It’s Thanksgiving in June ! I have a lot to be thankful for this June. First a big “Thank You” to all of our Master Gardeners who volunteered for our very successful Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale. We had 1098 visitors to the demonstration garden on a beautiful May day! I appreciate all the effort that goes into preparing for the fair and the “all hands on deck” spirit of Master Gardeners working the day of the fair.   

I’m thankful for our newest Master Gardeners – the class of 2019 brings 19 new Master Gardeners to our organization. Four have already completed enough hours to become certified and many are making excellent progress towards their 60 hours to become certified Master Gardeners. 

On June 3 rd, seventy students, teachers and chaperones from the Union Battle Hill School 3 rd Grade class had a great time with the “Gardening with Children” Committee as they toured the gardens, participating in ten educational activities. A big “Thank You” to the Gardening with Children Committee for an excellent program! 

Sincerely, 

Madeline Flahive DiNardo 

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director's Office if you 

have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3584. 

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The Herb Garden  by Christine Dec 

Fennel - Foeniculum vulgare 

The feathery light green foliage of green fennel or the darker color of bronze fennel makes a striking addition to the herb garden. Not only does it make an interesting addition, the leaves, seeds and bulb can be used for flavoring and cooking. Fennel tastes like a softer nuttier version of anise. The leaves can be used in salads or as a garnish. The seeds whether ground or whole are wonderful when used in desserts, breads, cakes, cookies or beverages. Carol Hanneman and I grew this herb in the herb garden. 

Medicinally fennel has been known to help the eyesight. The tea from fennel has been used for flatulence and as an aid for weight loss. It has been used as a calmative a diuretic and an appetite suppressant. The seeds from this herb are supposed to help to suppress hunger. All parts of the plant are believed to be safe for consumption.  

A native of Mediterranean Countries, its origin is shrouded in mystical legends and folklore. It was considered a “good” magical herb and was believed to 

protect against evil spirits. In Greek mythology, Prometheus concealed the fire of the sun in a hollow fennel stalk and brought it down to earth from Heaven...this is according from “Herbs in 

Mythology.”   

The seventeenth herbalist Culpepper wrote that all parts of the plant “are much in drink and broth to make people lean.” In medieval times people kept a stash of fennel seeds to nibble on thru long church services and during fasting times as an appetite suppressant. 

Fennel is easy to grow from small plants or seed. A well drained soil helps it to flourish. 

It does tend to spread when the seeds fall so if you don’t want a garden of all fennel it is a good idea to pull out the “baby” plants when they start to sprout. They are a lot harder to pull out when they get bigger. I’ve had this problem in my herb garden. But it is a beautiful feathery herb and both the green and bronze fennel can enhance your garden. So it is definitely an herb to plant and enjoy! 

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Visit to Grounds for Sculpture  by Denise Rothstein 

 

This past fall I had the pleasure to visit Grounds for Sculpture, a 42-acre arboretum in Hamilton, NJ. The brainchild of Seward Johnson, a prolific sculptor and philanthropist, Grounds for Sculpture opened in 1992 on the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds outside of Trenton. There are six indoor galleries, a museum, greenhouses, fountains, and a manmade lake. There are 270 sculptures amidst the gardens, which also include thousands of exotic trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers. The galleries are home to guest artists with special exhibits. Many of the sculptures 

are interactive. Tours are available, and there are also workshops, classes, dinners, and performances. A Zagat-rated restaurant, Rat’s, serves French food on a patio by a Monet-inspired lily pond. There are also casual eateries, and you can order a picnic basket to eat on the grounds. Open year-round, tickets are required for entry. I can’t wait to go back! 

 

 

Photos from Denise Rothstein 

 

 

 

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Crown Imperial: Majesty & Power  by Kathryn DeFillipo 

 

….bold oxlips, and 

The crown imperial; lilies of all kinds, 

The flower de-luce being one. O, these I lack.  

