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Annual Master Gardener Friends and Family Picnic at the
Demo Garden
SATURDAY, JUNE 24 - 2PM
Rain date - Sunday, June 25 Come and enjoy the gardens and the company of other Master Gardeners.
A great day to re-connect 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. Please call Tina if you can help.
Tina Helmstetter
908-763-6774 via phone Or via e-mail: [email protected]
RSVP by Saturday, June 20. Please provide your name, total number of
people attending, and what you're bringing – an appetizer, salad or dessert.
________________________________________________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MASTER GARDENER
CLASS OF 2017
We look forward to having them join us in our ongoing projects and hope that they will feel free to bring
forward any new ideas that they wish to share with us. We hope that they will attend our general
meetings, usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm, so that they will receive
additional information, continue their education and have a chance to get acquainted with the rest of us.
See photo on page 8. 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.
THE MASTER GARDENER UNION COUNTY MASTER GARDENER NEWSLETTER
JUNE 2017
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CARYL SUGGESTS: THINGS TO DO IN JUNE
If you mow when the ground is wet, the mower wheels can damage a new
lawn. Mow grass to 2 1/2 to 3 inches. Don’t cut more than 1/3 of leaf length
at one cutting. Leave short clippings on the lawn. They will add nitrogen to
the soil as they decompose.
When trimming with a weed whacker, be careful around trees and shrubs. Bark can be easily damaged
opening the tree to insect and disease problems.
Check for chinch bugs in the lawn.
Tomato, pepper, and eggplant seedlings can be planted now.
Bitter cucumbers can be avoided by keeping the crop well mulched and watered regularly.
Save leftover packs of seeds by putting them in an air-tight container with a small amount of powdered
milk (to absorb moisture) and placing them in the refrigerator.
Use pliers to pull up woody seedlings and weeds. Grip the stem at the soil line, twist it around the pliers
and pull straight up. Watering deeply the day before pulling up the weeds will make the job easier.
Watch for and control black spot and powdery mildew on rose foliage.
Houseplants in containers without drainage holes are poor candidates for outside. A rainstorm may
drown and rot them. All plants perform better in containers with drainage holes.
Vacation hint: Sink houseplants, pots and all, in the soil in a shady area of the garden. Mulch to reduce
the need for frequent watering.
Avoid using peat as a mulch. It tends to form a tight mat, virtually impermeable to light rain once it
becomes dry. It is best mixed in with soil as a conditioner.
Plant bush beans every two weeks until late July.
-
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FROM THE HERB GARDEN
Geranium Robertianum - Herb Robert by Christine Dec
Herb Robert, once known as, St. Roberts Herb was named after a French monk who lived in 1000 AD.
Legend has it that he cured many people suffering from various diseases and ailments using this plant.
Scientists, botanists, and herbalists have discovered that this herb grows in abundance in areas having
high levels of radiation. It is believed that Herb Robert absorbs radiation from the soil, breaks it down
and disperses it.
We have grown Herb Robert in our Fairy Garden. Because it is a low growing plant with small dainty
flowers it was a perfect addition to that garden. Also known as "Stinking Bob" it has a strong scent. A
plant with hairy green leaves and reddish stems, the flowers will bloom from June to October in ideal
conditions. It is an annual or a biennial depending on the climate. It is common in Europe and some
areas of Asia and it is a naturalized plant in North America.
Medicinally it has been used through the centuries. The leaves were used to repel biting insects when
rubbed on the skin. In folk remedies it was used as an anti-rheumatic, a diuretic, a treatment for
jaundice and an aid to stop bleeding. The active ingredients are tannins, a bitter compound called
geranium and some essential oils.
Herb Robert thrives in most shady areas, it will adapt to a sunny spot. It grows well in rock gardens,
sandy soil and woodland areas. It reproduces solely by seed and can produce seeds year round. It is
invasive so it's best to plant it where spreading is not a problem.
JUNE PLANT OF THE MONTH by Denise Rothstein
Geranium (Pelargonium hortorum) is a common and easy to grow, popular and pretty plant, indoors or
outdoors. It is popular as a bedding plant, or in a hanging basket or large tub. It can be brought indoors,
but it needs lots of light, 6 to 8 hours a day, and temperate conditions, to grow. Temperatures of 65 to 70
during the day, and 55 at night, are necessary.
Use a well-drained potting soil, and water only when the soil feels dry, otherwise you will get root rot.
This is usually once a week if inside, or daily if it is outside in the hot summer. Repot it when it is
overgrown, as seen by wilt. Dead head and go easy on the fertilizer. If planting outside, wait until the
danger of frost is over. It can be propagated from cuttings or seeds.
The flower is a long, slender fruit capsule, resembling a stork’s bill (Pelargonium means stork in Latin),
with white, pink, salmon, red, fuschia, or lavender flowers. It comes in either single or double blooms.
The leaves are circular or segmented and lacy. They can be green, or green and white, and patterned.
The flowers have an unpleasant scent, but the leaves are aromatic. A favorite variety is the Martha
Washington, known for its bright flowers.
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11 Facts About Lilacs by Kathryn DeFillipo Here are some interesting facts are one of my favorite flowers.
