Today in the Gardener's Journal - A Walk in Hoffman's Park

Sometimes it's good to take stock in nature and realize where the true beginning of landscaping comes from. Natural habitats remind us of where nature began and how far we have come. When manicuring your own landscape do you ever leave a space for natural gardens or habitat? Perhaps it's time to begin.

Today this writer took a walk in Hoffman Park in Hunterdon County. I have traveled past this park for five years never realizing the sanctuary beyond the aging sign in front of the park.

If you live in Hunterdon County you may want to take some time and walk this park as it truly brings you back to nature and all it holds. It gives you a different perspective on your home gardening and in some cases, its natural landscaping and photographic appeal will even shed new light on weeds that we so often are quick to pull.

Hoffman Park is located in Union Township, Hunterdon County. It is 354 acres and contains many natural surroundings. The park is named after the former owners, Albert and Joyce Hoffmann; Hoffman was the son of the founder of the Hoffman Beverage Company of Irvington, New Jersey.

When gardening, don't forget to stop and truly enjoy every single part of nature, whether it be the natural settings of your landscape, the insects that walk just above the earth, the weeds that can provide some unexpected color or the fallen trees that provide shelter and refuge to those without. Nature.. it's unexpected and peaceful and in the deepest of thoughts it can be an untouched beautiful refuge..

For more information on Hoffman Park click here.  

Be a Steward of the Earth!

Rutgers' Steward of the Earth Program consists of a number of initiatives that aim to bring awareness of environmental issues and funding for green projects throughout our community. Initiatives include beautification projects, customer participation events, garden competitions, sustainability projects, as well as fund raising and donations.

From June 18 -August 15, Rutgers Nursery

will donate 2% of all sales to the New Jersey Tree Foundation!

The NJ Tree Foundation is a state-wide non-profit organization dedicated to planting trees in New Jersey's most underserved neighborhoods. To learn more about the NJ Tree Foundation click here.

Thank you to all those that shopped at Rutgers Nursery during last years campaign as it was because of you that we were able to donate $4,195 to the NJ Tree Foundation.

You can read more about last years donation by clicking here!

Eggplant Flea Beetles

Eggplant Flea Beetles - while they are a very small insect, they can cause a large problem in the garden.

Perhaps you have a vegetable garden and are noticing small holes in your eggplant leaves. Suddenly the leaf looks wilted and may eventually fall off leaving you to wonder whether it was a fungus or a bug?  If you're seeing small pin sized holes first, no doubt it is the "Eggplant Flea Beetle".

They are very small black insects that live in the soil during the winter. They find leaf riddled soil the most comfortable living grounds and will hatch in early spring and feed off one of their favorite plants = eggplants. They have been known to feed on potato and tomato leaves as well, but their preference is definitely eggplants. They prefer the younger, more tender leaves.

While the flea beetles actions make the plant look unsightly they rarely kill the plant but their damage will stunt the growth and prevent you from retaining a bumper crop of eggplants.

How do you rid your garden of these pesky insects?

1) You can add Beneficial Nematodes into the soil.

2) You can plant a row of mustard plants near the eggplants as they will feed on the mustards before the eggplants.

3) Try hanging sticky traps that are near the vegetable plants being attacked.
 4) You can even homemade sprays made from pureed garlic diluted in water, or a combination of garlic and hot peppers.


5) Lastly, you can use pesticides that contain pyrethrins or rotenone.

However, with any of the treatments a follow up application would be necessary to ensure a flea beetle free garden.

Pruning & Patience

There are times that a simple pruning can make a big difference in the health of a tree. For example, let's look at three examples of trees that were pruned on recent Customer Service visits.

This River Birch suffered from losing its top branches. A simple cut back, albeit severe, will insure a healthy and very full, strong tree.

Result: This tree will now be thicker and grow to be a fuller beautiful tree.

These three River Birches, while very young, were just growing too fast. So much so, that they started to weep and look messy. First they were pruned for form, with a significant cut back prune all around the trees to shape them. Second, all winter die back (dead branches) remaining in the interior of the plant were pruned away and removed.

Result: These trees will now be thicker and fuller trees as they fill in.

This Japanese Maple has significant winter die back, losing several main branches. By simply removing the dead branches, and then pruning live branches back as well, for form, this Japanese Maple will surely grow back into a nice tree. Removing dead branches, which will be obvious as they appear grey, white and tan in color, vs. reddish in living color, will speed up the plants ability to thrive again.

Result: This tree will thrive as Japanese Maples are extremely resilient plants.

The key to pruning any tree is having patience!

What Are the Spots on My Pear Tree?

Are you noticing brown to black spots on your Pear trees?

The spotting is called "Leaf Spot" caused by the fungus known as Entomosporium maculatum. Leaf spot is commonly found on Photina's, Indian Hawthorns, Pear trees and several varieties of roses.

This fungus is most damaging to plants such as pear trees in the landscape during active growth periods while the weather is cool and wet.

Here is a list of do's and don'ts for controlling this widespread fungus:

Do's

If possible, space plants to improve air circulation and quicker drying of leaf surfaces.

If necessary to water, only water the base of the tree and not the foliage nor should you water after midday to reduce the time of moisture sits on the leaves.

Remove all fallen diseased leaves to reduce recycling of the disease throughout the root system through the decaying leaves.

Don'ts

Do not water or fertilize plant any more than necessary to avoid excess new growth which can lead to more leafs spotting.

Reduce pruning during summer which would promote new growth and possible further infection.

While this fungus is more of a cosmetic eye-sore on Pear trees, it rarely kills them, thus chemical treatments of fungicides would only be applied in severe cases where the majority of the tree is covered in leaf spot.

Making Moss is Easy!

Did you know that there are over 12,000 different types of moss? Moss is born from a spore and looks like a soft green mat. It grows on damp soil, tree bark, rocks, concrete, or almost any other reasonably stable surface. While many find it problematic and want to rid their gardens of it you may want to think twice especially if you want to repurpose an old pot or container.

You can make a new pot look aged, or an old pot even more rustic simply by adding moss. How? It's easy!

Recipe for Moss

1/2 cup of garden moss
1 container plain yogurt
12 oz. can of beer
2 tsp granulated sugar
1 cup buttermilk

The garden moss acts like a 'seed starter'. Combine all ingredients in a blender to incorporate. Blend until a soupy texture is achieved. Brush the mixture on with a soft bristle brush or sponge brush. Be generous with the amount you are applying on to your growing medium (pot or container).  

Set in a shady location. Be sure to check on your pot at least every other day misting it to ensure it does not dry out as moss needs moisture to grow. The key to growing moss is patience as it grows slowly but once it catches on your moss will gradually grow around your container creating a whole new look. 

Moss can even be grown on cement statues or old pieces of wood to add interest! 

June Landscaping Tips

• Thoroughly water new plants and transplants, preferably early in the morning, and make sure they are well mulched (to retain water during heat/dry spells)

•Weed as necessary- for a plant to be truly healthy, it must be weed-free!

•Throw healthy grass clippings into compost pile and turn occasionally

•Prune spring-flowering shrubs, deadhead mountain laurel, rhododendron, azalea, lilacs (when done flowering) and shrub roses (to encourage continued blooms)

•Spray roses to prevent fungus; fertilize

•Continue planting shrubs, trees and perennials (especially containers)

•Prune evergreens

•Plant annual seeds

•Pinch back mums when they've grown 4-6"

Take the time to truly enjoy your garden!