, Mexican cheese, well. Mexican fresh 1 tsp. vegetable oil sauce Well, I hate to salsa, Mexican style sour cheese, or queso fresco, 2 oz. fresh or jarred salsa -Ole! disappoint, but breakfast cream, and fresh cilantro. can be substituted with 1 oz. crema Mexicana or at its American best is Our take is a bit different, feta cheese and Mexican- sour cream Editor’s Note: Craig Korb is simply eggs, bacon or we scramble our eggs style sour cream, or 1 oz. queso fresca or feta executive chef at The Crab’s sausage, home fries and with tomatoes, onion and creme Mexicana, can cheese Claw Inn, Lavallette, New toast. At the restaurant, we chorizo sausage and serve be substituted with sour 1/2 ripe avocado, peeled, Jersey. He has an Associates refer to it as the country them over corn tortillas cream, although not as pitted and sliced degree in Culinary Arts breakfast. It is single with Mexican-style fresh good. I hope you try this 1 tsp. fresh, chopped and a Bachelors degree in handedly the most popular cheese and sour cream, recipe this summer and cilantro Food Service Management item, but we like to keep fresh avocado and a side you enjoy it as much as Method from Johnson and things changing and try of salsa. So far so good! my family does. Sorry for -heat a non-stick skillet Wales University. For the trendy items as well. From the start of not having a grill recipe, on medium heat more information visit By trendy breakfast items Memorial Day weekend, but c’mon, as they say, -add tortillas and www.TheCrabsClaw.com or I mean different styles and we have received nothing breakfast is the most lightly brown phone (732) 793-4447. Gardener News Green Industry dIrectory August, 2012 11

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APHIS Adds Five Counties in Virginia to the Emerald Ash Borer (Agilus planipennis) Regulated Area Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is adding Charlotte, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, and Pittsylvania Counties and the City of Danville in Virginia to the list of regulated areas for the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis. APHIS is taking this action in response to the confirmation of EAB in Charlotte, Halifax, Mecklenburg, and Pittsylvania Counties in June 2012. The Federal Order outlines specific conditions for the interstate movement of EAB-regulated articles from Charlotte, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, and Pittsylvania Counties and the City of Danville. Specifically, the interstate movement of EAB-host wood and wood products from these areas is regulated, including firewood of all hardwood species, nursery stock, green lumber, waste, compost, and chips of ash species. EAB is present in some portions of the United States. Due to the continuing spread of EAB, APHIS has established regulated areas in order to prevent the spread of EAB to other states. These regulated areas are designated in the Federal regulations located at 7 CFR 301.53-3 and the Federal Orders located at the following APHIS website: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/ emerald_ash_b/quarantine.shtml EAB, an invasive wood boring beetle, is native to China and eastern Asia. Since its first U.S. detection in Michigan, EAB has been responsible for the death and decline of tens of millions of U.S. ash trees. The interstate movement of firewood from regulated areas is an especially high-risk pathway for spreading EAB. APHIS works with State cooperators and foresters to raise public awareness about this pest and the potential threats associated with long distance movement of firewood. For more information about the EAB program and Federal EAB regulations, you may contact Paul Chaloux, EAB National Program Manager, at (301) 851-2064. Christie Administration Expands Number of Students Receiving Fresh Fruits, Vegetable in School Almost 76,000 Children Around the State to Benefit (TRENTON, NJ) ― As part of the Christie Administration’s efforts to provide improved nutritional opportunities for school children, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher today announced New Jersey has received federal funding to expand the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for the 2012-2013 school year. The number of schools participating in the program will increase from 143 in 16 counties last school year to 155 schools in 18 counties starting in September. “The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program has been extremely successful in New Jersey,” said Secretary Fisher. “The program has changed the school environment for the better, with children at one school we visited referring to the fresh produce as ‘treats.’ It is a hands-on way of teaching students about good nutrition and creating good food habits that will last them a lifetime.” The United States Department of Agriculture has allocated $3,887,073 for New Jersey’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The program provides fresh produce to students during the school day, along with nutrition education. By exposing children to healthy foods, their fruit and vegetable consumption increases, ultimately leading to improved lifelong dietary habits. Some of the criteria used in selecting the schools to participate included: Elementary schools with 50 percent or more of their students eligible for free or reduced price meals; schools that planned to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables as much as possible; the program would be well-publicized and all students would have access to the produce offered; and plans to partner with outside organizations to enhance nutrition education. 14 August, 2012 Gardener News

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Tom Castronovo/Photo Members of the Garden State Gardens Consortium visited Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills on June 27 for their summer twilight meeting. The mission of the group is to increase public awareness of and appreciation for New Jersey’s public gardens by promoting their horticultural, educational, historic and artistic value and to facilitate the collaboration of allied professionals in order to promote public-garden visitation, stewardship and support. Greenwood Gardens is a 28-acre public garden in Short Hills, New Jersey, nationally significant for its beauty, history, and design. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is a time capsule of New Jersey’s gracious past and a haven of tranquility in the busy New York metropolitan area. Greenwood Gardens combines formal gardens, open meadows, woodlands, and pasture. Surrounded on all sides by protected parks and wilderness, its sweeping views create a sense of solitude and serenity. Learn more about Garden State Gardens by visiting www.GardenStateGardens.com.

