Gardener News November 2025

The Garden Historian

By Lesley Parness Garden Educator

The Patriot & the Plant: The Princes of New York

It was 1791 and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson was on the hunt. Not for support for his ideological vision of America as his political opponent Alexander Hamilton thought, but for plants. Jefferson and James Madison were botanizing for “health, recreation and curiosity.” He was seeking fruit trees for Monticello, for Highbush cranberries, and the Beurre Gris pear. He was also looking for sturdy, heavy producing Sugar Maples. Jefferson believed that the scourge of slavery could be eliminated by the use of maple syrup as an alternative to sugar. If America’s reliance on sugar could be lessened, then its reliance on slave labor would be likewise. So, he traveled to Prince’s Nursery in America’s then horticultural hotbed – the town of Flushing in Queens, New York.

The Prince Nursery was located on what is now Northern Boulevard at the entrance ramp to the Belt Parkway. So great was its fame that during the American Revolutionary War, British troops surrounded and guarded its valuable contents. Set on the Long Island Sound with milder winters, cooler summers, fertile topsoil, and excellent drainage, Flushing was also near the Port of New York providing access to the globe. In fact, Princes Nursery offered shipping for its Tulip trees, Lilacs, Catalpas, and the magnificent Carolina Magnolia, all American natives that were great favorites abroad.

Robert Prince founded America’s first commercial nursery in 1737 with his son William. Five generations of Princes would offer New Yorkers

and indeed the world their outstanding collection of wellbred plants before finally closing their doors in 1869. Starting at just six acres, the nursery grew to be more than 113 acres in size. Flushing was a pastoral mix of meadow and marshland.

Realizing that customers would need a way to visit his nursery, the Princes set about building a bridge from Brooklyn across Flushing Creek to their doors. Come they did. King William IV of England, and explorers Lewis and Clark were among Prince’s customers and devotees. In fact, many shrubs and flowers from the Lewis & Clark expeditions were sent to the Prince Nursery, including the Oregon Grape Holly. British plant explorers shared their bounty with the Princes too. The Golden Rain Tree and the Lacebark Elm were first propagated in Flushing Queens.

By 1793 William Jr. took over the Old American Nursery and renamed it “Linnaean Botanic Garden and Nursery” in honor of the creator of the binomial system for plant classification. Education, in addition to sales, was the garden’s new mission. Books appeared. “A Treatise on the Vine” was the first significant book on American grape cultivation. It tested over 200 European and 80 American grape cultivars. The Pomological Manual followed with hundreds of tests and results.

We wrongly assume that pickings were slim when it came to variety. The truth is that more than 80% of plant diversity has been lost since the late 1800’s in America. Factors like shelf life and appearance have lessened available choices.

The Prince Nursery’s first catalog (1771) advertised 33 kinds of plum trees. By 1849, their catalog listed over 200 cultivars! My Grandpa grew plums on a postage stamp backyard in Brooklyn, NY. We slurped on yellow Gage plums, not knowing that it was the Princes who bred and sold these trees to a future King of England because they could be dried and stored for long periods and were therefore suitable for the Great Britain’s Navy. You can submerge yourself in the past richness of our agricultural history at www. biodiversitylibrary.org, search “Wm. R. Prince & Co.”

In the 1830’s the business struggled as they speculated heavily on the domestic silk industry which failed miserably. But by 1846 they published “The Manual of Roses,” found their footing again and continued to play a large role in American horticultural life. Princes led Horticultural Societies, financed plant expeditions, and sponsored legislation. By the end of the Civil War however, Prince family members chose other fields of employment and when the third William Prince died in 1869, the business died with him. They had led the nation in fruit tree propagation, established Queens as a center for horticulture (other major nurseries would open there), and advanced the Nursery trade over four generations. At the time, more of the Princes correspondence was translated into more foreign languages than any other botanists in the world.

If you are interested in meeting all the Patriots & Plants, please consider reserving this talk for your garden club’s Semiquincentennial celebrations.

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

Study Highlights Grocery Stores’ Expanding Role in Convenient, Affordable Dining

FMI – The Food Industry Association recently released The Power of Foodservice at Retail 2025 report, revealing a significant shift in consumer dining habits: consumers are increasingly choosing deli-prepared foods in place of restaurant meals, with this share more than doubling from 12% in 2017 to 28% in 2025. Many shoppers are also blending the best of both worlds: more than half of Americans (53%) now take a hybrid approach to create meals, combining deli-prepared options with items from their own kitchen.

“Consumers are increasingly viewing deli-prepared foods as a true alternative to restaurant dining, not just a convenient option,” said Allison Febrey, senior manager, research and insights at FMI. “This shift reflects how shoppers are redefining value in food: they want meals that deliver on quality and variety but also save time and money. This trend is substantiated by the steady growth in retail foodservice dollar sales rising 1.6% to $52.1 billion over the past 12 months.”

“With more than half of Americans shopping for hybrid meal occasions, there’s a real opportunity for retailers to support lunches and dinner time,” said Rick Stein, vice president of fresh foods at FMI. “Shoppers are purchasing deli-prepared options most frequently between noon and 5 p.m., and want the flexibility to pair fresh, high-quality prepared items with ingredients at home, creating meals that balance time savings and meet their well-being goals.”

“Having a signature item helps retailers ground their value proposition to the consumer,” said Andrew Brown, senior manager, industry relations at FMI. “This helps reduce decision fatigue, and if you deliver on quality and taste, you will have customers coming back again and again for that exact item.”

As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers that sell to consumers, to producers that supply food and other products, as well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services — to amplify the collective work of the industry. www. FMI.org.

FMI’s The Power of Foodservice at Retail 2025 provides an in-depth look at foodservice at retail from the shopper’s perspective, exploring consumer motivations, health and nutrition drivers and the evolving purchase drivers of deli-prepared options.

Learn more at https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ ProductFormPublic/power-of-foodservice-at-retail-2025

All of us face danger in some form each day. Something as simple as hopping in the shower or driving to work can have dangerous consequences, but we typically think we are safe and free from receiving or causing harm.

Most days, we are. Or, at the very least, we are blissfully unaware of any potential dangers that come near us but don’t affect us.

However, there have been many accidents along our roads recently that have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage, or worse, injured or killed someone simply out doing their job.

All accidents are bad. While some may be unavoidable, many farm vehicle-related accidents are simply caused by impatience and carelessness. It seems not a week goes by at this busy time of year, when farmers out on local roads moving from field to field are passed illegally and frequently struck by someone buzzing along the local roadway.

I’m asking you to consider the risks being taken when you get behind a tractor or other farm vehicle clearly marked with bright orange signs indicating a

NJ Dept. of Agriculture

By Joe Atchison III Assistant Secretary of Agriculture

Safety Warning Bears Repeating

slow-moving vehicle and flashing signals. Your first thought should be “I have to slow down” not the usual Jersey mantra of, “GET OUTTA MY WAY!”

These are people who are already working as you may be on your way to work or another destination. They are tending their crops to provide fruits, vegetables, and grains to all of us.

Just because you left your house four minutes late doesn’t mean anyone needs to get hurt. Slow down, let the vehicle proceed and, only when safe and legal, pass them. We see videos on social media from New Jersey farmers with dash cams showing drivers speeding past them on a double yellow line. If there’s oncoming traffic, that decision can be deadly.

The New Jersey Department

of Agriculture takes the issues surrounding farmers and road safety very seriously. This concern and approach to vehicle safety around farm equipment evolved as we watched accidents and injuries become all too common on Garden State roads.