To make you garlands of and my sweet friend 

To strew him over and over.   (The Winter’s Tale. W. Shakespeare) 

 

It is easy to see why the Crown Imperial is so named, for it is the most majestic of flowers. As its meaning suggests, it grows to a great height and looks down  

on all the surrounding flowers, as a king may look down on his subjects. While the Crown Imperial came originally from Constantinople, it was first known as the Persian Lily, for it was brought to Europe from Persia in the 16th century. It has always been admired for its imperious beauty, but unlike most of the lily family, it has a most unattractive scent. (From The Language of Flowers) 

Photos from en.wikipedia.org 

 

NEW Community Beautification Projects 

By Diane Borman 

  Looking for a garden of special interest or close to home in Union County where you can earn volunteer hours? Check the Community Beautification Binder to see if one of the 23 projects approved by the Union County Master Gardeners Executive Board meets your interest. Since the beginning of 2018, 8 projects 

have been added in the following town: Cranford, Elizabeth (2), Fanwood, Linden, Scotch Plains, Springfield and Westfield. The most up to date descriptions of approved projects can be found in the “pink binder” in the Helpline office. The projects are arranged by town for ease of 

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finding a garden near you. There is a description of each approved project and information regarding whom to contact to volunteer or to obtain more information OR you can find a garden near you by logging onto the Union County Master Gardeners website: mastergardeners-uc.org; select: “Committees and Projects”; select: “Master Gardener Community Beautification Binder”. Plans are in place to update the online “Binder” on a regular basis.  Also, the project in Kean University, Union was discontinued and the Deerfield School project in Westfield was completed. Watch your inbox this  Fall for the first annual daffodil planting project in Rahway. Volunteer credit can be earned by participating in this event.  Is there a garden in your community that you would like to have considered as a Community Beautification Project?   To qualify as a Community  Beautification Project, the garden must be located in Union County on public property or a community garden on the 

property of a non profit organization whose mission is to donate the produce grown on the property. All plantings and materials to complete the project must be provided by the organization sponsoring the garden. Master Gardeners provide guidance and labor only.    To submit a proposal for consideration go to the Union County Master Gardeners website: mastergardeners-uc.org; select: “Committees and Projects”; select: “Master Gardener Community Beautification Proposal”. You will find Guidelines for preparing proposals there as well. Projects can be short term (12 months or less) or long term (ongoing). Only ongoing projects are contained in the binder.  Any questions regarding, current or  proposed, Community Beautification Projects can be referred to Diane Borman, Community Beautification Coordinator, at dcbrjh@gmail.com 

      

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 Last Year’s Cattails 

by Dean Talcott 

 It was a clear and cool February day, 

I felt the need to get out, get away, I drove to the Great Swamp for a reprieve, 

I hiked and didn’t want to leave.  

For some, the winter woods looks bleak, But to me, Mother Nature did speak. 

 An airport would have been a very busy place, 

But brave people were compelled to raise their voice, They convinced officials to make another choice, 

Protect the land and create a refuge, 7,800 acres, in New Jersey that’s huge. 

 For 40 years, this has been my destination, 

Exercise, nature viewing and good clean fun. I’d visit in good times and bad, 

No matter what, it always made me glad, I never left the swamp sad. 

 Today, as I peer out from the blind, peace prevails, 

Blue sky and water, tree skeletons and last year’s cattails.   

To those good souls who saved the Great Swamp…….Thank You! 

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If Willy Wonka Gardened  by Stephanie Bourk 

 In our third installment on unusually themed gardens, I thought to focus on scent. There are few people who will turn their noses up at a warm cup of hot chocolate or devil’s food cake. So who wouldn’t want to stop and take a second sniff at a flower box full of scented blooms. Below are a list of plants whose flowers smell of chocolate.  

Carolina Allspice 

Whether in a container or as a boarder, this plant is highly versatile. The burgundy, spring blooms give off strong a chocolate scent. Beyond that, the leaves smell of cinnamon and can be dried out, crushed, and used as a cinnamon substitute. It makes sense that this scrub is nicknamed the “sweetshrub” and it can be grown in zones 4 to 9.   

Chocolate Mint  

One of my favorites due to my love of Andes Mints! Grow it in or outdoors, in a container or straight into the soil. This perennial grows well in USDA zones 3 to 9b. The chocolate mint smell is in its leaves. One word of warning, do be careful if you plant it in your flowerbed because it can quickly take over.  

 

Chocolate Daisy 

Also known as the chocolate flower, Berlandiera lyrata has a rich chocolate fragrance. It’s an easy to grow, spring through fall blooming, yellow wildflower. Like others in the aster family, it’s a great pollinator plant, attracting bees, bumblebees, and butterflies.   

Chocolate Cosmos 

Cosmos astrosanguineus is an highly recommended annual for beginners. Drought resistant and a beneficial insect attractor, it makes a great vegetable garden border. Beyond that, chocolate cosmos have a strong chocolate scent that is at its peak in the early evenings of hot summer days. 

