Gardener News March 2025

Gardener News Gardener News

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Gardens of Tomorrow

Horticultural Society/Image 2025 Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show Entrance Garden image, “Futura Florentia” is meant to capture the idea of flowers as a symbol of the future while evoking growth, beauty, and vitality in a natural, poetic style.

By Tom Castronovo Executive Editor/Publisher Gardener News

The 2025 PHS-designed Flower Show theme, Gardens of Tomorrow, invites you to explore the future through the eyes of visionary designers, expert gardeners, and

passionate green enthusiasts as they merge nature’s brilliance with human ingenuity.

Visitors to this year’s Show, which runs from March 1-9, 2025, will

enter through a tunnel of custom lighting, emerging into a space defined by water, light, and texture. On one side, a four-sided water feature will release

(Cont. on Page 8)

Pennsylvania

GardenerNews.com

Give Up? It’s the northern red oak, which is also the state tree of NJ. Red oak, Quercus rubra, is a valuable tree with pleasing tan-pink timber.

The wood is strong, heavy, hard, and glues and machines well. It is used for flooring, furniture, veneer, and paneling. The wood is also moderately durable in contact with the soil and has been used for railroad ties and fence posts. It has a high fuel value and thus makes great firewood. However, it is open grained with large pores which makes it unsuitable for boat hulls.

Red oak trees grow to 80-100 (-150) feet tall with a 2-3 (-10.0) foot diameter. Young red oaks grow relatively fast at 2 ft/yr. The trees can be expected to live 250-400 years. Since red oaks are in the red-black oak family, they have large leathery leaves and large lobes tipped with sharp teeth or bristles. Red oaks are easy to identify since the bark on 1-2 foot diameter branches and trunks have narrow, flattened, smooth, shiny, parallel strips running down the trunk resembling curving ski tracks. Younger

Spring is almost here, and we are all looking forward to getting outside! Redesigning your landscape is an exciting opportunity to enhance your property’s appearance, functionality, and value. But before breaking ground, it’s important to have clear communication with your landscape professional to ensure the final result meets your expectations.

Asking the right questions can help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your investment. Here are seven essential questions to discuss with your landscape professional before getting started.

What Are My Goals for My Property?

Before making any design choices, think about how you want to use your landscape. Do you want a lowmaintenance design? A space for entertaining family and friends? A relaxing retreat? More shade? Better drainage? A place for pets (or kids) to play? Having a clear vision will help your landscape professional create a design that aligns with your needs.

What Works and What Doesn’t in My Current Landscape?

A good landscape professional will assess your existing landscape to determine what should stay and what needs to change. Discuss current areas that don’t function well for you, what areas require more maintenance than you’re willing to provide, drainage issues, and sun and shade issues. Discussing these questions will help create a new design that solves

The Native Plant Society of New Jersey

By Hubert Ling Horticulture Chair

The Provincial Tree of Prince Edward Island?

bark is simply smooth and older, darker bark tends to have a rougher texture where the ski tracks have broken up. When you go on a spring hike, see if you can identify red oak trees if you have not previously done this.

Male and female flowers are found on the same tree, but red oak is not self-fertile.

The flowers are produced on last year’s twigs from the end of April to the first weeks of May. Numerous small, 1/8th inch, yellowish-green male flowers are produced on 2-4 inch drooping catkins.

The 1/8th inch reddish-green female flowers occur singly or in groups of 2-6. Red oaks are wind pollenated, and the acorns take two years to mature. Heavy crop years (mast years) occur every 2-4

years, which makes red oak one of the most reliable sources of fall food. The acorns are large, 1¼th inch long and ¾ths inch wide, with a shallow cup.

All oaks are important as host plants for many insects including butterflies, skippers, moths, wasps, leaf beetles, bugs, and leaf hoppers. In addition, large trees sometimes form cavities which have been known to house bats, raccoons, squirrels, and woodpeckers. Even though red oak acorns are high in bitter tannins, the nuts have a wonderful aroma when roasted, and the acorns are avidly sought out by bear, chipmunks, deer, fox, mice, squirrel, wild hogs, numerous birds, and people. Check out the internet to see how acorns are laboriously prepared for human consumption.

Commercially prepared acorn flour is available online for $16-$25 per pound.

Black and red oak bark, galls, and wood may contain up to 10% tannic acid which has been used for hundreds of years to tan leather. Native Americans also used red oak bark extracts as an astringent, cleanser, and disinfectant. However, caution should be used since red oak is listed as a mild poison for humans and livestock.

Red oak is common in NJ and found growing naturally in 20 of our 21 counties. In North America it is also common and widespread from Canada to Florida and into the MidWest. It likes full sun to partial shade in mesic conditions with moderately acidic, deep loam. However, it tolerates

The NJLCA Today

By Gail Woolcott Executive Director

Essential Questions to Ask Your Landscape Professional Before a Redesign

problems rather than create new ones.

What Plants and Materials Will Thrive in This Environment?

Not all plants and materials are suitable for every climate and soil type. Ask your landscape professional about the best options for your area, taking into account: native and drought-tolerant plants for sustainability, how much maintenance each plant will require (again, be honest with what you’re willing to put into your landscape), and how big trees and shrubs will get over time. The right plant materials will keep your landscape looking great with minimal effort.

Can We Reuse or Relocate Any Existing Plants or Trees?

Mature trees and established plants add character to a landscape, and replacing them can be expensive. Talk with your landscape professional about whether existing plants can be incorporated into the new design or relocated to a different area. If

construction is involved, discuss how to protect valuable plants during the process. Keeping existing materials will also help your landscape look established amid the new plantings. However, reusing hardscape materials is generally not recommended as their stability may have changed over time. Only your contractor can tell you if they are reusable.

What Will the Landscape Look Like Over Time?

Landscaping isn’t just about how things look today—it’s an investment for the future. Ask about how trees and plants will grow and fill in over time, if your design will still be functional in 10–20 years, and very importantly, a plan for replacing plants as they reach the end of their lifespan.

How Will Maintenance Be Handled?

Even the best landscape design requires upkeep. Ask about how much maintenance your new landscape will

drought, clay, sand and rocky soil, and seedlings survive for years in deep shade; it is thus considered a climax tree in Northern and Central NJ. Propagation of red oaks is generally done by acorns. The nuts need a minimum of three full months of cold treatment (below 40°F) in order to germinate. The seedlings rapidly develop a taproot, so take this into account when planting them since they do not transplant easily.

Red oaks are generally healthy but are susceptible to oak wilt and gypsy moths. However, red oaks, unlike many other temperate plants, have a relatively robust Rubisco Activase activity (a key enzyme for photosynthesis) even during high temperature heat waves.

Plant a red oak if you have the room and forget about global warming!

Editor’s Note: Hubert Ling is Past President of The Native Plant Society of NJ and Horticulture Chair. He can be reached at milhubling@verizon.net.

create an outdoor space that enhances your property and brings you lasting enjoyment.

Wishing you all a wonderful beginning of spring!

need, whether you want someone to care for it, or will you do the maintenance yourself, and if so, how to care for specific plants and hardscapes.

What’s the Budget and Timeline?

Setting clear expectations for costs and timing is essential. Don’t be afraid to tell your landscape professional your budget. They won’t automatically charge you that full amount, but they will be able to design a realistic design for your property. Discuss with them the total estimated cost, including labor and materials, payment arrangements, how long the project will take, and possible disruptions during the process – and please be patient as the industry is very weather dependent. Redesigning your landscape is an investment that should be both beautiful and functional. By asking these key questions, you’ll ensure your new landscape meets your needs now and in the future. Work closely with your landscape professional, and you’ll

Editor’s Note: Gail Woolcott is the Executive Director for the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association. Gail received the New York State Turf & Landscape Association 2022 “Person of the Year” award on December 1, 2022. Gail also received a proclamation from the Westchester County, New York Board of Legislators proclaiming December 1, 2022 as “Gail Woolcott Day” in Westchester County. Gail has also been presented with a community service award from the Borough of Fairview, New Jersey for her assistance in leading the 9-11 Memorial Park project and the Legislative Champion of the Year award from the Federation of Employers and Workers of America. She can be reached at 201-703-3600 or by emailing gwoolcott@ njlca.org.

In my family, we have a lot of Irish blood. My daughter, at the ripe old age of 25, is a “retired” competitive Irish dancer and she now instructs the next generation to keep that folk art tradition alive.

The month of March in our house is referred to as St. Patrick’s Month (even though you’ll find St. Joseph’s Day in there, too) and all is green to celebrate. After all, you’re talking to a man who was married in a kilt.

In New Jersey, March is green for a whole other reason. It’s when farmers are out in the fields (weather permitting) prepping soils, seeding early crops, awaiting the beginning of another season that will, we all hope, end in a bountiful harvest, and then planning the rest of the year’s crops. Herbs and lettuces begin to appear and be harvested, and these early plants that have survived some tough conditions come with great flavor and wonderful textures.

Sure, there’s a chance for snow even at this time of the year, especially in the northwestern areas of the Garden State, but hardy plants

NJ Dept. of Agriculture

By Joe Atchison III Assistant Secretary of Agriculture

March is Green in the Garden State

love that weather and begin to emerge. I always watch for my purple crocuses to be an early harbinger of spring in my yard (and don’t worry, we don’t have any outdoor pets).

