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July 29, 2026

Pesto Anyone? Basil Tasting and Pesto Making Demonstration

with Chef Cynthia Triolo

Saturday, August 29 - 1:00 PM

In person at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Who doesn't love basil? Join the Friends as they host a basil tasting and pesto making demonstration on Saturday, August 29th.

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Morris County are running a trial at several community gardens in our area of eight varieties of Genovese-style (pesto type) basil that have been bred to resist a devastating disease called Basil Downy Mildew. Vote for your favorite variety, see a pesto making demonstration and watch a 30-minute award-winning documentary called Fields of Devotion about the Rutgers basil breeding program.

For more information and to register, click on the basil photo (courtesy of the Rutgars Cooperative Extension).

RUTGERS MASTER GARDENERS OF MORRIS COUNTY

COMMUNITY GARDEN IPM TEAM REPORT #7

This issue of the IPM Team Report contains information on bacterial leaf spot disease on pepper plants, catfacing on tomatoes, Asiatic beetles on basil plants, poison ivy and much more.

To access and read the full report, click on the Report cover.

Please note that all IPM team reports can be found here:

https://morris.njaes.rutgers.edu/master-gardeners

GARDEN TASKS IN AUGUST

Can you believe the dog days of August are upon us? FYI, the phrase comes from ancient astronomy and not actual dogs, and refers to the Latin dies caniculares, or dog star days. Ancient Greeks and Romans noticed that Sirius, the dog star, rose along with the Sun during midsummer and they mistakenly believed the star's light combined with the Sun's heat created the sweltering weather!

Garden tasks in August center around maintenance:

• If there's not enough rain, make sure to soak your plants deeply and do it early in the morning around the root zone instead of spraying the plants.Pay special attention to your container plantings, they tend to dry out faster.
• Deadhead perennials and annuals to promote late season blooming
• Keep up with your weeding, and make sure to do it before the weeds drop seeds in the soil.
• Manage your compost pile, keep it moist and turn it to speed up decomposition.
• Harvest beans, tomatoes, cucumbers and squash regularly to help the plants continue producing.
• Sow fall crops such as kale, spinach, radishes, lettuce, etc.
• Add a layer of compost to harvested beds before planting the next bunch of crops.
• Order spring blooming bulbs for fall planting.
• Continue applying deer repellent.
• Cut flowers for drying.
• Keep your hummingbird feeder clean and filled with fresh nectar.

Whether your garden is large or small, enjoy spending time in it and remember to wear a hat and stay hydrated while working out in the heat.

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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