The Department has produced a video that can be found on our Facebook and Instagram social feeds, on our NJDA website www.nj.gov/agriculture, or on YouTube under “NJDA Farm Vehicle Safety Video.”

The video starts with a dramatic scene of an irritated driver that could be any of us on our roads who happened upon a combine on a two-lane road and is running late for an appointment. The scene plays out and is followed by narration covering the laws surrounding

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driving around farm vehicles and how to make sure we all get home safely.

It also reminds those watching it about the laws in New Jersey that dictate when and under what conditions it is considered safe and legal to pass a slow-moving tractor or other farm vehicle. And it acknowledges the laws farmers must follow in terms of putting bright, reflective markers on their vehicles to warn drivers approaching from behind that they are legally on the road but are likely to be going slower than even residential-area speed limits permit.

NJDA created the video after delegates to a recent State Agricultural Convention unanimously urged the Department to create messaging that could help keep them safer

on the roads and to do all we can to promote the video.

We’ve been working on getting the video played on a routine basis at all of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission offices, so those waiting their turn to handle other drivingrelated issues can see how important it is for them not to endanger themselves or farmers. The delegates to the Convention also implored the Department to seek getting the video included in driver-education programs throughout the state, and we are working on that as well.

Meanwhile, we will keep reminding drivers of these rules until our farmers can safely navigate their workdays that take them out onto public roads. As always, please share the road, drive safely, and enjoy local produce grown by the farmers on the byways near your home.

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.

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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

Growing Healthy Minds Through Workplace Gardening

In today’s work environment, successful companies recognize the importance of supporting their employees and cultivating healthy workplace cultures. Burnout, demotivation, and declining mental health are becoming more prevalent, leading to a growing need for well-being initiatives with gardening emerging as a powerful, evidence-based strategy.

A 2024 umbrella review published by the National Institutes of Health evaluated 40 studies and found that gardening and horticultural therapy significantly improved mental well-being, quality of life, and general health. Research across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East consistently shows that gardening is associated with increased happiness, emotional resilience, and cognitive function.

or food banks to add purpose and community impact.

Monthly “lunch & learn” sessions delivered by Rutgers Master Gardeners or Rutgers Cooperative Extension faculty can provide hands-on learning experiences that foster respite from work pressure and burnout. These also create social bonds while at the same time increasing gardening competence, success, and enjoyment.

looking, like small planters, and being ignored!

For those who would like to provide a little more care, the hardy Devil’s Ivy or Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is perhaps the most common of all indoor plants, as it is exceptionally easy to care for. When it gets “leggy,” just trim off the vine and place it in water until it grows roots. Then plant it back in with the original plant. Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum wallisii) thrive near office windows and, if they wilt, a little water easily brings them back to form. Hanging a Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) in front of a window or on top of a bookcase is another great option for a full, hardy plant.

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Companies that care about employee well-being and want to foster teamwork, mindfulness, and productivity can start with simple, scalable steps to launch a workplace gardening initiative. Here are a few ways employees and employers can foster teamwork, mindfulness, and productivity by incorporating plants into the workplace.

Installing planters in break areas, both indoors and outdoors, is an ideal way to incorporate plants into the work environment. Use pots or raised beds for herbs, flowers, or vegetables on rooftops, patios, or sunny windows, and encourage employees to keep plants in their offices. Many plants, some of which are described below, thrive in the low-intensity, artificial light found in most offices.

Assigning small teams to care for the planters builds ownership and camaraderie. When food plants are grown, employees can benefit from the connection to their community through “growto-give” programs that donate harvested produce to local shelters

There are many other ways to incorporate gardening into employee wellness programs. Hosting “plant swaps” where employees can bring and exchange plants, creating a photo wall of employees’ home gardens, adding a gardening column featuring employee gardens to the employee newsletter, or even “I grew this dish” potlucks are all ways to improve employee well-being through plants.

To help you get started, here are ten plants that thrive in typical office space environments. They are extremely hardy, need minimal care, and thrive in low, artificial light. They would all benefit from a once-per-year application of a time-release fertilizer and weekly, and in some cases, less frequent, watering. Avoiding planters without holes in the bottom to prevent root rot is a must, so plan for a saucer or dish to collect water and protect equipment.

For those who want a plant but may not be interested in a lot of caregiving, Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata), ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema varieties), and Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) all require minimal watering—as little as once every other week. They like to dry out and prefer a crowded root space, so they rarely need repotting. As far as easy-care goes, my favorite is a Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata), as they are impressive

In low-light situations, including offices without windows, it is hard to find a better plant than a Philodendron, and there are many varieties to choose from. These plants have lush foliage and are easy to divide when they outgrow their planters. Many varieties have colorful leaves, and their sturdy forms make them perfect for hallways and lobbies.

More and more companies are also investing in large-scale plantings. At the New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health (IFNH) on Rutgers’ New Brunswick campus, a stunning four-story Green Wall showcases ferns, bromeliads, and philodendrons. This vertical garden brings nature indoors and offers a peaceful retreat for students and faculty, providing an inspiring model for workplace wellness.

Incorporating plants into a structured employee wellness program is a smart, sustainable way to boost morale, reduce stress, and increase productivity. Whether through small desk plants or largescale installations, gardening helps grow healthier minds and healthier teams.

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LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY NEWS

What Happens When Wind Farms Get Old?

As more wind farms around the world get older, big decisions need to be made: should they keep running, be upgraded with new parts, or be shut down completely? Answering these questions requires accurate assessments of their reliability— how frequently failures occur and how costly those failures are. A new study in the journal Wind Energy takes a close look at this problem by studying two aging wind farms in North Africa that have been running for more than 20 years. You can read the full study here.

Ahmed Aziz Ezzat, an affiliate of the Rutgers Climate and Energy Institute and assistant professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Rutgers University, is a co-author on the study, in collaboration with researchers from Ain Shams University in Egypt.

The authors examined thousands of maintenance and repair records to see which parts of the turbines break down most often and which ones cost the most to fix. They found that the hydraulic system, sensors, and electrical system fail most often. But when it comes to cost, the gearbox and generator are the most expensive to repair, making them critical to consider when deciding whether to extend the life of a wind farm. The authors then drew important comparisons between the reliability of aging wind farms and those in early or intermediate stages of operation.

This research is important for the future of clean energy. Wind farms play a major role in the shift away from fossil fuels, but if older turbines fail too often or cost too much to repair, that can slow down this shift. By identifying which parts are most likely to cause problems, the study gives operators important insights to plan smarter maintenance activities, helps managers and policymakers budget for repairs, and prevents costly breakdowns.

That planning has real benefits for society. Smarter maintenance helps keep energy affordable and reliable, supports local jobs, and extends the lifetime of critical energy infrastructure. It also gives policymakers better information about when it makes sense to replace, upgrade, or retire wind farms.

“Our work provides data-driven insights into the reliability of aging wind farms. These insights are especially timely for planning the future of energy infrastructure and ensuring that the clean energy transition remains reliable and sustainable,” said Ezzat.

As wind energy continues to grow, studies like this can help keep turbines spinning longer, stronger, and at lower cost—supporting the clean energy future we need.

This article was written with assistance from Artificial Intelligence, was reviewed and edited by Oliver Stringham, and was reviewed and edited by Ahmed Aziz Ezzat, a co-author on the study.