Sharry Baby Orchids 

Although at times trying to maintain, these orchids are worth it for any chocolate lover. This Oncidium orchid needs  

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indirect light, high humidity and, excellent drainage. Keep this exotic plant happy and you’ll be rewarded with its sweet chocolate smell. 

Chocolate Vine BEWARE  

If you chose to look into other chocolate scented planting options, you’ll come across Akebia quinata or the chocolate 

vine. It’s true, the plant has a strong chocolate scent, but I do not recommend adding it to your flowerbed. Native to Asia, this vine is highly invasive. Environmental groups view it as a danger to our native woodlands due to its ability to spread and reseed thereby crowding out other species.  

  

 

Photos from commons.wikipedia.org 

 

 

 

 

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

? MG Question of the Month ? 

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?    

 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO WHILE YOU GARDEN?  

 

Email stephanie.bourk@gmail.com with your answer.  

 

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Demonstration Garden News

By Joanne Krueger

 

Demo Garden is now open every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 9:00   We can use help every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 9:00am helping to fertilize, harvest produce, plant empty beds and keep up with the weeds in the Sharing Garden and Annex. We need everyone’s help to grow and distribute beautiful fresh produce. Your efforts make a big difference in the lives of hungry people. Last year we distributed 1,289 lbs from the Sharing Garden and Annex, 17 lbs of fresh berries from the Berry Patch and 32 lbs of fresh herbs from the Herb Garden, for a Grand Total of 1,338 lbs. The cool and wet weather last summer affected the yields. We hope this year to increase production. Contact Norma Cohen at NormaintheGarden@gmail.com to join the email distribution list.

JUNE EVENTS AT THE GARDEN  

Annual Master Gardener Friends and Family Picnic at the Demo Garden  SATURDAY, JUNE 22 - 2PM - Rain date - Sunday, June 23 

Time to kick back and relax!  RSVP To Ann Burgmeyer – 908-578-1068 Or via email: annburgmeyer@yahoo.com To let her know what you are bringing and if you can help. Come and enjoy the gardens and the company of other Master Gardeners. A great day to reconnect with Master Gardeners you know, and meet new ones! Your family or friends are invited to join you. (We’d love to meet them also) The Garden Committee will provide burgers, hot dogs and beverages. Please bring an appetizer, salad or dessert and a lawn chair to sit on. We also need a few “Grilling Masters” who love to cook and a few people to shop and help set up and clean up.  

 

 

Upcoming Volunteer Events at the Demo Garden – July & August 

Trailside Children’s Camp visits return this summer for six sessions on Wednesdays, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, Aug 7 and Aug 14. All sessions start at 10:00am. Contact Laurie Westra to volunteer @ kwestra1@att.net or call 908-272-4091

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Focus on Demonstration Garden  

Theme Garden Plots  

What are theme gardens? Theme garden are small plots (about 150 sq ft) in the Demonstration Garden with a 

specific theme.  

  Who are Theme Garden Caretakers (aka Theme Garden Captains)? Caretakers of theme gardens are Master Gardeners who have volunteered to maintain the garden and ensure it looks presentable throughout the year. Depending on the size of the bed and level of interest, there may be 1-4 caretakers for a particular theme garden. Being a caretaker is a great way to learn about plants, create communities of interest around certain  types of plants, make friends and continue  to add beauty to the garden.  What are the responsibilities of Theme Garden Caretakers? The main responsibility of a Caretaker is to maintain the garden in accordance with the specific theme. This includes weeding, mulching, dividing, pruning. Also, a Caretaker is responsible for ensuring that  the plants are correctly identified, labeled and inventoried to increase educational value.  

What is the time commitment for being a Theme Garden Caretaker? Approximately 2-3 hours per month from April to October. Caretakers of a garden decide amongst themselves on a schedule for meeting at the garden that works for them. Some pick a day during the week (typically Tues or Thurs when there are other Demo Garden activities going on), or on weekends (particularly for those who work full-time). Please note: Working alone in the Garden alone is highly discouraged - there is safety in numbers.  How much autonomy do Theme Garden Caretakers have? Within the confines of keeping to the garden theme, caretakers are encouraged to think of activities that would maintain the health of the garden, enhance its beauty and enhance the educational value of the garden.  