OK, a couple weeks ago weak plants in the fall and I went out and looked at cut back the leaves. Cover my four-by-eight garden strawberries with straw in boxed in by four-by-four The Miscellaneous Gardener the winter to protect them pine boards and there were a from cold weather. total of five plants inside the By Richard W. Perkins And my Googled box, after weeding out grass, Freelance Writer question was answered dandelions and all kinds with this: Many types of of thick plants with small strawberry plants will, either purple flowers. by nature or if encouraged “Huh,” I said to myself, “Why... Do They Wander?” by pruning runners, put out “five plants?” Well, after INSIDE the box, pulled all sunlight per day and they plants are a good choice lateral crowns at the base scouring through the tall 28 plants out of the lawn and get that easily in my patch. for those living in areas of the strawberry plant. grasses and weeds, there re-planted them. If I didn’t However, they’ll produce with mild springs or those These lateral crowns can were 28 plants OUTSIDE do this, my prolific and even higher yields if they who want to process large be divided and replanted to the wooden enclosure and uber-delicious strawberries receive 10 hours of sunlight amounts of strawberries for propagate strawberry plants. I thought it was interesting were going to be a target of every day. Strawberries jam. Ever-bearing and day- Additionally, the genetically that they had wandered out the lawnmower, and what grown in shade produce neutral types produce berries generative… rhizomes…. of there all by themselves. Who a waste that would be! A lots of foliage, but few if all season long. Ever-bearing strawberry plants can, under knows what type of plant I couple hours after I soaked any berries. The foliage types produce large crops in the right circumstances, am talking about? My June- the ground thoroughly, I may become yellowed or June and August, with a few be divided into multiple bearing strawberry patch! checked on them and most stunted due to lack of light. berries in July. Day-neutrals pieces with each piece being So of course, I checked were wilted. You know, I Strawberries are versatile, produce smaller, continuous sufficient to grow a new plant. with my local grower about fastidiously tried to dig up compact plants that grow harvests all summer. Ah-hah, rhizomes! Ferns are “June-bearing” and was told a large clump of dirt around in a variety of situations as Planting and pruning attached to rhizomes and that that I “needed to direct the their roots, but on some long as they receive adequate requirements vary slightly, just might be my topic next runners if your plants share occasions came up with just sunlight. but all strawberry types need month. Thanks for reading space with other plants. The a single chunk of runner. I I gave six plants to my full sun to thrive. In addition and see ya in 30 days. runners have a tendency to thought that maybe I had sister and my brother and to full sun, give strawberries wander all over the garden just killed my summer fruit they both now have over fertile, well-drained soil, Editors Note: Richard (which can be good!) but supply but, the next morning 100! Strawberries come in amended with compost and Perkins is an avid you may have to train them I checked on them again and, three types: June-bearing, 10-10-10 fertilizer. Mulch horticulturist, a member to take root where you want holy mackerel, they were all ever-bearing and day-neutral. the berries with untreated of the Maine Writers & them.” doing great! June-bearing strawberries grass clippings or straw, and Publishers Alliance and the “Hah,” I said to myself I watered them again and produce a large crop in water them at least weekly to Seacoast Writers Association. and I went out, tilled the was very happy. Strawberries June or July, followed by keep the soil evenly moist. He can be reached at soil with a small spade need at least six hours of dwindling production. These Remove runners and small, [email protected] 16 August, 2012 Gardener News