Rutgers Scientists Unveil Recent Studies on the Invasive Asian Longhorned Tick, a Substantial Threat to U.S. Livestock

A pair of new studies led by researchers at the Rutgers Center for Vector Biology use genetic data to help trace the potential routes of introduction of the invasive (ALT), Haemaphysalis longicornis, into the United States, and to identify potential vaccine targets within the tick that can be exploited to protect vulnerable livestock populations.

While this tick is native to China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, one lineage in particular is rapidly spreading through multiple countries, including Australia, New Zealand and various Pacific Islands. This lineage has the rare ability to reproduce without the presence of male ticks, a phenomenon known as parthenogenesis.

In 2017, the presence of parthenogenetic Asian longhorned ticks in the U.S. was first reported in New Jersey, said Dana Price, assistant professor in the Department of Entomology. However, historical samples have now shown evidence of the ticks’ establishment as early as 2010 in West Virginia. As vectors of Theileria orientalis—a parasitic livestock pathogen—H. longicornis poses a substantial threat to U.S. livestock.

In the first study, published in Ecology and Evolution, researchers led by Price and doctoral student Zoe Narvaez, utilized genome sequence data from the tick’s mitochondrion (or mitogenomics) to determine the source and frequency of ALT introductions to the U.S. By comparing DNA from hundreds of Asian longhorned tick samples from different regions in the U.S. to those of native and invasive samples from East Asia and Oceania, the authors were able to determine that there were very likely at least four separate introduction events to the United States from particular regions in Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Global economic losses due to tick-borne diseases are estimated at $22-30 billion annually. To mitigate such huge losses, chemical acaricides are routinely used to control ticks, including ALT, on and around livestock, companion animals, and humans. Reliance on chemical treatments alone can result in the development of resistance in tick populations. Vaccines administered to animal hosts (cows, for example) that prime the host immune system to generate “antitick antibodies” that are in turn delivered to

the tick as it feeds on host blood represent novel and emerging tools for tick control in conjunction with acaricide treatments.

In their paper published in BMC Genomics, Price and postdoctoral research associate Mohamed Moustafa, in conjunction with collaborators at USDAARS and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, sequenced the complete genome of North American H. longicornis ticks and screened more than 21,000 of its genes to identify those that the cattle immune system would recognize as “foreign” (or antigenic) to induce antibody production.

The Price lab has currently moved four such genes to the next step in the process, which involves assessment of reproductive capacity and/or morbidity in the tick when each gene is silenced using RNA interference.

“These studies are a critical step toward protecting livestock producers in the United States,” said Price. “By tracing the origins of this invasive species and identifying genetic weak points to exploit with emerging technologies, we’re developing tools that could ultimately transform how we manage ticks and the diseases they carry.”

References: Narvaez, Z.E., Egizi, A.M., Yabsley, M.J., Thompson, A.T., Moustafa, M.A.**, Alt, E., Bickerton, M., Bjorgo, K., Butler, R.A., Cumbie, A., Eastwood, G., Falco, R.C., Fonseca, D.M., Hang, J., Harper, V.L., Lewis, N., Lovy, J., Maestas, L.P., Mather, T.N., Nakao, R., Occi, J.L., Rainey, T., Sal, M., Stoops, C.A., Trout-Fryxell, R.T., Watson, W., Wagner, N.E., Zheng, A., Saelao, P., & Price, D.C. (2025). Multiple introductions of the Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) to the United States revealed using mitogenomics. Ecology and Evolution, 15(4): e71312, 14pp. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71312

Moustafa M.A., Barnes M.M., Wagner N.E., Bodine D., Bendele K., Teel P.D., Saelao P., Price D.C. (2025). Genome of the invasive North American Haemaphysalis longicornis tick as a template for bovine anti-tick vaccine discovery. BMC genomics, 26(1):307.

All plants have a story, but few are as interesting or as well-known as that of Dawn Redwood.

Botanically known as Metasequoia glyptostroboides, the plant was thought to be long extinct and was recognized only from fossils until 1941, when it was noticed along a roadside in China. A beautiful tree that I have long admired at Willowwood Arboretum, my understanding of its ‘story’ recently grew after reading Metasequoia After 50 Years in Arnoldia, the magazine of the Arnold Arboretum.

Metasequoia is currently a member of the Cupressaceae or Cypress Family. The genus name was created in 1939 by the Japanese botanist Shigeru Miki (1901-1974), after studying fossils uncovered near Tokyo. The name comes from the Greek Meta, meaning ‘among’ and Sequoia, the genus for California Redwood describing how this genus resembles Sequoia. The fascinating part of the story is how the plant gradually spread throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere, then vanished! In Arnoldia’s tribute, Dr. Hong Yang of Harvard’s Radcliff Institute highlighted the gradual movement of the tree throughout the Millenia. The tree is believed

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

Morris County Park Commission

By Bruce Crawford Horticultural Manager

A Story That Never Grows Old

to have initially evolved in Eastern Russia around 100 Million Years Ago (MYA). Based on early fossil records, it became apparent the plant has changed little over time and has always preferred moist and temperate climates – the driving forces behind its earthly travels! Initially, the plant spread south into Japan and east into North America via the Bering Land Bridge connecting Russia with Alaska. As temperatures moderated around 60 MYA, the plant followed the warmth north into regions around the north pole and into Northern Europe. As temperatures cooled 40-35 MYA, the tree pushed south into central Eurasia. As the climate warmed around 14 MYA, the plant once again moved north into the Arctic Circle, only to vanish from North American and Eurasia by 5

MYA, leaving the last remaining population in Japan. During the Pleistocene Ice Age of 2.6 million to 12,000 years ago, a land bridge developed between Japan and China. This bridge enabled Metasequoia to move into China, where it became established in the southwestern Provence of Sichuan in Hubai Province.

This area of China was still very remote in 1941. This remoteness explained why the plant was never noticed until Professor T. Kan of the Department of Forestry passed through the area. The tree was brought to the attention of HsenHsu Hu (1894-1968), a Chinese Botanist who, along with fellow Chinese botanist Wan Chun Cheng (1908-1987) properly described the species in 1948 as Metasequoia glyptostroboides. When the tree was first found, it

was thought to be Glyptostrobus pensilis, commonly called Water Pine. By adding the Greek suffix of Oides, meaning ‘resembling’ to the genus, the authors paid homage to how Dawn Redwood resembles the Water Pine! The common name was crafted by the San Francisco Chronical and illustrated how this plant was seemingly as old as the dawn of time! Seeds were sent back to the Arnold Arboretum in 1948 and distributed to 76 different institutions, including Princeton University who shared three seedlings with Willowwood! Dawn Redwood develops a strong central leader with a very stately pyramidal form, growing to well over 100 feet tall! The bark is a rich reddish brown with ropey plates running up the trunk while the base has a highly pronounced

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

root flair. The foliage is glossy and dark green, arranged along 3-4inch long feathery branchlets that are positioned oppositely along the stems and turn fiery orange come November. Unique to this species, plants develop pronounced depressions under the branches which resemble armpits, giving it a mystical appearance befitting of a J. R. Tolkin novel! Plants enjoy a moist but well-drained location and grow best in zones 4-8. Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a mouthful, yet its story makes the plant a great addition to your garden. If you wish to learn more of its story, I encourage you to read Arnoldia (issue 58/4*59/1, 1999) that is available online. I have had the pleasure of working beside the NJ state champion at Willowwood Arboretum and recanting its story to many visitors – it’s a story that never grows old!

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

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.

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

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.

