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April 8, 2026

FRIENDS ANNUAL PLANT SALE NEWS

We've been working hard getting ready for our annual plant sale. As we do every year, our Plant Sale weekend will begin with a:

Members Only Plant Sale Preview

Friday, May 1 - 4:00 to 7:00 PM

In the Big Tent in the Parking Lot

Join us in the big tent for a Member Preview Sale and refreshments. Many hours have been spent reviewing plant availability, choosing colors, considering sizes, etc. so we can offer you the very best choices.

You'll be able to get advice from local plant experts and select from a huge variety of houseplants, annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees.

As in past years, we'll offer special plant dividends to our Members. Click here to see the full Plant Dividend list with details and pictures to help you chose. Please note that two of the plugs (Stachys x 'Summer Romance' and Polystichum acrostichoides) will only be available for purchase, not as member plant dividends.

Click here for a list of the plants that will be available at this year's Plant Sale: https://www.arboretumfriends.org/2026-plant-list/.

The Plant Sale Preview program is free to Members, but registration is required. Click here to learn more and to register..

Volunteer Opportunities Now Available

If you would like to volunteer at our Plant Sale, we would welcome your participation. There are many time slots and different tasks that need filling.

Click here and choose a time slot/task that fits your schedule: 2026 plant sale volunteer sign ups - Thanks in advance for your help!

THE RARE AND UNUSUAL AT THE FRIENDS' PLANT SALE UNDER THE TENT

Here's a preview of some of the rare and unusual beauties that will be available at this year's Plant Sale: Bletilla Yokohama (Ground Orchid) sports some lovely star shaped lavender flowers; Caryopteris x clandonensis 'White Surprise' (White Surprise False Blue Spirea) with lovely white edged leaves and small blue flowers; Fragaria variegata (Variegated Alpine Strawberry), another white edged leaf plant producing crops of sweet flavorful fruit; Gladiolus dalenii 'Boone' (Boone Hardy Gladiolus) this is a cold hardy gladiolus with gorgeous apricot colored flowers; Lilium 'Springville' (Springville Lily) a natural hybrid of two North American native lilies, the pendent scarlet red flowers are each spotted brown toward the throat. Nepeta racemosa 'Little Titch' (Little Titch Catmint) a compact Catmint growing up to 10" tall with masses of fragrant, tubular lavender flowers; Streptocarpus 'Spin Art' (Cape Primrose) makes an excellent houseplant for a low light area, with royal purple flowers streaked with red.

Click on a photo to view in our photo gallery.

Also available at the Plant Sale: Gomphocarpus physocarpus (Hairy Balls)

Watch this short video of Bruce Crawford, Manager of Horticulture at the Morris County Park Commission as he describes the many attributes of Gomphocarpus physocarpus, a tender perennial treated as an annual in our zone. Click here to watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/G8HpoWamUZw

Pollinator Plants for All Types of Gardens, with Carrie Stanker

Tuesday, April 21 - 7:00 PM

There is still time to register for this Zoom program

Join us for this free Zoom program and learn about a variety of great landscape plants that grow under various conditions and provide food sources and/or habitat for pollinators. Many of these plants will be offered at this year's Friends Plant Sale.

Carrie Stanker is co-owner of Sunset Farmstead, a wholesale plant nursery in Columbus, New Jersey. Sunset Farmstead is sustainably growing perennials and grasses that benefit pollinators, without the use of insecticides and fungicides. Their plants are safe for pollinators and safe for the environment!

For more information and to register, click on the photo.

Garden Conservancy Open Days

The Garden Conservancy's Open Days will feature Member Judy Snow's Basking Ridge, NJ garden on Saturday, May 16th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

For more information and to register, click here: https://www.gardenconservancy.org/garden-directory/open-days/snow-gardens.

HOME GARDEN CLUB OF MORRISTOWN PROGRAM

Bus Trip to Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum

June 3, 2026 - 9:30 AM bus departure from Morris County Library

Join the Home Garden Club of Morristown on this enjoyable, informative and fascinating visit to Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum in Andalusia, PA.

For more information and to register, click on the flyer.

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FRIENDS VIDEOS AT THE ARBORETUM

Click here for a brief video by Lisa Bencivengo featuring Bruce Crawford, Manager of Horticulture Division of Cultural and Environmental Resources at the Morris County Park Commission in which he discusses the All American Garden at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Be sure to subscribe to our channel.

You can view all our videos in our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe.

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WATCH PREVIOUS ZOOM PRESENTATIONS

Several of our previously recorded events are available to watch on-line.

See our Prerecorded Events page for more information and to register.

Retail Partners

When shopping at our fine Retail Partners, please remember to present your Membership card at the beginning of your check out transaction. Our Retail Partners need to enter the discount at the beginning of that process.

If you have not yet used this wonderful Member Benefit, you can view our full list of Retail Partners by clicking here.

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You can register and pay on line on our Events page and Membership page and subscribe to this newsletter here: complete directions for subscribing.

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CONTACT US HERE

PARK INFORMATION

• Frelinghuysen, Willowwood and Bamboo Brook Arboreta grounds are open 7 days a week, from 8am to dusk
• The Haggerty Education Center building is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 4 PM, except for Federal holidays. Click here for information and updates.
• HUNTING IN THE PARKS - See the Morris County Park Commission website.

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