Harvest Dates The Town Farmer Availability By Peter Melick Cut Flowers from The Town Farmer column on page 16 Agricultural Producer Chart Cut Flowers A great way to multi-task around the garden is to grow flowers that are also suitable for cutting. Not only will your garden look great, but the flowers that you harvest will look Harvest dates listed may vary depending great in your house, as well as in other people’s homes, should you choose to give them upon weather conditions and away. And who knows, should you forget a birthday or anniversary or some other similar geographic location of the farm. event, they may be a way to keep you out of the dog house. On our farm, we grow numerous varieties of annual-producing flowers that we cut and then turn into mixed bouquets, which we sell at our farm markets throughout New Jersey. Call Ahead To Avoid Disappointment We grow a wide variety of flowers, some of which can be used on their own, and others that are more suitable to be used as an “accent” type flower. There are many varieties of annuals that lend themselves to cut flower culture and that can be easily grown in the Fruits & Berries Early Most Active Late garden. Apples July 15 Sept. 1 - Oct. 25 Oct. 31 Probably our most popular variety of flower that we grow is the sunflower. This flower Blackberries July 10 July 15 - July 30 Aug. 10 is relatively easy to grow and comes in a host of sizes and colors. These range from light colored pale yellow all the way up to deep red to almost black in color. One thing to note Blueberries June 20 July 5 - Aug. 10 Aug. 15 about sunflowers is that there are certain varieties that are more suited to cutting than Cherries June 10 June 10 - June 25 June 25 others. Because sunflowers are grown commercially for many other uses, including oil- Grapes Aug. 25 Sept. 10 - Sept. 20 Sept. 30 seed production, bird seed, and potted culture, some of these different varieties do not lend themselves too well to being cut. Also, certain varieties will only produce one flower per Peaches, Nectarines July 5 July 20 - Sept. 1 Sept. 15 seed while others will continue to branch and flower after being cut numerous times. Pears Aug. 1 Aug. 10 - Aug. 31 Sept. 10 Zinnias are a close second in popularity on our farm. Their striking brilliance will Plums July 1 July 15 - Aug. 15 Sept. 1 brighten up any bouquet. And, if they are handled appropriately, they will last almost a week after they are cut. With zinnias, as long as they have adequate moisture and fertility, Red Raspberries the more they are cut the more they will produce. In fact, aggressive cutting stimulates Traditional July 1 July 5 - July 21 Aug. 1 the plant into producing flowers with longer stems. Zinnias are somewhat susceptible to powdery mildew and Japanese beetles, however, so some care should be taken in this Fall Bearing** Aug. 15 Sept. 1 - Sept. 20 Oct. 15 regard. Strawberries May 20 June 1 - June 10 June 25 With zinnias and sunflowers being our two most popular focal point flowers, there Vegetables Early Most Active Late are a host of others that are used more or less to complement those two varieties. Blue Asparagus Apr. 23 May 1 - May 30 June 25 ageratum does a nice job in adding a contrasting color to both sunflowers and zinnias. While ageratum is popular as a bedding plant, that particular variety does not reach a Beets June 1 July 1 - Oct. 31 Nov. 30 sufficient height for cutting, so it is important to use one of the taller cutting varieties. Broccoli June 20 July 1 - Oct. 31 Nov. 1 Snapdragons are another variety that we use, especially early in the season. Because they thrive in cool weather, they can be planted earlier than most annuals and will add an array Cabbage June 1 June 10 - Oct. 31 Nov. 15 of bright pastels to any bouquet. Cauliflower Sept. 1 Oct. 5 - Nov. 20 Dec. 5 There are numerous types of celosia that can be used as well. These range from the Collards May 15 Aug. 20 - Oct. 31 Nov. 20 bright and sturdy cockscomb type varieties to the wispy and somewhat muted “feather” types. There are many different varieties of celosia and they each have their own traits and Cucumbers June 25 July 5 -Aug. 15 Sept. 15 characteristics that lend themselves to summer arrangements. Another type of flower that Eggplants** July 10 July 20 - Sept. 30 Oct. 15 lends itself to accenting other flowers is gomphrena. While this flower might not look like Lettuce much on its own, because of its bushy and upright growth characteristics, it does a really nice job of adding density and bulk to a bouquet. There are several colors to choose from Late Spring May 15 May 20 - July 15 Aug. 31 with the most popular being pink, red and purple. Some varieties of gomphrena can be a Early Fall Sept. 1 Sept. 15. - Nov. 15 Nov. 30 bit on the rangy side and are somewhat difficult to work with, so it is important to look for Lima Beans July 10 July 15 - Aug. 31 Oct. 31 varieties that are more upright in nature. One flower that does not stand out on its own very well but is terrific in a complementary Okra** July 15 Aug. 15 - Sept. 15 Oct. 15 role is statice. There are many different colors of statice that are available, but blue and Onions June 25 June 25 - July 31 Sept. 30 white are probably the most common. These flowers, which are very small in size Peas May 20 June 15 - June 25 July 5 compared to most of the other ones which we have discussed, hold up very well in mixed bouquets and can be used as dried flowers as well. They really do a nice job of accenting Peppers July 5 July 15 - Oct. 31 Nov. 5 some of the showier flowers. Potatoes July 10 July 20 - Sept. 30 Oct. 15 Gladiolus is at the other end of the spectrum from statice. They are so vibrant and Pumpkins Sept. 15 Oct. 1 - Oct. 15 Oct. 31 colorful that they can only be used one or two at a time in mixed bouquets because they tend to overpower everything else. We still sneak them into arrangements from time to Snap Beans June 10 June 20 - July 20 Aug. 31 time, although we usually bunch them by themselves. Squash June 15 June 25 - Sept. 1 Sept. 30 These are just a few of the varieties of cut flowers that we grow on our farm. They Spinach April 15 May 5 - June 25 June 30 all have their own traits and characteristics, and if handled properly, will produce great looking arrangements. Sweet Corn July 1 July 5 - Aug. 31 Sept. 25 Tomatoes** July 5 July 10 - Sept. 15 Oct. 15 Editor’s Note: Peter Melick is co-owner of Melick’s Town Farm in Oldwick and a Other Early Most Active Late 10th-generation New Jersey farmer. Peter is a current member of the Tewksbury Township Committee, and a former Mayor of Tewksbury Township. He also served as a director for the Everlastings, July 1 July 15 - Sept. 15 Oct. 1 New Jersey Farm Bureau and is a past president of the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture. Flowers, Herbs Peter has also been featured on NJN, News 12 New Jersey and on the Fox Business Network. Gardener News August, 2012 17

Cut Flowers from The Town Farmer column on page 16

Ageratum Celosia Sunflower

Tom Castronovo/Photos Peter Melick, left, and his father, George, with Gomphrena freshly-picked gladiolus on their family farm Statice