New Jersey Legislators Expand Access to Healthy Food Through New Jersey’s Farmers Market Program

Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie and Senator John McKeon (both D-Essex, Passaic) toured the City Green’s Farm Eco-Center in Clifton, Passaic County, following the allocation of $500,000 in the FY2026 State budget. The funding expands access to nutritious food through the Good Food Bucks SNAP Nutrition Incentive Program.

The program incentivizes SNAP recipients to purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets, farms, and grocery stores. For SNAP receipts, every $1 spent will be matched for their fresh produce purchases. The funding will increase the usage of Good Food Bucks and ensure that families and individuals relying on SNAP have equal access to locally grown, healthy food while also supporting New Jersey’s local farmers.

“Increasing access to fresh, local produce is essential to fighting nutrition insecurity,” said Assemblywoman Bagolie. “This funding directly supports families in need and strengthens our local food economy.”

“Ensuring that every family in New Jersey has access to fresh, healthy food is the most important step we can take to improve our public health,” said Senator McKeon. “This investment expands the reach of the Good Food Bucks program, helping people get more out of their SNAP benefits, all while incentivizing them to support local farmers.”

With the new funding, 20 new farmers market partners will be introduced in 2025, and Good Food Bucks retailers will be available in all 21 counties for the first time.

“It’s partnerships like this that help give New Jersey families choice and dignity in how they feed their families,” said Jennifer Papa, Executive Director of City Green. “With Good Food Bucks, every time someone shops with SNAP, their grocery budget stretches further and fresh, nutritious food becomes the easy choice.”

Bobcat Unveils Its Most Powerful Small Articulated Loader

Bobcat Company, a global equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, introduces its most powerful small articulated loader, the Bobcat L35.

Designed for customers seeking superior power and lift performance while retaining the agility and comfort of the L23 and L28 models, the L35 redefines what a compact machine can accomplish. It boasts an impressive 2,072-pound rated operating capacity and is driven by a robust 57-horsepower turbo-charged engine. Despite this capability, it maintains an incredibly compact footprint, measuring just 54 inches wide with a standard bucket. Its intuitive controls and tight maneuverability allow operators to navigate precise and confined spaces with ease.

The L35 is well-suited for a wide range of industries from landscaping and hardscaping, grounds maintenance and forestry, construction and rental. Its versatility handles applications on various job sites including brick and paver installation, sod work, tree care, nursery management, material handling, fencing construction, snow removal and beyond.

The L35 will be available at Bobcat dealerships across North America in November 2025. To find a local dealer, visit bobcat. com/dealer.

In the Chef’s Corner

By Andy Lagana Chef

Roast Fowl with Spicy Pumpkin Purée

Greeting Gardener News

readers. As we get into the home stretch of this year with the holidays soon upon us, I have a great seasonal recipe which is perfect and satisfying for a chilly evening. Roast Fowl with Spicy Pumpkin Purée uses a flavorful, slightly sweet and tangy marinade to give the bird a rich color and juicy flavor.

Chicken is a common choice, but Cornish game hens or turkey breasts also work well. The creamy, spiced pumpkin purée adds a warm, spicy-sweet balance to the roasted fowl.

Ingredients needed for the fowl are 1 (4–5 lbs.) whole chicken or 2 bone-in turkey breasts (about 2 lbs.) or 4 Cornish hens, 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

For the marinade, gather ½ cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling), ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp. honey or maple syrup. 1 tsp. smoked paprika, ½ tsp. ground ginger, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper and 1–2 cloves garlic – minced.

And finally, for the spicy pumpkin purée, set aside 1 cup canned pumpkin purée, ¼ cup chicken or vegetable stock, 2 tbsp. cream or coconut milk, ⅛–¼ tsp. cayenne pepper or 1–2 tsp. chili-garlic sauce to taste and salt to taste.

Start by whisking all the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl. Rinse the fowl and pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade evenly over the outside of the fowl. If using chicken, you can also place

some under the skin. Let the fowl marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate it for up to 4 hours for a richer flavor.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fowl on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast it for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (75°C). During the last 30 minutes of roasting, you can baste the fowl with the pan juices for added flavor and color. If it begins to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil. Once cooked, remove the fowl from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

To prepare the spicy pumpkin purée, combine the pumpkin purée, chicken stock, cream and desired amount of cayenne or chiligarlic sauce in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is smooth and heated through. Taste and season with salt. Carve the roasted fowl and arrange it on a serving platter. Serve with a generous spoonful of the spicy pumpkin purée.

The best wines for this recipe will either balance the heat with sweetness or complement the earthy and savory flavors. Matching the dish’s flavor intensity is key. There are several white wines that will work well. I recommend an off-dry Riesling. A slightly sweet Riesling is a classic choice for spicy food because its fruity notes and hint of sugar help to balance and tame the heat. It also pairs naturally

Editor’s Note: Andy Lagana is a Chef at Crystal

with the sweetness of pumpkin and autumn spices like ginger or cinnamon. Another good choice for whites is a Gewürztraminer. This aromatic white from the Alsace region of northeastern France echoes the spice in the dish with its own complex flavors. Notes of peach and dried apples in the wine can complement the earthy and sweet aspects of the purée.

A full-bodied Viognier offers a more floral and lush pairing. Its rich texture and notes of stone fruit and vanilla complement the creaminess of the pumpkin, while standing up to the spice. Finally, for a more buttery option, an oaked Chardonnay can match the creamy texture of the purée. Its notes of toasted oak and vanilla will enhance the spice and roasted flavors of the meal.

If you favor reds, the best choices include a lighterbodied, fruit-forward Pinot Noir which is a versatile choice. Its bright red fruit flavors and earthy notes pair well with both the savory fowl and the autumnal pumpkin. Choose a lighter style to avoid high tannins, which clash with spicy heat. A Zinfandel provides a bold option and is an excellent pairing for a spicy purée, especially if you want to heighten the peppery spice in the dish.

And finally, a good dessert should either echo the meal’s spices or provide a cooling, contrasting flavor. You can’t go wrong with a warm apple crisp, pear tart or maple pecan pie. Enjoy!

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Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant Opens to Northeast Farmers

Dairy farmers across the Northeast can now apply for the Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant through the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC). With a total of $750,000 in funding, this grant will support a wide range of projects aimed at improving farm viability, milk quality, worker conditions, economic sustainability, and climate resilience.

Grants will range from $15,000 to $100,000 with a 25% in-kind and/or cash match.

This grant will fund projects that help dairy farmers improve their operations for long-term success. Projects that take a systems-level approach and that show collaboration with experts or technical service providers will be most competitive. Projects that only replace old equipment without broader improvements to farm systems are not eligible.

Dairy farmers across the Northeast are eligible to apply. Producer associations and technical assistance providers applying

on behalf of groups of farmers are also eligible, as are milk buyers/processors focusing on on-farm milk production or transfer.

Grants are available to applicants in all 11 Northeast states served by NE-DBIC: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applications are open until December 4, 2025 at 2pm. Access the full request for applications here: https:// nedairyinnovation.com/grants/farmimprovement-modernization/

The NE-DBIC’s investment and project strategy promotes innovation and resiliency for regional production of dairy products across an 11-state Northeast region. Hosted by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, the NE-DBIC is funded through the USDAAMS.

For more information on NE-DBIC, visit: https://nedairyinnovation.com/

Festival of Trees 2025 Celebrates its 20th Anniversary as a Holiday Destination

A beloved holiday tradition, Morven Museum & Garden’s Festival of Trees will return this November, marking 20 years of the signature special event that adds light, color, and festive cheer throughout the museum’s galleries with decorated trees and mantels.

