Gardener News December 2025

Gardener News Gardener News

Celebrate National Poinsettia Day

National Poinsettia Day is celebrated annually on December 12th to honor the plant’s history and the men it’s named after. The day commemorates Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S.

Minister to Mexico, who introduced the plant to the United States. It’s also named after Paul Ecke, Jr., who is considered the father of the poinsettia industry.

Poinsett was an American botanist who in 1828 sent cuttings of the plant he’d discovered in Southern Mexico to his home in Charleston, South Carolina.

It was Ecke’s discovery of a technique which caused seedlings

to branch that allowed the Poinsettia industry to flourish.

In July of 2002, the U.S. House of Representatives created Poinsettia Day with H. Res 471.

WHEREAS, the poinsettia, native to Central America, flourished in the area of southern Mexico known as Taxco del Alarcon, where the Aztecs used it both decoratively and to make practical substances, including

medicine to treat fever and dye for textiles and cosmetics;

WHEREAS, the poinsettia was first brought to the United States by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the United States Ambassador to Mexico from 1825 to 1829, who collected specimens of the flower while serving as Ambassador and sent them to his greenhouses in South Carolina;

WHEREAS, (Cont. on Page 8)

Tom Castronovo/Photo

On a quick stroll around my home garden in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, I can quickly see several areas where I have used culinary herbs ornamentally. About five years ago, my front garden was a “tired” cottage garden in need of renovation. I had been impressed with the gravel gardens at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College and at Chanticleer in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

I removed six to eight inches of soil and installed ½ inch granite gravel and planted many plants that I have observed that would thrive in these conditions. Additionally, being in the front yard all the plants had to be deer resistant. Many herbs that have their origins in the Mediterranean find these sunny, hot, welldrained conditions optimal for performing well.

In years past, I have struggled with growing lavenders well, probably due to soils being too heavy and lack of drainage, but in the gravel garden they have been completely hardy and have grown into large mounds over the past five years. I grow Lavandula x intermedia Phenomenal™. In the summer it produces an abundance of spikes with lavender flowers. I leave the flower spikes on late in the summer and into the fall because it adds

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

By Andrew Bunting Vice President of Horticulture

Herbs as Ornamental Plants in the Garden

some architectural quality. Ultimately, I will prune off the flowering stems, and I will have small shrubs for winter interest with attractive greysilver foliage. Lavenders are completely deer resistant and are one of the best pollinatorattracting plants in the garden.

Also thriving in the gravel garden is a low-growing selection of catmint, Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low.’ I use ‘Walker’s Low’ as a low ground covering or edging plant along the front walkway. It flowers in profusion in May with smokey blue flowers. Often after flowering I give catmints a significant “haircut.” This is a good way to rejuvenate the plant and make it look fresh throughout the rest of the growing season. I have grown many other cultivars of catmint with equal success. On a recent trip to the large wholesale nursery, Walter’s Gardens in Michigan, I asked what were

their three top selling plants. One was a daylily and another a Hosta, and the third plant was Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas.’

During the summer months I use ornamental pots throughout the garden. I have them in the front in the gravel garden; they accent my front stoop; many are used on the bluestone patio flanking the back of my house; while others are used to accent the summer house and some flank the paths in the vegetable garden. Over the years I have used many herbs for ornamental interest in pots. Many of the sages, Salvia officinalis, have very attractive foliage and can be used as a solo specimen in a container or to embellish other plantings.

‘Icternia’ has a splotch of dark green in the center framed with chartreuse towards the edge of the leaves. ‘Purpurascens’ has both green and purple leaves. ‘Tricolor’ is a suffusion of green, white, purple, and pink,

and I love ‘Berggarten’ for its broad and bold foliage. Sages will thrive in well-drained soil in mostly sun.

Over the years I have had several specimens of bay laurel, Laurus nobilis, on my patio or along the pathway in a container in the vegetable garden. I have grown it for its dark green broad leaves and as a multi-stemmed shrub-like specimen, and on occasion I have had ones grown as standards with a single trunk and a clipped topiary-like clipped ball at the top.

Over the last 25 years gardening in my home garden, I have found nearly all the herbs that I have used to be deer resistant, drought tolerant, support pollinators, and adaptable plants for a changing climate. In addition to being important culinary herbs, they are also great ornamental plants. They are easy to grow, only requiring some deadheading

of the sages, rosemary and lavender, and some occasional grooming throughout the summer and after the winter. This is just a snapshot of the many outstanding herbs that can be used aesthetically in the garden.

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

Aqua Pennsylvania Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Partnership with Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Trees for Watersheds Grant Program

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and Aqua Pennsylvania celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Trees for Watersheds grant program with a commemorative planting event at the Riverbend Environmental Education Center in Montgomery County. Launched in 2005 and formerly known as TreeVitalize Watersheds, the Trees for Watersheds program has been awarded almost $2 million in grants from Aqua. These grants are part of more than $4.7 million in total funding provided collectively by Aqua, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and PECO. Together, these resources have facilitated the planting of over 240,000 native trees, shrubs and seedlings across over 1,200 acres to protect and restore local water quality throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.

The event brought together leaders from PHS, Aqua and its parent company, Essential Utilities, as well as local conservation groups to honor two decades of environmental impact and partnership. The celebration concluded with a ceremonial planting on site at the Riverbend Environmental Education

Center in Montgomery County.

“For 20 years, the Trees for Watersheds program has shown how powerful partnerships and horticulture can be in protecting natural resources and advancing community well-being,” said Matt Rader, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. “We’ve planted hundreds of thousands of trees, shrubs, and seedlings, improving air and water quality, restoring vital habitats, and creating greener, healthier places for people to live.”

Through support from Aqua, long-term funding provided by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Grant Program, and the efforts of PHS Tree Tenders and local conservation districts, Trees for Watersheds has helped expand tree canopy in five counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia. The conservation districts in each of these counties - Bucks County Conservation District, Chester County Conservation District, Delaware County Conservation District, Montgomery County Conservation District, and

Philadelphia County - have been integral partners since the program’s inception, providing vital local coordination, expertise, and outreach.

These plantings play a critical role in filtering polluted runoff, lowering stream temperatures, and recharging groundwater supplies, benefiting both the environment and public health. By expanding tree cover in critical areas, the program also helps safeguard the long-term quality of drinking water sources.

For 2 decades, this program has empowered local communities to expand tree canopy and protect waterways through strategic plantings. With partnership from Aqua and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and guidance from PHS and county conservation districts, the program has empowered grassroots efforts that create more resilient natural environments. PHS Tree Tenders groups and other community partners have played a key role in organizing volunteer-driven projects that bring residents together around shared goals of environmental stewardship and public health.

I find inspiration for these monthly articles in many places. Whether it’s something happening on the farms or in the industry or from my memories and experiences through my nearly 58 years of life experience.

This month, I asked my nowadult children for their favorite holiday memories through their lives. December in our house means Christmas season abounds all month long. In your house, it may be Hanukkah or Kwanzaa as a time for celebration. Whatever holiday you observe, may you have a great time with family and friends and make plenty of great memories and observe your favorite traditions…and find some ways to appreciate our Garden State agricultural industry and community in your home.

For us, the holiday season starts with the creation of a construction paper countdown chain to mark the days until Christmas. A link is taken off each night before bed, and anticipation builds as the chain gets shorter.

Putting all the beautiful lights on the house and staging fun decorations in the yard are always hallmarks of our holiday

NJ Dept. of Agriculture

By Joe Atchison III Assistant Secretary of Agriculture

The Holiday Season in the Garden State

preparations, as are the freshly made wreaths on the windows. The wreaths are made out of boughs from pine or spruce trees from local tree farms.

And speaking of tree farms, my absolute favorite memories from the Christmas season have involved me, as a kid, going to a tree farm with my parents, or later in life as an adult taking my kids to local Christmas tree farms in New Jersey.

In the years before the dawn of the Internet and www. njchristmastrees.org, we would get in the car and go driving around the Burlington County area, visiting one or more farms looking for the perfect tree.

That perfect tree was usually a Douglas Fir, about seven to eight feet tall. To this day, we go back to our favorite farm in

Burlington County, but if they are low on inventory, we’ve been known to go to as many as seven farms all around South Jersey as we search for the kind of tree Clark Griswold would have wanted.

On Christmas Day, the parents would get up early and light a fire in the fireplace, using Jersey Grown firewood, and wait patiently for the kids to wake up…if they weren’t already clamoring to come downstairs to see what Santa had brought. Gifts were exchanged and then dinner preparations began. Whether we got a pie from a local farm market or we used Jersey Fresh apples to make one from scratch all depended on how busy our schedules were.

We usually had a prime rib for dinner with local sweet potatoes

Jersey Tastes. Jersey Tastes.