Snapdragons Zinnias Cockscomb 18 August, 2012 Gardener News

What’s happening in and August is also a good month around the gardens now? to shop for tropical plants. You Plants can become stressed can plant them in containers and in August. The stress is most The Professional Grower use them around the pool, patio likely due to extreme heat, or deck. You can also plant which we’ve had quite a bit By Tim Hionis them in the landscape to get of. August is also usually a dry that wonderful tropical vacation month. There is not enough Greenhouse Specialist feeling. Tropical plants are very precipitation to counterbalance easy to grow because they love the extreme temperatures this full sun, high heat and little time of year. This is why some It’s time to party… water. tender plant material does not if you have them. If there retain water. So go back and zinnias. They grow best in Remember to look for look 100-percent. It is also aren’t any buds on flowers that reapply as need. If water in full sun and a well-draining, Jersey Grown plant material. important to keep a close eye are repeat blooming because containers flows right through compost-enriched soil. They Jersey Grown means quality on plant material that was of the heat, two weeks of a the holes as you pour it in, that will appreciate a break from plant material grown and raised planted late in the season heavy liquid fertilizer will help is a good indication of the soil mid-afternoon rays. Zinnia in our climate. It means plants or hasn’t gotten a chance to promote flowers. Remember to not absorbing the water. Now offers many colors and mixed that are not trucked in or boxed get established. It is very apply fertilizers to your gardens wait about an hour or so after blooms to choose from. You’ll from other unknown parts of important that both tender plant early in the morning or in the watering and apply your liquid be amazed at all the different the country. material and newly planted evening when the temperatures feed fertilizer. Apply another types of butterflies that will And, if you are planning on areas are properly watered and are not as high. Also it is application of fertilizer a week show up when you plant a having a party, make sure you maintained. important to never fertilize before the party. zinnia bed. Hummingbirds like serve-up some Jersey Fresh It is also a time of year when the soil is dry. This will If your yard tends to have them too. Flowers will bloom fruits and vegetables. when many outdoor events tend cause damage or even death to annoying bugs, like mosquitoes, from mid-summer all the way I hope some of these tips to happen. There’s summer plant material. If you apply try planting some citrosa, which until frost. They also make inspire you to go out and liven barbeques and parties all month fertilizer when the soil is dry, it is a type of scented geranium. a good cut flower for indoor up your garden and your party long. So, how can we keep will cause the roots of plants to Pests, like mosquitoes, tend to arrangements. When watering, this summer. the garden looking fresh and burn. Make sure you check the dislike the smell of them. Your water the soil. Try not to soak beautiful? If the events are soil for moisture beforehand. local plant dealer should have the flowers and leaves. Editor’s Note: Tim Hionis planned events, it is great idea If the soil is dry, water the area them. They grow very fast and Basically, zinnias will bring has been growing plants to get in the garden early. If thoroughly. Make sure the plant do wonders for keeping those every color of the rainbow to for over 20 years, and the garden has been getting has amble time to absorb the pesky bugs away. your summer garden when little is co-owner of Hionis neglected, give yourself two water. When watering pots and If you’re looking for a else is blooming in the heat. Greenhouses and Garden weeks to prep everything so it containers, and if the medium really neat annual flower that Heat-loving perennials are Center in Whitehouse looks fantastic for the party. Get is really dry, it may need to will heat up your garden with also at their best now. These Station, NJ. He can in and cut back (pinch off) spent be watered several times. Very an explosion of hot party include: asters, Shasta daisies, be reached by calling flowers and pull the weeds, dry soil loses its ability to colors, try planting a few and coneflowers. (908) 534-7710. Every year, many hold more moisture. By homeowners who had a promoting the biological great looking lawn for the activity in the soil, you will first half of the year tell me, Turf ‘s Up grow a healthier grass plant. “Once August hits, my lawn Organic lawn programs seems to fall apart!” My By Todd Pretz promote healthy soil in friend Paul, who has a great order to grow a healthy looking lawn, asks, “Why Professional Turf Consultant plant, while traditional does this happen?” fertilizers tend to feed What are we doing in the the plant and not address year prior to each summer’s It happens every summer… soil conditions. Organics heat and drought? Did crabgrass preventer in the March through November, survives. Watering too also provide a slow, gentle you plant your grass seed spring? Did you apply it your lawn should be fed much from spring through feeding during summer in early-fall so that it has too early so it ran out of three to four times a year summer promotes shallow months. Do not fertilizer 9-plus months to establish gas? The cool, wet weather for optimum growth, and roots and when hot, dry your lawn if temperatures a good root system? That delayed spring crabgrass to resist insects, heat and weather comes along, your are greater than 85 degrees is why you hear that fall seed germination until late- drought conditions. Man lawn suffers greatly. Did and with high humidity is the best time of year to spring. The excessive rain cannot live on bread or you go on vacation and levels to avoid any potential plant grass seed, trees and also washed out some of vitamins alone; plants need your lawn turned brown? to burn the grass while it shrubs. During fall months, the crabgrass effectiveness. food, too. Did you forget to turn on is under heat and drought the ground is warm, rainfall Perhaps you need to apply What about your the sprinkler? If the heat stress. tends to stabilize, heat, your crabgrass preventer watering practices? I think and drought are severe I hope your lawn holds insects and weeds are much in late-spring, extending more lawns are damaged enough, the lawn will go up well this summer so you less a problem and plants its length of control OR by over-watering and dormant, like a hibernating can keep having fun playing establish well. If you wait consider applying a second under-watering. The rule bear during winter. This is kick-ball and having picnics. and plant grass seed in the application around June 1 to of thumb is one inch of a natural state for the lawn If you are disappointed in spring, you only have a few extend control into summer water a week from rainfall trying to survive. Many your lawn, try a new, long- months to get it established months. Remember, or irrigation. The exception areas of your lawn, if well- term approach to your lawn and then, WHAM, hot, dry crabgrass only grows in to this rule is in severe hot, established, will come back care. Happy summer! weather shows up. Thank sunny areas of your lawn. dry weather. I would prefer in the fall when favorable you, Mother Nature! Now, Did you fertilize your to have you water three to weather returns. Editor’s Note: Todd Pretz is if you have bare spots, yes, lawn only once since the four times a week during Consider changing Vice President of Jonathan apply grass seed in the beginning of this year? If severe weather but for your fertilizing program to Green, a leading supplier of spring or weeds will fill in so, your lawn is hungry and longer durations. Also, your include some organic lawn lawn and garden products these spots. needs to eat more than one watering practices from fertilizers. They help to in the northeast. For more If crabgrass is a to two times a year. During spring through summer will promote good soil health information, please visit: problem, did you apply the growing season from determine how you lawn and can prepare the soil to www.jonathangreen.com Gardener News August, 2012 19