In March, you as gardeners make your garden and landscaping plans for what you’d like to grow, fertilize your soils, prune plants as appropriate, get some mulching done, do some garden area clean-up, and get everything prepared so that you can begin to plant early seeds.

It’s a great time of year to reach out to your local Rutgers Master Gardeners if you haven’t been chatting with them all year around. With all the accumulated knowledge of the university’s involvement in the Land Grant institution system

for more than 100 years, there’s probably not a horticultural or agricultural question they can’t answer.

I think of the old phrase “the luck of the Irish” when contemplating how gardeners go about their annual rituals. What I mean by that is this: Some who aren’t intensely involved in gardening may see your success at raising your green oasis as “luck,” whereas you know how much studying, learning, and trial-and-error play into it. Your “green thumb” is also a result of “gray matter.”

The phrase “luck of the Irish” actually began here in America during the Gold Rush period of the mid-1800s, and it was far from a compliment, in its original use. Irish immigrants seemed to have a particular

knack for finding gold veins and extracting the precious metal that was so much a focus of speculation that people were said to have “gold fever.”

Since many “established” Americans of that time period liked to characterize the morerecent Irish immigrants as “lazy” or “dumb,” those jealous fellow prospectors began referring to the Irish success in gold mining as “dumb luck” or “luck of the Irish” instead of the ingenuity and hard work to which it should have been attributed.

In many ways, that’s a lot like how those who are gardening novices see your “green thumb” as just a lucky trait, when we all know how much learning and experience went into shaping your hard

work into success.

Hard work in March allows you to sit back and enjoy life a little more in warmer months when you don’t want to be doing a lot of physical labor in your garden anyway. Proper planning, as they say, prevents poor performance (you might have heard that old saw slightly differently, especially if you served in the military).

Think about the connection between knowledge, planning, and – sure, a little splash of luck for good measure – when creating that special part of your world you call your garden.

St. Patrick’s Day makes March lucky for Irish folks, but farmers and gardeners remind us all why we are lucky to live in the Garden State and make others green with envy! Slainte!

Editor’s Note: Joe Atchison III is the New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture. Atchison is also the Director of the Division of Marketing and Development for the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. He can be reached at (609) 292-3976.

RUTGERS NJAES/RCE

44th Home Gardeners School

We are excited to announce that Home Gardener School (HGS) is back as an in-person

This event includes many horticulture topics for every experience level – beginners to seasoned Master Gardeners. There's something for everyone!

Atlantic County

Phone: 609-625-0056

Bergen County

Phone: 201-336-6780

Burlington County Phone: 609-265-5050

Camden County Phone: 856 216 7130

Cape May County Phone: 609-465-5115

Cumberland County Phone: 856-451-2800

Essex County Phone: 973-228-2210

Gloucester County Phone: 856-224-8040

Hudson County Phone: 201-915-1399

Hunterdon County Phone: 908-788-1339

Mercer County Phone: 609-989-6830

Middlesex County

Phone: 732-398-5260

Monmouth County Phone: 732-431-7260

Morris County Phone: 973-285-8300

Ocean County Phone:732-349-1246

Passaic County Phone: 973-305-5740

Salem County Phone: 856-769-0090

Somerset County Phone: 908-526-6293

Sussex County Phone: 973-948-3040

Union County Phone: 908-654-9854

Warren County Phone: 908-475-6505

Provided by Brian Schilling Director

Seed Starting at Home

Growing plants from seeds is a rewarding way to propagate new plants for any garden. To watch a plant grow from seed to fruit is a satisfying experience many gardeners look forward to each season. Combing through stacks of colorfully printed seed catalogs while sipping on a warm beverage is how gardeners get through the cold winter months, anticipating the first green sprouts of spring.

There are many considerations when growing a new plant from seed. You’ll need to do your homework, both about the plant and the seed! Gardeners who understand the principle “Right Plant – Right Place” ensure their plants will thrive in their landscape based on the landscape’s conditions. This principle involves selecting the best-suited plant for a given location, which greatly increases its chance for success. Seeds also need to match with their environments and therefore, water/humidity, temperature, oxygen, and sometimes light are all important for germination. Providing these elements based on the specific seeds’ requirements will ensure successful germination.

Here are tips for growing plants from seed:

When browsing seed catalogs and dreaming of your garden, source seeds from known and reputable companies. You’ll want to ensure the seed is fresh and free of unwanted additional species and diseases.

Unsure when to start seed? Look at the packet! Descriptions on seed packets provide a wealth of information regarding how to plant the seed and the necessary treatments.

To determine when to plant the seed, count backward from the last frost-free date in your

area. Example: If the packet says to plant seeds six to eight weeks before the last frost and the last frost date in your area is around Mother’s Day, count back six weeks from Mother’s Day, which will be the week the seed should be planted.

Some seeds may require one of two special treatments to break dormancy. You will want to investigate whether the seed needs to be stratified, meaning to give it cold exposure, or to be scarified, meaning to scratch the seed coating, allowing water to enter and start the seed on the path to sprouting.

Pro tip: If seeding multiple plants, make a calendar of when each type of seed will be planted and keep track of when seeds were planted in a gardening journal.

Another process vital to the plant’s success is determining the planting depth for the seed. Does the seed need light to germinate, like lettuce? Burying the seed too deep will take longer for the seed to germinate, or it may not germinate at all.

Using well-draining, clean, and moist growing media is also important. Don’t reuse growing media or soil from the garden for seeding, as this may contain soil-borne diseases or weed seeds. Moisten the media before potting; the texture should feel like a well-wrung sponge.

Humidity domes and heat mats aid in germination as soil temperature and moisture play a crucial role. Garden Hack: No humidity dome? A plastic bag will create a greenhouse effect and trap moisture. Check soil moisture daily. Once plants germinate, remove the humidity dome, and turn off the heat mat.

Once you remove the dome, airflow is essential. There

is a common disease called “damping off” that is caused by a variety of fungi. Keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged greatly reduces the chance of acquiring this disease. A lowspeed fan for air circulation can make all the difference for increasing seedling survival.

Implementing supplemental, full-spectrum lighting that hovers above the leaf surface will prevent “leggy” stem growth. Move the light up as the plant grows and be careful not to burn the leaf. The light through a sunny windowsill is insufficient and can be too drafty for young seedlings. Seedlings need 14-16 hours of light a day. Thinking about trying seeds this year? Why not give varieties developed by Rutgers specifically for New Jersey a try! Four new sweet basil varieties have been developed for home and commercial use. These varieties, which are not GMO, are vigorous, can be repeatedly harvested, and thrive in our local gardens. Find information about them at https://breeding.rutgers.edu/ basils/

If you want to try seed starting, visit your county’s Extension website for classes, events, and demonstration gardens. A county directory can be found at https://njaes. rutgers.edu/county/.

Lastly, if you decide to try starting plants from seed, we are here to support you. Our volunteers grow many thousands of plants from seed every year. These plants may go to plant sales across the state or to grow food for local food banks. If you need help getting started with seeds, contact your Extension office. Rutgers Master Gardeners are here to guide and support you throughout your gardening journey!

LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY NEWS

Cooperative Extension SNAP-Ed Team Wins Rutgers Outstanding Service Award

Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s Family and Consumer Health Sciences (FCHS) SNAP-Ed Team members were among the more than 40 employees honored with Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Awards in December at the Rutgers Club. The university wide awards recognized both individuals and teams for their service to students and employees, for their role in cultivating a beloved community, for making a lasting difference beyond the university’s borders and for excellence in their work.

The FCHS SNAP-Ed team was presented a Rutgers Outstanding Service Award, which recognizes faculty, staff and/or a team that demonstrate a relentless determination to make a lasting difference beyond the university’s borders. The recipients must “display a demonstrated commitment to moving society toward a greater common good and encourage constructive collaboration in service to our local and global communities.”

Team members include Luanne Hughes, Julie Frazee, Joan Healy, Brian Quilty, Katelyn Waldeck, Pierrera Brown, Elizabeth Vargas, Dawn Mcginnis, Carly Truett, Chantielle Harris, Melanie Brill , Angela Alexander De Ramos, Catherine Diamond, Odalis Macario, Heather Doerr, Marissa Colanzi and Isabella Tullio.

Home Gardeners School

Rutgers Home Gardeners School provides expert instruction in a variety of classic and innovative gardening and landscaping subjects for beginner and advanced gardeners!

Whether you are a Master Gardener, a novice, or somewhere in between, the Rutgers Home Gardeners School has something for you! Each Home Gardeners School event is made up of multiple workshop sessions covering a wide array of horticulture topics and experience levels. This format allows you to select the workshops that are most relevant to your gardening interests and create your own customized schedule for a fun day of learning. The workshops are designed to inspire and prepare you for the growing season ahead.

Date: March 15, 2025

Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location: Hickman Hall (89 George St.) and Loree Building (72 Lipman Dr.), New Brunswick, NJ (Directions & Map)

Workshop sessions are held in two buildings, requiring a short walk across a foot bridge.