INGREDIENTS

FAMILY SIZE, SERVES 8

PORTION SIZE: ½ cup

¼ cup Spanish onion, thinly sliced

¼ tsp. garlic, minced

4 tsp. vegetable oil

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

4 tsp. cider vinegar

½ cup apple juice

½ lb. red cabbage, thinly sliced

4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced

⅓ cup apples, peeled & diced

and/or white mashed potatoes. These past few years, I’ve begun buying a bushel of Jersey Fresh sweet corn in early October and freezing it for the winter. There’s nothing like that summertime favorite at a wintertime holiday meal!

If you’re celebrating Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, there are many ways to incorporate local agriculture into your celebrations, whether it’s New Jersey beeswax candles for your displays or local potatoes in your latkes or crispy Brussels sprouts, applesauce made from Jersey Fresh apples, or a local Jersey Raised roast chicken or a sweet potato pie.

Of course, New Jersey’s fine wine, beer, cider, mead, and other distilled spirits help to liven up the proceedings – consumed

responsibly, of course! The more than 50 wineries throughout our state, and the various other “adult beverage” producers are often fun places to visit leading up to the season.

Whichever of the holidays you observe, if wholesome, fresh-from-the-farm food and drinks, as well as greenery for decorations, help you celebrate the joys this world gives us, you can incorporate those gifts created by our own farmers right here in New Jersey.

Check out the NJDA website and social media platforms for messaging regarding an array of farms in our incredible state that can provide the elements that go into your holiday memories. No matter where you are celebrating or who you are celebrating with, enjoy your holiday season and best wishes for a Happy New Year!

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.

Braised Cabbage and Apples

DIRECTIONS

1

2

3

4

Sauté onions & garlic in oil. Add salt & pepper. Cook until soft.

Add the vinegar & apple juice. Mix in the cabbages & apples.

Cabbage is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin K, which is essential for immune function and blood clotting. Stir until coated.

Cook, stirring often, until the cabbage is soft; about 1 hour.

https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/farmtoschool FUN FACT!

RUTGERS NJAES/RCE

Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Phone Directory

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

From the Director’s Desk

Rutgers Outreach

Provided by Brian Schilling Director

Don’t Go Dormant in December!

The plants in your landscape are either awake, such as evergreens, or dormant, such as those perennials that have died back. Whether dormant or awake, both types need your care during the winter months. Dust off those gardening gloves and give your landscape some love this December.

While most of your garden is napping through the cold, evergreens remain active and require attention all winter long. Let’s explore how these resilient plants avoid freezing and what care they need to stay healthy.

Evergreens don’t freeze in winter, thanks to a suite of biological adaptations that help them survive cold temperatures and retain moisture. A common misconception is that evergreens don’t need water in winter. In fact, the more hydrated the plant, the less likely it is to suffer cold damage. Why? Because well-hydrated evergreens produce natural antifreezelike compounds that lower the freezing point inside their cells, preventing ice formation that could rupture cell walls. Their slowed metabolism also reduces the need for water and nutrients, helping them endure when resources are scarce.

Evergreen leaves are covered in a thick, waxy cuticle that minimizes water loss, especially when the ground is frozen and roots can’t absorb moisture. Their small surface area, whether needle-like or scale-shaped, further reduces evaporation in dry winter air. Their shape also helps shed snow and ice, while flexible branches allow them to bear heavy snow loads without snapping.

Despite these superpowers, evergreens still need water when the ground isn’t frozen, and conditions are dry. They continue to lose moisture through their needles, especially on sunny, windy, or cold days.

Without adequate hydration, they can suffer from winter desiccation, which often shows up as browning or needle drop in spring.

If there’s been little rain or snow, check soil moisture with a meter or your finger. If the soil is dry and not frozen, it’s time to water. Focus on the root zone, soaking the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches, and water early in the day so it can absorb before nighttime temperatures drop.

Winter stress often reveals itself in spring, but signs can appear now. Watch for browning or yellowing needles, especially on the windward side, as a sign of winter burn. Split bark or trunk cracks may indicate frost damage. Dry, brittle branches that snap easily could be dead or desiccated, and excessive needle drop may signal trouble. If you notice any of these symptoms, reach out to the Rutgers Garden Helpline at Go.Rutgers.edu/ GardenHelpline for guidance.

Here are a few cold-hardy evergreens well-suited to New Jersey’s planting zones: Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus), fast-growing with long, soft needles; American Holly (Ilex opaca), native tree with glossy leaves and bright red berries; Common Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), dense shrub ideal for structure and borders; Arborvitae (Thuja spp.), columnar evergreens perfect for screens and windbreaks; Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens), adds striking bluegray color to the landscape; and Juniper (Juniperus spp.), versatile species ranging from groundcovers to trees.

Dormant perennials also need care. These plants die back in winter but survive underground using perennating structures, specialized parts like bulbs, corms, rhizomes, tubers, and crowns, that store energy and protect vital tissues

until spring.

These structures, often just below the surface, benefit from insulation during the coldest months. If you haven’t mulched your perennial beds yet, apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch or shredded leaves to protect against freezing.

Some dormant perennials may also need covering during a hard freeze. In Zones 6 and 7, a light freeze (32°F to 29°F) may damage sensitive plants, while a hard freeze (28°F and below) can kill nonhardy annuals, vegetables, and tender perennials. Wrapping vulnerable plants during hard freezes helps protect them from cold damage, drying winds, and hungry wildlife. Most plants don’t need wrapping all winter, just during severe cold snaps. Old cotton sheets work well for young roses, figs, fall-planted perennials, and some boxwoods. Remove and store the covers after the freeze passes.

Mulch also benefits garden root crops left in the ground for next year, like onions, parsnips, and leeks. Herbs such as parsley, thyme, oregano, and sage are perennials in Zones 6 and 7, so mulching herb beds is a smart move.

We often wait for spring while suffering from gardening withdrawals. But don’t wait! Your plants need attention, even in December. Bundle up, step outside, and enjoy your landscape.

If you are ready to plan for your spring garden or would like to take some horticulture classes, visit Go.Rutgers. edu/Home-Lawn-Garden for resources and register for classes. Check out the “Let’s Grow Your Mind” series for an eclectic mix of topics via virtual presentations on Monday evenings.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Rutgers Cooperative Extension!

RUTGERS NJAES/RCE

LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY NEWS

Rutgers Environmental Stewards

Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

The Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program, a certificate program that trains adult volunteers on important environmental issues in New Jersey in areas such as sustainable climate change solutions, storm water management, and habitat conservation marks its 20th anniversary this year.

Offered through Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the program has trained more than 1,300 residents across all 21 New Jersey counties since it was established in 2005.

The impact of the program is sizeable, with volunteers completing a total of 316 projects with more than 50 partnership organizations. Notably, many of the projects have been geared towards helping to reduce the impact of climate change in volunteer’s respective communities. Volunteers have measurably engaged in 22,439 hours of environmental service across the state, contributing $860,136 in conservation value and impact to partnership projects and enhancing or creating 145 habitat sites through natural resource activities.

Climate

Intervention Techniques Could Reduce the Nutritional Value of Crops, New Study Finds

A new study published in the journal, Environmental Research Letters, reports that cooling the planet by injecting sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere—a proposed climate intervention technique—could reduce the nutritional value of the world’s crops.

Scientists at Rutgers University used global climate and crop models to estimate how stratospheric aerosol intervention (SAI), one type of solar geoengineering, would impact the protein level of the world’s four major food crops, maize, rice, wheat and soybeans. The SAI approach, inspired by volcanic eruptions, would involve releasing sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere. This gas would transform into sulfuric acid particles, forming a persistent cloud in the upper atmosphere that reflects a small part of the Sun’s radiation, thereby cooling the Earth.

While these cereal crops are primarily sources of carbohydrates, they also provide a substantial share of dietary protein for large portions of the global population. Model simulations suggested that increased CO2 concentrations tended to reduce the protein content of all four crops, while increased temperatures tended to increase the protein content of crops. Because SAI would stop temperatures from increasing, the CO2 effect would not be countered by warming, and protein would decrease relative to a warmer world without SAI.

“SAI would not perfectly counteract the impacts of climate change; it would instead create a novel climate where the relationship between CO2 and surface temperatures is decoupled. This would likely reduce the protein content of crops, and impact plant ecology in other ways we do not yet fully understand,” said Brendan Clark, a former doctoral student in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS), and lead author on the study.

Models show that SAI would affect crop protein differently across regions, with the largest declines in nations that are already malnourished and protein deficient. The authors highlight that more field studies and model development are needed to make more informed decisions about SAI.

“Are we willing to live with all these potential impacts to have less global warming? That’s the question we’re trying to ask here,” said Alan Robock, a Distinguished Professor of Climate Science in the Department of Environmental Sciences at SEBS, and a co-author of the study. “We’re trying to quantify each of the potential risks and benefits so we can make informed decisions in the future.”