Seventeen community partners— representing local non-profits, schools, garden clubs, and artists—have been selected by Morven to design trees and mantels. This year’s winning themes include: All Aboard to Movie Magic; Family Game Night; A Tribute to Pollinators; Midnight Winter Conservatory; The Yule Lads of Iceland; Neapolitan Baroque; Fruit of the Holiday Spirit; and many more delightful surprises! Visitors will have the chance to vote for their favorites.

The 17 community partners are: The Allentown Village Initiative; American Repertory Ballet; Dorothea’s House, Casa di Cultura Italiana; Contemporary Garden Club of Princeton; The Garden Club of Princeton; The Junior League of Greater

Princeton; Mercer County Library System; Mount Laurel Garden Club; Nottingham Garden Club; People & Stories - Gente y Cuentos; Princeton Festival Guild; Princeton Garden Theatre; Princeton Ski and Sail Club; Princeton University Press; Stony Brook Garden Club of Princeton; Westrick Music Academy/Princeton Girlchoir and Boychoir; and The West Trenton Garden Club.

For the first time, Festival of Trees has been extended by one week to January 11, 2026. Not only does it offer more opportunities to enjoy the displays— January launches Morven’s key role as the home of Founding Father Richard Stockton in commemorating America’s 250th anniversary with new exhibitions, programs, and special events.

Festival of Trees runs November 19, 2025 through January 11, 2026 at Morven Museum & Garden, located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ. Online ticketing opens November 1, 2025.

Learn more at Morven.org

GardenerNews.com

Deep shade and in some cases dry shade are two of the toughest conditions in the garden to establish plants. Through the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society there is the Gold Medal Plant Program. Each year six trees, shrubs, perennials, and vines are selected for ornamental interest, ease of cultivation, ecological benefits, and other attributes. One of the 2026 recipients is Daphniphyllum macropodum. Daphniphyllums thrive in USDA zones 6 or above. They are characterized by large shiny, evergreen, rhododendron-like leaves with an attractive pink petiole. In their youth they are a broad spreading shrub, but can also become tree-like, reaching 30 feet tall at maturity. While deer browsing has been reported in densely deer populated areas, it has proven to be mostly deer resistant. It can thrive in deep dark shade and can grow at the base of large trees like white pines, Pinus strobus and Norway Spruce, Picea abies which can often be very dry as well.

The Florida anise tree thrives in deep, dark, wooded areas. This broadleaved evergreen is native to southeastern areas of the U. S. In most garden situations Illicium floridanum is a multi-stemmed shrub. The foliage has a very pungent

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

By Andrew Bunting Vice President of Horticulture

Shade Loving Shrubs for Dry Shade

smell which repels deer from this shrub. The flowers are very interesting, maroon, and somewhat star-like. ‘Halley’s Comet’ is a good pinkish-red selection. ‘Pink Frost’ has white and green variegated leaves. ‘Alba’ has spiderlike white flowers. ‘Swamp Hobbit’ is a relatively new cultivar selected for its very diminutive habit of reaching about two feet tall at maturity. It can be effectively used in masses and if massed together can have a groundcover-like effect. Illicium ‘Scorpio’ is a nicely rounded shrub which is a resulting hybrid between I. floridanum x I. mexicanum. Another excellent group of broadleaved evergreens for the deep shade is the tea olive, Osmanthus heterophyllus. For all intents and purposes, the tea olives look like hollies. They have dark green, evergreen leaves that have spines like a holly. Another added attribute is that in September-October they are

covered in tiny white flowers that are very fragrant. There are many cultivars, including ‘Gulftide’ which is an up form reaching over ten feet tall and a nearly equal spread. ‘Gulftide’ is excellent for an evergreen hedge. ‘Sasaba’ is smaller in stature and has extremely spiny leaves. It would be a good shrub where a barrier is needed. ‘Goshiki’ is a selection with soft yellow and green variegation. It does not grow as quickly as ‘Gulftide,’ but ultimate will reach ten feet tall. ‘Goshiki’ is a good shrub for variegation and adding some bright colors to a dark, shaded garden. ‘Kaori Hime’ has very small leaves and a more diminutive stature.

An excellent ground cover for the deep shade is the sweet box, Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis. This sub-shrub only reaches about twelve inches tall and spreads by underground stems. The narrow leaves are dark green and shiny. It is called sweet

box because of the flowers that appear in late winter to early spring that are intensely fragrant. Like other members of the boxwood family, they are resistant to deer browsing. Fragrant Valley™ is a superior selection.

A large flowering shrub that thrives in both sun and shade and is deer resistant is the bottlebrush buckeye, Aesculus parviflora. This large stature spreading shrub can form large masses over time. It has exceptional gold-yellow fall color. In the middle of summer, it produces upright, large, bottlebrush-like, white flowers. These flowers attract swallowtail butterflies. Aesculus parviflora var. serotina ‘Rogers’ has exceptionally large flowers and flower spikes up to 30 inches long. It has a slightly larger stature than the straight species, reaching up to twenty feet tall with an equal spread and ‘Rogers’ blooms about three weeks later than the

straight species. Finding highly ornamental plants for deep, dark shade can often be a challenge in the garden. There are many very ornamental plants that can grow in these understory conditions, including several that are native and others that are also resistant to deer.

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

SAVE THE DATE Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Announces 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Theme

Gardens aren’t just made; they’re passed down through generations, carried across oceans, lifetimes, and lands. Every seed carries a story – what’s yours?

The 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show celebrates the stories that ground us in gardening, whether it’s the nostalgia of a grandparent’s garden, a beloved family recipe that begins with the bright scent of freshly picked herbs and vegetables, or the heritage traditions that shape how we plant, grow, and gather. Through immersive garden exhibits and stunning floral displays, Rooted: Origins of American Gardening brings to life the personal stories, cultural traditions, and horticultural inspiration that connect us to plants, each other, and shape how we garden today.

As Philadelphia celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence, the 2026 Flower Show offers a chance to reflect on the gardening legacies we’ve inherited and the ones we’re growing for the future, shaped by people and plants from around the

world. This year’s Show will combine legacy and belonging with breathtaking artistry and larger-thanlife creations that will take guests on a journey through a vivid world full of memory and magnificence.

The 2026 Flower Show marks the final chapter in a three-year trilogy of themes exploring the past, present, and future of gardening. In 2024, United by Flowers celebrated the current connections and community that grow through shared gardening experiences. In 2025, Gardens of Tomorrow sparked imaginations with visions of what the next generation of gardens could bring. Now, in 2026, Rooted: Origins of American Gardening looks to the past to honor the cultures, traditions, and stories that have planted the seeds of today’s gardens.

Together, these three themes tell a powerful story of the imagination, legacy, and cultural roots of gardening, setting the stage for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s landmark 200th anniversary in 2027.

Now in its 197th year, the award-winning PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is a world-renowned gardening event and PHS’s main fundraiser for its acclaimed greening work throughout the Philadelphia region that aims to advance health and well-being for all.

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

NEW JERSEY LANDSCAPE

The NJLCA’s Annual Golf Challenge, held on Wednesday, October 8th was a spectacular success, bringing together 127 enthusiastic and witty golfers for a day of camaraderie, competition, and charity.