Unpredictability can much food waste. Having no be fun and exciting. It can refrigeration will kill food in also cause much anxiety and 24 hours even after keeping angst. Many people have a Passionate About Produce the refrigerator doors sealed. fear of the unknown, always Unpredictable. wanting to plot their next By Paul Kneeland A three-minute hailstorm move. Some enjoy that the can make hundreds of acres next step could go one way The King of Produce of fruit unsalable. Massive or another. There are many rains can wash out fields in a things in life we can predict heartbeat. Excessive heat can pretty accurately, leaving our ‘Predictably Unpredictable’ end a season early. Frost that expectations intact. Others, Sure, there are weather growing area. Temperatures which usually is in season we think nothing about in the we can reasonably predict events in the winter. Snow dipped low enough and stayed from September through May. winter can wipe out a season with a little information. usually plays havoc on us below freezing long enough to Fresh cider may be extinct. of fruit in a few hours. Some things are completely for a few days each event. have a devastating effect. At Predictable? Pretty much so, it The produce industry is unpredictable and all we can Rarely does it affect growing this point, growers are looking all comes from unpredictable very predictably unpredictable. do is react to them. areas, because there is not too at a 75-percent loss in apple weather occurrences. Plans cannot be made too The fresh produce much growing at that period of crop for this coming fall. This In late-June and throughout far into the future. We adapt, industry falls into the above time in our area. It will affect has already affected the apple the summer, there is constantly improvise and overcome scenarios. The percentage of trucking and deliveries if roads market abroad. It is supply and a threat of thunderstorm whatever is necessary to bring predictability sways generally are impassable and therefore demand – cause and effect. activity. What does that mean? fresh, wholesome fruits and pretty hard to unpredictable could affect product coming to Apples during the summer Remember there usually is a vegetables to our customers. It when it comes to crops. Of warehouses and stores. are generally all imported. threat of thunderstorms when it is in our blood, we absolutely course, there are certain The spring and summer Places that are having their is really hot and really humid. love it. That is very predictable. times of the year and certain seasons slide to the other side fall are harvesting apples and Predictable. The veracity of seasons when predictability of the equation. Early warm shipping them to the U.S. any particular storm will not Editor’s Note: Paul is strong. weather such as it was this via container ships. They be known generally until it Kneeland is the Vice For example, winter year causes early blooms on know that there is a shortage hits. President of Produce and season is pretty predictable. trees. If this happens too early, of apples coming and have Late-June this year we saw Floral for Kings Super We know we will have plenty we all get worried about a adjusted pricing to coincide a swath of thunderstorms go Markets. He has been in the of apples, pears, citrus, frost before these trees get with those shortages. through the Washington, D.C., food business for 26 years, potatoes, broccoli, and the pollinated, which is exactly This fall, it is expected area and also Southern New has a degree in Business like. The perishability of the what happened this year. that the price of local apples Jersey. This put three million Management from Boston product makes it more or less The Hudson Valley in New will be very high and there people out of power and also College and is certified in predictable. When was the York was hit with a frost after will be a very short crop. A crippled technology giants food safety with ServSafe. last time you couldn’t find having record temperatures shortened local season will such as Netflix. Sweltering He can be reached at potatoes in your local grocer? for more than a week in that drive prices up in Washington, heat and no power caused [email protected]

MORRIS COUNTY PARK COMMISSION The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

IDEAS FOR A SUMMER DAY Bring a picnic and take one of our self-guided cellphone tours, suitable for all ages and free of charge.

The Story of Scent Exhibit The how, what and why of scent. Stroll our gardens, enjoy our Aromatherapy Walk, view exhibits and learn what your nose knows.

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE CIVIL WAR A fascinating lesson on the birth of American medicine. View plants and hear stories of how they were cultivated, prepared and used during the Civil War and beyond.

Labyrinth Made of stones and set in a shady glade, our labyrinth is a tool for meditation and problem solving, it is not a maze.

Stop by the Education Center for brochures and information. These programs run through September.

