WE'RE LOOKING FOR PLANT SALE VOLUNTEERS

Want to get involved and learn more about the plants at this year's Plant Sale? Volunteer to help us set up prior to the sale April 28 - May 2, as well as during the sale May 3 - 4.

See all the opportunities available and sign up here: 2025 Plant Sale Volunteers. Check back often as there may be cancellations.

Good Things Come in Three

There is an old saying that good things come in three. Supposedly, it stems from an ncient belief that three of something is complete and ideal. Hence, ‘third time is the charm’ and, should you have the good fortune of finding a Genie, you will be the beneficiary of three wishes! Even in the world of gardening, arranging plants in groups of three makes them look more natural. One plant that certainly embodies the beauty of three is the genus of Trillium! Commonly called Wakerobin or Toadshade based on whether the flower has a floral stem or is sessile, these April bloomers add a beautiful touch of 3’s to the woodland garden! Trillium grandiflorum is pictured at right.

The Beauty of Bloodroot

The garden truly awakens during the month of April. The once bare earth suddenly comes alive with a bevy of flowering bulbs and perhaps even a few spring ephemerals. Most gardeners understand how to effectively work bulbs into a garden, but many remain puzzled over the use of spring ephemerals. By definition, this group of plants emerge in early spring, flower, set seed and enter into dormancy by the start of summer, very similar to most bulbs. Their strategy is to complete their annual life cycle before the tree canopy is fully leafed-out and competition for sunlight and water becomes more intense. Unlike most bulbs, this group of plants can be more challenging to work into the garden since the declining foliage can be more of a distraction to the beauty of the late spring garden. Fortunately, some ephemerals retain their foliage well into summer when there are ample floral distractions. Sanguinaria canadensis, commonly known as Bloodroot is just such a plant! A beautiful wildflower that erupts into color in March and April (as seen at right in early April in Northern NJ), it quietly enters into dormancy during the middle of summer.

Jeffersonia diphylla

Botanical plant names often prove to be a stumbling block for gardeners. They are meant to impart descriptive details about the plant, yet understanding the Latin or Greek roots of the names can prove troublesome. To add to the confusion, in some instances the botanical name honors individuals who were important in horticulture. This can be equally as mystifying since many of these honored individuals lack widespread recognition. However, one plant that should instinctually draw recognition for the honoree is Jeffersonia diphylla, commonly called Twinleaf. The name pays tribute to Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the US and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

MAIL:
Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
Post Office Box 2267
Morristown, NJ 07962
Web: https://www.arboretumfriends.org

EMAIL:
Content: info@arboretumfriends.net
Tech: webmaster@arboretumfriends.org

Voicemail: 973-937-8803

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a facility of
the Morris County Park Commission