Brendan Clark is now a postdoctoral associate at Cornell University. Other scientists on the study include Lili Xia, assistant research professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at SEBS, Sam Rabin of NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research, Jose Guarin of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Jonas Jägermeyr of Columbia University.

Rutgers Gardens is closed every Monday

Visit us Tuesday through Sunday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Celebrating Nicki Graf CC’77 and Her 37-Year Career of Cultivating Plants and People at Rutgers

Perhaps as iconic to Cook Campus as Passion Puddle and the Rutgers Farm, the Floriculture Greenhouse with its towering smokestack has long been a joyful place for plant-minded people at Rutgers. One of the oldest buildings on Cook campus, the Floriculture Greenhouse originally served as a research station focusing on cut flower production and preservation while doubling as a dynamic classroom for the teaching of Horticulture coursework. As research initiatives changed, so did the role of the greenhouse, which now serves as a hub for student experiential learning, plant related instruction and Rutgers community wellness.

At the root of this evolution was Nicki Graf CC’77, who operated and oversaw the greenhouse from 1988 to 2025, an astounding 37 years. Nicki’s heart has been on the George H. Cook campus since studying here as a member of the first matriculating class of Cook College, and her efforts in supporting the educational capacity of the greenhouse have been unwavering.

An annual keystone of Nicki’s efforts was growing a trial of poinsettias, which showcased new varieties of the holiday flower while giving students an opportunity to engage, hands-on, with the commercial production of plants.

Beyond growing plants and supporting plant-related coursework, Nicki was a champion for the student experience at Rutgers. She curated and maintained the botanical collection at Floriculture, an endeavor that gave students the opportunity to engage with hundreds of plants from around the world while honing their horticultural eye. Between the poinsettia project, caring for the collection and the development of a raised bed teaching garden behind the greenhouse, Nicki mentored dozens of students, many of whom satisfied their Experiential Learning requirement while working alongside her. Nicki furthered our students experiences by building connections with alumni and industry partners, such as EcoWalls, an alumni-founded living wall company whose prototype wall still exists in the foyer of the greenhouse, serving as a site for student experiential learning.

She also empowered students to showcase their plant care efforts at events like the Philadelphia Flower Show, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society Show, and the North Jersey Orchid Society Show that meets on Cook Campus annually. The programs that Nicki started helped many students find their calling, including Lee Hazen SEBS ‘19, now a professional gardener.

“If I hadn’t worked at the Floriculture Greenhouse under Nicki I don’t know if I would’ve developed the confidence I needed to embark into the work of professional horticulture and end up proud of where I am today,” said Hazen.

Above all, the programs and plants that Nicki created served as a vector for wellness. Under Nicki’s watch, the greenhouse became a place where students found community, felt safe and developed a sense of belonging. From welcoming people to explore and enjoy the botanical collection to always being a thoughtful listener, Nicki excelled in creating a comfortable environment for our community.

Jamie Lubov SEBS ’24, was one of Nicki’s students. “Working at the floriculture greenhouse with Nicki as my boss was a core part of my experience as a Rutgers student. This was not just a job for me, but a place where I was able to belong,” he said.

Nicki’s talent for plants and people was well known to her colleagues.

“Nicki was a great greenhouse manager who provided critical support to Plant Science classes, but her true legacy is in the meaningful relationships she fostered, as a coworker, mentor, and friend, to those who worked with her,” said Donald Kobayashi, chair of the Department of Plant Biology. “She had a positive influence on many students; from guiding them into careers in horticulture to leading teams that won ribbons and awards at flower shows, Nicki shared her experience, knowledge, and a historical perspective that students couldn’t get from the classroom alone. She always made visiting the greenhouse enjoyable and worthwhile and will be missed,” he added.

Jesse Deming SEBS ’27, former president of the Rutgers Undergraduate Students for Plant Sciences, echoes this sentiment.

“I am immensely grateful to have met Nicki while she was at Rutgers, and her work and dedication to the Floriculture Greenhouse was always awe-inspiring,” said Deming. “Going to the greenhouse always felt like walking into a space that was deeply cared for and loved.”

We thank Nicki for her decades of dedication to the SEBS community, and for her enduring commitment to our students’ education and wellbeing.

New N.J. Law Allows Commercial Farmers to Recover Costs and Attorney Fees when Forced to Defend Against Unfounded Challenges

Legislation to protect New Jersey farmers from frivolous or malicious complaints under the state’s Right to Farm Act has been signed into law. The measure allows commercial farmers to be awarded reasonable costs and attorney fees when they successfully defend against complaints filed in bad faith.

The Right to Farm Act guides how local officials review and decide whether farm operations comply with accepted agricultural practices. When residents or entities file complaints in bad faith, farmers are often required to spend significant time and money defending their operations. The new law helps deter these tactics while ensuring farmers can focus on agricultural production without unnecessary legal burdens.

Assembly Bill No. 4603 is identical to Senate Bill No. 3662.

Celebrate National Poinsettia Day

(Continued from page 1)

Paul Ecke, Jr. has been known and revered for more than five decades as an outstanding business and community leader in the region of San

Diego, California, and in both the domestic and international floral industries;

WHEREAS, the Ecke Ranch, established by Paul

Ecke, Sr. and subsequently owned and developed by Paul Ecke Jr. and now by his son, Paul Ecke III, has created a worldwide poinsettia market;

WHEREAS, the genetic work of the Ecke Ranch has been licensed to growers everywhere, and poinsettia lines developed there are

responsible for more than 80 percent of the world poinsettia market;

WHEREAS, by revolutionizing the way poinsettias are bred, produced, and sold, Paul Ecke, Jr. helped to make poinsettias the bestselling potted flowering plant in the United States and in the world;

WHEREAS, in 2001 poinsettias contributed $256,000,000 in sales at the wholesale level to the United States economy alone, and many times that amount to the economies of countries all over the world;

WHEREAS, December 12 has been traditionally recognized as `National Poinsettia Day’ for more than 150 years; and

WHEREAS, Paul Ecke, Jr. led the horticultural industry’s successful effort to include, for the first time, significant research funding for floral and nursery (Cont. on Page 22)

Tom Castronovo/Photo

Red Poinsettias at Hionis Greenhouses in Whitehouse Station, Hunterdon County, NJ.

With the recent downturn in the grain markets (corn, soybeans, and wheat, etc..), I have seen more than a couple of articles lately in farm publications about the benefits of having a diverse agricultural operation. Growers, who had year after year of profitable crops, and thought that they had everything all figured out, are now desperately searching for another stream of revenue to shore up their balance sheets.

Agriculture started out as being extremely diverse. In subsistence agriculture, people grew what they needed to live on. Those who could not learn how to navigate the normal ups and downs of crop cycles and weather events soon starved to death. These original farmers knew how unpredictable growing crops could be and, over time, developed ways in which they could mitigate their risks. They learned to grow crops that matured at different times of the year. They also learned how to feed these crops to animals so that these animals could then be “harvested.” They also learned about how to store and preserve their crops and to stockpile any excess for times when the weather did not necessarily cooperate. In fact, you could say that our entire

A terrarium is always great fun to set up, especially for young children and the young at heart. You can add small statues of people or animals and imagine that you have created a miniature world. Partridgeberry, Mitchella repens, is an ideal plant because it has very small leaves, flowers, and bright scarlet berries.

It is just the right size to allow you to landscape your small-scale gardens. If you can’t get out into the woods any longer, your little terrarium, filled with native plants, can remind you of when you were surrounded by your beloved outdoors.

The genus name is in memory of John Mitchell, a physician and botanist in colonial Virginia. The species name, repens, means creeping. The leaves on partridgeberry are almost circular and have a diameter of about 1/4 inch. The white summer flowers are about 3/8 inch long and are borne in pairs. The flowers generally have four petals but occasionally five or even six petals are seen. Each pair of these fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers will produce one fruit in the fall which bears two dimples as a result of the two flowers fusing together.

The mature scarlet fruits are

The Town Farmer

By Peter Melick Agricultural Producer

Diversity in Agriculture

agricultural civilization was built upon a system of diverse offerings of crops and products.

But, as is usually the case, farmers are always testing the limits of this system. If growers do well with a specific crop, they tend to grow more of it. And many times, this growth in one crop comes at the expense of other crops. It’s a common conundrum. Is it better to increase short-term profits by specialization and streamlining expenses? Or is it more advantageous to play the long game and spread out as much risk as possible.

There are a lot of advantages to diversifying other than the obvious ones concerning risk. For example, a vegetable grower, instead of planting just one crop such as tomatoes on all of their

acreage, could plant different crops. These other vegetables would more than likely have different planting and harvest dates. This would permit growers to spread out their labor and equipment throughout the season. It would also spread the risk to other factors such as drought or excessive rain. And if the same equipment could be used for these different crops, then that would be another potential savings. If it’s a bad year for tomatoes, maybe it’s a good one for asparagus in the spring or cole crops in the fall. Another advantage would be the potential savings in labor. With multiple crops to plant and harvest throughout the year, a grower would be able to employ laborers for a longer portion of the year. This would encourage a more

stable labor force and, hopefully, result in a more efficient labor force as well.

