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August 19, 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

A FEW SEATS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THIS PROGRAM

THIS PROGRAM IS ELIGIBLE FOR 1.0 RUTGERS MASTER GARDENER CEU

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 Rutgers Cooperative Extension).

Bus Trip to Chanticleer Garden, Wayne, PA

Friday, September 25

Bus departs the Arboretum parking lot at 10:00 AM

Please join the Friends on a bus trip to Chanticleer, a 35-acre Pleasure Garden in Pennsylvania's Brandywine Valley - Chanticleer has been touted as one of the most beautiful public gardens in the United States.

We'll depart the Arboretum at 10:00 AM sharp and plan to arrive at Chanticleer around noon, in time for lunch. We'll leave Chanticleer at 5:00 PM for the trip home.

There is no restaurant on the premises, so please bring your own lunch and make sure it's easily carried as there is no provision for storing lunch bags. Note that Chanticleer follows a strict carry-in, carry-out policy and no trash receptacles are provided. You are welcome to picnic in any of the garden's four designated picnic areas, first come first served.

Following lunch, beginning at 1:30 PM, we'll be broken up into smaller groups of 10-12 with each group assigned a guide to lead us on a 90-minute tour of Chanticleer's distinct yet unified garden areas, each designed by a horticulturist. The first floor of the Rosengarten estate's main house is also on the tour. At Chanticleer, the gardeners lead the design and create ever-evolving displays rich in texture, form and color. The gardens include, but are not limited to the Teacup Garden, Bell's Woodland, a Ruin Garden, a Gravel Garden, the Pond Garden, Minder Woods and more!

Please keep in mind that this is a 1-1/2 mile long walking tour over varied garden terrain, including turf, gravel, stone paths, uneven surfaces, occasional inclines and some stairs.

Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear; you might consider bringing a reusable water bottle, insect repellent, a walking stick, rain gear, and, of course, a camera! The tour will take place rain or shine.

Restrooms, water fountains, and water bottle refill stations are available throughout the garden. There is a small gift shop featuring books, postcards, magnets, etc.

Click here for a link to Chanticleer's website: https://chanticleergarden.org/garden/#garden-overview

For more information and to register, click on the photo of Chanticleer. Photo courtesy of Chanticleer.

Rutgers Snyder Research & Extension Farm

Open House & Tomato Tasting

Wednesday, August 26 - 1:00 to 7:00 PM - Rain or Shine

140 Locust Grove Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867

Take a wagon tour of the farm to learn about the research and extension programs being conducted. Taste over 50 tomato varieties!

For more information, click on the flyer.

BIRD HAVEN FARM - CIDER PARTY WITH THE GARDEN CONSERVANCY

Some of you may have attended this year's Benjamin Blackburn Scholarship Lecture at which Janet Mavec presented the story of Bird Haven Farm; later, in June, Bird Haven Farm was featured by the Garden Conservancy's Open Days Program.

On September 12th, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, the Garden Conservancy and Janet Mavec will host a tour of Bird Haven Farm and a hands-on cider making demonstration.

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

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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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