Inside The Hive: Massive Ways These Folks Are Benefiting Our World
By Tom Castronovo Executive Editor/Publisher
Gardener News
On a warm July morning I was fortunate to meet Matthew Willey, artist and founder of The Good of the Hive, in the Chef’s Garden Pavilion at Crystal Springs
Resort in Hamburg, Sussex County, NJ.
The Chef’s Garden is an alfresco garden-totable experience next to the extraordinary 10,000
sq. ft. tropical Biosphere pool complex at the Grand Cascades Lodge.
This inspiring outdoor garden dining venue allows guests to enjoy a unique
‘garden-to-table’ dining experience amidst beautiful organic vegetables, flowers, herbs, and views of the Kittatinny Mountain Range.
(Cont. on Page 7)
Tom Castronovo/Photo
Matthew Willey, artist and founder of The Good of the Hive at Crystal Springs Resort hand-painting bees on the ceiling of Chef’s Garden Pavilion at the Grand Cascades Lodge on the Crystal Springs Resort property.
Farmer Receives Special Congressional Recognition
United States Congressman Thomas H. Kean, Jr., left, stopped by Bardy Farms Greenhouses and Farm Market on July 18 to present Rob Bardy with a Special Congressional Recognition. Bardy received the recognition on behalf of his family being in business for 120 years.
The Bardy Family history in America started when Abraham Bardy immigrated from Russia in 1904. He was a poor farmer who started vegetable farming in Union, Union County, New Jersey.
Years later the Bardy family opened a small roadside stand on Morris Avenue in Union County. That stand developed into their first little grocery store. Then in 1952 the Bardy family siblings (Jack, Edward, Joseph, Philip, Ida, Florence, Anna, and Bertha) built their first supermarket.
In the late 1950′s, due to the success of the supermarket, the family purchased farm land in Basking Ridge, Millington, North Plainfield, and Warren Township. The 30-acre farm on Route 22 East in North Plainfield was to become the site of the next Bardy Farms Supermarket, but was instead long-term leased to Great Eastern and is presently the site of Costco. The Warren Township, Somerset County, NJ site became the location of the next supermarket and shopping center. The Bardy Farms Country Square Shopping Center was completed and opened in 1962. The 130-acre Millington farm was donated in 1998 to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. In 1983 Bardy Farms Greenhouses and Farm Market opened on Washington Valley Road in Warren Township.
Today, Philip’s son Rob operates the Warren Township, New Jersey business. Rob Bardy, a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, is the last family member still farming after all these years.
Bardy Farms Greenhouses and Farm Market provides fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers year-round. They sell a large selection of garden bedding plants, hanging baskets, vegetable plants (including heirloom varieties), perennials, shrubs, hardy mums, asters and roses. More seasonal items include Easter flowers, Mother’s Day plants, pumpkins, Christmas trees, wreaths, and grave blankets.
The farm market provides fresh baked pies and breads, cider donuts, gourmet cheeses, milk, jellies, and apple cider in season. Organic selections include meats, cheeses, milk, frozen berries, and frozen and fresh vegetables.
4 August 2024
We are now at the height of the Jersey Fresh summer season and all your favorites are in your local farm market, farm stand, or supermarket…or even in your own garden.
Of course, everyone knows and loves sweet Jersey corn, and last month’s article was all about the revered Jersey Fresh tomato. But did you know New Jersey typically ranks in the Top-5 growers of peaches in the United States? And some years we’re in the Top-3.
The rankings of peachproducing states can fluctuate significantly each year, and that volatility is tied to weather. But it’s the weather that comes BEFORE the first fully formed peach appears on the tree that matters most.
In the early parts of a year (late-winter to early-spring), peach blossoms appear on trees, especially in major peachproducing states like Georgia and South Carolina, where the blossoms pop out somewhat before those in the Northeast. The blossoms, or “blooms,” are what eventually become the peach we eat.
If a major freeze hits shortly after the blooms appear (and this happens more frequently with
As many of you know firsthand, New Jersey’s weather can be a fickle beast. One minute we’re basking in sunshine, the next we’re battening down the hatches for another storm. This year’s forecast for an active hurricane season adds another layer of concern.
That’s why I want to talk about something vitally important to your farm’s recovery in the face of disaster: promptly reporting storm damage to your local NJ Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office. Let me assure you, our team is here to stand with you during these challenging times.
Why Report Quickly? It Makes a Big Difference
Timely reporting isn’t just about filling out paperwork – it’s about getting the support you need, fast. Here’s how it benefits you:
• Swifter Assistance: The sooner we know about your situation, the quicker we can assess the damage and determine the best programs or resources to get you back on your feet. This could include emergency loans, disaster assistance programs, or technical help to rebuild and recover.
• A Stronger Case for Support: The more details you provide about the storm damage – date, type of damage, estimated losses – the stronger your claim for assistance becomes. This information is also crucial for us to advocate for additional aid or disaster declarations that unlock more
NJ Dept. of Agriculture
By Joe Atchison III Assistant Secretary of Agriculture
Warm and Fuzzy in the Garden State
our wilder weather mood swings of late), peach production can be severely reduced, sometimes dropping a state that normally would be ranked second or third (California is almost always first) further down the list, and allowing a state like New Jersey, where the blooms appear somewhat later and farmers are more prepared for cold snaps, to move up in the rankings without vastly increasing peach-tree acreage.
Peaches were introduced to North America by Spanish explorers in the 15th century. The New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland areas started planting them in the 1600s, and by the 1800s peaches were planted up and down the Eastern Seaboard.
Most people are aware that there are yellow, white, and donut peaches and that peaches
come in cling and freestone varieties. But New Jersey grows several dozen varieties that bloom and fruit throughout the summer in the Garden State. And let’s not forget their smooth cousin, the nectarine. There are new varieties constantly being researched and introduced at institutions like Rutgers University.
Rutgers’ New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) began its peach breeding program in 1907 and, in 1921, it came under the direction of Dr. M.A. Blake, who is considered “the father of the peach industry in New Jersey” for his introduction of nine varieties between 1921 and 1925. There was even a variety named “Blake,” after the doctor’s passing in 1948.
Most people love to enjoy
these summertime favorites fresh and right out of their hand. But experienced peach consumers know there are so many ways to enjoy them… in a peach cobbler, sliced over cereal or into yogurt, made into preserves or jam, or, my favorite, grilled peaches drizzled with a cinnamon rum sauce.
To make that dish, halve the peaches and remove the pit, grill them face down over a direct flame (or you can use a griddle if doing indoors) until the peaches’ sugars start to caramelize. While they are cooking, mix some dark rum, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a pan and stir until it reduces to a thick sauce. Serve the peaches face up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle the sauce over the top. You can even add some pecans or granola for a
USDA Farm Service Agency
By Bob Andrzejczak State Executive Director
Timely Reporting: Your Ally in NJ’s
federal resources for New Jersey farmers.
• Meeting Deadlines: Certain disaster assistance programs have strict deadlines. Reporting promptly ensures you don’t miss out on critical financial help due to late filing.
Qualifying for Key Programs: ECP, EFRP, and Emergency Loans
There’s another crucial advantage to timely reporting: eligibility for programs designed to help you recover. Here are some of the important ones:
• Emergency Conservation Program (ECP): This program can provide financial assistance to repair damage to farmland, fences, and farm structures caused by natural disasters.
• Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP): If you’re a tree farmer, EFRP can help cover the costs of removing debris and replanting trees lost in a storm.
• Emergency Loans: These loans offer short-term credit to help you
cover operating expenses in the aftermath of a disaster.
Reporting Made Easy: We’re Here to Help
The NJ FSA understands the stress of dealing with storm damage. That’s why we’ve made reporting as easy as possible. Here’s what to do:
• Contact your local FSA county office: Find their contact information on the USDA website www.fsa.usda.gov/ or reach out to our state office for assistance.
• Provide details of the damage: The more information you share about the date of the storm, the type of damage, and the extent of the loss, the better.
• Document the damage: Take date-stamped photos to support your claim. Visual proof helps expedite the support process. Remember, you’re not alone. We’re here for you.
By following these steps and staying connected with the NJ FSA,
crunch if you like.
This season, our Garden State growers have lots of peaches with superior flavor that are dripping with goodness, either on their farm-market shelves or available for pick-your-own in their orchards. So, be sure to try the many varieties and types throughout the season.
One important thing to remember, summer doesn’t end until late-September, so when the kids head back to classes, start the school year off with sweet Jersey Fresh peaches in their lunches and then switch to our many varieties of Jersey Fresh apples at the end of the peach season.
For more information, visit www.jerseypeaches.com and for recipes or information on where to find Jersey Fresh peaches, visit www.FindJerseyFresh. com.
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.
Responsibilities:
Prospective candidates should have at least two years of college education or relevant agriculture-related experience. Key responsibilities include conducting field inspections, measuring fields, discussing findings with farmers, and thoroughly documenting crop damage investigations.
Volatile Weather
you’ll be well on your way to a faster recovery. Our county offices are here to provide support and guidance throughout the process. Let’s work together to ensure a successful season for New Jersey agriculture, even in the face of unpredictable weather.
NJ Farm Service Agency Seeks Dedicated Loss Adjusters
NJ FSA is on the lookout for individuals passionate about agriculture to fill crucial positions as Loss Adjusters. These roles play a vital part in supporting farmers facing crop losses due to unforeseen circumstances.