Growers can also diversify their operations through marketing. Instead of only selling their milk on the wholesale markets, a dairy farmer could opt to make their own cheese or ice cream from their milk and market it directly to consumers. Sure, it would be a big change for the dairy farmer to now have to deal with the general public, but it would also allow them to potentially decrease their risk from changes in wholesale prices while still allowing them to capture the retail prices for their products.

But in order for this to work, a grower should make certain that these changes are made efficiently and successfully. What’s the sense

The Native Plant Society of New Jersey

By Hubert Ling Horticulture Chair

What Small Vine is Good for my Terrarium?

also about 3/8 inch long at maturity and they add a long lasting, striking contrast to the dark green leaves. Partridgeberry vines will continue to grow well but slowly and indefinitely with the high humidity conditions of a terrarium maintained indoors.

However, it will not flower or set fruit unless it is periodically given a cold treatment. Since this is a plant native to NJ it needs three months of cool, moist conditions annually to keep it on a regular developmental cycle. You can provide this vernalization treatment by leaving your terrarium outside over winter, or by placing it in an unheated garage or in the refrigerator during the winter months. Make sure you periodically water it so it doesn’t

stay dry too long. If you opt to keep your terrarium outdoors during winter, you will probably have to control insect pests before returning the terrarium to its indoor home.

Outdoors partridgeberry is an evergreen ground cover, but it does not compete well with grasses and larger ground-hugging herbs, so it generally cannot be used to cover large areas. In nature it is fairly common, but in most locations the vines generally cover an irregular area about one foot wide and two feet long. I have only seen one site where it extended more than 30 feet by 30 feet. It works well in damp, shady areas on the edges of small ponds, streams, and flower beds, or in rock gardens where you can keep grass and other aggressive

of spending a lot of money to make a bunch of changes if all you get are higher bills and more headaches. It might be best to ease into something first before “betting the farm” on it.

Another way farmers have chosen to diversify is by working off of the farm for a portion of the day or season. These side jobs or part time jobs can many times dovetail quite well with the growing of lots of farm products. Sometimes a steady income stream not related to the farm can go a long way in preserving some peace of mind. At least I have writing this column to fall back on!

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

plants out. Also, heavy leaf litter can suffocate your colonies.

Although you can propagate partridgeberry by seed, it is a long, slow process and germination, when it does occur, is spread out over several years. Generally, propagation is by cuttings or by simply pulling mature clumps apart and replanting the smaller rooted sections.

Pollinating bees are rewarded with a supply of pollen and nectar. Although the fruit is edible it is small and tasteless. However, birds and mammals seek them out. In addition, partridgeberry was a significant medicinal plant for several Native American tribes. The Menominees used the leaves to prepare a drink to combat insomnia. Several tribes used it to

reduce pain, fever, and swelling. In addition, the Cherokee and several other tribes used it as a diuretic, diaphoretic and for reproductive problems. However, there is only preliminary research on the medical uses of partridgeberry. Studies have shown that the plant is rich in polyphenols which are known to have cytoprotective functions, so it may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, partridgeberry extract can cause smooth muscle to contract so it may also be useful during childbirth. Partridgeberry was listed in the U.S. National Formulary for uterine health but currently there are no approved FDA uses for the plant, and you should consult with your doctor before using partridgeberry. Check out our website at https:// www.awesomenativeplants.info/ photo_galleries/photo_pages/ mitchella_repens.html for details and pictures.

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.

New FloraLife® Liquid LeafShine Product Offers a Non-Aerosol Solution for Shiny, NaturalLooking Foliage

FloraLife, a division of Smithers-Oasis Company, and worldwide leader in providing solutions throughout the flower journey from farm to vase, launches its new FloraLife® Liquid LeafShine product, a ready-to-use, non-aerosol spray formulated to deliver a natural shine to foliage plants, fresh-cut foliage and fresh-cut flower foliage.

As the next generation of finishing product, the FloraLife® Liquid LeafShine spray provides the same high-quality shine as traditional aerosol sprays and offers a refillable solution. The innovative fine-mist sprayer evenly distributes a water-based formula, ensuring a clean, streak-free finish without leaving oily residue or attracting dust

The FloraLife® Liquid LeafShine Spray helps foliage stay cleaner longer by removing and preventing water spots and calcium deposits. Its ready-to-use format requires no mixing—simply shake and spray for a lasting shine.

The key benefits of the new FloraLife® Liquid LeafShine product include:

• Non-aerosol, water-based formula in refillable packaging.

• Fast-drying application with no wiping required.

• A natural shine without an oily appearance.

• Innovative fine-mist sprayer with aerosol-like performance.

• Ready-to-use convenience—no dilution needed.

The FloraLife® Liquid LeafShine product is available in 16 fl oz bottles (473ml) and 1-gallon (3.8L) jugs for refill, making it suitable for both professional and consumer use.

For more information about the new FloraLife® Liquid LeafShine products, contact your local representative, or visit the FloraLife website. The product can be preordered in North America with planned global expansion in early 2026.

In the Chef’s Corner

By Andy Lagana Chef

Crock Pot Turkey and Gnocchi Pasta

Hello Gardener News

readers. The holidays are here, and I have the ideal comfort food that you and your guests will love. Crock Pot Turkey and Gnocchi Pasta – so delicious and easy. Ingredients needed are 1lb. of boneless turkey breast or thighs (I prefer thighs), 2 cups mirepoix (celery, carrot, onion - all diced), 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary and thyme, 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water, 2 12 oz. cans of evaporated milk, 1 lb. package of gnocchi, 6 slices of bacon, 3 gloves of garlic and 2 cups of fresh baby spinach. Place the turkey, mirepoix, basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt and broth in a crockpot or slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Shred the turkey directly into the crockpot. Add the cornstarch mixture, evaporated milk, and gnocchi. Stir and replace cover. Cook another 45 minutes to 1 hour until the soup has thickened and the gnocchi has softened. While the soup is thickening, cut the bacon into small pieces and fry until crisp. Drain on paper towels and wipe most of the bacon grease out of the pan, leaving just a little bit for the spinach/ garlic. Add the garlic and sauté for one minute. Add the spinach and stir until wilted. Remove from heat, then add the bacon and spinach to the crockpot. Stir to combine. Add any additional liquid as needed (I add about a cup of water once it starts to thicken) and season again

Editor’s

with salt and pepper.

To accompany this dish, you will like this Garrotxa Bread Salad. Gather together ½ loaf ciabatta bread cut into 1-inch pieces, 4 tablespoons olive oil – divided, Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, 2 tablespoons drained prepared horseradish, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 oz. membrillo (quince paste) cut into ¼-inch pieces, 4 ounces Garrotxa cheese finely grated on a micro plane (this is a semi-firm Spanish goat cheese, but you can use any cheese you like) and baby arugula for serving. Preheat oven to 375°. Toss bread pieces with 2 tablespoons olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet to nicely coat, then season with salt and pepper. Spread out in a single layer and bake, tossing halfway through, until bread is golden and crisp on the outside but still chewy inside, 8–10 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk horseradish, vinegar, mustard, and honey in a small bowl to combine. Whisking constantly, drizzle in vegetable oil, then the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Toss toasted bread, membrillo, and Garrotxa cheese in a large bowl to combine. Add arugula, drizzle horseradish vinaigrette over it and toss to coat. Taste salad and season with salt and pepper.

What’s for dessert? The best options for this dish are those that provide a contrast in taste or texture. A light, bright or tangy dessert can cleanse the palate, while a

warm, spiced dessert can complement the hearty nature of the main dish. For a light dessert, a lemon sorbet with fresh berries works well as the tartness of the lemon and the sweetness of fresh fruit provide a refreshing, acidic contrast that cleanses the palate. Otherwise, an airy, light shortcake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream is a classic and crowdpleasing choice. Since you’ll most likely be serving this meal in the colder months, a warm dessert with autumn spices is a fitting choice. Apple crisp or cobbler with a crumbly oat topping, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, is a classic fall comfort dessert. Or try pumpkin-flavored desserts like bars or cakes. When thinking about wine pairings, the best are rich, full-bodied white wines or light, fruit-forward red wines. The richness of the slow-cooked turkey and the gnocchi’s sauce make it a versatile dish that works well with both, depending on preference. If you prefer white wine, choose one with enough acidity and body to cut through the cream sauce without being overpowered. I would go with a buttery Chardonnay from California. For a red wine, look for something with a light body, high acidity and soft tannins that won’t overwhelm the flavors of the turkey. Pinot Noir is a versatile and popular choice for turkey and features bright red fruit flavors and earthy notes. An Oregon Pinot is a good option for a richer, fruitier profile, while a French Burgundy would offer a lighter and earthier style. Enjoy!