Hosted at the stunning Crystal Springs Golf Resort’s Wild Turkey Course in Hamburg, Sussex County, NJ, participants enjoyed perfect weather (after a morning rain) and a beautifully maintained course that set the stage for a truly exciting day on the lush green turf. Each tee offering another amazing view of the fall color and incredible golf course created a stunning backdrop to the day!

In its 25th year, a portion

The NJLCA Today

By Gail Woolcott Executive Director

Golfers Shine at New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association Annual Golf Challenge

of the proceeds from the Golf Challenge supports the NJLCA Education Fund which awards scholarships to students pursuing careers in landscaping, horticulture, and outdoor living, as well as to the immediate families of NJLCA members. These

scholarships are a meaningful investment in the next generation of professionals who will continue to grow and strengthen our industry.

The course’s layout and scenic views were matched only by the outstanding hospitality provided throughout the day. Golfers were treated to delicious food and refreshments, which kept spirits high and fueled everyone for a great day of play. As always, some antics on the course were found, but all in good fun!

After the morning PuttOff Contest, Dan Calabro from Unilock came closest to winning and headed out on the course to Hole 2 to shoot for the $1,000,000 Hole in One. He nearly did

Michael Crupi, marketing specialist for Deer Guys, looks over the October Gardener News during the New Jersey Landscape Contractors 25th Annual Golf Challenge at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, Sussex County, NJ. Since germinating in 2003, Gardener News has become one of the most influential monthly agricultural, environmental, gardening, and landscaping publications, both online and in print.

CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

it, landing only 12.5 feet away from the hole! Maybe next year!

This year’s winners are as follows:

1st Place Team – Jake Malia, Doug Schott, Josh Warren and Sean Patterson from Turf Trade and Precision Work/Walker Mowers

2nd Place Team – Bob Pedatella, Joe Pedatella, Bill Vanderberg and Chaz Huber from Kodiak Landscape

Most Honest Team – (Who received a hearty cheer from the audience) –Ryan Delong, Tim Curilla, Joe Touey, and Eric Bolter from SiteOne/Empire Supplies

Men’s Longest Drive –Bill Vanderberg (Kodiak Landscape)

Women’s Longest Drive –Rosemary Shannon (Oakland Marine and Equipment)

Closest to the Pin –Bill Vanderberg (Kodiak Landscape)

Straightest Drive –Cameron Zell (Farm Family Insurance)

The success of this outing would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors, whose support elevated the entire experience. From tee signs to special contests, their contributions helped create a day that golfers will remember long after the final putt.

The association’s board and management thanks Crystal Springs Resort, along with the following: Abma’s Farm, AGS Materials, Bobcat of North Jersey, Braen Supply, Cambridge Pavingstones, Chris James Landscaping, Colorblends, Deer Guys, DiTomaso Landscape Group, East

Coast Sod & Seed, Farm Family Insurance, Ideal Block, Kodiak Pavers, Liberty Sod Farm, MBI Gluckshaw, Meadowlands Expo Center, Middleton & Co., Middletown Trailer Supply, Milwaukee Tool, New Jersey Turfgrass Assn., Outdoor Living Supply-The Stone Center, Paige Water Solutions, Plant Detectives, Precision Work, Inc., R & J Landcare, Rue Insurance, Schofield-The Stone Center, SiteOne Landscape Supply, Tanz Inc., Turf Trade and Unilock.

Finally, we extend heartfelt thanks to every participant who joined us on the greens. Your presence and enthusiasm are what make this event so special year after year. Together, we celebrated the spirit of our profession while making a tangible difference for

students and families connected to NJLCA.

As we reflect on 25 years of golf challenges, we’re filled with pride for how far this event has come— from a 9-hole course with no golf carts back at DeBuck’s Sod Farm and excitement for what’s ahead. We can’t wait to welcome you back next year for another unforgettable day of golf, giving, and growing together.

Next up is the NJLCA’s Annual Holiday Gala and Landscape Achievement Awards Dinner on December 3rd where we recognized the craftsmanship and quality of the work that the landscape professionals in our membership create on a daily basis. Judged in maintenance and design/ build, projects are reviewed by a panel of experts and

are rewarded at this annual event. The 27th Annual Landscape Achievement Awards are open to member companies only. More information can be found on www.NJLCA.org or by calling us at 201-703-3600.

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.

Is Your Farmer a Homegrown Hero?

Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

Armistice Day is known today as Veterans Day. It is a time to honor and thank those who have served in the military for their sacrifices, patriotism, and love of country. It’s an important day to show appreciation.

Access to markets remains one of the biggest challenges facing beginning farmers and ranchers – especially those transitioning from military service into agriculture.

I was recently told about a program that helps our heroes who have chosen to work in agriculture. It’s called Homegrown By Heroes (HBH).

As recorded in iNaturalist, herb Robert may still be in bloom November 23rd. That’s an incredible 8-month blooming season!

Herb Robert also incites incredible controversy as to its right to survive. The plant is considered an aggressive, non-native plant on the US West Coast, and several government publications advise you to ruthlessly root it out whenever you see one. However, on the East Coast herb Robert is considered a native and generally appears to behave itself. Thus, it’s either an angel of mercy or a devil in sheep’s clothing. Surprisingly, in spite of the controversy, the US government honored herb Robert on one of its 29-cent wildflower stamps in 1992.

Herb Robert, Geranium robertianum, is also naturally found in the British Isles, continental Europe, and as far west as China and Japan; it also occurs in North Africa as far south as Uganda. The plant generally is considered a biennial, but occasionally it is an annual or even a short-lived perennial. Herb Robert generally grows to 9-12 inches tall and has about the same spread.

In NJ it is generally restricted

HBH is a marketing/branding program that provides farmer veterans with a distinctive label they may affix on their agricultural products to be displayed to the consumer at point of sale. The label will inform consumers that the product was produced in the United States by a veteran who served our country in the military. New Jersey has become an official state partner of the Homegrown by Heroes program to promote the HBH label within our state.

The marketing/branding program was founded by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Today, the HBH label is administered nationally by the Farmer Veteran Coalition.

Several state Departments of Agriculture have officially partnered with the HBH label to produce a merged label combining elements of the state’s own ‘Buy Local’ label and the Homegrown By Heroes label.

The program in New Jersey is called “Jersey Fresh Homegrown By Heroes”

(Continued from page 1)

The HBH label has proven even more impactful when co-branded with state Departments of Agriculture programs, such as Jersey Fresh.

Any veteran or active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, having served honorably, without regard to age or era of duty, can register.

When applying for HBH in New Jersey, you must be registered with the Jersey Fresh Quality Grading Program. The Jersey Fresh logo indicates that the contents have been inspected and meet the highest quality standards.

This inspection also adds a quality assurance note to the overall Jersey Fresh marketing program that is welcomed by wholesale produce buyers and consumers who want high quality products that are uniformly sized and consistently packed. Visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture website at www. nj.gov/agriculture for more information and to apply.

The United States Department

of Agriculture also wants to ensure that veterans looking to return home or start a new career on a farm or in a rural community, have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

Preparedness and defense are critical to America’s food and agriculture sectors and to sustaining and growing rural America. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture is looking to military veterans across the country to fill the roles that keep America’s food supply safe and secure, preserve and strengthen rural communities, and restore and conserve the environment.

I have one last historical note to share with you. Founded in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law an act of Congress establishing the United States Department of Agriculture.

Two and one-half years later, in what would be his final annual message to the Congress, Lincoln called USDA “The People’s Department.” At that time, about

The Native Plant Society of New Jersey

By Hubert Ling Horticulture Chair

Which Wildflower Blooms From Late April Until November?

to the northern half of the state.