Register: https://cpe.rutgers.edu/home-gardenersschool

Plant Biology Professor James White and Team Recognized by Rutgers with Agriculture Innovation Award

James White, Professor in the Department of Plant Biology, was presented with the Agriculture Innovation Award at the first-ever Rutgers Innovation Awards that recognized researchers who have demonstrated excellence by developing a breakthrough idea, process, or technology that has the potential to improve lives and create economic value.

White was honored along with members of his research team, Kathryn Kingsley, former graduate student and current manager in the White lab; Kurt Kowalski, wetland ecologist and research scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science

Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Xiaoquin Chang, post-doc in the White lab; Matthew Elmore, associate extension specialist in weed science, Department of Plant Biology; and Ivelisse Irizarry, former graduate student and now Assistant Professor at InterAmerican University in Puerto Rico.

The Rutgers Office for Research celebrated the awardees, who were either nominated by their peers or self-nominated and then reviewed by external experts. The inaugural event also celebrated current Rutgers inventors who were issued U.S. patents during the fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

Josh Kohut is New SEBS Dean of Research/NJAES Director of Research

Announcement from Laura Lawson, Executive Dean and Executive Director, SEBS/NJAES

I’m delighted to announce that Dr. Josh Kohut, Professor in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, has accepted the position of SEBS Dean of Research/ NJAES Director of Research, effective January 1, 2025.

Josh came to Rutgers more than 27 years ago as a graduate student and has experienced the university in many capacities: student, staff, faculty, and administrator. Working to advance the complimentary missions of SEBS and NJAES, his scholarship focuses on translating science-based research in a way that informs applications, decision-making, and management of ocean resources. His research explores the use of ocean observing technologies – radar, sensors, gliders, etc. – to model ocean systems, enabling multidisciplinary process studies of the dynamics of the coastal ocean. He has been an active member of the Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (COOL) since its inception. His teaching responsibilities include contributing to first-year courses for students interested in Marine and Coastal Science research through the Oceanography House learning community and a research focused class that is currently undertaking an undergraduate student-led project to conduct the first circumnavigation of an autonomous underwater robot around the world.

Josh contributes to our land grant

mission through his cooperative extension responsibilities that have resulted in significant dissemination and impact of his research across multiple stakeholder groups, including the fishing industry, US Coast Guard, NJDEP, shore communities, and the offshore wind industry. He helped found and serves as co-chair of the Rutgers University Offshore Wind Collaborative, which engages over 70 faculty from Rutgers New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, as well as faculty from other universities and colleges in New Jersey and adjacent states and industry partners.

As Dean of Research/Director of Research, Josh will work closely and collaboratively with faculty, chairs, staff, and administration to support the land grant mission and research excellence as an R1 institution. He will oversee all aspects of our research enterprise, including federal capacity funds and compliance, assuring all research follows appropriate ethical standards, financial sustainability, and academic excellence. He will be an active member of the Executive Dean’s leadership team and will also represent SEBS/NJAES on the Deans of Research council of the Vice Provost for Research.

We look forward to working with Josh as he develops his vision to expand research collaborations within SEBS/NJAES and beyond.

Please join me in welcoming Josh to this new role.

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Gardens of Tomorrow

gentle streams that catch the light in quiet flashes. On the opposite side, a rain bar will let water fall slowly, creating a subtle soundscape that brings calm and focus to the space.

Beneath these elements, vibrant perennial beds will surround them, bringing bursts of color that anchor the garden in the present.

The Entrance Garden, “Futura Florentia,” embodies the vision of flowers as symbols of the future. This breathtaking design celebrates growth, beauty, and vitality with a natural, poetic style that sets the tone for the Show’s inspiring experience.

“Futura Florentia” represents a flourishing future, connecting the timeless elegance of flowers with the endless possibilities ahead. This garden offers a glimpse into a world at its brightest—vivid, intentional, and full of life. Twenty-one white Okami cherry trees will form a soft, architectural canopy with their delicate blossoms, setting the tone for the Show’s beauty. (Cont. on Page 9)

(Continued from page 1)

Susan Cohan Gardens/Image Susan Cohan Gardens believes that thoughtfully designed and environmentally responsible landscapes enhance our lives. From concept to completion, each finished landscape is imbued with practical creativity and artisanal details.

GardenerNews.com

In the winter landscape, the broadleaf evergreens are an essential component. The most common of these include a host of rhododendrons.

Many types of hollies including the American holly, Ilex opaca and the inkberry, Ilex glabra fill these spaces in the landscape. In the Mid-Atlantic, cherry laurels, Prunus laurocerasus are also very common, but there are many more interesting broadleaf evergreens to consider.

Mahonias are grown for their stout stems and very prickly holly-like leaves, and the deer tend to leave them alone. Mahonia japonica , Japanese Mahonia will reach about five feet tall with an equal spread and is covered with spikes of fragrant yellow flowers in late winter to early spring. Many cultivars can bloom any time from late fall through the winter depending on winter temperatures. In cold winters, they are more likely to bloom in late winter heading into the spring. These cultivars include ‘Charity,’ ‘Winter Sun’ and ‘Marvel’. Newer introductions like Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’ and Beijing Beauty™ are great for massing in the garden because they only reach 2-3 feet tall and have many leaflets, giving it a finer texture.

There are many selections of Osmanthus worthy of consideration. The

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

By Andrew Bunting Vice President of Horticulture

Think More Broadly

holly olives, Osmanthus heterophyllus have many cultivars. For all intents and purposes, Osmanthus heterophyllus looks like a holly with an abundance of spiny leaves. Over time they become a large shrub. In the fall, buried in the leaves are tiny white flowers that are intensely fragrant. ‘Goshiki’ is a variegated cultivar of green and yellow. ‘Sasaba’ has very spiny and decorative leaves. ‘Gulftide’ is tall and dark green and excellent for making a hedge. ‘Hari yama’ is very spiny and very small in stature, only reaching three feet tall at maturity.

Gaining in popularity is an alternative to the cherry laurel, Prunus lusitanica , Portuguese laurel. This fastgrowing evergreen has very dark green leaves. It is a very popular broadleaf evergreen in England and throughout Europe. Once thought to be marginally hardy in the Mid-Atlantic, it has proven otherwise over the last 15

years. Mostardi Nursery in Newtown Square often trials broadleaf evergreens for the resistance to deer browsing and has found the Portuguese laurel to be completely resistant to deer.

A great ground covering plant for the shade which will also thrive in dry shade is the sweetbox, Sarcococca hookeriana. The sweetbox is a relative of the boxwood, and like boxwoods are completely resistant to deer browsing. In the late winter, tiny white intensely fragrant flowers emerge. Sweetbox can be used like a groundcover in the garden. Over time the plants will grow together, creating a thick mass that only reaches about twelve inches tall. Fragrant Valley™ is a readily available cultivar that received Gold Medal status from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. There are also some more upright and small shrub-like Sarcococca In my home garden, I grow Sarcococca orientalis which

grows to about three feet tall. S. ruscifolia is worth considering too. Also unequaled for its fragrance in the garden is Daphne odora. This small shrub with tubular pink flowers that bloom in the early spring can suffer from some winter damage, therefore it will benefit from some protection in the garden from winter cold. Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ has green leaves with a creamy yellow edge. This slight variegation is very attractive. Banana Split® has an even more noticeable variegation on the margin of the leaf.

Gaining in popularity over the last 20 years is Daphniphyllum macropodum. The foliage of daphniphyllum is very similar to many of the more common rhododendrons that are found in the area. Daphniphyllum is very resistant to deer. They can be used as a large broadleaved evergreen in the garden, and over time will

grow up to thirty feet tall and can be used as a small tree. In my home garden, I have one that grows at the base of a row of the Norway spruce, Picea abies which is in very dry shade, and it thrives. There are many other genera worth consideration too, including Distylium , Fatsia , Ternstroemia , Photinia , Illicium and Choysia to name a few.

Editor’s Note: Andrew Bunting is Vice President of Horticulture for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. He is one of the most recognized horticulturists in the Philadelphia, Pa., region and a highly regarded colleague in the world of professional horticulture. Bunting has amassed a plethora of awards, including the American Public Gardens Association Professional Citation, Chanticleer Scholarship in Professional Development, Delaware Center for Horticulture’s Marion Marsh Award, and the Certificate of Merit from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. In addition, Bunting has lectured extensively throughout North America and Europe, and participated in plant expeditions throughout Asia and Africa. Learn more at https://phsonline.org/team/ andrew-bunting

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Gardens of Tomorrow

There will be large-scale, statement-making floral creations and gardens throughout the Pennsylvania Convention Center showcasing beauty and sustainability, designed by the most talented florists and garden artists from the U.S. and around the world, curated by experts and judged by globally renowned horticultural gurus. I’m looking forward to seeing Susan Cohan from Susan Cohan Gardens in Boonton, NJ, and to see what is new at the Pennsylvania Bonsai Society display. Every year I also look forward to seeing the Mercer County Community College, NJ garden in the educational area, designed by the Horticulture and Plant Science students.

The Show will also feature the world’s largest houseplant and indoor plant competition, with entries from a community of hundreds of expert and amateur horticulturists. Using passion and plant science, these participants compete to see whose plant is blue ribbon worthy, with entries judged by experts from around the country and

(Continued from page 8)

world. This competition is open to everyone and allows visitors to learn more about plants and contribute to creating a better world through gardening.