353 East Hanover Avenue • Morris Township, New Jersey • 07962

arboretumfriends.org 20 August, 2012 Gardener News Four decades of imaginative children’s gardening! (Continued from Page 1) June, gardeners prepare home roughly 200 pounds of in-training to try all kinds of around 20 youth volunteers, of The Frelinghuysen and plant their own garden produce. vegetables, at least once. who have gone through Arboretum with assistance plots. Those who continue “Branching Out!” Montgomery also said the program, return to help from garden clubs and on into the summer session coordinator Gwen that every year the program the new, younger gardens. individuals in cooperation (July and August) garden Montgomery, who is a sells out fast, usually within Attending this program is like with the Morris County Park twice weekly throughout the Senior Horticultural Program the first two weeks after it joining a lifetime gardening Commission. summer while learning about Specialist for the Morris is posted, and she has also club. If you go, the plants from garden to table County Park Commission, discovered that some of her To celebrate the 40th Frelinghuysen Arboretum is through cooking, crafts and said her goal is to teach current gardeners are the gardening season, gardeners, located at 353 East Hanover other activities. And, most children not to be afraid to go children of “Branching Out!” “Branching Out!” supporters, Avenue in Morris Township importantly, they maintain outside, and for her gardeners- alumni. And every year, and alumni will join the staff (across the street from the and harvest fresh vegetables, of the Morris County Park Morris County Library), New herbs, and flowers. Commission and The Friends Jersey. Learn more at www. There is a total of 72 of the Frelinghuysen for a arboretumfriends.org/children (pesticide-free) raised plots good old-fashioned birthday ranging from four feet by party on Saturday, August 11, Editor’s Note: Tom four feet, four feet by eight from 1 to 4 p.m. At the party, Castronovo is executive feet and four feet by 20 feet. you can learn the history of editor and publisher of Each garden plot is filled with the program through 40 years Gardener News. Tom’s pure compost from the Morris of photos and see what’s lifelong interest in gardening County Municipal Utilities evolved and what remains and passion for agriculture, Authority. The arboretum unchanged. You will be able environmental stewardship, provides supervision, to grab a piece of cake and gardening and landscaping, instruction, seeds, and the some ice cream, and join in led to the founding of the gardening tools. some games for all ages – Gardener News, which Out of the 72 plots, all part of the fun at this germinated in April 2003 and three four-by-20 plots are family event, which will kick continues to bloom today. He dedicated to growing food off the fifth decade of youth is also dedicated to providing for the Interfaith Food Pantry gardening programs at The inspiration, and education to of Morris County. This year, Frelinghuysen Arboretum. the agricultural, gardening Tom Castronovo/Photo the garden is on schedule to Nevan Sameth waters one of the raised garden plots in Registration is required. and landscaping communities donate roughly 650 pounds of the “Branching Out!” garden. “Branching Out!” is through this newspaper and produce. Each child also takes administered by The Friends GardenerNews.com. In any properly designed tree in your yard but it is landscape, you need to have lost amongst other trees and what is referred to as a focal shrubs? One option is to risk point. A focal point is an Creating Outdoor Spaces transplanting it to a “better” element in the landscape that location. The other is making is intentionally located for By Jody Shilan, MLA it a focal point where it is. This your visitors to not just see takes a little more creativity, but to focus on as they walk Landscape Designer but if you have the opportunity, through your landscape. it’s worth it. First remove A focal point can be any distracting plantings that anything from a specimen The Focal Point are diminishing its stature. tree, a water feature or a on your property, like a large approaches it they discover why don’t you find a tree that Next, install ground covers structure. In order for it to be specimen tree. things that they could not you love and place it where or perennials that accentuate a focal point, this feature must If you are intentionally see from a distance, making you can enjoy it and look at it the tree. Finally, create a path satisfy three main criteria. trying to attract someone’s it even more exciting and every day? Remember, focal or walkway that directs your First, it needs to be something attention, it needs to be toward interesting. points need some distance to viewers toward your focal special or unique and be able something worth focusing on. Taking a beautiful be appreciated, so don’t just point. to stand on its own. Secondly, If it isn’t, the person may not specimen tree or water feature plant it right up against your it must be positioned in such notice it, or worse, see it and and then shoving it behind the bay window. Editors Note: Jody Shilan a way that it is seen from a say to themselves, “What’s the garage certainly doesn’t make Another great opportunity is the owner of Jody Shilan specific vantage point. Lastly, big deal?” Keep in mind that sense, nor does it make sense to create a focal point is when Designs in Wyckoff, where it needs to be large enough to this doesn’t mean your focal to place it right at the entrance someone opens the gate to he provides landscape design be seen from a distance. point has to scream, “Look to the driveway where it can your backyard. (This works and consulting services for Although you may have at me, I’m a focal point!” It only be enjoyed when you are exceptionally well if the gate homeowners and landscape more than one focal point just means that it needs to be right on top of it where it is is five to six feet high and contractors. He earned his throughout the property, in uniquely interesting. literally in your face. solid.) As the gate is swung bachelors degree in Landscape reality they should be used When using a focal point In the residential landscape open and the viewer begins Architecture from Cook sparingly. Having too many in your design, it needs to be there are a few simple but to take everything in, a well- College, Rutgers University focal points in a project large enough so that someone wonderful opportunities placed focal point will help and his masters degree in diminishes their importance, sees it from a distance, whether to create your own focal them get oriented to their new Landscape Architecture from eventually becoming just that’s 50 feet, 100 feet or 500 points. For