Role Overview:
Loss Adjusters are integral to the FSA’s Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and Tree Assistance Program (TAP). They must possess a solid understanding of field and specialty crops, coupled with expertise in executing crop adjusting guidelines and program provisions.
Qualifications and
Training and Certification:
To become certified, individuals undergo specialized training, including classroom sessions and field exercises. Additionally, annual update training is mandatory to maintain certification.
Prospective Loss Adjusters must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined by the USDA. For inquiries or to express interest in these positions, individuals can contact Aly Dyson, NJ FSA Farm Program Disaster Specialist, at Alyson.Dyson@usda. gov or 609-438-3147.
Editor’s Note: Bob Andrzejczak is the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in New Jersey. He can also be reached at 609587-0104 during regular business hours. For more information, please visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/ state-offices/New-Jersey/ sed-biography/index
2024 Cut Flowers of the Year
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, Inc. announces its selections for the 2024 Cut Flowers of the Year. These varieties are chosen by the ASCFG’s 3,000+ members on their ease of culture, productivity, and marketability.
The ASCFG was created to educate, unite, and support commercial cut flower growers. It does this by providing production and marketing information; connecting members through events and communications; supporting floriculture research; and encouraging the purchase and use of locally grown flowers by the public. Its mission is to help growers produce high-quality floral material, and to foster and promote the local availability of that product.
Fresh Cut Flower of the Year
Snapdragon ‘Potomac Appleblossom’
Featuring ribbon-candy spikes adorned with sugar pink and white blossoms, these delicate hues create a lovely contrast against the glossy dark green foliage. One Zone 6 grower reported, “‘Appleblossom’ has the best stem strength and length out of every snap cultivar I’ve trialed, plus the colors are lovely and blend well with many other colors. They are insanely productive, throwing multiple flushes throughout the season.” Another reported that “Potomac series changed the snapdragon game — in zone 7a mine produced through 90 degree summer heat and overwintered through weeks
of single digits, shooting out fresh blooms in spring. ‘Appleblossom’ is probably the most versatile and elegant of the series!.” This group 3-4 cultivar does best during the main season, from mid spring to mid fall. Grow close together for long, single stem production and further apart for multiple flushes. Does well in the field, tunnels and greenhouses.
Cut Foliage of the Year
Thornless raspberry ‘Joan J’
One grower raved “I can’t imagine not having this in the field. It’s a favorite source of greenery for mixed bouquets. It’s prolific, easy to grow, trouble free and very reliable” ‘Joan J’ produces loads of long stems all season long, from late spring through to a heavy frost. Cut for the foliage or the green berries. One grower endorsed it “One of our top foliage in the field in terms of production and profit from selling direct to florists. So reliable and carefree!.” Bonus –you can leave a few to produce berries. This is a primocane-bearing cultivar, meaning that it bears fruit on current year’s growth. Stems that overwinter should flower early in the season, while new stems may flower in the fall. Cold hardy in Zones 4 to 8, but generally does better in the cooler part of its range.
Bulb Cut Flower of the Year
Daffodil ‘Cheerfulness’
Daffodil ‘Cheerfulness’ is very fragrant and
great as a cut flower. Multiple blooms per stem combining white and shades of yellow make for a cheerful display in the spring. An ASCFG member shared, “Lovely scent, very fragrant, long enough stems, and a cute accent flower for design work! This variety is sure to stand out”. Versatile daffodils can be forced as one cut and done flower in greenhouses or tunnels, or grown as a long-lived field perennial. Plants are cold hardy to Zone 5.
Woody Cut of the Year
Viburnum ‘Brandywine’
The deep green, glossy foliage turns to dark purple red in the fall and has multi-season uses. Foliage holds up well in water, and can be harvested from early June to October. The flower buds are born in pearl-like clusters and make charming additions to early June bouquets. Additionally, the fruit turns beautiful shades of blue and pink in September. One grower summed it advantages as follows: “I love the full seasonality of the Brandywine Viburnum. I love the pinkish spring flowers, the leaf coloring, and the 2 tone berries.” This native of Eastern North America is cold hardy in Zones 5 to 9 and tolerates wet sites on the farm. While a pollinator is not required for fruit set, growing another related Viburnum nudum variety nearby will likely increase fruit set.
Inside The Hive: Massive Ways These Folks Are Benefiting Our World
Willey was on a yellow, rolling scaffolding painting bees on the ceiling.
The Good of the Hive is a global art project and organization founded by Willey, and based on his personal commitment to hand-paint 50,000 honey bees – the number in a healthy, thriving hive – in murals around the world.
Willey has partnered with the Mulvihill family, owners of the resort, to promote and raise awareness of the importance of bees to the environment and to local agriculture, and to educate resort guests on how they can help in the effort to preserve local bee populations through honey bee art.
The resort offers educational seminars with local beekeepers, bee box build activities, on property bee hives, and local honey pop up displays. How appropriate for Crystal Springs Resort,
a true champion of the environment.
Crystal Springs Resort was first featured by the Gardener News in our August 2022 issue. The resort was featured for being a spectacular piece of paradise in Sussex County, New Jersey that offers a gorgeous mountain setting with, yes, a public garden surrounding the Grand Cascades Lodge. A public garden is defined as a place to raise, maintain, and display numerous plant species.
In November of 2023, a Joint Resolution by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey was presented to the Mulvihill family.
Here is an excerpt of what was in the resolution:
Whereas, the Mulvihill family has shown a commitment to the preservation of the environment as demonstrated
by multiple sustainability initiatives of Crystal Springs Resort; and, Whereas, Crystal Springs Resort has developed the largest resort-based solar field on the Eastern Seaboard, comprised of 19,000 solar panels generating 3.5 megawatts of power annually, which is more power than the combined annual power consumption of the Resort’s two hotels; and, Whereas, Crystal Springs Resort has incorporated multiple sustainability initiatives within its culinary program including procedures to reduce kitchen waste and the incorporation of over 100 ingredients from local farms and producers into its menus; and, Whereas, Crystal Springs Resort has developed programs with vouchers and maps to encourage resort guests to patronize local farms, markets, orchards,
(Continued from page 1) (Cont. on
pumpkin patches, vineyards, distilleries and cider houses; and, Whereas, Crystal Springs Resort has developed a sustainability themed team building program for corporate groups that gives participants a greater appreciation for the environment and the importance of being good stewards of the environment with such programming including: Solar Farm Education, Sustainable Farm Tours, Beehive Box Build, Foraging with the Botanical Hiker, Cooking with Plant Based Protein, Food Preservation Workshops, Nature Trail Hikes and Forest Bathing; and, Whereas, Crystal Springs Resort is currently executing initiatives in partnership with the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife to benefit the preservation of habitat for the Bog Turtle; and,
Whereas, the Resorts have created a habitat favored by the insects and animals that pollinate flowers, agricultural crops, fruit trees and other plants; and, Whereas, Crystal Springs Resort has select landscapes which were created to provide bees with the nectar and pollen they need to thrive. The parking lot at the Crystal Springs Clubhouse was purposely laid out to be filled with wild flowers plus other flowers that bees love including Monarda, Baptisia, Coneflower, Joe-Pye weed, Goldenrod and Marsh Blazing Star. Native trees such as Willows, Red Buds, Basswood, Tulip Popular and Black Locust were selected as excellent sources of food for bees; and, Whereas, Crystal Springs Resort has developed a partnership with JCP&L and the New Jersey Audubon to enhance bee,
Tom Castronovo/Photo
The Chef’s Garden Pavilion at the Grand Cascades Lodge on the Crystal Springs Resort property in Hamburg, Sussex County, NJ.
When I was a kid, sweet corn was the most popular crop that we grew during the summer months. That meant from mid-July through Labor Day, we picked sweet corn by hand every morning.
Customers (both wholesale and retail) would only purchase corn on the day that it would be sold or consumed. The objective was to sell our last dozen to the last customer of the day right before we closed. If it looked as if we were going to run out, we would go out and pick more in the middle of the afternoon. We would pick sweet corn rain or shine first thing in the morning. And if it wasn’t raining, we usually ended up getting soaked anyway because of the dew that accumulated on the corn overnight. On weekends, because we were busier, we picked twice as much as we would during the week. But sweet corn has waned in popularity somewhat since then. And while it is still a very popular item on our farm, it is not the “be-all end-all” that it once was.
Forty years ago, people only ate fresh sweet corn while
As arborists continue to remove Ash trees killed by the Emerald Ash Borer, strong thunderstorms have caused considerable tree damage recently. Due primarily to near optimal growing conditions, trees have put forth heavy growth, fruit, and nut crops this season. The load added to this lush growth in the form of wind and rain often causes limb or tree failure.
Arborists are often called reactively after the tree is dead or severely storm damaged. A scheduled plan and proactive approach are a lot more desirable regarding tree maintenance. Periodic pruning to address structural defects, lighten canopies, and reduce end weight overextending limbs proves invaluable in preserving trees, which continue to be tested by the extremes of nature. Structural problems associated with decay, previous injury, or a weak crotch formation can often be resolved earlier on before major damage occurs to the tree or surrounding property.