Globally renowned for its stunning floral displays, garden landscapes, and premier plant and botanical art competitions, this year’s Show exhibits invite you to explore the future through the eyes of visionary designers, expert gardeners, and passionate green enthusiasts as they merge nature’s brilliance with human ingenuity. Guests will experience imaginative designs, innovative ideas, and boundless inspiration on how to cultivate the possibilities of tomorrow through gardening.

Be sure to explore the curated shopping areas with plenty of opportunities to find the perfect gift, plant, or memento at this year’s Show. Shop the Marketplace for your favorite vendors, visit the PHS Shop for 2025 Flower Showbranded merchandise, or swing by The Makers

Market featuring local artisans and their one-ofa-kind wares. I’m also looking forward to seeing Lady Farmer Kathleen Gagan from Peony’s Envy in Bernardsville, NJ.

“At the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, our purpose is using horticulture to foster a healthier, more sustainable, more beautiful future,” said Matt Rader, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. “The 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show, Gardens of Tomorrow, showcases the power of plants, sustainability, and innovation. As a fundraiser, the Flower Show supports PHS’s programs that bring trees, gardens, and beauty into neighborhoods and schools across the city and region, while also cultivating the next generation of horticultural leaders. We’re proud to offer a glimpse into the future of the industry while advancing our mission to create a greener, healthier, and more equitable world through gardening.”

“The 2025 Philadelphia Flower

News from the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency

By Lindsay Caragher Contributing Writer

It is hard to believe that it is already March and Spring is right around the corner. As we begin to defrost and look ahead to the 2025 growing season, it is important to remember the resources that are available to support our local agricultural operations. The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides a wide range of services to assist producers in meeting their annual operating needs, expanding their operations, recovering from natural disasters, and price or revenue declines.

The American Relief Act 2025 extended the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (also known as the 2018 Farm Bill) for one year through Sept. 30, 2025.

After watching the NFL regular season and playoffs, it is clear to me that only the most resilient teams, or the teams that can overcome adversity the best, are the ones that go the deepest into the playoffs. Throughout the course of a 17-week regular season and the playoffs, all teams will have their ups and downs. But only those who are resilient, and able to face and then overcome adversity, will be successful in the end.

Agriculture is certainly no different than football in that respect. When the weather is great, growing conditions are good, and nothing breaks down, fruits and vegetables practically grow themselves. But what happens when there is a late freeze in the spring, followed by a drought in the summer, which is then followed by rainy weekends in the fall? That is when resiliency really comes into play.

Historically, farms always had to be self-sufficient. With little in the way of transportation to provide a link to any meaningful degree of supplies or assistance, farmers had themselves, their families, and maybe a couple of neighbors to

This provided FSA the ability to continue to administer many safety net programs and disaster assistance. Two programs reauthorized with the extension have enrollment currently underway.

Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC)

Enrollment for 2025

DMC started Jan. 29, 2025, and ends March 31, 2025. DMC is a voluntary risk management program that offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the allmilk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. DMC payments are calculated using updated feed and premium hay costs, making the program more reflective of actual dairy producer expenses. These updated feed calculations use

100% premium alfalfa hay.

Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) & Price Loss Coverage (PLC)

ARC/PLC enrollment period for the 2025 crop year is Jan. 21, 2025, through April 15, 2025. The ARC Program is an income support program that provides payments when actual crop revenue declines below a specified guarantee. The PLC Program provides income support payments when the effective price for a covered commodity falls below its effective reference price. These programs protect farmers from significant income losses due to fluctuations in crop prices or revenue shortfalls. Payments for PLC, ARC-CO and ARC- IC, if triggered for the 2025 program year, will be issued after Oct. 1, 2026. Although election changes

for 2025 are optional, enrollment (signed contract) is required for each year of the program. If a producer has a multi-year contract on the farm and makes an election change for 2025, it will be necessary to sign a new contract. Also, producers are reminded that that ARC and PLC elections and enrollments can impact eligibility for some crop insurance products including Supplemental Coverage Option, Enhanced Coverage Option.

Farm Loans

Farm loans, including direct and guaranteed ownership and operating loans provide access to credit to help start, improve, expand, and strengthen American farms. Additional, affordable financing is available through FSA’s Marketing Assistance and

The Town Farmer

By Peter Melick Agricultural Producer

Resiliency

help them in times of adversity. Need feed for the livestock?

There better be enough in the barn to get through the winter. A hitch broke on a wagon? You better be handy enough to fix it yourself. Stuck in the mud or snow? It’s time to start digging.

Even in modern times, farmers must be self-reliant. Because agriculture has gotten so specialized, there are not too many places to turn when something needs to be fixed. And when something breaks and you need it immediately, and there is not a spare sitting on the shelf, you had better be ready to implement Plan B... or C. The important aspect to all of this is that you must be able to persevere and fix the problem. No matter what it

takes. During a long growing season, you cannot allow one little hiccup to derail months and months of effort and hard work. Failure can never be an acceptable option.

During the last twenty years or so, our electrical power supply has become less and less reliable. While power outages used to be rather rare, today they are almost commonplace. Because the utility company has failed to properly maintain their lines over the years, they are now extremely susceptible to falling trees and tree limbs. Now, many farms, as well as other businesses and residences, have had to resort to having emergency generators in place in case of a power outage. Especially in the summer

Farm Storage Facility loans. We have a very robust loan portfolio. If you are in need of financing, come talk to FSA about options that best meet your needs.

For more information on FSA programs, eligibility, and related information, visit fsa.usda.gov. To locate your local FSA office, visit: farmers.gov/service-centerlocator.

Editor’s Note: Lindsay Caragher is the Deputy State Executive Director for the NJ USDA Farm Service Agency. She is currently serving as the Acting State Executive Director until a political appointment is made. She can be contacted at Lindsay.Caragher@usda. gov or 609-438-3133. For more information, please visit www.fsa.usda.gov/NJ.

months, when refrigeration space is already at a premium, there are often only minutes to spare in getting a generator hooked up or consolidating products into a working cooler or freezer.

Because farming is so seasonal, we can’t afford to have too many missed opportunities when it comes to selling our products. We are already subject to the whims of Mother Nature when it comes to the weather, so we cannot afford to lose a good day at one of our markets. For example, more than once, when one of our market trucks either broke down or got a flat tire on the way to a tail-gate market in another town, we have had to unload the market truck into

another truck on the shoulder of Route 78. This was so we could get our products to the market on time. Sure, it would have been easier to just have a tow truck bring it back to the farm, wait for the next market, and take the rest of the day off, but look at all we would have lost. Our fresh baked pies and bunched flowers would have been a day older. Our greens, freshly picked sweet corn, and perishable vegetables would have been almost a total loss. And don’t forget how disappointed our customers would have been. But it’s all in a day’s work!

Editor’s Note: Peter Melick is co-owner of Melick’s Town Farm in Oldwick and a 10th-generation New Jersey farmer. Peter is Mayor of Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County, NJ. He also served as a director for the New Jersey Farm Bureau and is a past president of the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture. Peter has also been featured on NJN, News 12 New Jersey and on the Fox Business Network.

Great Lawns Start Here.

Facilitating Procurement of Local and Regional Foods for N.J. Schools

Assemblyman William W. Spearman, left, chair of the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee, discusses Assembly, No. 5093 with New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joe Atchison in the Jersey Fresh booth during the joint Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey and State Agricultural Convention on Wednesday, February 5.

The bill requires school meal service providers, when procuring local and regional foods for students, to give purchasing preference to foods produced by in-State farmers and other food producers located within 100 miles of destination school.

Specifically, the bill would provide that, whenever a school food authority, or a food service management company (FSMC) or other third-party food service vendor, receives federal or Statelevel funding under the Local Food for Schools program, or under any other similar federal or State program designed to encourage or facilitate the procurement of local or regional foods for students at participating schools, the school food authority, FSMC, or other third-party vendor will be required, to the greatest extent practicable, to: 1) give geographic preference to the procurement, for such purposes, of foods and food products which are grown or otherwise produced within a 100-mile radius of the destination school; and 2) among those foods and food products which are grown or produced within 100 miles of the destination school, give geographic preference to the procurement of foods and food products that have been grown or otherwise produced by in-State farmers and food producers within that 100-mile radius.

Senate, No. S4031 is the companion bill.

• This zero-tail-swing excavator provides unrestricted rotation, giving operators more room to work in close proximity to walls and other objects.

• The 3-ton compact excavator market is highly competitive with a high retail volume. R2-Series compact excavators are designed to excel in this marketplace by providing the performance, durability, quality and versatility necessary to push operator productivity and profitability to the next level.

• Lease for as low as $765 per month

“Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.” - Thomas Jefferson in a letter to John Jay, August 1785.

There will be many tributes to soldiers, statesmen and spies as we celebrate America’s 250 birthday next year. But who will praise the plant nerds? My hand is raised. Our history is studded with the stories of the forgotten and the hardly known horticulturist. For example, Lue Gim Gong, to whom we should respectfully raise a glass of orange juice.