1. Lilacs only flower for 3 weeks in the spring
2. Some will bloom several times over the year, like Josee or Boomerang.
3. Thomas Jefferson loved lilacs and wrote a book about them.
4. Some varieties can survive temperatures below -60F.
5. Want a big plant? Prune less often, but at least once a year.
6. More than 1000 varieties of bushes, trees, and shrubs exist.
7. Lilac belongs to the olive family, Oleaceae.
8. Purple lilacs are a symbol of first love.
9. New Hampshire’s state flower is the lilac
10. The tree Syringa reticulata can grow up to 25 feet tall.
11. Flowers are the most fragrant on a warm and sunny day.
______________________________________________________________________________
Demonstration
Garden News
By Joanne Krueger
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 2,391 lbs and we hope this year to top that number. Contact
Norma Cohen at [email protected] to join the e-mail distribution list. (Note Norma’s new
email address)
Cerebral Palsy League visit Tuesday - June 13 @ 10am
Children’s Specialized Hospital Thursday July 27, 5:45 – 7:00 pm
Introduction to Horticultural Therapy Committee, Mary Krauss, [email protected]
Trailside Children’s Camp visits return this summer - Wednesdays, July 12, July 26, Aug 2, Aug 9
and Aug 16, Contact Laurie Westra to volunteer @ [email protected]
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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. 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 -
o Shade Garden Plot – Woody plants, bulbs and perennials appropriate for shady conditions.
Contact: Uschi Ueltzhoeffer 908-216-8843 - [email protected], Carolyn Della Sala
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o Friendship Garden Plot – Plants that you can share with your friends, by various methods of
propagation. Contact: Bridget Mracek - 908-232-0833 - [email protected]
o Plant Architecture in the Garden – demonstrates how plants can serve as structural elements in the
garden. Class of 2016 – Inge Bossert - 908-568-1217 [email protected], Tracy Crisctiello 908-803-
2675 [email protected]
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 -
[email protected], Billie Baron
o Shrub Cutting Garden – The 2nd
cutting garden planted with flowering shrubs for use in bouquets
arranged by the Cutting Garden committee. Class of 2017
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 - [email protected], 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: Debbie DiMaggio 908-464-1258 - [email protected]
o Drought Tolerant Garden Plot – Plants that don’t require frequent watering once established.
Contact: Carol Walczuk 908-769-3363 - [email protected]
o Native Plant Garden Plot – Plants native to the USA including perennials, vines and shrubs.
Contact: Joanne Krueger, Pat Paul Margulis
o Pergola Rose Garden – Planted roses, and fragrant plants. Contact: Barbara Klaus (Capt.) 908-276-
5841- [email protected], Barbara Russ, Maria Henkel, Lan Murphy, Laurie Westra
o Memorial Shrub Garden (behind Pergola Rose bed) Contact: Harry Faulks - 973-258-1229
o Perennial Bed Plot – Wide selection of plants that return year after year. Contact: Pat Leonard 908-
233-4532 - [email protected]
o Conifer Shrub and Evergreen Tree Beds – Illustrates the beauty and diversity of conifers and
evergreens Contact: Bridget Mracek 908-232-0833 [email protected]
o The Entry Bed Plot– Combines trees, ground covers and perennials to create a long season of
interest. Contact: Andrea Hightower 908-265-7646 - [email protected]
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 - [email protected], Bridget Mracek
o Rain Garden – (next to Greenhouse) Native plants that help control storm water and gutter runoff.
Contact: Diane Voight - 908-277-4309 - [email protected]
o Rain Garden – (next to compost bin at top of Garden) - Class of 2016 –Tina Macry - 908-264-8372
[email protected], Martha Saita– 908-472-2690 [email protected]
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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 [email protected] or
908-313-2734
115 people stopped by the Master Gardener table under the big tent alongside the garden, and 87 people
visited the Demo Garden. Public attendance was lower than in 2016 due to the cold and windy 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 and Harry
Faulks 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, and sold 2
soil test kits. Shifts were 11am - 2pm and 2pm - 5pm, and we had 11 Master Gardener volunteers.
Thank you to Mary Blacklock, Shirley Drew, Harry Faulks, Vera Figueiredo, James Keane, Martha
Saity, Dean Talcott and Diane Torrens, for spending your Sunday welcoming people to our beautiful
garden.
Please continue to bring your empty pots, carry trays and flats to the garden for re-use. We are open every
Tuesday and Thursday (weather permitting) from 9:00 am until approximately12 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.
Congratulations to everyone for another successful Spring Garden Fair. Picture perfect weather on
Sunday put a smile on everyone’s face. We had a very good turnout of 115 dedicated Master Gardeners
to help. We also had extra help from friends and family. The final public attendance at the Fair was 977
people. Freeholders Angel G. Estrada and Bette Jane Kowalski attended the ribbon cutting to open the
Fair.
The Rutgers 250 tomato had received a lot of publicity, and we were prepared this year! We had 252
plants available for the public and we didn’t run out, even with no limit on the plants to the public. I
thank everyone who helped in the greenhouse this spring transplanting, watering and fertilizing all 1,900
tomato, pepper and vegetable peat pots. We also had 1,300 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.
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We received generous donations of plants from Williams Nursery. We gave away donated re-usable
shopping bags from ACME in Kenilworth, ShopRite in Garwood, ShopRite in Westfield, Stop & Shop
in Union, Stop & Shop in Westfield, and Trader Joe’s In Westfield. Customer giveaways also included
Espoma Bio-tone starter samples, Osmocote trial fertilizer packets, the Proven Winners Garden Idea
book, and a “Gardening Simplified” Shrub care booklet.
The Helpline table sold 6 soil test kits and answered 31 questions and received one sample for diagnosis.
We had fun children activities, including making bird feeders with 58 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 had a wonderful selection of home-baked goodies; beautiful hand painted birdhouse gourds and
handmade crafts including catnip mice, tote bags and Maine balsam sachets. 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 @ [email protected]
1. Did you notice any problems?
2. Any areas for improvement or new ideas?
3. What solutions do you have for your suggestions?
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 20, 2018 IS OUR NEXT SPRING GARDEN FAIR AND PLANT SALE!
Welcome
Class of 2017! Our 29th graduating class!