The bisexual flowers are about ½ inch in diameter and are pink with white stripes. These flowers provide both pollen and nectar. The leaves are also very distinctive; they are highly dissected and are borne alternately along the plant stem. Each leaf is divided into three major lobes, and each major lobe is often divided into 3 lobes, each of which are again deeply cut. All these divisions give the leaf a very fern-like appearance.

Like all the true geraniums (of the genius Geranium) herb Robert’s fruit is in an elongated shape resembling a crane’s bill, where the pistil and stamens form an extended column projecting from a swollen ovary. Also, like other geraniums, herb Robert

flings its seeds as the elongated ‘crane’s bill’ splits into five springs (awns) which catapult seeds 3-20 feet away from the parent plants.

The plant is generally propagated by seeds which may need moist, overwintering conditions if allowed to dry before sowing. However, the plant also sends out runners which root and produce new plants when they touch the ground. Thus, you can often just separate young, rooted plants from their parents.

Dried herb Robert is produced by the Dary Natury company and has been certified as an organic medicinal product by the European Parliament in 2018. This certification simply ensures that a product is carefully manufactured and produced in a consistent

half of all Americans lived on farms, compared with about 2 percent today.

Agriculture touches the lives of every American, every day― just like veterans do.

Support a hero by looking for the HBH label when shopping for agricultural products. You’ll be supporting a veteran.

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.

hair and help you maintain a clear complexion. I don’t know if it will clean ovens and bathrooms, but it might! As usual, I strongly advise that you do not use any product unless it is proven to be safe and effective and is recommended by your doctor!

manner but does not guarantee that it will be effective. Dried herb Robert is readily available on the internet.

As a traditional herbal medicine, herb Robert has been used for a large variety of purposes. The herb is thought to reduce the risk of arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.

Herb Robert extracts are believed to reduce bleeding and speed up healing. It is also believed to aid in digestive function and also enhance immune system function. Herb Robert has been used to improve blood circulation and reduce respiratory distress. In addition, the herb has been used to reduce tension and relieve pain. As a cosmetic, herb Robert may add a natural shine to the

A 2023 report recorded by NIH has shown that, in the laboratory, extracts of Herb Robert kill viruses, and are active against Micrococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria and several types of cancer. However, since these are simple laboratory systems, we still have no strong evidence that herb Robert will work in clinical trials with humans.

Herb Robert has a very strong smell which repels most deer and people also. However, some people actually enjoy herb Robert tea. If you are interested in a strong smelling long bloomer, consider herb Robert! Your friends and neighbors may question your sanity.

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.

Gardener News

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

Box Tree Moth Found in New Castle County

The Delaware Department of Agriculture has confirmed a find of a box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) in New Castle County during inspections of traps set up on the New Castle County-Kent County border.

The box tree moth is a federally regulated pest that primarily feeds on boxwood species (Buxus spp.). If left unchecked, it causes significant damage and can potentially kill the plants. Boxwoods are a popular ornamental evergreen shrub common to many landscape environments.

This is the first discovery of a box tree moth in New Castle County. The first box tree moth in Delaware was confirmed in July 2024 in Kent County. The first box tree moth in the United States was confirmed in New York in 2021.

“We continue to work closely with our partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and University of Delaware extension to monitor this invasive pest,” said Jeffrey Brothers, Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Plant Industries Administrator. “A box tree moth caterpillar can quickly defoliate boxwoods and remain active until September or October. Homeowners and nurseries should be on the lookout for signs of damage to their plants.”

The caterpillars, which can grow to 1.5 inches, will start out as lime-green, with black stripes, white spots, hair, and a shiny black head. They then create a large amount of webbing on the plant. The caterpillars are ravenous feeders and, in heavy infestations, can completely defoliate host plants. After the leaves are gone, they feed on the bark, eventually killing the plant.

The adult box tree moth generally has white

wings with a thick brown border. It can be hard to find as it is most active at night. The box tree moth can sometimes be confused with the melonworm moth.

Delawareans can help prevent this invasive pest from spreading throughout the state’s landscape, by monitoring and controlling infestations.

If you have boxwoods in your landscape, monitor your shrubs for brown or skeletonized leaves, defoliation, and webbing with caterpillars.

Contact Delaware Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners at the Garden Helpline to learn what pest management tools are available: New Castle County: 302-831-8862, Kent County: 302-730-4000, or in Sussex County: 302-831-3389

Remove infested boxwood plant branches. For heavy infestations, cut the boxwood from its base. Your plant should grow back from its roots. All boxwood debris should be double-bagged in plastic and placed in the trash. Homeowners should follow the Delaware Cooperative Extension’s pesticide recommendations.

Nursery owners should monitor their boxwoods and implement safeguards to limit pest risk. All nursery businesses should report box tree moth detections to the Delaware Department of Agriculture at DDA_ PlantPests@delaware.gov.

Learn more about the box tree moth at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pestsdiseases/box-tree-moth. or https://www.udel. edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperativeextension/fact-sheets/box-tree-moth/.

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PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show Theme Announced

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show theme, “Growing a Nation” at historic Wyck House Farm and Garden in Philadelphia. The 2026 Farm Show — Pennsylvania’s State Fair™ — will kick off a year of America250PA special events and celebrations bringing millions of visitors to the Commonwealth recognizing Pennsylvania’s leading role in the founding of our American democracy.

“America was born in Pennsylvania, with its identity deeply rooted in agriculture,” said Secretary Redding. “Two hundred and fifty years later, Pennsylvania agriculture is still leading our nation, supplying the economic power, ingenuity, and innovation that is growing our nation’s future. Farm Show celebrates the outstanding products and people who make up our powerhouse agriculture and food industry, supporting 600,000 jobs pouring more than $132.5 billion into our state economy, including exports of more than $4 billion in agriculture and forest products — not only keeping our heritage alive, but supplying innovative solutions to our nation’s greatest challenges.

Wyck House Farm and Garden uniquely bridges the past and future of American agriculture. As one of the oldest urban farms in the country — continuously cultivated for over 300 years — Wyck stands as a living example of how agriculture has shaped communities, sustained families, and rooted American values in the soil of our cities and towns. Its legacy makes it the ideal backdrop for revealing a theme that connects generations of growers to the broader American story.

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the Commonwealth in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. One of the original 13 colonies — and home to the signing of both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution — Pennsylvania holds a uniquely pivotal role in the nation’s founding and future.

Every year, the PA Farm Show brings half a million visitors to the capitol city for eight days of competition, and family fun with an educational twist. The 2026 event will run from Saturday, January 10 through Saturday, January 17 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

The 2026 Farm Show will feature fan-favorites like the 1,000pound butter sculpture, delicious Farm Show Food Court, thousands of competitive agricultural events, homegrown celebrity cooking demonstrations at the PA Preferred® Culinary Connection, and more than one million square-feet of hands-on agriculture education opportunities and chances to engage with the people who are growing Pennsylvania and our nation through agriculture.

To stay up to date on PA Farm Show news, visit farmshow.pa.gov.

Gardener News

DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE NEWS

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

New Jersey Sire Stakes Board of Trustees Asks to Keep Hambletonian Events in New Jersey

The Hambletonian and the Hambletonian Oaks through their history have demonstrated clearly and loudly the spirit of harness racing, an industry that New Jersey has proudly supported.