Lue Gim Gong was born on a poor farm near Canton, China in 1857. In addition to vegetables, his family also grew citrus, including oranges, native to China. When Lue was 12, his uncle returned from a trip to America where he related, the streets were not only paved in gold, but anyone, he said to his astonished audience, could get an education. Lue yearned to study and begged his parents to allow him to travel to Gum San, or the Golden Mountain as America was known. Finally, they relented and permitted him to travel, and Lue sailed to

The Garden Historian

By Lesley Parness Garden Educator

The Patriot & the Plant: Lue Gim Gong, Citrus Wizard

San Francisco. There he found employment making shoes. Soon, he was sponsored to move to North Adams, Massachusetts where, at Sunday School, he met Miss Fanny Burlingham. A philanthropist and ardent Christian, she became Lue’s mentor and lifelong friend. Under her tutelage, Lue learned to read and write and converted to Christianity, a faith he embraced for the rest of his life. She noticed his quiet and intense way with plants. In 1885, they all moved to a family property in Deland, Florida. Here Lue re-discovered citrus breeding. He had learned hand pollination techniques as a child on the farm and these he employed in Florida. His skills drew the attention of Ransom Eli Olds (think Oldsmobile Automobiles), founder of a new city – Oldsmar, Florida, which would become the center of Florida’s citrus industry. Olds

immediately hired Lue to head his citrus grove.

In 1888, Lue cross-pollinated the “Harts late” Valencia and “Mediterranean Sweet” orange varieties, which produced a fruit both sweet and frost tolerant. Originally considered a hybrid, the “Lue Gim Gong” orange was later found to be a nucellar seedling of the “Valencia” variety which is properly called the “Lue Gim Gong Strain.” The variety was awarded the Silver Wilder Medal by the American Pomological Society in 1911, the first such award for citrus fruit. Citrus growers from around the state came to learn from Lue –he never charged a cent and shared all he knew with them. He bred an orange that could stay ripe on a tree for two years, he bred an orange that matured in the fall – he was simply a “Citrus Wizard” as his nickname denoted, and Oldsmar

named Gim Gong Boulevard after him.

But Lue was no match for the cutthroat world of plant breeding. His cuttings and saplings were used by other breeders without financial compensation or even recognition. He never cared about profit or fame and simply “wanted to do good” as he so often told Miss Fanny.

But Miss Fanny died and without her to look after him, he retired even further into his quiet self. He lived alone with his beloved pets. including a rooster with whom he prayed daily. Years passed and his contributions were forgotten. He died impoverished and alone in 1925.

Not much is left of Lue’s legacy.

The Volusia Historical Society maintains a small garden pavilion honoring him where his medal and death mask are exhibited. Citrus greening now challenges

Florida’s orange industry, and competition from other markets cuts into the multi-billion-dollar orange economy. The only place you can learn about Lue nowadays is Cigar City Brewing in Tampa, where a citrus-forward pale ale is dedicated to his legacy and named Lue Gim Gong. Ale or orange juice - whatever you’re drinking, thanks and cheers Lue.

This story is part of a new talk “The Patriot & The Plant,” which will debut in January, 2026.

Editor’s Note: Lesley Parness offers a variety of presentations and workshops for garden clubs, plant societies, and horticultural gatherings. Recently retired from her position as Superintendent of Horticultural Education at the Morris County Park Commission, and with four decades of teaching environmental science and garden education, her focus now is garden history. A complete listing of her talks can be seen at lesleyparness. com and she can be reached at parness@verizon.net. This column will appear in the paper every other month.

Snowflakes are magical! I suspect even those who dislike winter will still admit snowflakes have a certain magical and enchanted quality. However, for many gardeners, snowflakes do not come from the air, but from the ground!

Leucojum vernum or Spring Snowflake is among the first bulbs to come into bloom, often beginning in mid-February. Like a good snowfall, the pendant white flowers thrive in winter’s chill and continue to bloom well into March!

Leucojum is a member of the Amaryllidaceae or Amaryllis Family and is a small genus, consisting of merely two species. The genus was formally named in 1753 by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), although the name dates back at least to the times of Theophrastus (371287 BC), the Greek philosopher and naturalist. Later, the German physician and botanist Leonhart Fuchs (1501-1566) used the name in his herbal De historia stirpium commentarii insignes (Notable Commentaries on the History of Plants) when describing the plant now known as Leucojum vernum. Linnaeus simply adopted what had become the recognized name for

There is little doubt our climate is changing as it always has. Are these changes being accelerated through our activities? What measures, practices or strategies can we employ in attempts to offset or slow down this warming trend? I believe, as do many others, that the planting of trees is an important component, crucial and critical, in helping to heal our land.

As the planet warms, northern species of plants move further north and southern species are able to move farther north as well. We need to look at and consider southern species of plants to adapt to these climatic changes. I would like to mention and briefly describe a few desirable native trees that offer unique, ornamental attributes. Please note the native origins of several of these plants are to our south. With planting season soon to be upon us, please read on and give these trees your consideration in future plantings.

Carpinus caroliniana or American Hornbeam is a very hardy, small understory tree often found in our deciduous forest. Its smooth, gray-barked wood is a very dense hardwood commonly referred to as Ironwood. Another common name for it is Musclewood, which is derived from its bulging main trunk and large limbs resembling rippled muscles. Due to its dense canopy and bark interest, it is a fine specimen tree. Columnar forms of Hornbeam have become popular and add that

Morris County Park Commission

By Bruce Crawford Horticultural Manager

Magical Snowflakes

the plant. The name comes from the Greek Leukos for white and Ion for violet, describing the white flower color and most likely the light floral fragrance, reminiscent to that of violets. The species epithet is Latin for spring.

Leucojum vernum is native from France and Germany southeast to the Ukraine and Romania. Each flower bud is initially upright in orientation as it pushes through the soil. However, as the buds continue to stretch upwards to their mature height of 6-10”, they transition into gracefully pendent flowers. All the while the ½” wide, straplike leaves elongate to 4-6” tall and provide an attractive floral backdrop. Once fully open, the six tepals form a prominent bellshaped flower, each roughly ¾” in diameter and as long. When there is no true distinction between the

inner petals and the outer leaf-like sepals, these segments are called tepals. Each overlapping tepal is roughly ¾” wide and tapers to a point that gracefully flairs outward. This point is also marked with a small green or yellow spot. In 1759 Linnaeus named the other member of the genus Leucojum aestivum, whose species is from the Latin meaning flowering, ripening, or developing in summer. Hence, it became known as Summer Snowflake. Summer Snowflake does indeed bloom later than its vernal cousin, although with the flowers appearing in mid-April into May, its name is a bit of a misnomer. Native from central and southern Europe, south into the Caucasus and Iran, Leucojum aestivum is a much taller plant, reaching 12-20” tall when in bloom. The 1” wide,

long linear foliage is nearly as tall as the flowers, and its deep green color once again provides a nice backdrop to the flowers. Summer Snowflake produces pendant, bellshaped flowers in clusters of 2-5(8), yielding an attractive and impactful display! The tepals are similarly shaped, with the outwardly flaring tip of the tepals once again marked by a splash of green or yellow. Displaying more robust flowers, the selection most often planted is ‘Gravetye Giant.’ Introduced by horticulturist William Robinson (1838-1935), he found the plant growing at his garden in Sussex, England named Gravetye Manor.

Snowflakes are true bulbs, growing from organs consisting of tightly packed modified leaves, such as you see with the typical onion. In general, both species of Leucojum prefer a moist

Tree Notes

By Bert Kuhn

NJ Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) Licensed Tree Care Operator (LTCO)

Trees for a Warming Climate

dimension to landscape designs.

Halesia tetraptera or Carolina Silverbell is a beautiful, small tree with a rounded crown, and is hardy for zones 4 through 8. It is typically grown for its masses of bell-shaped, showy clusters of blossoms blooming in May. Preferring filtered or light shade, it is a perfect complement to widely spaced, mature trees. It is shrubby in growth form, often dividing into several leaders. Its rounded crown will attain a height of about 30 feet with slightly less of a spread. A beautiful contrast is achieved in the fall with its handsome red fruit paired with its yellowing foliage.

Cercis canadensis or Redbud is another southeastern species and a common understory tree of the Appalachian Mountains. Unique are its reddish, dark pink flower clusters lining its branch structure in early spring prior to or at leaf emergence.

I absolutely love this feature along with its broadly heart-shaped leaves

which turn golden yellow in the fall. Starting with my grandfather, what has become a family tradition is to plant a Redbud tree in front of our homes.

Another favorite, which may top my list, is yet another southeastern understory tree of very unique beauty. Oxydendrum arboreum, goes by the common names of Sourwood, Sorrel, or Lily of the Valley Tree, and is a member of the blueberry family. Sourwood is a small to mediumsized tree, achieving a height of approximately 30 feet, possessing a pyramidal, although often irregular, crown of half that. Its fragrant, white Andromeda-like flowers bloom in mid-to-late summer at the tips of its branches. Sourwood is an excellent understory tree, being tolerant of shade, making it a great choice for a woodland or pollinator garden. Its honey is a prized, award-winning commodity, being readily available as a result of it being a common

component of Appalachian forests. The fall color ranging from orange to red to purple is absolutely stunning and as treasured ornamentally as its Lily of the Valley-like flowers. Sourwood is a beautiful tree throughout all seasons.