Note: Andy Lagana is a Chef at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, Sussex County, N.J. For more information on its culinary program, visit www.CSResort.com.

Bobcat® T7X Electric Compact Track Loader

Barckett

•

• Instantaneous torque up to three times that of traditional loaders

• Near-silent operation and low vibration

• Drastically reduced maintenance and operation costs

• Cutting-edge software offers countless ways to optimize performance

• Intelligent power management system preserves runtime and battery life

• Controls are consistent with diesel-powered equipment

• Greatly reduced noise and vibration improves experience for operators and bystanders

Up to six hours of continuous runtime

No horsepower lag or performance trade-offs

Steve.Caputo@NJBobcat.com

STOP THE SPREAD OF SPOTTED LANTERNFLY DESTROY THEIR EGG MASSES

If you find Spotted Lanternfly egg masses on your property…

• IF YOU ARE STANDING ON THE GROUND, SCRAPE THEM OFF USING A PLASTIC CARD OR A PLASTIC PUTTY KNIFE

• FOR HIGHER PARTS OF THE TREE, YOU CAN USE A PAINTER'S EXTENSION POLE WITH A PLASTIC PUTTY KNIFE, BUT CRUSHING IS THE BETTER OPTION FOR THE BARK

• CRUSH THEM IN A BAG

• DISPOSE IN GARBAGE

• EGG MASSES THAT ARE SCRAPED TO THE GROUND CAN STILL HATCH

Newly laid egg masses (holding 30–50 eggs) resemble wet, gray putty before turning dull and brown, mirroring a smear of cracked mud.

Egg masses are usually about 1.5 inches long and colored brown/grey; however there can be a lot of variation among them! All egg masses contain rows of small eggs, roughly the size of a sharpened pencil point. Rows can vary in length, with some being longer than others in the same egg mass. Eggs within the egg mass can vary in color from yellow to brown. After the female lays the eggs, she covers them with a substance believed to help them survive winter conditions and protect them from predation. When this substance is first deposited, it is white and glossy. After a few hours, the substance becomes duller and dries to a darker grey/brown color.

SLF prefer to lay egg masses in protected areas such as the undersides of tree limbs, picnic tables, and other outdoor surfaces that are horizontal or angled toward the ground.

Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org

The Garden in December is a peaceful and welcome escape from the commotion surrounding the Holidays. Garden interest typically focuses on evergreens throughout this and the cold winter months to come. Many years back I attended a talk by Wolfgang Ohme (19302011), a landscape architect who looked at winter landscapes as dried floral arrangement featuring tans and dark browns with evergreens accents. Every time I see the spore-bearing stems of Sensitive Fern in winter, I think back to that talk and realize how progressive Wolfgang was in his design philosophies!

Sensitive Fern, botanically called Onoclea sensibilis is a member of its own family, the Onocleaceae and is native from Manitoba south through Colorado and Texas and east to Florida and Quebec. It is also found in parts of Asia. The genus and species were named and described in 1753 by the Swedish botanist and physician Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778). The genus comes from the Greek Onos meaning vessel and Kleio or Kleiein for ‘to close,’ referring to the round, spore bearing sori on the fertile fronds. The species name is from the Latin for sensitive and refers to how the foliage is

Morris County Park Commission

By Bruce Crawford Horticultural Manager

The Dynamic of Seasonal Change

sensitive to frost and droughts. Ferns as a group are ancient plants with some species dating back to nearly 300 million years ago (MYA). While not that old, fossil remains of Onoclea have been found in Alberta, Canada dating back 55-65 MYA and appear virtually identical to the species of today! Fern foliage is technically referred to as fronds rather than leaves and is broken down into two general types: trophophylls and sporophylls. The trophophylls are the finely cut fronds typically associated with ferns whose function is photosynthesis. By contrast, the primary function of the sporophylls is to form and release dust-sized reproductive spores from structures called sori. The trophophylls of Onoclea appear in early spring and are

noticeably coarser than most ferns. Reaching 1-3 feet tall, the fronds have an ovate or egg shape appearance, whereby the wide base tapers to a point at the tip. Each frond has a central stem or rachis from which 6-8 lobbed leaflets or pinnae extend. The pinnae are 3/4-1 inch wide and are widely spaced at the base of the frond while becoming merged near the tip. Typical to most ferns, the leaf frond first appears as a tightly coiled structure called a fiddlehead. Unlike most ferns, Onoclea fiddleheads display a very attractive bright red central rachis during early spring! The red color marks the presence of Anthocyanins which aid in protecting the leaf during those cool frosty nights of early spring. By contrast, the sporophylls do

not appear until late spring and only reach 10-18 inches tall by 1/2 inch wide. As the fiddleheads of the sporophylls unfurl, the small bead-like structures of the sori can be seen along either side of the pinnae. The sori initially form on the lobes of the pinnae which roll inward ‘to close’ around the ‘vessel’ of the sori, forming the bead-like structures and inspiring the genus name. The sori expand to nearly 1/4 inch in diameter and turn dark brown to nearly black when mature, persisting throughout the winter. Come spring, the green spores are finally released! It is these dark fertile fronds of Sensitive Fern that provide the unusual winter interest. They look great in combination with the tans of grasses, the orangered stems of Coral Willow (Salix

alba ‘Britzensis’) or Red-Osier Dogwoods (Cornus sericea), the green of various evergreens and – of course – a dusting of snow! Although ferns are often shade dwellers, Onoclea is very much at home in the sun where soils remain moist. Plants are hardy in zones 4-9 and are adaptable to an acidic or neutral pH.

As gardeners, we do not always consider the colors from frosted stems and foliage as a highlight of winter interest. Thinking back to Wolfgang’s presentation, he highlighted how gardens which appear nearly the same year-round are static and dull. Onoclea adds bold summer texture, the visual depth of dark winter color and the dynamic of seasonal change to sustain our gardens’ interest throughout the year! Happy Holidays!

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

NEW JERSEY LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS

2 Trade Shows, 8 Member Meetings, 2 Roundtables, 5 Networking Events, 6 Industry Training Events, 37 Calls or Meetings with Legislators, 3 Magazines, 3 Volunteer Days, 4 Show Displays, 42 weekly e-blast newsletters, 5 scholarships, hundreds of phone calls helping members, over 250 social media posts, 12 Gardener News columns, 1 Green Industry association. Phew!

Every year, I love pausing to celebrate everything we’ve achieved together at the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association — and what a year it’s been! When we are head down, working hard at the NJLCA, it’s hard to see the bigger picture of the impact we have and be proud of our accomplishments. So please indulge me as I “toot our horn” a little!

The year kicked off with an electric start at the Landscape New Jersey Trade Show & Conference, where more than 2,000 industry professionals gathered to learn, connect, and grow. Hundreds of vendors filled the show floor with the latest equipment, tools, and services, giving attendees direct access to innovations shaping the landscape industry. The event featured in-depth educational sessions led by leading experts, covering both technical and business topics designed to elevate contractors’ knowledge and skills. The energy and collaboration that took place set the tone for a year defined by momentum and excellence.

Our 25th Annual NJLCA Golf Challenge brought 127 golfers to the beautiful Crystal Springs Golf Resort for a day of networking,

The NJLCA Today

By Gail Woolcott Executive Director

More Events, More Education, More Advocacy — Our Biggest Year Yet!

friendly competition, and giving back. Participants enjoyed a full day on the course, capped by an awards reception and plenty of opportunities to build relationships with fellow contractors, vendors, and supporters.

Beyond a great day on the green, the outing played a vital role in raising funds for NJLCA’s scholarship program. These scholarships help strengthen the future workforce and encourage passionate, talented individuals to build careers in landscaping, horticulture, outdoor living, and related fields.

Throughout the year, NJLCA remained a strong voice for landscape professionals by actively engaging in legislative meetings and discussions across the state. Our focus included major industry concerns such as labor laws, immigration policies, worker visa programs, blower restrictions, heat stress regulations, and the “Dirty Dirt” issue impacting soil management and environmental compliance.

By meeting with lawmakers and participating in key policy

STIHL Recalls BR 800 Backpack Blowers Due to Laceration Hazard

Description: This recall involves the fan wheel of the STIHL BR 800 Magnum, models X and C-E, a backpack blower powered by a combustion engine. The backpack blower is gray and orange. “STIHL,” “BR 800,” and “X” or “C-E” are printed on the rear of the blower. The recalled blower’s serial number is located on a label on the blower tube. Only backpack blowers with serial numbers ranging from 546515117 to 547916107 are included in the recall.

Hazard: The fan wheel inside the backpack blower can break apart, posing a laceration hazard.

Remedy: Repair. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled STIHL BR 800 backpack blower and bring it to an authorized STIHL servicing dealer for free inspection and replacement of the fan wheel, if necessary.