Thunderstorms often contain strong, downdraft winds created by the cooling rain quickly descending. These winds can reach over 100 mph being diverted laterally upon reaching the ground. Several strong thunderstorms
The Town Farmer
By Peter Melick Agricultural Producer
Popularity of Sweet Corn
it was in season. If you wanted corn in the winter months, it was either frozen or in a can. Today, because fresh sweet corn is available in supermarkets almost year-round, there is not the pent-up demand that there used to be. Another reason why sweet corn is not as popular as it once was may be because people’s eating habits have changed. Gone are the days when the family would sit down to a home cooked meal every night, where an easy to prepare vegetable like boiled corn on the cob would be the seasonal vegetable of choice. Today, Americans eat more food away from home than they eat in the home, and for whatever reason sweet corn just never took off as an
offering in many restaurants. Maybe it’s because corn on the cob can be somewhat messy to eat, or maybe it’s because chefs do not want a seasonal item on their year-round menu, but the bottom line is that sweet corn is not that common of an item on restaurant menus. And of course, all of the low-carb diets don’t do sweet corn any favors either.
Four years ago, during the height of COVID when restaurants throughout New Jersey were not allowed to open, sweet corn suddenly became very popular again. If people wanted to share a meal together, it was more than likely done outside in someone’s backyard. And, as everyone knows, sweet corn is the quintessential backyard
BBQ summertime superstar. During that summer, wholesale prices for sweet corn reached an astounding one dollar per ear! (That’s the price that stores and farm markets have to pay). But that was an aberration and as people returned to their normal eating habits, sweet corn prices returned to normal as well. By the way, the current 2024 price is somewhere around $.35-$.40 per ear. Oh well.
But with all of that, sweet corn is still a very popular item during the summer months. And it should be. In fact, the quality of sweet corn in the marketplace today has never been better, and there are many other ways to enjoy sweet corn than eating it “on the cob.”
Modern science and breeding
Tree Notes
By Bert Kuhn NJ Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) Licensed Tree Care
Operator (LTCO)
The Importance of Tree Maintenance
packing dangerous winds have marched across our state this growing season. The tree damage left in their wake often displays similarities. A recent storm was particularly damaging to the Maple species due to their thick canopies along with weak crotch formations being present. Numerous trees were snapped off at the base as girdling roots left in the planting process restricted trunk taper causing failure. Yes, the dynamics of the trunk is critical in establishment of trees, leading to longevity. Often customers call stating, “my tree was struck by lightning and it split.” In most of these cases the split was due to an inherent weak crotch formation. This occurs primarily on multiple leader trees as these leaders grow and expand in diameter. They actually push against each other and develop weak crotch formations. Certain
species, such as Maples, Linden, Beech, Gum, Ash, and Oaks are prone to this occurrence. A tight angle crotch which exhibits an included bark seam is evidence of this structural weakness. Gradual, broader crotches are generally much stronger and more desirable. Proactive support systems are installed where needed to help preserve valuable shade trees.
Decaying trees often fail during storm situations due again to the weight of their foliage. With each subsequent growing season, more weight from compounding new growth is placed upon decaying structural components. Unless remedial action is taken, an eventual failure is likely.
Have you ever wondered why dead trees tend to fare well in strong storms? It is due to their lack of foliage equating to much less wind resistance. These trees,
programs have developed varieties of corn that are far and away superior to those of forty years ago. Every year, improvements are made in terms of texture, flavor and sweetness. I often say that if we tried to sell some of the corn that we grew forty years ago, our customers would try it and throw it back at us! And I can’t really say that about too many of the other crops that we grow, but with the flavor of newer sweet corn varieties, it is definitely true. Now, if we could just figure out a way to put sweet corn on pizza.
Editor’s Note: Peter Melick is co-owner of Melick’s Town Farm in Oldwick and a 10th-generation New Jersey farmer. Peter is a member of the Tewksbury Township Committee, 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.
however, can fail at any time as their decay process continues. Please don’t wait until trees are hazardous as this complicates their removal process. It amazes me that after several years of removing dead Ash there are dead trees everywhere still! Be aware of the unpredictable nature of these trees! Be aware of dead trees hovering over parking areas, walkways, bus stops, parks, and any frequented public areas. Where dead trees exist in high traffic areas, please be vocal advocates for their removal for pedestrian safety.
Speaking about being aware of dead trees, have you noticed the very sparse foliage exhibited by the many Beech stands this season? Yes, it is due to Beech Leaf Disease caused by a microscopic worm or nematode which infects the buds. Early signs of BLD or Beech Leaf Disease include
dark stripes or bands between the lateral veins of the leaves in the spring. Beech Leaf Disease’s spread has been alarming. Since being first detected in 2012 in Ohio, it has been found in 13 states including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Michigan, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia and Ontario. Unfortunately, mortality seems imminent for infected trees. As research continues surrounding this pandemic, hopefully solutions and potential controls continue to emerge. In closing, it’s hard for tree people to not be alarmed by these devastating tree pandemics. The realization that our natural world is and has always been very dynamic offers some comfort. Especially now, we must work together through tree care and planting to help nature offset these significant losses.
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
RUTGERS NJAES/RCE
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
Schilling Director
Showcasing the Work of Rutgers Snyder Research and Extension Farm
Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s mission to create a happy, healthy, sustainable, and beautiful New Jersey is anchored in current, practical research conducted by faculty and staff across the state. In terms of support for production agriculture, much of this work occurs on New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) research farms, one example of which is the Rutgers Snyder Research and Extension Farm, located outside of Pittstown, NJ.
Snyder Farm supports our mandate to improve the quality of life through an integrated program of scientific research, public education, and community outreach. Research initiatives at the farm focus on the production of a variety of food and fiber products including grain crops, tree and small fruits, vegetables, turfgrass, and ornamentals. The Snyder Farm’s almost 400 acres provide a valuable capacity for research on soil and climate conditions and crops of northern New Jersey.
Snyder Farm works at keeping New Jersey farmers profitable while maintaining environmental and community accountability. Multiple experiments are underway developing cropping systems and business tools fitting New Jersey’s unique agricultural needs.
One interesting new experiment is studying the production of solar energy in combination with agriculture. The goal of this combination, called agrivoltaics or dual-use solar, is to keep precious farmland productive and profitable while at the same time helping NJ meet its ambitious renewable energy goals. Part of a larger NJAES agrivoltaics program, at Snyder Farm we are examining the agronomic and economic viability of producing hay between raised solar panels.
Another study focuses on the use of herbs such as oregano and catnip as insect and arthropod repellents. Laboratory work has shown compounds from these plants can be effective in repelling both mosquitos and ticks. Field trials are testing different varieties of catnip and oregano to see which ones produce the most of these repellent compounds.
A disease of cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, pumpkins) called downy mildew is the focus of a sentinel project designed to alert local growers of its presence. Downy mildew can be a difficult disease to control, and it moves north from the southern states during the growing season. The cucurbits at the farm are scouted weekly and when the disease is present, farmers are alerted so that they can take measures to protect their crops.
Farmers may be interested in a project to study fiber hemp production in NJ. Several varieties of fiber hemp are being grown at the farm to examine how well they perform locally in regard to yield and quality. Fiber hemp production has only recently been allowed legally in NJ, so this project is providing important baseline data to help local growers decide if they want to pursue this crop.
Snyder Farm is also home to a teaching garden maintained with the help of the Rutgers Master Gardeners. This garden supports home horticulturalists’ interests with an emphasis on the relationship between plants, human health, and nutrition in the home garden setting. Thousands of visitors have enjoyed and learned from visiting the teaching garden, where faculty, staff, and Rutgers Master Gardeners offer science-based, factual information to home gardeners through a variety of educational events such as plant clinics, gardening demonstrations,
and field day programs. Beds in the teaching garden feature deer-resistant ornamental and native flowering plants attractive to pollinators, shrubs such as hollies and hazelnuts, and crops such as blueberries. Together they represent the collective expertise of nursery landscape professionals, Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension personnel and Master Gardeners of Northern New Jersey. Perhaps one of the most wellknown products of Snyder Farm is the ‘Rutgers 250’ tomato. Using the varieties that were crossed to make the original ‘Rutgers tomato,’ ‘Rutgers 250’ was developed in research trials at the farm and released in 2016 as part of Rutgers University’s 250th Anniversary commemoration. Current trials are underway to create new specialty grape and cherry tomato varieties for local farmers and gardeners.
Rutgers plant trials have also produced disease resistant basil (Rutgers Devotion Basil), multiple peach varieties, and a few unusually colorful dogwoods, such as Scarlet Fire (bright pink), Red Beauty (red), and the variegated Stellar Pink varieties. If you want to learn more, you can attend the Rutgers Snyder Farm Open House and Tomato Tasting Event on August 28, 2024. The Open House features a wagon tour of the research plots with Rutgers NJAES faculty, staff, and Masters Gardener volunteers on hand to address questions. Visitors will be able to taste over 50 varieties of heirloom, hybrid, and specialty tomatoes served by Master Gardeners, and visit educational booths and displays staffed by Rutgers NJAES faculty and staff. There is no admission fee, but registration is required. More details can be found on the Rutgers Snyder farm website: https://snyderfarm.rutgers.edu/ open-house/.
LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY NEWS RUTGERS NJAES/RCE
Rutgers Ecologist Helps Develop Novel Habitats to Aid Proliferation of Bees
Rutgers ecologist Kimberly Russell is the lead researcher on an unusual project that, if successful, will soon allow her to share the idea throughout New Jersey and beyond: the installation of “bee bunkers” and “bee hotels” in spots around New York City to provide nourishment and shelter for at-risk native bee populations.