example, when surroundings and not feel the University of Massachusetts, another element in the feet. The goal is for it to be you are inside of your home, overwhelmed. Again, this can Amherst. Currently, he is landscape. Please, keep in noticed and then “focused” on is there a great view out of be a tree, fountain, pergola or President of the New Jersey mind that a focal point does as the viewer gets closer and your kitchen or dining room a sculpture. Landscape Contractors not need to be something closer to it. Ideally, your focal window? Instead of just Well, what if you already Association (NJLCA). He can that is purchased. It could be point should also have a lot staring onto your front lawn have a beautiful Japanese be reached at 201-783-2844 or something that already exists of detail so that as someone or your neighbor’s house, maple or other specimen [email protected]. Gardener News August, 2012 21 Saluting A GCNJ Extraordinary Volunteer By Jeannie Geremia and takes initiative. Jane 2012, and Jane speaks very Garden Club of New Jersey received the National highly of Dave Williams Garden Clubs, Inc. Natural and his family’s ongoing Just hearing the word Disaster Grant in the commitment to helping “volunteer” conjures amount of $2,500 to assist the community and garden up positive images of in helping to restore the clubs in the area. As countless, selfless people grounds of Reeves-Reed District V Director, Jane devoting a large part of Arboretum in Summit, reached out to Homefirst their lives giving service New Jersey, which were Interfaith Housing & in numerous ways to their severely damaged in the Family Services, Inc. communities. I doubt that October 2011 snow storm. and sponsored their grant a day goes by when we fail The focus of the restoration application of $500, to have contact with these will be concentrated which was received and volunteers as they assist in the area around the put to good use in their our great nation in so many Azalea garden, providing community garden. And ways. new plantings, compost our Jane didn’t stop You can see them material, top dressing, as there, as she attended a volunteering in our well as defraying the cost program out of her District hospitals, food banks, of tree removal. and encouraged the schools, libraries, fire Jane told me that after Springfield Garden Club companies, rescue squads, the devastating storm to apply for a $500 grant, wildlife rescue missions, had hit, she remembered which they received for a parks, nursing homes, hearing about the possibility new community garden in youth groups, community of obtaining grant money Springfield. committees, and the list from attending the GCNJ’s Jane has nothing but goes on. We, in the Garden District in the Gardens praise for Shari Edelson, Club of New Jersey, event in September head horticulturist at count ourselves in this 2011. Both Adrienne Reeves-Reed Arboretum, august group as we are Langan, NGC’s Natural and keeps apprised of their a non-profit organization Disaster’s Chair, and ongoing efforts to restore under the auspices of Susan O’Donnell, GCNJ’s the arboretum. The Garden National Garden Clubs Natural Disaster’s Chair, Club of Westfield received Inc., and our 5,000-plus spoke about the availability an invitation to hold their statewide membership are of this grant. Jane stated October 9, 2012 meeting all volunteers who spend to me that, while she felt at the arboretum prior to countless hours educating that there would be a slim its closing mid-October and beautifying our chance of receiving this for four months while the communities in our public grant, there would be no reconstruction work can gardens, parks and schools. chance at all if she didn’t be accomplished. Besides We partner with many apply. We salute her for being such an active Gardener News different organizations her efforts on behalf of member of the Garden is such as Rutgers NJAES, Reeves-Reed Arboretum Club of New Jersey, Inc., Master Gardeners, the and to the GCNJ Natural Jane is on the Board of Now Accepting Nominations New Jersey Department Disasters Committee for Friends of Mindowaskin of Agriculture, Rutgers donating another $1,000 Park and has been on for its Gardens, the agricultural to the restoration of this the Board of Friends of industry throughout the wonderful arboretum from the Westfield Memorial Garden State, and our local funds received from 15 Library for the past 26 2012 communities, parks, public garden clubs. Recipients years. She is always quick gardens and arboretums, of the remaining disaster to sing the praises of others, Person of the Year Award. implementing our goals monies also included the and Jane, it’s a pleasure to of improving our citizens’ Central Atlantic Region’s sing your praises. Thank Do you know someone in the “Green Industry” quality of life and leaving Water for Sudan Special You! Get Out There and whose contributions deserve recognition? a legacy for our children Project ($700) and National Make a Difference! and grandchildren. Garden Club’s Natural This person must be from the landscape, Having said this, it Disasters Fund ($700). Editor’s Note: Jeannie nursery, garden center or gardening industries is my pleasure to honor Jane Curtis was also Geremia is Horticultural who best epitomizes concern for, involvement a GCNJ member who is the catalyst in three more Chair and NGC Accredited in, and dedication to those pursuits. Or a person exceptional indeed, and grants being awarded Judge for the Garden who performs exemplary outstanding service to to give evidence that from the Garden Club of Club of New Jersey, Inc., the green industry. one person can make a New Jersey Community GCNJ Community Garden huge difference. Our Gardens/Jersey Fresh/ Chair and Central Atlantic The deadline for receiving nominations for 2012 congratulations and Jersey Grown Project Region Community is November 1, 2012. appreciation go out to Jane Committee. Jane Garden Chair of National Gardener News annually bestows our Curtis, who is currently encouraged her club, the Garden Clubs, Inc. She “Person of the Year” Award in our GCNJ District V Director, Garden Club of Westfield, can be reached by emailing January edition. Co-President of the Garden to apply for and receive jeannieg42@earthlink. Club of Westfield, and a $500 for their Garden net Garden Club of New To download the form, please visit “can-do,” caring, energetic, Education Day partnership Jersey’s website is: www. www.GardenerNews.com and click on the dedicated individual. Jane with Williams Nursery of gardenclubofnewjersey. “Person of the Year” link on the left side. is a “proactive” person Westfield. This successful com, and phone number is Thank you! who listens, encourages event took place April 14, 732-249-0947. 22 August, 2012 Gardener News