Diospyros virginiana or Common Persimmon is primarily a southern species but does occur as far north as southern New York and Connecticut. These are slow-growing, small to medium sized trees that produce small but attractive bell-shaped flowers in the spring. Their orange to orange-purple fleshy fruits mature at the end of the growing season, being fully ripe after the first frost when their skins become slightly wrinkled. Persimmons are sweet provided they are fully ripened. They are handsome trees, possessing dark green foliage and hints of yellow, orange, and purple-red during fall coloration. Persimmons, although slow growing, are very hardy trees, able to adapt to a wide variety of soil and moisture conditions. However,

Editor’s Note: Bruce Crawford is a lover of plants since birth, is the Manager of Horticulture for the Morris County Parks Commission, and a Past President of the Garden State Gardens Consortium. He can be reached at BCrawford@ morrisparks.net environment, especially when actively growing. However, I have also grown Leucojum aestivum for over 25 years in the far drier conditions beneath an Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana). The clumps continue to not only bloom beautifully, but have slowly expanded, showcasing the ease with which this plant can be grown. Plants appreciate a near neutral to slightly acidic pH and are great for naturalizing among lower growing sedges and spring ephemerals.

Much like their common name implies, when planted in mass these bulbs do appear like freshly fallen flakes of snow, serving to brighten the drab late winter garden with a blanket of white! Carefree and lasting for decades, their beautiful form always pulls me near for a closer look, a true testament to the magical qualities of Snowflakes!

they will not tolerate wet sites. These trees are relatively free of pests and disease, have delicious fruit, and are attractive ornamentals which should be considered in plantings.

Amelanchier canadens is commonly known as Shadbush, Serviceberry, or Juneberry. Shadbush derives its name from its early spring flowering time coinciding with shad migrations up rivers to spawn. A handsome, often multi-stemmed, small tree with smooth grey bark and an intricate framework of delicate branches provides year-round interest. The showy, white, early spring flowers lead to delicious berries prized by birds and people alike, adding a nutritious dimension. Another great attribute of Amelanchier is its vibrant fall color ranging from yellow to orange-red.

With planting season soon upon us please consider these hardy, native plants. Provided they are placed and planted correctly, they will lend their awesome attributes to your landscapes for years to come.

Editor’s Note: Bert Kuhn is President of the New Jersey Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and CO/Owner of Action Tree Service (# NJTC768009), based out of Watchung, NJ. He can be reached at 908756-4100

Brooke L. Rollins Sworn in as 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

Brooke Rollins was sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture by Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Clarence Thomas in a private ceremony on February 13, 2025 at the Supreme Court building. The U.S. Senate confirmed Rollins by a vote of 72-to-28.

“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the nation’s thirty-third Secretary of Agriculture — and a privilege beyond description to have the trust of President Donald J. Trump, and the opportunity to advance his agenda. I am thrilled to lead the United States Department of Agriculture and to serve the people of this country,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Every day, I will fight for American farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community. Together, we have an historic opportunity to revitalize rural America and to ensure that U.S. Agriculture remains the best in the world for generations to come.”

Upon nominating Brooke Rollins in November, President Donald J. Trump said, “Brooke’s commitment to support the American Farmer, defense of American Food Self-Sufficiency, and the restoration of Agriculturedependent American Small Towns is second to none.”

About Secretary Rollins:

Brooke Leslie Rollins is originally from Glen Rose, Texas. Most recently, Rollins served as the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI). During President Trump’s first administration, she was the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives in the White House. She also previously served as Director of the Office of American Innovation. In these roles, she developed and managed the transformational domestic policy agenda of the Trump Administration, leading to historic achievements for the American people.

Rollins graduated with honors from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development and was the first female to be elected student body president. After earning her Juris Doctor with honors at the University of Texas School of Law, she served as Governor Rick Perry’s policy director before running the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) for 15 years. At TPPF, Rollins elevated a small policy organization to a national force and redefined the possibilities for a statebased think tank — setting the model and aspiration for AFPI. Rollins and her husband, Mark, call Fort Worth, Texas home, and spend a large majority of their free time taxiing their four very active children to baseball games, cattle shows, piano lessons, and Aggie football games.

Daylight Saving Time Starts

Clocks spring forward one hour on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 2 am EST.

The First Day of Spring 2025

Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 5:01 am EDT.

In the Chef’s Corner

By Andy Lagana Chef

Steak Pizzaiola with Sautéed Spinach

Hello Gardener News

readers. I hope your year is going well, and with any luck, winter’s thaw will come early. I’m ready for spring and the warmer weather. This month, I’d like to share an easy recipe for Steak Pizzaiola, which is a dish of thinly-sliced, panfried beef braised in tomato sauce. The term ‘pizzaiola’ comes from the Neapolitan dialect of Italian and literally means ‘in the manner of a pizza-maker’, describing a cooking style that mimics the flavors of pizza.

Some folks prefer the taste of Chicken Pizzaiola, but there are few dishes that can match the bold flavors of the steak variety. The slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb all the flavors from the sauce, resulting in a very satisfying and flavorful dish. It’s a great choice for family dinners or a cozy meal for two.

The ingredients needed are 3 ½-inch ribeye steaks, salt and pepper, 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic – chopped, 1 medium sweet onion - chopped, 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of sugar, ½ cup fresh basil, 2 bay leaves, 1 tbsp. fresh parsley flakes and 1/4 cup red wine (Chianti is my preference).

To start, put your skillet over medium heat and eyeball just enough olive oil to coat the bottom of it. You are in luck if the steaks are already cut into 1/2 inch thickness. If not, just lay the steak flat, hold it down with the palm of your hand and

Editor’s Note: Andy

slice it in half horizontally. Ideally, they are half as thick as normal for a typical steak. Add the meat to the skillet and sear the steaks on both sides. Remove them from the heat and set aside. Then, add the onions and chopped garlic. Cook them just until they are translucent. Next, add the red wine and reduce it by half, followed by the crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, basil, salt, pepper and sugar. Simmer the mixture for approximately 20 minutes, then add the seared steaks to the sauce. Turn and coat them thoroughly, then cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the meat is medium rare to medium. Remove the steaks and top them with the sauce from the skillet.

Steak Pizzaiola is great with a side of pasta in the same pizza-style sauce. My preference is to serve it with an al dente fettuccine, which should take 10 minutes to cook if you are using dry pasta. Fresh fettucine typically takes 2 - 4 minutes to prepare. Don’t forget a good loaf of crusty bread to mop up the sauce - a must.

For vegetables, I always enjoy sautéed spinach with garlic and oil. When you prepare this spinach dish correctly, it tastes so good that you want to eat it straight out of the pan. The leaves are tender and silky, plus they have a nice bite. This sautéed spinach recipe is a simple and flavorful one.

Start with fresh spinach, and if you if you have larger spinach leaves, make sure to remove any thick, tough

stems at the onset. Set aside extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until it is fragrant, about 30 seconds, then add the spinach and salt. As you’re cooking, be sure to stir the spinach until it is just wilted, for about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and toss the greens with a squeeze of lemon. Then, season to taste with salt and pepper.

My wine choice is an earthy style Lambrusco, which is a sparkling wine that originates from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The Lambrusco grape is grown there, as well as in the northern region of Lombardy. Lambrusco is one of Italy’s oldest wines, dating back to the Bronze Age. This wine is known for its fresh, light taste, and lively pink foam, and comes in white, rosé, and red varieties, with red being the most common. Apart from this dish, Lambrusco is a versatile wine that pairs well with many foods including cured meats, hard cheeses, olives, and pasta.

Another wine option is to finish off the bottle of Chianti that was splashed into the pizzaiola sauce! Chianti is a red wine from the Chianti region of Tuscany, which is located between Florence and Siena. It is made from the Sangiovese grape and has been around for over 300 years. Either wine choice is a winner with this meal.

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Gardens of Tomorrow

(Continued from page 9)

Show is a celebration of innovation, resilience, and creativity in gardening,” said Seth Pearsoll, VP and Creative Director of the Philadelphia Flower Show. “This year’s theme, by design, invokes a sense of optimism, highlighting how planting something today is a small gesture that promotes a brighter future. Our remarkable lineup of world-class exhibitors will explore what this future holds for gardens and landscapes. From sustainable designs and adaptive reuse to breathtaking artistic expressions, this Show will inspire and captivate every visitor.”

Lastly, the Show isn’t just for adults—this year’s Kids Cocoon offers a playful space for young gardeners to plant seedlings, enjoy story time, and participate in engaging activities and live programming. In partnership with The Franklin Institute (TFI), children can enjoy a Flower Show-themed version of TFI’s Creation Station and create floral-inspired masterpieces using LEGO® bricks. Plus, don’t miss Family Frolic on March 2, a special day packed with even more kid-friendly fun and interactive experiences! FREE with a Flower Show ticket.

Now in its 196th year, the Show is the premiere horticultural event of its kind in the United States, making it one of Philadelphia’s most iconic and prominent cultural events and a key driver of tourism.