Russell is an associate professor and the undergraduate program director in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources in the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. A community ecologist, she focuses on conserving the biodiversity of arthropods – invertebrates belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, a group that includes bees, spiders and crustaceans.
She discussed the purpose and importance of the Pollinator Port Project, which is sponsored by the Ittleson Foundation, and is a collaboration between the New York City Department of Transportation, the Horticultural Society of New York and Rutgers University.
Where did the concept of bee bunkers and bee hotels come from? Do they work?
The structures we are calling bee bunkers are the truly innovative part of the project. A former student of mine, Nina Fedoryka, a George H. Cook Scholar, coined the phrase. I think it’s brilliant.
Most people don’t realize that the majority of native bees nest in the ground — nearly three-quarters of the species. Ground-nesting bees are hardest hit in urban areas where bare ground is scarce.
We designed a habitat that, based on what is known about nesting preferences, would appeal to the widest diversity of bees. Bee bunkers provide protected soil into which female bees build their nests and lay their eggs. We submerge the bunkers into the soil of an extra-large planter, so that flowering plants that provide food for the bees could surround and protect it.
Honestly, we don’t know how well the bunkers will work, as there is very little research on it, or even trials similar to ours. We only found one study that tracked the success of human-made soil habitats in an urban setting –in a park in a small city in France. But they had success, so we found that encouraging.
Bee hotels, which look like birdhouses, have been around for quite a while. They will attract a decent proportion of the rest of the bee population that nests in stems and cavities.
Why are native bee populations at risk, and why should that concern the public?
The majority of the plants we enjoy in our gardens and open spaces, as well as many of the plants we depend on for food, require pollination.
Bees are the most abundant and widespread pollinators in the world. We have become unnecessarily dependent on the non-native European honeybee, especially in terms of agriculture.
We have our own native bees that can do the same work if we support them, but they face many threats. Many species are declining in abundance. Caring for bees allows us to care for the plants we need and love.
Doesn’t corralling bees into confined spaces increase the chance of someone being stung?
There are two types of bees in the U.S. that regularly sting humans — the European honeybee and, to a lesser extent, bumblebees. Both live in colonies and sting to protect their extended families. Neither would be interested in bee bunkers or hotels, as they have distinct nesting preferences that require a very different set of characteristics.
No one can fully guarantee that another type of bee won’t sting – all females have stingers, so technically they are capable. But these are very rare events. I have been studying native bees for 20 years and have never been stung by one of my subjects.
Why do you study arthropods? How does your research tie into this project?
As a graduate student, I realized that we know far less about arthropods than we do about vertebrates, despite the fact that we are significantly more reliant on them for survival. I made it my mission to devote my career to understanding the needs of these creatures.
After working with spiders for a number of years, I got involved with a project surveying bee populations at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland. I was always curious about the relationship between bees and plants, so this was my way into considering how those relationships affect extinction risk.
From there, I have been focused on building resilience in wild bee populations by studying ways to develop habitat for them in human-dominated landscapes. This project takes this to an even more urban extreme by trying to supplement and even create habitat in cities for these bees.
As a scientist, what do you hope to learn from this project?
I want to know if we can entice enough native bees to use our bee bunkers to make a real impact.
Little is known about the preferences of ground nesting bees, so this study will provide a real test of what we think we know. I also want to learn how bees navigate around the city — how do they travel from green space to green space? How do they navigate around traffic and buildings? Are they using the street trees as protected flight paths?
One project my lab is working on involves marking bees using safe, biodegradable, colored spots to gain information about their population size and movement. Understanding that movement will help us better place our habitats to provide steppingstones between bigger green spaces.
Are there plans to extend this project to New Jersey and elsewhere?
Yes. Once we see some success with our pilot designs, the idea is to provide the protocols to partners in other cities in New York, New Jersey and elsewhere.
These Pollinator Ports will do the most good in the most naturally impoverished areas for bees, so the focus will be on large cities like Newark and Philadelphia.
But we also want to emphasize that community groups and schools can do this on their own – it is a great way to give the bees a helping hand while educating the public about their importance. This also will help people get in touch with nature, an important component to the mission of the Horticultural Society of New York.
This article first appeared on Rutgers Today
New Jersey Food System Dashboard Launched
New Jersey residents now have a one-stop source for information on different aspects of the state’s food system, thanks to a new tool designed to build capacity in community nonprofits, municipal departments and grassroots organizations to support data-driven decision-making, increased grant funding and tracking of outcomes. By improving accessibility and transparency of important data relating to the state’s food system, the New Jersey Food System Dashboard helps address one of the key recommendations of the NJ Roadmap for Food System Resilience, which called for increasing knowledge and assessment of key metrics, thereby moving the state towards a more equitable and resilient food system. Funded by a one-year grant from Rutgers Equity Alliance for Community Health, this public tool was co-developed by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Department of Family and Community Health Sciences, NJ Food Democracy Collaborative, community partners from Newark, New Brunswick and Camden, and the Environmental Analysis and Communications Group, which is part of the Center for Urban Policy Research at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.
“We hope this tool will be a valuable resource to government agencies, researchers, community-based organizations, and advocates working across all sectors of the food system. Our goal is to continue working with these groups to ensure the dashboard is addressing their needs” says Dr. Sara Elnakib, principal investigator.
“This new website will make it much more streamlined, and less time consuming to find and share important information about projects and issues of importance to nonprofit organizations, like ours, and the many other community-based food access and food system organizations that participated in this project. It’s a big advancement for the capacity of NJ’s food system stakeholders,” says Jeanine Cava, Lead Facilitator of NJ Food Democracy Collaborative. Learn more at https://njfooddashboard.rutgers.edu/
In the Chef’s Corner
By Andy Lagana Chef
Striped Bass and Soba Noodles with Roasted Beet and Orange Salad
Hello Gardener News readers. This month’s dish is striped bass and soba noodles. Striped bass are found in many places including the Atlantic Coast, from the St. Lawrence River in Canada to the St. John’s River in Florida. Striped bass migrate between fresh and salt water, and the best places to fish for them change throughout the year.
motto that guides the way soba makers work, which is “soba no san-tate,” translating to “freshness”. Some soba makers make the noodles three times a day to ensure their customers receive the best possible product.
In winter and early spring, Maryland and Virginia are good places to fish. During springtime, New Jersey (including tidal freshwater rivers like the Delaware River, Raritan River, and Manasquan River), and New York become top spots to fish as striped bass move north during their spawning migrations. And in the summer season, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine are prime locations from late June to early September as striped bass stop to feed.
Accompanying the fish are soba noodles, a Japanese staple that has a long history. Soba noodles are thought to have originated in China and were brought to Japan around 10,000–300 BC. Buddhist monks who studied in China may have brought soba porridge back to Japan, where people eventually turned it into noodles.
Soba is made from buckwheat, a nutritious grain that’s high in vitamin B and other nutrients. The flour made from buckwheat is white if only the inside of the grain is used, but if the skin is also included, the flour is grayish and offers a unique flavor. Within the soba community, there’s a popular
To prepare this dish, the ingredients needed are 6 oz. soba noodles, 8 oz. sugar snap peas with the ends trimmed and sliced on bias, ½ tsp. orange zest, ¾ cup orange juice, 3 tbsp. rice vinegar, ¾ tsp. fresh ginger - peeled and grated, kosher salt, pepper, 1 small shallot - thinly sliced into rounds, 1 tbsp. olive oil and four 6 oz. pieces of skinon striped bass fillet patted dry.
Cook the soba noodles for two minutes less than what is written on the package directions. Add snap peas and cook until crisp-tender, one to two minutes, then drain soba and snap peas. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together orange zest, orange juice, vinegar, ginger, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Add the shallot and let the mixture sit for five minutes.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium. Season fish with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper, then cook, skin side down, until skin is crisp and golden brown, about seven minutes. Flip and cook until fish is opaque throughout, two to four minutes more. To serve, divide dressing among bowls. Top with soba (rinsing if needed), snap peas, then the fish.
As a side dish, I like a roasted beet and orange salad. Gather 1 lb. of golden beets (4 small) - trimmed and scrubbed,
1 lb. of red beets (4 small) - trimmed and scrubbed, 2 tbsp. olive oil – divided, kosher salt, 1 small shallot - thinly sliced into half-moons, ¼ tsp Meyer lemon zest, 1 ½ tbsp. lemon juice, ½ tsp. honey, 2 cups baby arugula, 1 navel orange - peeled and sliced into ¼ inch-thick rounds, 1 Cara Cara orange (known for their sweet tart flavor) - peeled and sliced into ¼ inch-thick rounds, 2 tbsp. roasted and salted pistachios – chopped, flaky salt, 2 oz. ricotta salatashaved (about 1/2 cup). Heat the oven to 425°F with racks in upper and lower thirds of oven. Slice golden beets into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and red beets into 1/2-inchthick wedges. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the rounds with 1/2 tablespoon oil and 1/8 teaspoon salt and arrange in single layer. Repeat with wedges on a second sheet. Roast, rotating positions of pans halfway through, until golden brown and tender, 22 to 24 minutes (red beets may take a couple of minutes longer). Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together shallot, lemon zest and juice, then add a pinch of salt. Let the mixture sit until beets finish roasting, then stir honey and remaining tablespoon of oil into dressing. In a large bowl, toss arugula with the dressing. Gently fold in the beets and oranges. Top with pistachios, a pinch of flaky salt and ricotta salata, and you’re ready to eat. A perfect wine pairing with this dish is a chalky, crisp sauvignon blanc from Sancerre, great with striped bass. Enjoy!