Sold at: Authorized STIHL independent dealers nationwide from July 2025 through September 2025 for about $600 for the STIHL BR 800 X Magnum model and about $700 for the STIHL BR 800 C-E Magnum model.

Consumer Contact: STIHL Incorporated at 800-233-4729 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.stihlusa.com/safety/recalls/ br800 or www.stihlusa.com and click on “Recalls & Notices” found under the Information column and then click on “BR 800 Recall” for more information.

discussions, NJLCA worked to ensure that decisions affecting the landscape industry are fair, balanced, and informed by real-world experience. Our advocacy efforts continue to protect contractors, support business growth, and promote common-sense regulation that benefits both the industry and the communities we serve.

Innovation and interactivity took center stage at the New Jersey Contractors Showcase Expo, where more than 500 attendees — a record turnout — took part in this hands-on industry experience. The outdoor setting allowed contractors to see equipment in action, watch live demos, test tools, and compare products up close in real operating conditions. Vendors and attendees alike enjoyed a more immersive environment that strengthened connections and helped landscape professionals make informed decisions about the equipment and technology shaping their future projects.

Education remained a cornerstone of NJLCA’s mission as we continued our commitment to

holding regular monthly member meetings throughout the year. These gatherings featured expert presentations, facility tours, and open roundtable discussions where members shared practical insights and real-world experiences. Topics ranged from herbicide program optimization, sod production, and truck and trailer safety, to businessbuilding strategies from Paver Pete, deer-resistant landscape solutions, I-9 audits and ICE preparation, the EZ Set bedding system for hardscapes and sod, and snow and ice management best practices.

These meetings offered members direct access to useful knowledge, actionable takeaways, and invaluable peer networking — reinforcing the strength and collaboration that define NJLCA’s professional community.

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and supported NJLCA this year. Because of you, we’re truly “Growing Every Day.” We’re grateful for our dedicated members, sponsors, and Board who made this year’s successes possible. As we

NJLCA 2025 Holiday Gala and Awards Dinner

Join us for a sparkling night of celebration at the NJLCA 2025 Holiday Gala & Landscape Achievement Awards Dinner on Wednesday, December 3rd at 5:00 PM at The Tides Estate, North Haledon, NJ. We’ll honor the winners of the Landscape Achievement Awards, toast another successful year, and kick off the holidays with great food, dancing, and unbeatable networking among colleagues and friends. Come celebrate outstanding craftsmanship, connect with industry leaders, and make festive memories with the NJLCA community. Reserve your seats (and tables) early—for the best party of the year! Call 201-703-3600 for more info.

look toward 2026, we’re excited to continue championing New Jersey’s outdoor living professionals with even more events, education, and resources to help our industry thrive. Up next, we roll out the green carpet for one of our favorite traditions — the Landscape Achievement Awards! This celebration shines a spotlight on the incredible talent, craftsmanship, and creativity of our NJLCA members who go above and beyond to elevate our industry. From jaw-dropping landscape designs to innovative solutions and exceptional service, these awards honor the professionals who turn outdoor spaces into works of art and set the standard for excellence across New Jersey. Become a member to stay informed of the latest issues affecting our industry. Join today! Wishing you and your families a wonderful holiday season!

Editor’s Note: Gail Woolcott is the Executive Director for the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association. Gail was 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.

Kawasaki Engines Division Introduces PRO50: a New Standard in Outdoor Power Equipment Oil

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., Engines Division announces the launch of KTECH™ PRO50 Full Synthetic Oil, a breakthrough lubricant engineered specifically for outdoor power equipment.

Seven years in the making, PRO50 is the result of demanding and extensive engine testing and an ongoing commitment by Kawasaki to develop the ultimate OPE oil. The result is KTECH PRO50, a dual-grade SAE 50 / SAE 15W-50 oil that delivers unmatched protection, reliability and versatility.

For Kawasaki Engines’ dealers, PRO50 is a unique product not available in the aftermarket.

KTECH PRO50 will debut in early 2026 in distinctive silver packaging featuring the embossed Kawasaki Engines logo.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

2025 ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS

All-America Selections’ 2025 Landscape Design Challenge embraced education this year with a theme of “S.T.E.A.M…Using AAS Winners.”

For the challenge, AAS provides the gardens with recent AAS Winner seeds and plants.

The gardens have the option to incorporate older AAS Winners in their design to illustrate the theme. Gardens are encouraged to generate publicity and hold events to share the story of All-America Selections and AAS Winners.

All-America Selections is an independent non-profit (501c6) organization that tests new, never-before-sold varieties for the home gardener. After a full season of anonymous trialing by volunteer horticulture professionals, only the top garden performers are given the AAS Winner award designation for their superior performance. All AAS proceeds go into conducting the trials and promoting AAS Winners both old and new.

AAS was founded in 1932 and the first AAS Winners were announced a year later, after the results were tabulated from the first trial. AAS Winners have been introduced each year since 1933. In 1934, there were 30 AAS Award Winning new varieties introduced, a record number.

First Place Winner

Penn State Ext Lancaster County Master Gardeners’ Idea Gardens in Manheim, Pennsylvania

Category 1: 0-10,000 Visitors

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners’ Idea Gardens successfully incorporated STEAM concepts into their 2025 display, featuring numerous educational signs with AAS branding. They hosted four well-attended Open Houses and various activities, including creating seed balls and planting in paper pots, alongside a “Garden Quest” for adults. Two visiting art associations were inspired to paint the gardens, adding to the visual appeal. AAS Winners, including the grand Sunflower ‘Concert Bell’, were strategically planted for color and height. All AAS produce was donated to the “Adopt-A-Pantry” food program. Approximately 1,700 known visitors toured the gardens, enjoying the engaging activities and the educational display of AAS and STEAM concepts.

First Place Winner

Purdue Extension-Marion County Demonstration Garden in Indianapolis, Indiana Category 2: 10,000-100,000 Visitors

Extension Master Gardener volunteers, in collaboration with the local Purdue University Extension office, planned, planted, and maintained the Purdue Extension Marion County Demonstration Garden. The garden achieved a new daily visitor record of 1,039 people during the Indiana State Fair, with guests seeking design ideas and solutions to gardening issues. New AAS Winners like Petunia Dekko Maxx Pink and Pepper Pick-N-Pop Yellow were visitor favorites. The garden prominently featured a “Living Classroom”

banner and dedicated signage to illustrate the STEAM curriculum. This included a Pi Trail (Math), an F1 Hybrid explanation (Science), a Flower Tower demonstration (Engineering), and QR codes (Technology) for plant lists and construction guides, effectively turning the display into a popular and engaging educational experience.

First Place Winner

Green Bay Botanical Garden in Green Bay, Wisconsin Category 3: Over 100,000 Visitors

The AAS Landscape design at Green Bay Botanical Garden successfully integrated the STEAM acronym (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) with a botanical twist. The design featured a spiral garden bed representing the Fibonacci sequence (Math) and reused plastic sculptures connecting to sustainability and the Washed Ashore exhibit (Art). Engineering was demonstrated through various accessible raised beds and an adapted ladder trellis for vertical growing. Technology utilized QR codes on plant labels to link visitors to detailed AAS Winner information. As a cornerstone of the theme, Science highlighted principles of botany, pollination, and nutrition. The immersive garden provided guests with a beautiful and educational experience, ensuring the impact of the planting lingered long after their visit.

Second Place Winner

Kansas State Univ Horticulture Research and Extension Center in Olathe, Kansas Category 1: 0-10,000 Visitors

The Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners at the K-State Olathe Horticulture and Research Center designed their AAS Display Garden to

Company to Fund Critical Research for the Continuous Improvement of Honey Bee Health and Sustainable Beekeeping to Strengthen the Future of Honey Bees and the Honey Industry

Sweet Harvest Foods, the largest producer of raw, unfiltered honey and parent company of Nate’s Honey and Nate’s Hives, announced the launch of Nate’s Hives Research Grant Program, reinforcing its commitment to advance the long-term success and sustainability of honey bees and the honey industry through science, innovation and collaboration.

The program will provide up to $100,000 in annual funding for research projects that strengthen honey bee health, improve sustainable beekeeping practices, and drive innovation in pollination practices and across the honey supply

chain. Proposals may be submitted by academic institutions, nonprofit organizations and industry researchers, with funding available for projects up to three years in duration.

Proposals may address one or more of the following areas of focus: honey bee health, sustainable beekeeping practices, environmental impacts, supply chain innovation, consumer demand and nutritional impacts, or trade policy and production economics. Each submission will be evaluated by a volunteer review board composed of Sweet Harvest Foods employees and external experts from academia and the

beekeeping industry.

Applications are due March 1, 2026, with awards announced on April 15, 2026. For full eligibility details, proposal requirements and submission instructions, visit nateshives.com/ research-grant-program.

