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May 13, 2026

American Originals: The native plants and extraordinary plant developments that America has shared with the world, with Barbara Melera

Sunday, July 12 - 1:00 PM

In person at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Since 1492 when Columbus arrived in the Caribbean, the American continents have been introducing the world to some of the most incredible, dramatic, fantastic, delicious and beautiful plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs the world has ever known.

Please join Barbara Melera, President of Harvesting History Heirlooms LLC, a horticultural company founded in 2016 to provide its customers with the finest quality horticultural and agricultural products available today. Ms. Melera will discuss a few of the indigenous American plant species that have become important in the gardens around the world, three of the most significant American plant developments affecting the lives and gardens of this planet and the little known story of the unique role that American horticulture played in the founding of The United States of America.

Plants and products will be available for sale at the program.

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

THE GARDEN CONSERVANCY OPEN DAYS

Janet Mavec was the speaker at our February 7, 2026 Benjamin Blackburn Scholarship Lecture. She spoke about Bird Haven Farm, the magical garden she and her husband created over 25 years in western New Jersey.

If you attended the program, or even if you didn't, now you will have the opportunity to visit Bird Haven Farm, as it will be featured on Saturday, June 13th by The Garden Conservancy's Open Days program. For more information and to register click here: https://www.gardenconservancy.org/garden-directory/open-days/bird-haven-farm-7fea4f1b-1f87-4834-a4f6-5c6d08777aae

Thanks to Ngoc Minh Ngo for the Bird Haven Farm image. Click the picture to enlarge it.

Also, as a reminder, Judy Snow's Basking Ridge Garden is on The Garden Conservancy's Open Days calendar for this Saturday, May 16th.

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

Click the image to enlarge it.

AT THE FRELINGHUYSEN - May 13, 2026

The gardens at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum are offering much beauty, serenity and color these days.

The pink Dogwoods (Cornus spp) behind the tent are lovely this year. There are several planters around the property, this one is a sweet combination of pansies, columbines, scabiosa, etc. Also, wearing a full coat of dark red, dissected leaves, the Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) next to the pond in front of Matilda's Cottage is a lovely sight.

Thanks to Gerry Pappalardo for the Maple photo and to Margery Ennist for the pretty, pink dogwood.

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a lovely 127 acre garden with perennial beds, woods, vegetable gardens, etc. Plan a visit soon!

Click on a photo to view in our photo gallery.

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.

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.

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

CONTACT US HERE

PARK INFORMATION

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

• 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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