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This old saying came to mind recently when looking at my lawn as well as lawns around New Jersey. If the hot, dry weather we experienced while I write this article in late June continues for July and August, I assume your lawn is dry too? We had such an abundance of rain in late spring and then BOOM, here comes the drought.
Days a Week
facebook.com/Condursos
Turf ‘s Up
By Todd Pretz Professional Turf Consultant
How dry I am?
money on quick-growing, cheap mixes; all you will get is a poor quality lawn. If your lawn has gone dormant-brown, watering it during these tough times can do more harm than good. It took a number of hot and dry weather weeks for your lawn to get to this stage; it will take some time to bring it back to life too.
Maybe your lawn isn’t dried out and brown if you watered and spent a fortune on water bills. I actually caved and installed some underground irrigation in my yard this spring. It is used mostly for keeping our flower beds and vegetable gardens watered, not as much for the lawn. Some of our lawn suffered, turning brown and going dormant in order to preserve energy. Just like winter dormancy, lawns can “shut down” and hibernate like a bear. If the drought continues all summer, there is a good chance your lawn will not live to see the fall. Could your brown lawn be caused by fungus or insect damage? Sometimes it is hard to tell since these symptoms look very similar. It is hard to diagnose whether your lawn is in this state because of heat and drought stress, fungus, bugs, or scalping the lawn too low. Regardless of why, if your lawn is totally brown, now is NOT the time to try and fix it. Wait until early September to evaluate your lawn damage. If it’s dead, the only answer is to re-seed.
If you plan on re-seeding your lawn this fall, please do it early in September, do not delay until October or November. When early fall comes, hopefully the weather will improve too. Cooler nights and normal rainfall provide excellent conditions
to establish a great lawn. Take advantage of the fall growing season from September to November to get a great lawn going. Also, the ground will be warm from the summer heat, and this will help new seedlings to grow quickly. Remember when you seeded in the spring, the ground and air was cold and grass seed could take forever to germinate. Do you want to swim at the Jersey shore in April or September? I would choose September, with the water having been warmed over the summer.
During extreme hot, dry weather, do not attempt to control weeds either. There is a good chance that crabgrass will flourish if your lawn
shuts down its growth and goes into dormancy. Even if you applied crabgrass preventer, with weather extremes crabgrass may emerge more than usual. Crabgrass loves hot, dry weather. If your lawn is brown and dormant, do not attempt to control weeds or crabgrass, wait until early fall when things turn back to normal.
If you are going to spend money on grass seed, please be sure to buy a quality mixture designed for the area you are seeding. There are many choices out there for all types of lawns including Sun & Shade, Dense Shade, Heat and Drought or Heavy Traffic. Don’t waste your
Well, since there really is nothing to be done to your lawn at this time of year, I always resort to some fun. Why not go to the beach, why worry about your lawn? If the kids are going back to school, invite some friends over and enjoy a Bar-B-Que. Get that last weekend away or some vacation in since our busy lives get busier when school is back in session. Life is too short, enjoy it! Happy, hot summer!
Editor’s Note: Todd Pretz is Vice President of Jonathan Green, a leading supplier of lawn and garden products in the northeast. For more information, please visit: www.jonathangreen.com
Inside The Hive: Massive Ways These Folks Are Benefiting Our World
(Continued from page 7)
butterfly and bird habitats at the family’s Black Bear Golf Club in Franklin.
The pollinator highway began in 2016 when JCP&L and Resort personnel cleared an existing JCP&L transmission line right-ofway at the golf course and planted native grasses and wildflower seeds to create a pollinator friendly area. The habitat enhancements also are designed to help support native avian species, including field sparrows, prairie warblers, blue winged warblers, and indigo buntings; and Whereas, Crystal Springs Resort has developed multiple initiatives to raise awareness of the importance of bees to the environment and to local agriculture and to educate resort guests on how they can help in the effort to preserve local bee populations with such programming including: Educational
(Cont. on Page 25)
Tom Castronovo/Photo
Hand-painted bees on the outskirts of the Chef’s Garden Pavilion ceiling at the Grand Cascades Lodge on the Crystal Springs Resort property.
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Although the timing certainly varies by plant, I feel every plant has that moment when it looks simply bedazzling! However, I do not recall a moment when the foliage of a plant appeared so distinctive and glowing that it drew me into an unmanaged hedgerow to investigate further! The plant was Caulophyllum thalictroides, commonly known as Blue Cohosh and its bedazzling blush of blue foliage provided that very alluring sight on that rainy day in May!
Caulophyllum is a member of the Berberidaceae or Barberry Family and consists of 3 species. Caulophyllum thalictroides is native from Manitoba and Arkansas, east to New Brunswick and South Carolina. The plant was originally named Leontice thalictroides by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus (17071778) in 1753. The genus name is from the Greek Leontikós meaning ‘Of a Lion,’ referring to the resemblance of the leaves to the feet of a lion. The plant was reclassified to the proper genus by the French botanist André Michaux (1746-1802) who from 1785-1796 traveled throughout the youthful United States and parts of Canada in search of new and
Morris County Park Commission
By Bruce Crawford Horticultural Manager
A Bedazzling Blush of Blues
interesting plants. Caulophyllum thalictroides was described and published posthumously in 1803 in his book Flora Boreali-Americana
The name is crafted from the Greek Kaulos meaning stem and Pýllon for leaf, describing how the terminal leaf appears to be attached to the tip of the stem. The species epithet refers to how the compound leaves resemble those of Meadow Rue or Thalictrum
The common name of Blue Cohosh comes from the blue foliage and oddly, its rhizomatous root system! Cohosh comes from the Algonquin for rough, describing the lumpy and rough appearance of the rhizomes!
Indeed, the blue foliage is one reason the plant is worthy of a prime location in a woodland garden. The foliage arrangement varies slightly between flowering
verses non-flowering stems. For nonflowering stems, the petioles or ‘stems’ of each leaf appear in whirls of 3 atop a lower basal stem reaching 24” tall. Each leaf consists of 3-5 leaflets with the terminal leaflet appearing to be attached directly to the ‘stem’ or petiole as Michaux once noted. The glowing foliage of early May is from a white, waxy coating and as the season progresses into summer, the foliage acquires a darker bluish-green hue. The foliage also varies in width, with the terminal 3 lobed leaflets varying from 2½-3” long and wide to a more diminutive 1½”. The flowering stems develop a second and taller whirl of foliage to 3’ tall with the stem terminating in a floral panicle. The ⅜-½” flowers are very discrete and although there are 5 to 70 flowers per
inflorescence, the greenish yellow flowers often go unnoticed.
Following pollination, the round seeds slowly enlarge and by August the seeds have grown to ⅓” in diameter with the outer covering turning fleshy and deep blue. The fleshy seed coat is rich in carbohydrates and readily attracts woodland bird species.
The plants are extremely longlived, living for upwards of 50 years or longer without the need for division! Over time, the rhizomes slowly spread outward, creating a 2-3’ wide plant or equal height that is hardy in zones 3-8. Plants grow naturally in moist, lightly shaded areas in deep soils with ferns and Snakeroot (Actea racemosa) in near neutral to acidic soils. I have grown the plant successfully in Hawthorn and Mendham NJ in more acidic, well-drained soils
I must admit, I was rather amazed when I initially saw this plant glowing in its early May foliage. Foliage plants have that wonderful ability of providing interest from spring through fall and Blue Cohosh is certainly no exception. Adding to its interest are those beautiful blue seeds that benefit regional bird species. Perhaps it is time to seek out this native and add a bedazzling blush of blues to your garden!
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 in shaded locations with equal success. The foliage also contains poisonous alkaloids and glycosides, rendering the plants resistant to deer browse! The spring foliage looks great when intermingled with the blue flowers of Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) or the contrasting yellow flowers of Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata)!
EPA Announces New, Earlier Protections for People from Pesticide Spray Drift
On July 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is putting protections in place sooner for farmworkers, their families, and the general public near where pesticides are applied. EPA will now assess the potential for people to be exposed to a pesticide when it drifts away from where it is applied earlier in the agency’s review process. This applies to new active ingredient pesticide registrations and new use decisions. This updated process will protect people from pesticide spray drift 15 years sooner in the review process for new pesticides than has historically occurred.
During and after application, pesticides can drift to unintended areas like residential or recreational areas where people can get it on their skin or eyes, causing different symptoms depending on the pesticide. By assessing the amount of a pesticide that drifts beyond its intended target, EPA can identify measures that will protect people from unintended pesticide exposure. This change is also consistent with the agency’s commitment to address environmental justice concerns from pesticide use in and around farm communities and to comply with the Endangered Species Act, where EPA is working to improve how it evaluates risk to and protects endangered species.
“People who live or work near farms can be unintentionally exposed to pesticides, and it’s our
job to do as much as possible to prevent that from happening and to protect their health,” said Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “Our new policy will ensure that vital public health protections are in place when a pesticide is initially approved – so people don’t have to wait years for the protections they deserve and need.”