As the leading procurer of honey in the U.S., Sweet Harvest Foods provides the highestquality ingredients for some of the most iconic brands and beloved products. Sweet Harvest Foods is bolstered by its ownership of Nate’s Honey, the number-one branded honey, and Nate’s Hives, a top U.S. apiary.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN WINNERS

be a demonstration and teaching garden centered on the STEAM theme. A primary goal was creating an easily accessible, self-guided tour using QR codes and a video presentation, limiting verbiage and maximizing photos for all ages. The design successfully incorporated all five STEAM elements, highlighted by paintbrush sculptures and a central color wheel. Visitors and fellow Master Gardeners praised the healthy plants, overall aesthetic, and the integrated use of QR codes and AAS plant markers, allowing them to fully understand the educational application of STEAM within the garden space.

Second Place Winner

McCrory Gardens in Brookings, South Dakota Category 2: 10,000-100,000 Visitors

McCrory Gardens titled its 2025 AAS Design Garden, “The Art of Curiosity in the Pigment Garden: Art, Science, and Horticulture Converge.” Inspired by a conference presentation, garden staff created a feature showcasing AAS Winners and other species capable of producing natural dyes. Every plant label included its scientific name, dye color, and the specific plant part used. The design incorporated a wide range of AAS Winners, from vintage classics to modern selections, including Marigold ‘Mango Tango’ and Basil ‘Dark Opal.’ Educational signs explained the dye extraction process, highlighting the intersection of Horticulture, Science, and Art. Visitors expressed fascination and surprise at the diverse potential of the pigment garden.

Second Place Winner

Boerner Botanical Gardens in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Category 3: Over 100,000 Visitors

The trial garden display at Boerner Botanical Gardens featured a distinctive STEAM Train built to reflect the 2025 AAS theme. Utilizing the long bed, the designer constructed a train with each “car” representing a different STEAM discipline, planted exclusively with past and present AAS Winners. The project incorporated a unique train engine and cow catcher built from scrap metal by an Ironworkers Local 8 member. Educational efforts included information cards linking plants to each STEAM concept for visiting school groups. The display proved highly popular, serving as a photo opportunity and educational focal point for both school children and general visitors, generating local news coverage and social media interest.

Third Place Winner

Community Arboretum at Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke, Virginia Category 1: 0-10,000 Visitors

Horticulture student interns at the college developed the AAS garden design, unifying the STEAM theme through the Fibonacci Sequence. The sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34) was visually represented by a spiral of zinnia cultivars. Each numerical block corresponded to a STEAM discipline, such as five blocks for the Science section, which depicted a plant cell. Engineering featured a hexagon-shaped bed representing a honeycomb, while the Art section was shaped like an artist’s palette. Technology displayed cucumbers on trellises, symbolizing biomimicry. Visitors were particularly impressed by the detailed interpretation of the Fibonacci Sequence, validating the student-led planning, preparation, and installation of the complex display.

Third Place Winner

Horticultural Art Society Demonstration Garden in Colorado Springs, Colorado Category 2: 10,000-100,000 Visitors

The Horticultural Art Society (HAS) successfully integrated STEAM principles into their public garden by developing structured, interactive educational activities. The design included a Garden Library with an AAS Infographic and multi-level Scavenger Hunts, alongside raised plant troughs demonstrating square foot and companion gardening (Math/Science) and water-saving irrigation (Engineering). To promote ecological awareness, a functional worm box and a pollinator house offered hands-on learning. Art was emphasized through recycled material sculptures and creatively painted elements. These dynamic, educational features have notably increased visitor engagement, especially among young children, promoting sustainable living and environmental stewardship throughout the community.

Honorable Mentions

Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida Co. Parker F. Scripture Botanical Gardens, Cutler Botanic Garden, University of MN North Central Research and Outreach Center, Montpelier Kids Garden, Lee College Horticulture Program, Boone County Extension Demonstration Garden, Teaching Garden at Woodward Park ,and The Museum of Science and Industry Garden.

Silver Fly Establishment in New York Advances Hemlock Conservation

In summer 2025, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) and Cornell University’s New York State Hemlock Initiative (NYSHI) confirmed the first establishment of Leucotaraxis argenticollis, a type of silver fly, in New York State. These silver flies are released to help control hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect that attacks and kills hemlock trees. The silver fly population was confirmed in Bath, NY, marking an important step forward in HWA control and hemlock conservation.

With the support of NYDEC, the U.S. Forest Service, and many other partners, NYSHI has been releasing insects that prey on HWA across the state for nearly two decades. NYSHI began releasing Laricobius nigrinus beetles in 2008 and silver flies in 2015. Both insects are from the northwest U.S., where HWA is a native forest pest. Since these insects feed exclusively on HWA, they are safe and effective tools for keeping HWA populations in check. So far, the Laricobius nigrinus beetles have been thriving, with established populations at 18

release sites and documented long-distance dispersal in the Finger Lakes, Lower Hudson, and Catskills regions. The success of the Laricobius nigrinus beetles suggests that silver flies may also be able to take hold and contribute to long-term biological control. Silver flies may be the key to an effective biological control strategy for HWA because their feeding habits complement those of the Laricobius nigrinus beetles. HWA has two generations per year. Laricobius nigrinus feeds only on the first generation, while silver flies feed on both generations.

The combined effect of the beetles and silver flies may suppress HWA populations enough to help hemlock trees survive.

In the past year, NYSHI has released over 45,000 insects that prey on HWA in New York, an effort that builds on years of investment in science-driven conservation. NYSHI will continue to work with partners to monitor for Laricobius nigrinus beetle and silver fly establishment across the state, building a biological control community to preserve New York’s hemlock forests for generations to come.

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.

VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agriculture Drought Impact Survey Released

In response to ongoing and worsening drought conditions across the state, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is launching a 2025 Agriculture Drought Impact Survey to understand its effects on Vermont farms. This year's drought is the third consecutive season farmers have suffered severe weather impacts, including frost and floods, and now drought. Many Vermont businesses, still not fully recovered from the 2023 and 2024 frosts and flooding, are once again facing uncertainty and impacts.

VAAFM is asking Vermont's agricultural producers to participate in the 2025 Agriculture Drought Impact Survey. The purpose of this survey is to capture the scale and location of drought related impacts experienced throughout the state in 2025. The survey will remain open to capture information on loss and damages until the deadline of December 15, 2025. Participants are welcome to submit more than one report, if they incur additional losses, but we request that they only report “new” impacts.

AAFM asks that any agricultural business, organization, or individual that raise animals, meat, or poultry and/or grow feed or other crops (produce, maple, Christmas trees, horticultural plants) for anyone beyond their immediate family fill out this survey.

This survey does not include forestry or cannabis production, or food industry and security businesses who do not complete production activities (ex: slaughter facilities, gleaning organizations, aggregation and distribution facilities). Instead, we invite these individuals to submit their drought-related impacts, photos and observations to the Condition Monitoring Observer Reporting tool (CMOR): https://droughtimpacts.unl. edu/tools/conditionmonitoringobservations.aspx.

We thank those who have previously reported their 2025 drought impacts to the US Drought Monitor, FSA, or VAAFM this summer, but we strongly encourage them to also fill out this survey so their data can be compiled alongside all other newly collected data and drought impacts in Vermont. This Agriculture Drought Impact Survey should take between 10 and 15 minutes to complete.

Survey responses collected following flooding and severe weather impacts in 2023 and 2024 provided crucial data to support making additional recovery resources available to Vermont farms. VAAFM intends for the 2025 Agriculture Drought Impact Survey to serve a similar purpose.

For more information on drought navigation and support resources for farms experiencing impacts, please visit https://agriculture.vermont.gov/drought, email AGR. Drought@vermont.gov or call 802-828-2430.

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

CT DoAg Announces Grant Opportunity to Support Diversification and Growth of Connecticut’s Agricultural Businesses

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) announced the release of Farm Transition Grant program guidance for fiscal year 2026. Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives are eligible to apply with a focus on projects seeking to diversify existing operations or transitioning to value-added agricultural production and sales. All applications are due no later than 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Funding priorities include projects which increase the availability of livestock processing facilities in Connecticut and utilization of equipment specific to climate smart, sustainable agricultural practices.

“When we invest in Connecticut’s farm businesses, we are strengthening the entire agricultural ecosystem. Microgrants are propelling new entrepreneur’s years ahead, giving them the tools to grow with confidence and purpose,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “At the same time, established farms are using these strategic investments to reinvest in operations, adopt new technologies, and meet the evolving demands of today’s consumers. These aren’t just grants – they’re catalysts for resilience, innovation, and long-term growth.”

Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday, January 12, 2026. Applications and grant guidelines are available at https://portal.ct.gov/doag/adarc/adarc/grants/farmtransition-grant?language=en_US. This is a competitive grant process with applications scored by a review panel. Grant awards will be announced in February 2026. Questions regarding the Farm Transition Grant can be directed to Alison Grabarz at Alison.Grabarz@ct.gov.