Continuing to hold these events at the Meadowlands is important to many fans and participants, and to the standardbred industry in general. The Meadowlands Racetrack has been the home of the Hambletonian events since 1981 and is known for its excellent facilities, vibrant atmosphere and its ability to be an excellent host track. The rich history and tradition associated with the Hambletonian Races have helped make the Meadowlands a special place for harness racing enthusiasts.

The New Jersey Sire Stakes Board of Trustees is deeply disappointed that the Hambletonian Society is even considering the possibility of moving the Hambletonian to another state or to a province in Canada.

Over the years, we have worked tirelessly with the Meadowlands to benefit horse racing in New Jersey. Our collaborative efforts have strengthened the sport. We have brought significant economic benefits to the state. The thought of the Hambletonian being relocated from this cherished venue is like the thought of moving the New Years’ Eve countdown from Times Square in New York City. It would be not only disheartening for fans and participants alike, but also the move will negatively affect the experience and the sense of community that has been built around the event for many years.

Let’s remember that Jeff Gural and his team at the Meadowlands stepped up more than 15 years ago to save this world renowned racetrack from closure and have continually supported the track and the industry, which includes the owners, the drivers, the trainers, the grooms, the farriers and the countless others who derive their income and support for their families from the Meadowlands.

Moreover, we believe that moving this race from the Meadowlands will have a significant adverse economic impact on New Jersey which will negate the positive message we have been sending to the public as well as to our legislators and elected leaders.

The New Jersey Sire Stakes Board of Trustees strongly recommends that the Hambletonian Society reconsider the idea of moving the Hambletonian events and work together toward our vision for the future of horse racing in New Jersey by keeping this historic and revered race at the Meadowlands.

Questions Can Be Directed To: Phone: 609-913-6514.

NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

$26 Million Will Be Provided Through Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program and Ecosystem Based Management Program

On the heels of Climate Week, Governor Hochul announced two grant opportunities totaling $26 million for projects that will help address the impacts of climate change and protect water quality across New York State. The State is making $24 million available to support soil health and on-farm projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve water quality through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program. In addition, $2 million is available through the State’s Ecosystem Based Management Program to assist New York’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts to protect water quality and the long-term health of the State’s waterways. These funding opportunities build on the Governor’s efforts to support programs and initiatives that combat climate change and support the preservation of our state’s natural resources.

“I’m proud that New York continues to be a leader in environmental protections, with critical funding being deployed to our farms and in our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “These are smart investments that will not only protect and improve water quality and ensure a cleaner, more resilient New York but they will also support the economic viability of our state’s agricultural industry for generations to come.”

State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York agriculture is at the table when it comes to the preservation of our natural resources and combating the effects of climate change. Our CRF program has grown exponentially over the years, reaching more and more farmers every year, and our Ecosystem Based Management program is focused on water quality protections both on and off the farm. These grant opportunities will result in the implementation of dozens of projects across our State that will make significant improvements to the health of our waterways and soils and support the State’s climate and environmental goals.”

Learn more at https://agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0389-climate-resilient-farmingprogram-round-9.

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Maine DACF Opens Applications for $3.5 Million in PFAS Research Grants

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced that the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund) is accepting research proposals for $3.5 million in Major Grants and Targeted Grants for the study of PFAS in agriculture.

This is the second round of research grant funding offered by the PFAS Fund to support research to help Maine farmers determine their best options for maintaining and enhancing viability despite the presence of PFAS on their property.

Three million has been set aside for Major Grants that will fund multiple projects valued between $100,000 and $500,000 over two years. The priority research topics are:

• PFAS in Agricultural Settings: Water, Soil, and

Plant Studies

• PFAS in Agricultural Settings: Animals and Animal Product Studies

• Understanding and Managing PFAS in On-Farm Agricultural Settings and Products

Another $500,000 has been allocated for Targeted Grants that will fund projects valued up to $100,000 over 18 months. Targeted Grant proposals should focus on research questions specified within the Request for Applications (RFA). The research questions address topics such as management of waste products (e.g., manure) on a farm, safe sources of food for hogs, effective communication strategies, and the extent of PFAS accumulation in pollinators.

U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education, public and private nonprofit institutions and organizations, state and local governments, and Tribal governments are eligible to apply. All applicants are encouraged to collaborate with Maine-based producers, agricultural service providers, and/or institutions. Mandatory pre-proposals are due November 10, 2025, and full proposals must be received by February 13, 2026. The full Request for Applications can be found at https:// www.maine.gov/dacf/ag/pfas/pfas-fund-research.shtml. Questions can be submitted to PFASFund.DACF@ maine.gov.

A Breath of Fresh Air for a Famous Historic Tree

This summer, SavATree had the honor of caring for one of America’s most historic trees—a magnificent copper beech nestled in the gardens of the Ropes Mansion in Salem, Massachusetts. Known to many as “Allison’s House” in the cultfavorite Halloween movie “Hocus Pocus,” the site helps draw nearly a million visitors a year to the area, most of whom unknowingly contribute to a silent crisis beneath their feet: soil compaction.

Over decades, the excessive foot traffic around this 120-year-old tree has turned its root zone into virtual concrete, choking its ability to absorb water, air, and nutrients.

Led by certified arborist Ben Dugdale, the SavATree team performed radial trenching, a specialized method to relieve compacted soils and revitalize root systems. Using a high-powered air spade, they carefully loosened the hardened soil and replaced it with a nutrient-rich compost mix. This sets the stage for long-term health and resilience by helping the tree “breathe” again, while preventing damage to its delicate root system.

“This is one of the most effective and underutilized tools we have for trees in stressed, high-traffic areas,” says Dugdale. “It’s amazing what a difference it makes, especially for legacy

trees like this one.”

Radial trenching isn’t just for famous trees. If you have mature trees in compacted or welltraveled spaces like parks, campuses, or even your own yard, this technique could help save your tree from early decline. Let your arborist know if you notice compacted soil around your tree roots.

SavATree stands out as a licensed and accredited provider of tree services offered to both business and residential properties, known for its quality and professionalism. Their tree services prioritize the safety and appeal of your landscape. They tailor their services to meet your landscape’s specific needs, ensuring flexibility and effective care. Their certified arborists work around your schedule to deliver timely results, developing long-term plans that align with your budget and maximize value. Whether you need seasonal support that includes trimming, fertilization, disease treatment, removal, or a complete landscape overhaul, SavATree can enhance your outdoor spaces while maintaining tree health, safety, and beauty.

Born in 1978, SavATree’s expansion has grown the company to new heights, with a portfolio that now includes lawn care, deer deterrence, tick management, holiday lighting, and more.

Poison Ivy During Autumn

One important thing to remember is the leaves and other parts of poison ivy, oak, and sumac plants can remain toxic for years after they have died. Be careful while raking leaves and doing yard cleanup in areas where poison ivy is nearby. It is important to wear long pants, long sleeves, and vinyl gloves to help prevent a reaction. After poison ivy’s leaves have fallen to the ground, poison ivy vines can be identified by the hairy looking aerial roots the vine uses to cling to the tree. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac plants are toxic all year round. If you dispose of dead leaves and other plant material by burning them, be very careful to keep poison ivy, oak, and sumac out of the fire. The toxic oil in these plants, urushiol, is stable at high temperatures. The burned plant particles dispersed in the smoke are both an allergenic and irritant. Wherever this dangerous smoke contacts your skin, you can get a very severe reaction.

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BEAST OF THE NOR’EAST