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May 20, 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.

RUTGERS MASTER GARDENERS OF MORRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY GARDEN IPM TEAM REPORT #2

Here's the second Rutgers Master Gardener Community Garden IPM team report for 2026. In this week's report, you'll find information on seed tapes, Asparagus beetles, leaf miners, and much more.

Click on the Report to access and read it.

Please note that all IPM reports can be found here: https://morris.njaes.rutgers.edu/master-gardeners/

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.

AT THE FRELINGHUYSEN ARBORETUM

Have you noticed the "This Garden is Closed" signage around The Frelinghuysen Arboretum's Progressive Garden? This garden is part of the Home Demonstration Gardens and is intended to be a garden that moves through the seasons, as well as showcases progressive horticultural ideas. Due to age, the garden no longer functions as intended. The Morris County Park Commission (MCPC) wants to update the garden to bring it back in line with its intended goal, i.e., provide an inspirational and educational demonstration of cutting edge horticultural techniques. The garden is prominently located at the Arboretum and is one of the first places seen by our visitors. In its current state, instead of showcasing horticultural excellence, it demonstrates some unfortunate pitfalls of aging landscapes, along with specimen plants placed too close together.

One redesign goal is to combine the use of new cultivars of resilient plants with creative and practical design aesthetics. Plants that reduce the need to water once established, and plants that have ecological value will be dominant in the renovated garden.

Another MCPC goal is to showcase a stellar example of keen, modern horticultural creativity in all seasons. This garden will serve as the primary garden for visitors to view upon entering the core of the Arboretum. The intent is to concentrate on plant choices that represent modern design practices and minimize maintenance through smart planting. The garden will serve as an educational centerpiece for home demonstration garden areas at the Arboretum by blending modern trends like water management and weed suppression using groundcovers with unique vertical plant selections. Innovative combinations of perennials and annuals will create an educational garden with longevity and versatility.

We hope you will visit this garden often during the summer and watch the "progression" of changes designed to provide inspiration for the next generation of gardeners!

Bruce Crawford and Kristin Prommel for the Morris County Park Commission

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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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