Historically, EPA has only conducted a chemical specific assessment of the potential for people to be exposed to pesticide ‘spray drift’ during registration review, which happen every 15 years after a pesticide is approved to ensure that it can carry out its intended functions without creating unreasonable adverse effects to human health and the environment. Starting now, the agency will also complete a chemical specific spray drift analysis during the initial registration process or the review process for new and amended uses of existing products, to ensure that any needed protections are put in place from the beginning of the pesticide’s use, rather than delaying them for 15 years. This will also ensure both new and old pesticide registrations are held to the same standard.
EPA will use chemical specific human health spray drift analyses to determine specific label instructions to protect against and reduce the occurrence of spray drift, such as droplet sizes
and buffer distances, for each pesticide and use. Additionally, if EPA identifies spray drift risks for people living or working nearby or non-target species, the agency will protect against those risks.
As part of this action, going forward EPA will now include a chemical specific human health spray drift analysis for:
• New active ingredients: any new submissions for domestic uses of new active ingredients.
• New uses and amended uses: any new use and amended use registration submissions where that active ingredient has previously received a chemical specific spray drift analysis.
• Currently pending registrations: registration actions that are currently under review with the agency, when possible.
To read more about how the agency will implement this change, see the document entitled Implementing Chemical Specific Human Health Spray Drift Analysis into Pesticide Registration Actions, July 2024. Information on the methodology for conducting human health quantitative spray drift analysis can be found in the document entitled Residential Exposure Assessment Standard Operating Procedures Addenda 1: Consideration of Spray Drift. These documents can be found at docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0676 at the Regulations.gov page.
The monkey puzzle tree, sometimes called the Chilean pine, grows natively in central and southern Chile and western Argentina. It is also the national tree of Chile. It grows in the Chilean Coast Range at elevation between 3,300 feet and 5,600 feet.
This picturesque conifer develops a broad, flat-topped architectural habit over time. The very rigid and stout branches are covered in whorls of very sharp and triangular leaves.
There are twenty species of Araucaria. 14 species are native to New Caledonia with other species found in Australia, New Guinea, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Norfolk Island, where the popular houseplant, the Norfolk Island Pine, Araucaria heterophylla is native.
In the Mid-Atlantic region, it is very rare for most native plants of South America, especially trees, to be able to thrive or even grow in our climate. For southern South American highland species, our soils are often too heavy (clay) and not well-drained enough; we get too much precipitation throughout the year; and our summers, in particular, are too hot and too humid.
The monkey puzzle, Araucaria araucana is a
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
By Andrew Bunting Vice President of Horticulture
Puzzled by the Monkey Puzzle
puzzling exception. I first saw the monkey puzzle in the mid 80’s growing in a sloped rock garden at the Barnes Foundation Arboretum in Merion Station, PA. That original tree has since died but has been replaced with two other newer specimens. Drainage seems to be the key ingredient for the success of a monkey puzzle. While they continue to be very rare in gardens, the ones that I have seen tend to be grown on a slope and I suspect the soils are well-drained.
Last year I was visiting a property in Villanova, PA. The homeowners had a specimen that was probably 30 feet tall. They said they had planted it as a small tree from a nursery and it was on a fairly steep slope. Slopes will help water drain more quickly from the site thus helping to mitigate root rot, Phytophthora and other soil borne diseases exacerbated by poor drainage.
In recent years, the Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA planted a grove of monkey puzzle trees on the slopping Parrish Lawn in front of Clothier Tower. All but one of those trees has died over time. They have since planted another grove behind the old fraternities. Longwood Gardens has planted a few on the front terrace at the Visitor Center for seasonal, especially winter interest. A colleague has a nice specimen in southern New Jersey that is about 15 feet tall. His soil is mostly sand-based which I suspect helps with better drainage. I have heard there are others in gardens at the New Jersey shore and there is a nice specimen at Hofstra University.
It is such a rarity in this area that my eyes are always peeled in search of the next one. Just a couple weeks ago I was visiting a friend near Hockessin, Delaware.
I was in a subdivision that was probably developed in the 1970’s and I turned the corner and saw the largest monkey puzzle I have seen to date in this area. This plant was planted very close to the foundation of the house on a southern slope and was close to 40 feet tall!
The monkey puzzle can make a stunning “architectural” statement in the landscape. It can stand alone as a specimen or be planted in a provocative grove. A contrasting background of a lighter green or even yellow or chartreuse foliage conifer would make for an effective display, or combining with deciduous trees with ornamental winter bark like the cinnamon flaking bark of the paperbark maple, Acer griseum or some of the colored stemmed willows like Salix alba ‘Chermesina’ with bright yellow stems in the winter would provide an excellent contrast.
While it can be a fickle tree in the landscape, it is worth considering if you have a sloping site and well drained soil. I would recommend starting with a small plant. Even in its youth it will have a picturesque habit and undoubtedly pique the interest of all your gardening friends.
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
Bobcat Expands Tractor Lineup with Introduction of Utility Tractors
Bobcat Company, a global equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, is expanding its tractor lineup with the launch of three utility tractors: the Bobcat UT6066, UT6566 and UT6573. Bobcat utility tractors are built for heavy-duty work, while making it easier for operators of all experience levels to accomplish more on their acreage.
Bobcat utility tractors feature 12x12 power shuttle transmissions that deliver smooth, easy shifting without stepping into a clutch pedal. Powered by turbocharged, Tier 4 diesel engines, these versatile workhorses offer robust, high-power performance with impressive low-end torque, plus an efficient fuel system. The tractors offer reliable starts, swift travel speeds, long component life, easy service access and simple maintenance, as well as reduced noise and vibration for comfortable workdays behind the wheel.
The climate-controlled cab, which comes standard on the UT6566 and UT6573, provides year-round comfort no matter the weather conditions. The utility tractors also feature wide glass panels, convenient visibility to the 3-pt hitch, power and tilt steering, and ergonomic controls that are thoughtfully laid out to enhance operator performance and minimize fatigue.
The optional Bobcat front-end loader is easy to attach and disconnect, with free-standing capability when removed. The loader delivers
impressive lift and reach capabilities for maximum productivity. It comes with the Bobcat Bob-Tach® attachment mounting system for quick and easy attachment changes and an integrated hydraulic valve for powered attachment operations. The mechanical, self-leveling loader keeps pallet forks level throughout the full range of motion and minimizes bucket spillage.
Bobcat utility tractors feature a rear power take-off (PTO) that achieves 540 rpm at engine speeds of either 1,800 rpm or 2,500 rpm for maximum power. The Category 2, 3-point hitch is key to Bobcat utility tractors’ versatility, allowing operators to take on tasks that require both nonpowered and PTO-powered implements. The telescopic lower links and stabilizers support easy implement connections and removals without the need for tools. Rear-remote hydraulics further enhance these tractors’ implement versatility. Operators can engage the PTO with just the push and turn of a button.
Bobcat currently offers several tractor options as part of its existing product portfolio, including sub-compact tractors, compact tractors and articulating tractors. The new utility tractors will be available at select Bobcat dealerships this summer. To find a Bobcat dealer near you, please visit bobcat.com/dealer.
Happy August to all! Can you believe how fast the summer is going by? At the NJLCA, we’re preparing for an exciting summer event: the New Jersey Contractors Showcase Expo (NJCSE)! Join us at the County College of Morris in Randolph, NJ, this August for this outdoor summer trade show and demo day. Our exhibitors are prepping their booths and demo areas, and attendees are signing up in droves. Trade shows are always fun, but they offer so much more than just entertainment; they offer opportunities!
Networking Opportunities:
Trade shows unite professionals, experts, and industry leaders from across the tri-state area, creating a prime environment for building valuable connections. Expand your professional network and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Meet potential clients, suppliers, partners, and industry influencers—all under one roof (or in this case, sky). Experience the thrill of seeing, feeling, and testing out the latest equipment and services in our expanded demo area, where everything is there for you to put your hands on and “test drive”.
Stay Ahead of the Curve: Keeping up with the latest industry trends, innovations, and
Legend has it that Helenium autumnale (sneezeweed) sprang from the ground where Helen’s tears fell. This legend is presumably why Linnaeus used the genus name Helenium
At least the species name autumnale is accurate since sneezeweed does bloom in late summer and autumn. The common name is also accurate. Sneezeweed contains the lactone sesquiterpene which irritates mucus membranes. Such compounds are apparently secreted by plants to discourage herbivores and indeed sneezeweed is listed as a moderately poisonous plant which can be fatal especially to dogs, sheep, cattle, and fish. Some sensitive people may have a reaction to simply touching the plant.
Sneezeweed is a relatively large plant growing 3-5 feet. If grown alone, you might want to prune it back since it tends to flop over if not surrounded by companions. The plant branches extensively near the top and a mature sneezeweed can have up to 100 golden 1-2 inch blooms which resemble sunflowers. The 7-20 wedge-shaped petals (ray flowers) which end in three
The NJLCA Today
By Gail Woolcott Executive Director
NJCSE: Your Must-Attend Summer Trade Show!
technologies is essential for growth and competitiveness. NJCSE will feature a wide range of exhibitors, demos, and presentations, offering exclusive insights into cuttingedge developments. Attendees in the green and outdoor living industries can gain a competitive edge by leveraging the knowledge gained at the event.