 

    

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The Theme Garden Plots and Caretakers are: o Green and White Welcome Garden – a green and white planting theme used to promote a 

cooling peaceful feeling as you tour the garden. Contact: Cindy Coppa -908-353-6352 or cindycoppa@verizon.net 

o Shade Garden Plot – Woody plants, bulbs and perennials appropriate for shady conditions. Contact: Uschi Ueltzhoeffer 908-216-8843 or passingthru11@gmail.com 

o Friendship Garden Plot – Plants that you can share with your friends, by various methods of propagation. Contact: Bridget Mracek - 908-232-0833 or mracekbridget@gmail.com 

o Plant Architecture in the Garden – demonstrates how plants can serve as structural elements in the garden. Contact: Inge Bossert - 908-568-1217 or ibossert@msn.com, Tracy Crisctiello- 908-803-2675 or TracyC50@yahoo.com 

o Cutting Garden # 1 – The original cutting garden planted with perennials and annuals for use in bouquets arranged by the Cutting Garden committee. Contact: Diane Voight- 908-277-4309 or Diane_Voight@yahoo.com, Deb Murphy- 973-969-0000 or Murphde1@gmail.com 

o Cutting Garden # 2 – The 2nd cutting garden planted with flowering shrubs for use in bouquets arranged by the Cutting Garden committee. Contact: Patty Martin 973-379-2954 or pdsmem@msn.com, Patty McLaughlin 908-418-8003 or patty@patriciamclaughlinlmft.com 

o Annual Flowers – Cutting Garden # 3- New garden plot planted with annual flowers that will be used for bouquets by the Cutting Garden committee. Arrangements go to various cancer organizations. Contact: Uschi Ueltzhoeffer 908-216-8843 or passingthru11@gmail.com, Marion Goldberger 

o Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Garden – Plants and cultivars that are naturally resistant to disease and insects. Contact: Barbara Pittman 908-232-3607 

o Freedom Garden Plot – Planted to honor those lost on 9/11/01 plants are red, white or blue. Contact: Sue Podolak 908-598-0189 or podolak153@aol.com, Suzanne Hurley 

o Drought Tolerant Garden Plot – Plants that don’t require frequent watering once established. Contact: Lois Kraus 908-577-1428 or lois.kraus@comcast.net, Joyce Zemsky 908-209-1304 or joyce.zemsky@gmail.com 

o Native Plant Garden Plot – Plants native to the USA including perennials, vines and shrubs. Contact: Joanne Krueger 908-313-2734 or joannekru@aol.com, Pat Paul Margulis 

o Pergola Rose Garden – Planted roses, and fragrant plants. Contact: Barbara Klaus (Capt.) 908-276-5841 or bkbook@comcast.net, Barbara Russ, Maria Henkel, Lan Murphy, Laurie Westra 

o Memorial Shrub Garden (behind Pergola Rose bed) Contact: OPEN 

o Perennial Bed Plot – Wide selection of plants that return year after year. Contact: Pat Leonard 908-233-4532 or leonardreg@aol.com 

o Conifer Shrub and Evergreen Tree Beds – Illustrates the beauty and diversity of conifers and evergreens Contact: Bridget Mracek 908-232-0833 or mracekbridget@gmail.com 

o The Entry Bed Plot– Combines trees, ground covers and perennials to create a long season of interest. Contact: Andrea Hightower 908-265-7646 or stitchflower4@aol.com 

o Deer Resistant Bed – (outside the front gate) Plants that are unpalatable to deer due to their smell or taste. Contact: Pat Leonard 908-233-4532 or leonardreg@aol.com, Bridget Mracek 

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o Rain Garden – (next to Greenhouse) Native plants that help control storm water and gutter runoff. Contact: Diane Voight - 908-277-4309 or Diane_Voight@yahoo.com, Richard Leister 908-790-1552 or leisterr8@verizon.net  

o Rain Garden – (next to compost bin at top of Garden) -Contact: Arlene Rosen - 908-317-9698 or arosen52@gmail.com 

Two members of the 2016 class, Inge Bossert and Tracy Crisctiello need help getting their Plant Architecture in the Garden plot planted. This is a revamp of the old Cold Hardy Tropical plant plot. Please contact them if you can help them this summer - Inge Bossert - 908-568-1217 ibossert@msn.com, or Tracy Crisctiello 908-803-2675 TracyC50@yahoo.com The theme garden caretakers are requesting additional help from their fellow Master Gardeners. Contact them directly if you are interested. Or contact Joanne Krueger at joannekru@aol.com or 908-313-2734   

Demo Garden was open during Wild Earth Fest – Sunday, April 28  62 people stopped by the Master Gardener table under the big tent alongside the garden, and 48 people visited the Demo Garden. Public attendance was much lower than in 2018 due to cold, drizzly and dreary weather. We had a table directly outside our little gate entrance welcoming people to our beautiful property. The Garden was open for garden tours, highlighting the rain garden installations. James Keane brought the insect display. We had a separate table outside the garden, under the big tent, where we promoted Master Gardeners and our Fair, distributed the Visions newsletter, fact sheets, birdhouse gourd seeds, and sold 5 soil test kits. Shifts were 11am - 2pm and 2pm - 5pm, and we had 13 Master Gardener volunteers.