The award-winning PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest, and the world’s

longest-running horticultural event and features stunning displays by some of the world’s premier floral and landscape designers. Started in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Show introduces diverse and sustainable plant varieties and garden and design concepts. In addition to acres of garden displays, the Flower Show hosts world-renowned competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations and demonstrations, and special events.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), an internationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1827, uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. PHS programs create healthier living environments, increase access to fresh food, expand access to jobs and economic opportunity, and strengthen deeper social connections between people. PHS’s work spans 250 neighborhoods; an expansive network of public gardens and landscapes; year-round learning experiences; and the nation’s signature gardening event, the Philadelphia Flower Show. PHS provides everyone with opportunities to garden for the greater good as a participant, member, donor, or volunteer.

Tickets are on sale now! Purchase individual tickets with one of the many ticketing options and experience the beauty and innovation of this world-class event. Don’t miss out on the Twilight Ticket, offering discounted admission evenings

starting at 4pm.

You can skip the crowds and enjoy a behindthe-scenes look at the Show by attending an Early Morning Tour – choose between a detail-rich tour with a docent or a photography tour led by a professional photographer. Small group tours will be offered every morning before the show is open to the public. Get a closer view of the gardens and learn how the exhibits and Show come together.

2025 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show tickets are available at https://phsonline.org/the-flowershow/tickets

The General Public Hours are March 1 – 8: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; and March 9: 10:00 am –6:00 pm.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is located on 1101 Arch Street in Philadelphia, PA.

I hope to see you at the Show.

Editor’s Note: Tom Castronovo is executive editor and publisher of Gardener News. Tom’s lifelong interest in gardening and passion for agriculture, environmental stewardship, gardening, and landscaping, led to the founding of the Gardener News, which germinated in April 2003 and continues to bloom today. He is also dedicated to providing inspiration and education to the agricultural, gardening, landscaping, nursery, and outdoor living communities through this newspaper and GardenerNews.com.

Honored for Distinguished Service to NJ Agriculture

The New Jersey State Board of Agriculture presented Distinguished Service to Agriculture Citations during the 110th New Jersey State Agricultural Convention dinner on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Those honored at the Joint Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey and State Agricultural Convention Dinner Banquet on Wednesday, February 5, were former New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher and farmers Richard and Rosina Byma, and John Rigolizzo Jr. (posthumously).

“The dedication and service that each of these individuals have given to New Jersey agriculture make their recognition well deserved,” NJDA Secretary Edward Wengryn said. “Their common thread of using their roles and resources to educate and advance our industry provide a solid foundation for the future of agriculture here in the Garden State.”

Douglas Fisher of Gloucester County served as the seventh New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture from 2009 until his retirement on July 1, 2023. The State Board of Agriculture’s appointment of Fisher as Secretary was approved by Governor Jon S. Corzine on Feb. 10, 2009. At the time, he was serving as a member of the General Assembly. Governor Chris Christie issued a statement in January of 2010 supporting Fisher’s continued service and Governor Philip Murphy accepted the State Board of Agriculture’s recommendation for Fisher to continue as Secretary in January of 2018.

Fisher has been the treasurer of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), President of Food Export-Northeast, and President of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture. In 2014, he was awarded the Thomas W. Kelly New Jersey Food and Council Government Service Award; in 2010, he received an Honorary American FFA Degree; In 2009, he was given the South Jersey Freeholders Southern Star Award; in 2008, he was named the Legislator of the Year by the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association; and in 2005, New Jersey Farm Bureau named him Legislator of the Year.

Secretary Fisher was named the 2020 Gardener News Person of the Year for his outstanding ability

and passion on protecting and watching over all facets of the Garden States agricultural sector, and, for constantly promoting an understanding of the state’s diversity of agriculture, its cultural heritage, and its agricultural contributions to the state’s economy.

As a state legislator, Fisher was the prime sponsor of the law to ban harvesting of Horseshoe Crabs, which enhanced the survival of many endangered migratory shorebirds in the Western Hemisphere.

Richard and Rosina Byma of Sussex County have been dairy farmers for more than 50 years. They farm more than 600 acres of land they rent and own. The Bymas have made it their mission to educate the public about dairy farming as they have given tours of their farm and facilities.

The Bymas and their four children have been active in 4-H and at the New Jersey State Fair and Sussex County Farm and Horse Show for decades. This has included Rosina being director of the Open Dairy Show for many years. Rosina has organized, guided, and managed the dairy show and the dairy barns and is known for her generosity by helping 4-Hers and anyone who has questions.

Rich has served as director of the milking parlor at the fair for decades. The milking parlor is a popular educational and interactive exhibit at the fair. He has also been a member of the Fair Foundation for many years, raising money for improvements to the fairgrounds. The Bymas were instrumental in the construction of the agriculture areas at the fair, including all of the barns and the milking parlor.

The Byma’s son, Henry, who was New Jersey’s Outstanding Young Farmer Award winner in 2015, is dedicated to working on the farm and in 2007, along with Rich and Rosina, and his wife Christine and grandson Richard, formed the company By-Acres Holsteins making it a fourth-generation dairy farm.

The Bymas have promoted agriculture and the dairy industry by hosting several events throughout the years. These have included a venison dinner each March, an on-farm greenhouse that sells plants throughout the summer, and Rosina’s interior painting business in the winter.

John Rigolizzo Jr. was honored posthumously after passing away on November 11, 2024. A Camden County resident, he was a fifth-generation farmer of vegetables and field corn for retail and wholesale markets. He was known for helping local, state, national and international farmers to improve their well-being. He served on numerous committees and organizations on behalf of the agricultural community.

Rigolizzo served with many industry and local groups. They included being a Director and Past President (1996-2002) of the New Jersey Farm Bureau, a Past President, Director and Treasurer of the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey, and a Past Chairman and Commissioner for the Camden County Mosquito Commission. He also served with the American Farm Bureau, the Global Farmer Network, on the Farm Family Board of Directors, the State Agriculture Development Committee, the Camden County Peach Festival, the Camden County Agriculture Development Board, and the New Jersey Agricultural Society.

John was bestowed several awards over the years. They included the New Jersey Agricultural Society Distinguished Service Award, the New Jersey Agricultural Society Gold Medallion Award, a Bergen County Distinguished Service Award, the Bishop Eustace Excalibur Award for Excellence and Achievement, a Gloucester County Distinguished Service Award, a Farm Family Certificate of Appreciation, an Honorary FFA Degree, and the Art West Distinguished Service to New Jersey Farm Bureau honor.

John was also a volunteer board member of Truth About Trade & Technology which supports the use of biotechnology in agriculture. John wrote articles for numerous publications to help educate the public about many of the issues that farmers and the agricultural community face.

Organizations who qualify to send delegates to the New Jersey State Agricultural Convention may nominate a state farmer for the Distinguished Service Award. For more information, visit https://www.nj.gov/ agriculture/about/sba/guidelin.html.

TTI Outdoor Power Equipment Recalls RYOBI Battery-Powered Mowers Due to Fire Hazard

Name of Product:

RYOBI 40-Volt Brushless 21” Cordless Walk-Behind Mowers

Hazard:

The recalled mowers have a push-on connector inside the powerhead that can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy: Replace

Recall Date:

February 06, 2025

Units:

About 217,500 (In addition, about 28,400 were sold in Canada)

Description:

This recall involves certain RYOBI Brushless 21” Cordless Walk-

Behind Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Push Mowers (40V HP). The mowers have a black cutting deck with gray top housing along with a black bag with “RYOBI” printed on it. The recall only includes model numbers RY401014BTLUS, RY401014US, RY401140US, RY401015BTLUS, RY401015US, RY401150US, RY401140US-Y, RY401150US-Y, RY401020, and RY401200 with the following serial numbers: KC21032D010001KC21327N999999. The model and serial numbers can be found on the mowers inside the green mower housing.

Remedy:

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled mower and contact TTI Outdoor Power Equipment Inc. (“TTI”) for instructions on how to disable the recalled mower and receive a free replacement 21” walkbehind mower. Sold At:

Home Depot and Direct Tools Factory Outlet stores nationwide, and online at www.homedepot. com and www.directtoolsoutlet. com from February 2021 through January 2025 for between $500 and $700.

Manufacturer(s):

TTI Outdoor Power Equipment Inc., of Anderson, South Carolina

Manufactured In: United States

Recall number: 25-127

Consumer Contact: TTI toll-free at 800-597-9624 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or online at https://ryobi.ryobitools.com/support/ safety or https://www.ryobitools. com/ and click on “Important Recall Information” for more information.

Source: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

NORTHEASTERN ASSOCIATION OF STATE

The Northeastern Association of State Departments of Agriculture convenes the following 10 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Action to Support Southeast PA Mushroom Farmers in Controlling Destructive Pest Phorid Fly

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced that the PA Department of Agriculture has taken a new, proactive step, in issuing a quarantine order to control Phorid Flies, or Megaselia halterata, a destructive pest causing crop damage to mushroom farms in Southeast Pennsylvania and creating a nuisance for nearby homeowners. It does not harm humans or present a public health threat.

The department has also made $500,000 in funding available through the Chester County Conservation District to farmers subject to the quarantine to help implement required treatment on their farms.

The order requires all mushroom growers in Kennett Township and New Garden Township in Chester County to steam-treat mushroom houses and previously used growing medium between crops. Steam treatment, or pasteurization, kills adult flies, larvae, bacteria, fungus, and pathogens, preventing spread to adjacent farms or subsequent mushroom crops. The method is an industry-proven, effective practice for managing the spread of the pest.