Educational Opportunities: Our event will feature educational seminars, workshops, and panel discussions led by industry experts. NJCSE will provide hands-on micro-learning sessions throughout the day, sharing valuable insights and best practices. Contractors can deepen their knowledge, learn from industry leaders, and gain fresh perspectives on relevant challenges and opportunities.
Competitive Intelligence: Trade shows offer a deeper understanding of the market
landscape, industry benchmarks, and emerging trends. This knowledge is invaluable for shaping business strategies and making informed decisions for future growth. Attending the New Jersey Contractors Showcase Expo is a great experience for businesses in the green and outdoor living industries. It’s an investment of your time (entry is free) that can yield significant returns and open doors to new horizons.
One of the greatest benefits of NJLCA membership is the relationships and knowledge gained from education and fellow members. These connections and insights create a supportive community where industry professionals can thrive. As a member of the NJLCA, you join a network of like-minded professionals who share your passion for the landscape and outdoor living industries. This
network is invaluable, providing opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and partnership. The collaborative environment fostered by NJLCA encourages the sharing of ideas and solutions. Members can participate in roundtable discussions, forums, and committees where they can voice their opinions, share their expertise, and contribute to the growth of the industry. This collaborative spirit helps to solve common challenges and promotes innovation within the industry. The NJCSE amplifies this on a larger scale, with hundreds of attendees, exhibitors, educators, and experts. Plus, enjoy free entry and food!
If you’re part of the landscape, hardscape, nursery, horticultural, agricultural, or outdoor living industries, mark your calendar for August 7, 2024, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the County College of Morris. Secure your ticket to
The Native Plant Society of New Jersey
By Hubert Ling Horticulture Chair
Grow Helen of Troy’s Golden Tears
rounded lobes spread out to form a flat disc or reflex backwards to form a skirt. The center (disc flowers) forms a raised yellowbrown mound as in coneflowers.
Flowers can be expected in NJ from mid-August through early October. Sneezeweed is also useful as a cut flower. The leaves, 3-6 inches, are simple oblong to lanceolate with a few teeth and with distinctive wings extending from the base of the leaf down to the next node and beyond. It is a striking perennial plant, and many spectacular cultivars have been developed in all shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown with larger flowers (up to 3 inches). However, one study has shown that pollinators prefer the straight species 8 to 1 over the cultivars. If you are interested in supporting the
environment grow the straight species.
The native Menominee of Wisconsin called the plant “aiatci’a ni’tcîkûn,” which means to sneeze spasmodically. Several Native American Nations used the dried powered leaves as snuff; violent sneezing was felt to loosen head congestion, relieve headaches, and drive away evil spirits. A wash from stem infusions were used to reduce fever, leaf infusions were used as a laxative, and the central disk flowers were used to clear a stuffy head cold. As usual this information is only listed as part of our historical heritage; I don’t recommend you use any undocumented medicine, especially poisonous plants of unknown strength. Sneezeweed will not cause you to sneeze
this exciting event at www.NJCSE. com. Plus, you can check out the list of our multitude of diverse vendors on the website. Don’t miss out!
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.
unless you deliberately use it for snuff; the pollen is sticky and the plant is insect pollinated so it will not add to your allergies.
Sneezeweed is very widespread; it is native to all of Southern Canada, almost all of the Continental US, and Northeastern Mexico. It is commonly found in nature on the edges of ponds and streams and in damp meadows. It grows best in slightly acid or neutral, rich, moist soil in full sun but will tolerate partial shade, normal garden conditions, standing water, basic or sandy soil, clay, rabbits, and deer. However, it does not tolerate drought. It is generally listed as FACW. Sneezeweed has high ecological value since it is a host plant for moths and butterflies and also provides pollen
and nectar for bees, beetles, butterflies, and wasps. This is especially valuable since it blooms late into fall when other sources are no longer available. Sneezeweed is easy to propagate by seed, cuttings, and root divisions. Plant the seeds in fall and let them have a natural cold treatment. Do not cover the seeds too deeply since they need light to germinate; keep the seeds moist. Generally, plants from seed bloom the second year. To propagate from cuttings, take 4- to 6-inch shoots in late spring. Remove the lower leaves and coat the bottom with rooting hormone.
This plant has been widely cultivated in Europe since 1729. It has few serious diseases, but it may suffer from powdery mildew if plants are crowded together in a shady location. Consider this plant if you have the space. It can play an important role in your pollinator, or rain garden.
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.
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.
DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
New Administrator of Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund
The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced that Mark Short has been named the new Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund (DESBF) administrator.
“Mark has been shadowing me for over 20 years,” said DESBF Administrator Judy Davis-Wilson. “He is the perfect person to serve as my replacement. He is knowledgeable about the industry and looks forward to helping everyone advance their Delaware breeding options.”
Short began working in the racing offices and Photo Finish at Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway in September 1996. He moved up to the assistant race secretary position before becoming the race secretary for Harrington Raceway in 2019 and Bally’s Dover for the 2023-2024 season. Short was the first person to cover both tracks in this role since 1996.
“I look forward to continuing the success that Judy Davis-Wilson has created since the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund was founded in 2001,” said Short.
Mark Short grew up in harness racing, beginning with feeding, watering, and mucking stalls before moving on to jogging horses. Beginning in 1980, his family ran Short’s Produce and Stable, with five to six horses in their string at a time, which they raced in Delaware and Maryland.
Along with his role at the track, Short has served as the Rabies Coordinator for the Delaware Department of Agriculture. He will begin his new role as the DESBF administrator on November 1.
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Hunterdon County’s Jarowicz Named 2024 NJ Agricultural Fair Ambassador
Lauren Jarowicz, of Lebanon in Hunterdon County, has been chosen as the 2024 New Jersey Agricultural Fair Ambassador. The Agricultural Fair Association of New Jersey selected the 22-year-old year-old Lincoln Technical Institute nursing student.
As ambassador, Jarowicz is charged with visiting the state’s agricultural fairs in 2024, promoting agriculture to the public, and bringing people together to support the state’s farmers. The county fairs begin this week with the LEAD Fest State Fair underway now and the Stars and Stripes Livestock Show on Sunday.
“Lauren’s extensive involvement in various youth agricultural organizations throughout the years has prepared her for this important role during our state’s agricultural fair season,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn said. “The Ag Fair Ambassador is a leading representative for ag education in the Garden State.” Jarowicz was the Hunterdon County 4-H and Agricultural Fair Ambassador in 2023 and was vice-president of her local FFA chapter from 2018-2020. She also has won the individual and team competition in FFA horse judging and is currently the co-leader of the Hunterdon County 4-H Beef Club.
“Agriculture has taught me leadership, hard work, perseverance, and given me confidence,” Jarowicz said. “I started riding horses at the age of 4, and little did I know that was the tip of the iceberg.”
Jarowicz is a graduate of Voorhees High School and Hunterdon County Polytech, where she studied animal science. She founded the Hunterdon County Hogs Club and Hunterdon County Beef Club and has been a member of the Centaurs Horse Club, Round Valley Riders, Junior Leaders, and Kick Butt Kids Club.
“I spent most of my years in 4-H competing in public speaking and horse knowledgebased competitions,” Jarowicz said. “My last year of 4-H my county decided to start a beef club and I couldn’t wait to join.”
When Jarowicz went searching for a cow she wanted to purchase for her 4-H project, she ended up buying three and started her own herd. She hopes to have a future raising cattle as well as growing crops.
“After a couple of months of owning my herd, I decided this is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” she said. “Without agriculture, I never would have found my God-given purpose. I hope to one day run a fully self-sufficient farm not only raising livestock, but crops as well, while educating the public on the importance of agriculture.”
Jarowicz hopes to find ways to share her passion for agriculture with others to help them better understand the necessity of the industry.
“I believe more and more people need to be educated on agriculture and the importance of farming because most people don’t know how it impacts their everyday lives,” she said. “It is my way of life and has taught me so many life lessons. Without agriculture, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
This is the 20th year the Agricultural Fair Association of New Jersey has named an ambassador. In choosing an ambassador, the Association seeks a good representation of young people active in agriculture in the Garden State and their county fair.
There are 19 agricultural fairs currently scheduled throughout the state for this summer, including the New Jersey State Fair at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. The fair season in New Jersey lasts through mid-September. See a full listing of the New Jersey county fairs at https://bit.ly/4eHf7Jp.
DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE NEWS
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Bill to Protect Pollinators, Boost Agriculture
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Senator Carolyn Comitta met at Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens in Chester County to discuss and see how Senate Bill 1193Opens In A New Window, the Plant and Pollinator Protection Act, will benefit food production, plant nurseries, and beekeepers, as well as Pennsylvania’s economy.
Pennsylvania’s nursery and landscaping industry generates $4.1 billion for the state economy and is responsible for more than 63,000 jobs. More than 80% of flowering plants must be pollinated to reproduce. This includes apples, peaches, tomatoes, berries, pumpkins, grapes, and many other high-value Pennsylvania crops.
“Some of our favorite foods rely on pollinators,” Secretary Redding said. “In so many of our communities, our jobs and livelihoods revolve around producing those foods. Protecting pollinators is more than just making sure we have beautiful
flowers, butterflies, and honey –it’s making sure we can produce food in the future.”