Thank you to Norma Cohen, Cecile Coronato, Harry Faulks, Vera Figueiredo, Suzanne Hurley, James Keane, Joyce Laudise, Richard Leister, Mary Mastropietro, Sue Podolak, Dean Talcott and Diane Voight for spending your Sunday welcoming people to our beautiful garden.

Used pots, flats and trays needed for the Garden 

Please continue to bring your empty pots, carry trays and flats to the garden for reuse. We are open every Tuesday and Thursday (weather permitting) from 9:00 am until approximately 12 noon. Please put them on the wire tables to your right as you enter the garden, just past the pot shed. No pots larger than 1 gallon or mum size please.

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 Spring Garden Fair & Plant Sale Report  

 

 Sunday, May 19 

 by Joanne Krueger 

Congratulations to everyone for another successful Spring Garden Fair. We had rainy and very cool weather the weeks leading up to the Fair, but the sun was shining on Saturday and on Sunday (after the downpour from 8:15am – 9:00am). We had a very good turnout of 112 dedicated Master Gardeners to help. We also had extra help from 7 friends and family. The final public attendance at the Fair was 1,098 people – 184 more than last year! Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski attended the ribbon cutting to open the Fair. The Rutgers 250 tomato is still very popular, along with Ramapo and the old Rutgers variety. We sold approx. 100 Rutgers 250 plants and 80 Ramapo plants in peat pots. The Rutgers Pumpkin Habanero sold-out, this was a new introduction from Rutgers in 2018 in the specialty pepper area. Spacemaster cucumbers, Jersey Boy and Jersey Giant tomatoes were also popular. I thank everyone who helped in the greenhouse this spring transplanting, watering and fertilizing all 1,600 tomato, pepper and vegetable peat pots. We also had 1,000 of our own member grown perennials, and a special thanks to all the Plant Sale Committee members who worked so diligently last fall and this spring tending to these plants. We received generous donations of plants from Williams Nursery. Customer giveaways also included donated “ShopRite” reusable bags, Espoma Bio-tone starter samples, Osmocote trial fertilizer packets, and the 2019 Proven Winners Garden Idea book. The Helpline table sold five soil test kits and answered 15 questions. We had fun children activities, including making bird feeders with 56 children, tree rubbings, and planting seeds. We offered garden tours and had great displays by the County, Union County Mosquito Control, Square Foot Gardening, 4-H Master Tree Stewards, and home composting. We also had the very popular Hydroponics grow display. We had a wonderful selection of home-baked goodies; beautiful hand painted birdhouse gourds and handmade crafts. The Garden Odds & Ends table had lovely handmade coffee can birdhouses and a great selection of useful garden items. And don’t forget the delicious food in the morning for all the hard workers! The Fair cannot occur without your help. There is no limit to what we can accomplish with everyone working together as a team. While the event is still fresh in your mind, I would appreciate feedback to the following questions. All comments are taken seriously and sometimes even a slight change or tweak can make a big difference. Please send responses to Joanne Krueger @ joannekru@aol.com 1. Did you notice any problems? 2. Any areas for improvement or new ideas? 3. What solutions do you have for your suggestions?

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4. Did parking at the "loop" work for you and was the shuttle van helpful? 5. We opened the coffee break at 9am with breakfast foods, what do you think of this? 6. Did you hear any customer comments (negative or positive) that you can share? 7. Any overall comments?

SAVE THE DATE - IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO PLAN AHEAD - SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020 IS OUR NEXT SPRING GARDEN FAIR AND

PLANT SALE AND OUR 31st ANNIVERSARY OF THE FAIR!  

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Calling All Writers! We’re always looking for new newsletter contributors. You can help make our monthly publication even better whether you’re:  

● Following up with comments to what you read ● Nominating someone for the next Master Gardener Spotlight ● Sharing your latest gardening craft, DIY project, or lifehack tips ● Reviewing your last read, watch, or visit related to gardening  ● Surprising us with a new column  

Please reach out to stephanie.bourk@gmail.com to become the newest member of our fantastic newsletter team!  

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