“We have been working closely with the mushroom industry and Penn State researchers for many years, seeking safe and effective solutions to this persistent pest plaguing one of Pennsylvania’s most valuable crops,” Secretary Redding said. “Steam treatment has proven to be safe and effective, but the method only works if 100% of growers use it. The Shapiro Administration is committed to working toward safely managing these pests for the good of all mushroom growers, and for the neighbors who share frustration with the pests. With this step, we are offering both a proven control method, and financial assistance to farmers to help implement the practice.”

With 465.8 million pounds worth nearly $531 million produced in 2023, Pennsylvania leads the nation in agaricus mushroom sales and production. The center of the state’s mushroom industry is Chester County, where approximately 2,000 mushroom houses are located.

Phorid Flies feed on fungi and reproduce in dark, humid environments, making mushroom houses and the substrate used to grow mushrooms the ideal environment for them to grow and reproduce. Warming temperatures and increased year-round humidity have contributed to population increases. The pest has been shown to reduce mushroom crop yields by up to 40%, and pests that escape mushroom houses have created a nuisance for surrounding residents.

The mushroom industry has multiple insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides labeled and approved for use controlling Phorid Flies. Steam-treatment is a critical element of the control methods accepted by the industry as a best management practice.

Mushroom farmers seeking financial assistance with implementing the requirements may contact the Chester County Conservation District at 610-4551381 to apply for grant funding.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has funded nearly $445,000 in research to develop safe, effective control methods for Phorid Flies. The department continues to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Penn State University, as well as other industry experts, to support research to develop safe, effective pest control methods that do not use chemicals that may harm the environment and jeopardize food safety and human and animal health.

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

2025 LDD (Gypsy Moth) Treatment Program Announced

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) is seeking to treat 13,712 acres of residential- and county-owned properties in Burlington, Cape May, Passaic, Morris and Sussex counties this year to combat the tree-killing Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD – formerly called the gypsy moth).

The recommended treatment areas are a significant increase over last year’s 1,400 acres. The reasons for the increase are a combination of the lack of treatments by the states near the northwest border as the moth travels by wind, and a dry summer which made the sporadic E. maimaiga (an LDD moth fungus) less active. More than 7,000 of the recommended treatment areas are in the northwest corner of the state in Sussex County.

“With the moth’s increase in activity, these treatments are critical in helping prevent the spread of this insect and reducing its population in future years,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn said. “Preserving the valuable trees that are part of New Jersey’s landscape and wildlife resources is an essential element of this program.”

The NJDA held an informational session in West Trenton on Thursday, January 9, to outline its 2025 Aerial LDD Suppression program. Egg mass surveys were conducted from August to December in 2024.

If the effected municipalities in Burlington, Cape May, Passaic, Morris, and Sussex counties participate, the treatments will take place in May and June. Participation is voluntary. To qualify for the program, a residential or recreational forest must have an average of more than 500 egg masses per acre and be at least 40 acres in size. A single egg mass contains up to 500 eggs.

There were 5,100 acres recommended for treatment in 2023, and nearly 9,000 acres in 2022. The previous year, only 50 acres were treated in Cape May County and one municipality in Burlington County opted not to treat 120 acres. There were no areas of the state recommended for treatment in 2019 and 2020. From 2017 to 2018, the NJDA’s program included approximately 3,900 acres of residential and county owned properties in Burlington, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties. That was about an 80 percent reduction from what was treated in the 2016 program. The population decrease was the result of effective treatments and sporadic E. maimaiga (an LDD moth fungus) activity.

The NJDA and Department of Environmental Protection use Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) to combat the LDD moth. It is a biological insecticide that kills the LDD caterpillar when ingested.

Two to three consecutive years of significant defoliation (defined as 75 percent or more) can kill an otherwise healthy tree. Additionally, any LDD defoliation can make trees more susceptible to other damage that can lead to the death of the tree. Oak trees are the preferred host for LDD, but the caterpillars can be found feeding on almost any tree.

DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE NEWS

NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Additional Measures to Prevent Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Poultry

As part of New York State’s continued effort to combat the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) has issued a new Notice and Order for live bird markets that have not had a detection of HPAI in New York City and Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau counties. The order requires those markets to sell down all inventory, complete cleaning and disinfection procedures, and remain closed for a period of five days after cleaning and disinfection. In addition, the Notice and Order further outlines quarantine and depopulation procedures for markets that have confirmed detections of HPAI. This Notice and Order follows seven detections of HPAI in markets in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn during routine surveillance conducted by AGM since January 31, 2025. The State reminds farmers to follow good biosecurity measures and emphasizes that the risk to humans remains low.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “We’re continuing to work hard with our partners to combat the spread of HPAI in New York. Today, I signed a Notice and Order requiring that live bird markets in New York City and the surrounding areas close for cleaning and disinfection, even if they haven’t

yet had a detection of HPAI in their market. Following seven detections of HPAI in live bird markets in the last week, this Notice and Order is a commonsense measure aimed at getting ahead of the virus, rather than chasing it. We’re working with USDA and other partners to make sure that we can minimize the economic impact to these markets, and we very much appreciate the markets’ cooperation and assistance in protecting public and animal health.”

HPAI is a contagious viral disease that is known to be deadly to domestic poultry and has been transmitted within and between farms and live bird markets. The temporary shutdown mandated by the Notice and Order is necessary and essential to ensuring a break in HPAI virus transmission within the impacted markets. While AGM’s routine surveillance is effective, after finding seven detections of HPAI in live bird markets within the last week, the temporary shutdown ensures that the State can get ahead of any additional opportunities for transmission of the virus within the markets at the current time. A uniform market closure for a five-day period addresses the persistence and circulation of the virus within the markets by quickly reducing the virus prevalence to zero percent.

VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Vermont Bee Expert Elected President of Apiary Inspectors of America

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is pleased to announce that Brooke Decker has been elected President of the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA), a non-profit organization established with a mission to promote sustainable and healthy honey beekeeping conditions in North America. Decker, the Pollinator Health Specialist and State Apiculturist for the state of Vermont, was elected to a one-year term at the AIA 2025 annual meeting in Reno, Nevada last week.

The mission of the AIA is to support the work of apiary inspectors mainly through the detection, mitigation and ultimate suppression of bee pests, parasites and pathogens. Members of the organization consist of state and provincial apiarists or apiary inspectors along with associated collaborators from other regulatory, academic, or

research-based institutions. In practice, members of AIA provide support in the form of regulatory guidance and enforcement, inspections, education, research, marketing, and collaboration with the goal of facilitating management focused on ensuring honeybee health, honey production, pollination, and the beekeeping industry.

”Having Brooke leading this national organization is great for Vermont beekeepers and those who want to increase our pollinator habitat,” said Alyson Eastman, VAAFM Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. “This agency has a long history of supporting beekeepers and their important role in Vermont. We are proud of Brook’s commitment to her profession and look forward to hearing more good things from her.”

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Passport to CT Wine Country Holds Annual Prize Drawing

The 2024 Passport to Connecticut Wine Country, a program of the Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council (CFWDC) administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, concluded on December 31, 2024, and has drawn winners for more than 100 prizes. The hybrid program, available as both a digital app and paper passport book, featured 38 locations throughout the state encouraging in- and out-of-state visitors to tour farm wineries and vineyards. Both the printed book and app are available at no cost.

“Connecticut’s farm wineries are a true treasure – a combination of agricultural heritage, manufacturing, and tourism to create lasting experiences for visitors,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “The Passport program incentivizes wine enthusiasts to expand their horizons by trying new locations, learning about different parts of our great state, and making memories along the way. Whether you visited all 38, or just a handful, we hope you enjoyed the journey and encourage you to join us again in 2025.”

Of the 2024 redeemed passports, both digital and paper, there were more than 36,200 unique visits to farm wineries during the program from the May 4 start to the end of the year. The top three visited wineries based on stamps were Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford with 1,886, Paradise Hills Vineyard & Winery in Wallingford with 1,756, and Hawk Ridge Winery in Watertown with 1,721.

The 2024 Passport to CT Wine Country program includes prizes from 27 different Connecticut-based businesses ranging from award-winning restaurants and destinations to adrenalin charged excursions. Each participating farm winery donated two bottles of wine with a different winner drawn for each winery. In addition, 50 participants who visited all 38 locations were selected to receive a branded, insulated wine tote for two bottles, as a commemorative gift.

The Grand Prize #1 for a private champagne charter flight in an air balloon with Aer Blarney was presented to Melanie Deninger. Grant Prize #2 for a stay at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in Old Saybrook went to Patricia Zullo. Runner-up Matthew Broder received a sailing charter from Poet’s Lounge out of Mystic.

A full list of winners can be found on the Passport to CT Wine Country website at https://ctgrown.org/ wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2024-Passport-to-CTFarm-Wineries-Winners-List.pdf

The 2025 Passport to CT Wine Country will begin in May 2025. For more information about Connecticut Farm Wineries or the Passport to Connecticut Wine Country, visit their website at ctwinecountry.com.

BEAST OF THE NOR’EAST