Pennsylvania has had a Bee Law since 1921 and a Plant Pest Law since 1937. Both laws include measures to protect pollinators from disease, and Pennsylvania’s nurseries and retail plant businesses from costly pests and disease. Senator Comitta, who serves on the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, is prime sponsor of Senate Bill 1193Opens In A New Window, which combines these outdated laws, replacing them with measures that reflect today’s environmental and economic climate and risks.
“Pollinators have a mighty impact in helping keep our families healthy, our farms strong, and our local gardens flourishing. The way we view and protect them has changed. Now, it’s time to update and improve our laws to follow suit,” said Senator Comitta. “I am glad to join our partners in introducing this
legislation to better protect bees and all pollinators from harmful pests, pathogens, and other threats.”
“Native pollinators are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems, ensuring the health and diversity of our plants and crops,” said Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens Executive Director Tom Smarr. “Public gardens like Jenkins support pollinators by offering a haven of native plants that protect biodiversity, secure our food sources, and enhance the health and well-being of our communities.”
The bill would:
• Help reduce pesticide use;
• Broaden protections for pollinators beyond honeybees to consider butterflies, bats and other valuable pollinators threatened by disease and pests;
• Enable state quality assurance verifications, increasing domestic and international
trade opportunities for Pennsylvania businesses;
• Base business inspections on threats posed by specific pests and disease – taking a proactive, preventative approach based on risk, and;
• Adjust inspection, certification, and testing fees to reflect current costs and increase customer service.
Pennsylvania’s agriculture and food industry contributes $132.5 billion annually to our state economy and supports more than 593,000 jobs across the state. Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of floriculture businesses – those that produce garden and bedding plants, potted plants, and cut flowers. The state ranks fourth in the nation in apple and peach production.
NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
State Department of Agriculture Announces Testing Requirements for Lactating Dairy Cattle Entering Fairs or Exhibitions to Prevent HPAI Transmission
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announced new testing requirements for dairy cattle entering fairs or exhibitions to continue to prevent the transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle in New York State. The order issued by the Department requires that lactating dairy cattle be tested and show negative results for HPAI within seven days prior to entering a fair, including the Great New York State Fair, county fairs, or other exhibitions. The test must be conducted by an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) lab.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “With the kick-off of summer fair season just a few weeks away, we want to remain vigilant about the concerns of HPAI in dairy cattle we are seeing across the country and ensure we are doing all we can to keep our livestock safe and healthy here in New York. By requiring this testing protocol, which will be covered, we hope to minimize the risk of the spread of HPAI while providing the opportunity for the summer traditions of entering and showing of dairy cattle at fairs and exhibitions to continue.”
State Health Commissioner
Dr. James McDonald said, “The Department of Health supports this latest biosurveillance protocol as we enter the summer fair season in an effort to prevent the spread avian influenza in dairy cattle in New York State. As a reminder, there are still no known cases of avian influenza in livestock or in humans in New York State, and we will continue to work with the Department of Agriculture and Markets to monitor the situation and prepare for any potential risks to public health and safety.”
Additionally, in April, the state issued temporary import requirements for dairy cattle coming
into New York and continues to urge farm owners and farm workers to practice good biosecurity measures, which include restricting on-farm access to employees and essential personnel; providing farm-dedicated work boots for all workers that are not worn anywhere else; preventing cattle from drinking from sources that may be contaminated by waterfowl; preventing wild birds from accessing feed sources and making sure all feed spills are cleaned up; and contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cattle are showing signs of HPAI.
Axiom 2024 Lawn and Garden Watering Ban Survey
Axiom’s aim with this research is to learn more about what drives the U.S. homeowner when it comes to lawn and gardening watering bans. To do this, they surveyed 500 homeowners aged 18-53 who live in metro areas that regularly experience droughts, watering bans and high water costs.
High Consumer Concern about Lawn and Garden Plant Survival. Two-thirds of respondents are concerned about the survival of their lawns and garden plants during thebans.
• High Concern about Water Costs: Two-thirds of respondents are concerned about water costs, with nearly threequarters experiencing price increases in the past five years.
• High Unaided Awareness of Water-Saving Products. Nearly two-thirds of respondents say they are unaware of water-saving lawn and garden products; however, when presented with a list of water-saving products, they named natural fertilizers, soil wetting agents and compost topped the list for saving water.
• High Purchase Interest in Water-Saving Products: Four in five of respondents are interested in these products and likely to purchase these products.
Top Information Sources and Retail Outlets: Top five information sources for water-saving lawn and garden products include: Home Depot, Lowe’s, YouTube, local garden centers and product websites. Top five retail outlets include: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, Amazon and local garden centers.
• More Rebates for Water-Saving Products: One-third of respondents didn’t know about their local government offering rebates on products that save water. Another third say their governments do not offer rebates. One-third say rebates are not large enough to spur purchase.
• Lawn and Garden Water Conservation Information: Nearly half of respondents say that their water utility offers helpful tips for saving water in their lawns and gardens. The tips are most often included in emails, brochures and pamphlets and are delivered by water conservation staff, county agents and recycling coordinators.
Axiom is a market strategy consulting company founded in 1993. They provide market research, channel strategy, new product development and marketing communication services to Fortune 500 manufacturers and service providers in agriculture, horticulture, building products and energy.
News
Inside The Hive: Massive Ways These Folks Are Benefiting Our World
(Continued from page 18)
Seminars with Local Beekeepers; Bee Box Build Activity; On Property Bee Hives; Local Honey Pop Up Displays; On Property Honeybee Artwork; Wildflower Packets Distributed to Guests for Planting.
As my conversation with Willey continued, he told me honey bees within the hive ‘think’ collectively. They are hard-wired to understand that their immune system is collective. Their health is based on the health of the hive, not the individual bee.
In 2008 a personal experience with a honey bee sparked a paradigm shift for Willey. He realized that human and planetary health is collective, although we rarely act like it. He said, “COVID was a reminder that we are truly all connected more deeply than we realize. The global hive I’m painting is a metaphor for the connectedness of all things. The bees are a symbol for humans, trees, animals, pollinators, water, soil, and everything in between.
The experience of creating each new mural, like pieces of a global puzzle, offer powerful connective moments for people both in their community and in their own heart and consciousness.”
Willey also told me that as he gets closer to painting an actual hive, there would be a lot more bees. At the time I visited, there were a few bees around the outskirts of the pavilion ceiling. I can’t wait to visit again to see the progress. Folks dining in the Chef’s Garden can see the hive coming to life as they enjoy their meal.
To date, Willey has hand-painted over 10,000 bees around the world. He has reached hundreds of thousands of people and created large-scale works at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington DC, Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in NYC, and Burt’s Bees Global Headquarters. He has collaborated with the World Council of Peoples for the United Nations (WCPUN) and NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks Public Art Program. He has painted in a Tony Award-Winning Broadway star’s dressing room in NYC, at a fire station in the American south and at schools across the country and in the UK.
In November 2022, Crystal Springs Resort Grounds Superintendent Craig Worts, and Crystal Springs Resort Landscape Supervisor Nicole Szeredy, were presented with a plaque recognizing Crystal Springs Resort as the only New Jersey Resort with a public garden by the New Jersey
Landscape Contractors Association.
I just learned about a forest bathing walk on the resort grounds. A resort naturalist takes you on a guided journey to quiet the mind and deepen the connection with your inner self and the natural world through practicing sensory awareness such as scent, sight, sound, and breath. I’m told this soothing walk culminates in a 10-minute guided meditation with an emphasis on connecting with the earth. It sounds fun.
Every time I visit Crystal Springs Resort, I become more and more amazed at the time and effort the Mulvihill family is putting into educating the resort guests on how they can help preserve the environment, and how the family strives to maintain an ecological balance between people and nature in the Garden State.
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.
Tom Castronovo/Photo
A select bee landscape on the grounds of the Crystal Springs Resort Grand Cascades Lodge property in Hamburg, Sussex County, NJ.
Tom Castronovo/Photo
Coneflowers paint the landscape throughout the Grand Cascades Lodge parking lot on the Crystal Springs Resort property in Hamburg, Sussex County, NJ.
Rutgers Is Developing a Sweeter, Firmer Blueberry for New Jersey Growers
Rutgers researchers are getting close to identifying a new blueberry variety that can produce a sweeter, firmer fruit for Garden State growers.
The decade-long research project will move into its final trial this season. Of the thousands of blueberry plants evaluated for desirable traits at Rutgers’ Philip E. Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension in Chatsworth, NJ, only three or four samples will be selected to move forward, said Gina Sideli, who is an assistant professor of plant biology at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and directs the center’s breeding program.
When that trial culminates in about five years, Rutgers hopes to have a new and improved blueberry cultivar to bring to market. The state produces between 35 and 45 million pounds of blueberries on average a year to serve the densely populated Northeast.
Fourth-generation farmer Brandon Raso, part-owner of Variety Farms in Hammonton, NJ, grows 750 acres of blueberries, including the 30-year-old Duke varietal and 70-year-old Blue Crop varietal, which are just about ripe for harvest. He said Rutgers’ blueberry research will take the guesswork out of which new and improved varietal to invest in.
A new blueberry cultivar proven to yield a less-tart-tasting, firmer fruit could mean significant economic benefits for local growers who are trying to cater to ever-changing consumer tastes.
Growers from South America and Mexico are new to the industry and present a windfall to private breeders looking to supplement expanding markets. Those growers are reaping the benefits of new research that is targeted to their regions to produce longer-lasting fruit that can withstand travel to markets.
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