Farm Transition Grant is authorized by and funded through C.G.S. Section 22-26k to strengthen the economic viability of Connecticut’s agricultural businesses in times of growth and change.

DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE University of Delaware’s Cooperative Extension’s New Online Fact Sheet Assists Agriculture, Aquaculture Communities

Anyone from beginning farmers and aquaculture growers to longtime agriculture or aquaculture leaders can find topics of interest, key tips for project management and a wealth of general agricultural/ aquacultural and business information at the University of Delaware’s Cooperative Extension’s

new online Fact Sheet.

Found at https://www.udel.edu/academics/ colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/fact-sheets/ on-farm-business-planning-existing-resources/, the webpage offers guidance, helpful links and more for everyone in the agriculture and aquaculture communities.

Launched with input from the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Delaware Farm Bureau and the USDA Farm Service Agency.

DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE NEWS

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

2026 PA Farm Show Asks

Pennsylvanians, ‘Oh, Say, Can You Sing?’

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding invited Pennsylvania singers to enter “Oh, Say, Can You Sing?”, an annual star-spangled sing-off to compete for a chance to sing live at the 2026 PA Farm Show — the Pennsylvania State Fair™. Each morning from January 10-17, the 2026 Farm Show will start by featuring an individual or group singing the national anthem live. Contest winners may also be invited to sing during Farm Show special events and competitions.

“Our 2026 Farm Show theme is Growing A Nation," Secretary Redding said. "There is no better way to start each day of the Pennsylvania Farm Show than with a reminder that our democracy was born in Pennsylvania and our country grown from the very soil of our Commonwealth.”

The contest is open to Pennsylvania residents of all ages – both individuals and groups. Contestants can enter by emailing a YouTube link to a video of themselves singing "The Star-Spangled Banner," without instrumental accompaniment, to agcontests@pa.gov.

Entries can be submitted until 11:59 p.m. on November 24, 2025.

Finalists will be posted for fan votes by Facebook reactions (likes, loves, wows, etc.) from November 26 through December 2, at 11:59 p.m. on the Farm Show Facebook page. Twelve finalists will be announced on Facebook, then notified by email which day they are scheduled to sing.

Winners will be provided a free parking pass for the day and must be present at the Farm Show Complex by 7:30 a.m. the day they are selected to sing. A winner will sing live at 8:00 a.m. each day of the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, from January 10-17, 2026.

Full contest rules and instructions are available at farmshow.pa.gov

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

New Jersey Fresh School Milk Facility Project

Clover Farms Dairy is pleased to announce the completion of its New Jersey Fresh School Milk facility project, which was supported by a $500,000 grant from the State of Vermont with collaboration from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. The grant was awarded through the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center. Matching funds were required with the grant award. The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center’s goal is to create resiliency and long-term sustainability for northeast dairy businesses.

The primary purpose of the grant was to upgrade the infrastructure and equipment at Clover Farms Dairy to allow for the purchase and segregation of milk from New Jersey dairy farmers for the capacity to package and sell milk half pints to K to 12 school districts throughout New Jersey. New Jersey law requires that New Jersey public schools service students New Jersey-produced milk whenever possible.

Primary activities under this project included the repair of raw milk silos, installing a new product mix valve manifold to direct the flow of milk, securing raw milk from New Jersey farmers, and obtaining purchasing commitments from New Jersey school districts. Clover Farms Dairy anticipates selling over 13M cartons annually to New Jersey school systems.

Clover Farms Dairy, in business for over 87 years, is a milk processor located in Reading, Pennsylvania, receiving milk from over 150 independent farmers. Clover Farms Dairy sells to schools, supermarkets, and other wholesale customers across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Delaware.

NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

State Agriculture Department Announces $2.5 Million Awarded to Urban Farms and Community Gardens Across the State

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets today announced that $2.5 million has been awarded to 51 organizations across the state through Round 3 of New York State’s Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program. The program is designed to support community growing spaces and recognize their impact on local food resiliency and food security for New Yorkers. Funding for the program was included in the Fiscal Year 2025 and 2026 Enacted Budgets and builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to increasing affordability and food access for all New Yorkers. The program is just one example of the many ways that New York State prioritizes reducing food insecurity and supporting food producers, in contrast to the federal government’s reckless cuts to critical nutrition programs.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Urban Farms and Community Gardens program continues to grow year over year, demonstrating the significance of these growing spaces that are integral to a strong, reliable food

supply. These projects span across the entirety of our state, helping to meet the needs of our communities, which is more important now than ever before. I congratulate all the awardees and applaud their vision for expanded growing spaces and enhanced educational programming, helping to directly connect our communities to agriculture.”

Funding was awarded to 51 urban farms and community gardens across the state for projects that focus on food production, food safety, and food distribution while also creating a lasting impact on local food resiliency. Awards will help the organizations managing these spaces to expand gardens, build structures, purchase equipment, and establish educational programs.

In Round 1 of the program, $800,000 was awarded to 35 organizations, and in Round 2 of the program, $1 million was awarded to 22 organizations across the state through the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program.

In addition to the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program, additional initiatives

support these community growing spaces, such as the New York State Community Gardens Leadership Certificate Program, the New York State Soil Testing Program, and the Community Garden Workbook. These programs build on several initiatives that support New York’s efforts to strengthen and ensure a more resilient system, increase access to food for all New Yorkers, and provide new markets for farmers, including Nourish New York, Farm-toSchool Programs, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs, and more.

New York is home to more than 3,000 registered or permitted urban and community gardens. Through its community gardens efforts, the Department of Agriculture and Markets helps foster greener, healthier cities by connecting community groups with state or local agencies to facilitate the use of vacant properties for community gardens. This grant program complements the Department’s ongoing efforts to provide technical assistance to community growing organizations statewide and promote urban agriculture.

Celebrate National Poinsettia Day

crops in the research budget of the United States Department of Agriculture; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives:

(1) recognizes Paul Ecke, Jr.’s legendary energy, generosity, integrity, optimism, determination, and love of people which have enabled him to develop the poinsettia industry as well as to touch and improve the lives of children and adults all over the world through his extraordinary contributions; and

(2) extends its condolences to the Ecke Family and to the floral industry on the death of Paul Ecke, Jr., who was a philanthropist, and advocate for education, and a warm, loving, and brilliant human being.

When selecting poinsettias, Euphorbia pulcherrima, choose plants with firm stems, and no signs of wilting, breaking, or drooping. Poinsettias need space to flourish, so be extra careful picking plants from a store where they’re crowded into a display.

Poinsettias will suffer damage if they are exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees F. Freezing temperatures

(Continued from page 8)

will kill poinsettias. Remember, they are tropical plants.

When purchasing poinsettias and outside temperatures approach 35 degrees F, be sure the plant is well wrapped or sleeved before transporting. Never place the plants in the back of your vehicle ― always on the front seats or on the passenger side floor. Make sure your vehicle is warm. When you’re out shopping, the florist, garden center, food market, or greenhouse should always be the last stop.

Poinsettias range from creamy white, white, burgundy, to shades of pink, to yellow, variegated, peach, salmon, and hybrid, to the traditional red.

Flower forms vary as well with some looking similar to a rose. You will also find unusually colored poinsettias such as blue or purple in garden centers and food markets. Sometimes you will find them sprinkled with glitter.

Poinsettias change color in response to shorter winter days. Poinsettia flowers are actually made up of the bracts, which look like petals, and the tiny yellow flowers in the center, called cyathia.

Place them in a south, east or west

window where the plant will receive bright daylight.

The ideal indoor temperature for poinsettias is 65-70 degrees F.

Avoid placing poinsettias where temperatures fluctuate, such as by doors, or near cold drafts, heat ducts, fireplaces, fans, space heaters, etc.

Once home, keep the soil moist! Only water the plant when the soil surface feels dry to a light touch, or the pot feels lightweight when lifted. Never allow poinsettias to get so dry that they wilt.

Make sure your plant drains freely. Remove the decorative foil or outer pot before watering. Pooling water will cause the plant roots to rot. And don’t allow the plant to sit in water that collects in a saucer.

If grown as a landscape shrub in warm climates, poinsettia requires a sunny location and well-drained soil. Frequent pinching back of the stem tips will ensure seasonal color in winter.

Please remember, like other nonfood items, poinsettia plants are not edible and are not intended to be eaten. So, be sure to keep the poinsettia and all other plants out of your child’s and

your pet’s reach.

If you suspect any type of poisoning, you can reach the National Capital Poison Center online at www.poison. org or by calling 1-800-272-1000.

If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance, call the APCC at (888) 426-4435.

This season I’m going to elevate the look of my home with several different colors to create a beautiful custom designed interior Christmas landscape.

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.

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BEAST OF THE NOR’EAST