RutgeRs CoopeRative extension phone DiReCtoRy

Atlantic County Middlesex County Phone: 609-625-0056 Phone: 732-398-5260 Bergen County Monmouth County Phone: 201-336-6780 Phone: 732-431-7261 Burlington County Morris County Phone: 609-265-5050 Phone: 973-285-8300 Camden County Ocean County Phone: 856 216 7130 Phone:732-349-1246 Cape May County Passaic County Phone: 609-465-5115 Phone: 973-305-5740 Cumberland County Salem County Phone: 856-451-2800 Phone: 856-769-0090 Essex County Somerset County Phone: 973-228-2210 Phone: 908-526-6293 Gloucester County Sussex County Phone: 856-307-6450 Phone: 973-948-3040 Hudson County Union County Phone: 201-915-1399 Phone: 908-654-9854 Hunterdon County Warren County Phone: 908-788-1339 Phone: 908-475-6505 Mercer County Read This Paper Online Phone: 609-989-6830 Gardener News www.GardenerNews.com The Premier Gardening Monthly Newspaper Number 112 Published Monthly Sudzin Country STANLEY OSUR Contact Information Presents the Phone: 908.604.4444 “Gardening Hour” Fax: 908.647.5459 The First Saturday of Every Month CERTIFIED PUBLIC Website: www.GardenerNews.com 8 AM to 9 AM ACCOUNTANT E-Mail: [email protected] Listen “LIVE” on 88.7 FM or on WRSU.org Staff Traditional Country and Bluegrass Music Executive Editor/ Publisher .... Tom Castronovo “Let Us Help You Grow” Art Director ...... Justin Kukuc Saturday 6-10 AM and Sunday 6-9 AM Advertising ...... Tom Castronovo Celebrating Our 36th Year! 973-423-4949 August Columnists Tom Castronovo Craig Korb TO RESERVE AD SPACE IN GARDENER NEWS CALL: 908.604.4444 Todd Pretz Tim Hionis Evan Dickerson Bob LaHoff ComputerComputer CConsultingons Services Richard Perkins Paul Kneeland CustomCust Solutions Peter Melick Robert Andreucci fforor SSmall Business Jody Shilan Leslie Barlow FOR SALE Douglas H. Fisher CompleteCompl Care IT Packages HelpdeskHelpde Solutions 3 - 4’ Specimen American Contributing Writers RemoteRemot Desktop Support Bruce Crawford Union Co. Master Gardeners OfficeOffice to Internet Setup Boxwoods Jeannie Geremia 908.756.4800908.756.4800 NetworkNetwo Design & Installation [email protected]@TeamCCS.net RemoteRemot Site & Home to Office Setup Hidden Pond Farms www.TeamCCS.net Gardener News is published monthly by HIPAA Privacy Implementation Please ask for Chris Gardener News, Inc. Serving New York, New Jersey & Pennsylvania 16 Mount Bethel Road #123 Computer Consulting Services of NJ, Inc. 973-865-6362 Warren, NJ 07059 Subscription Information Subscription: One year by mail $24.99 Full Moon, August 1 & 31, 2012

The Gardener News invites correspondences on gardening subjects of interest. Gardener News, Inc, and its Publisher reserve the right to accept, refuse, or discontinue any editorial or copy, and shall not be TIP OF THE MONTH liable to anyone for printing errors, misinformation or omissions in editorial or copy. The information Without water, plants wilt and die. Establishing the correct water-air relationships in the soil is essential for the contained in articles herein represents the opinions of the authors and, although believed to be accurate best growth of all plant types. Oxygen in the soil is necessary for plants to grow. Watering too often or too much and complete, is not represented or warranted by Gardener News, Inc. to be accurate or complete. is likely to exclude the necessary oxygen. Without enough oxygen, plant roots suffocate and die. Plant parts above All advertising is subject to the Gardener News advertisement rates, and must be PAID IN FULL at time of submission. Publisher reserves the right at its absolute discretion, and at any time, to cancel any ground exhibit symptoms of this stress: wilting, yellowing, and drying foliage, leaf drop and twig dieback may all advertising order or reject any advertising copy whether or not the same has already been acknowledged occur. Constant overwatering kills most plants. The best way to water can vary greatly depending on the garden and/or previously published. In the event of errors or omissions of any advertisement(s), the newspapers situation. For example, hanging baskets and full, healthy container plants can need a thorough watering every liability shall not exceed a refund of amounts paid for the advertisement. NOTE: All editorial, advertising layouts and designs and portions of the same that are produced and day or, occasionally, twice a day. Too little water, on the other hand, does not allow the roots to replace water lost published by Gardener News, Inc., are the sole property of Gardener News, Inc. and may not be by the plant through transpiration. The roots may dry up and die, and the top growth begins to show abnormal reproduced in any form unless written authorization is obtained from the publisher. POSTMASTER: symptoms. In both cases, either too much or too little water, the plant suffers from lack of moisture in its tissues. Send all address changes to: Gardener News, 16 Mount Bethel Rd - #123, Warren, NJ 07059. (c) 2012 Gardener News, Inc. A good rule-of-thumb to follow in watering plants is to fill the entire root zone with water, and then allow the soil to dry out partially before the next watering. The amount of drying depends on the plant species and size. Gardener News August, 2012 23 24 August, 2012 Gardener News