MOUNTAINSIDE — A gardener’s paradise is coming to Union County next month.
A free “Native Plant Swap and Shop” in Union County is occurring Thursday, June 9, for residents, at the Scout Camping Spot in the Watchung Reservation, found at the Trailside Mother nature and Science Centre on New Providence Road in Mountainside.
From 5:30 to 8 p.m., intrigued individuals can trade in dangerous, invasive plants from their lawn for up to 3 vibrant, native varieties that are extra beneficial to character. These indigenous species this kind of as swamp milkweed, blue wood aster, creeping phlox, slim leaf sunflower, tall white beardtongue, and cardinal flower are built to draw in butterflies and other pollinators.
The swap and trade-in are absolutely free of charge. But extra native crops will also be offered for buy at the party.
“The Swap and Store is a enjoyable way to commence introducing advantageous native crops into your property and backyard garden. It has been a big hit with gardeners in our neighborhood, and we are delighted to deliver it again this yr,” stated Union County Fee Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
Admission to the event is free. Attendees can stay as prolonged as they like. They can provide any amount of invasive plants from their yards. Illustrations of invasive plants to convey are Japanese barberry, pachysandra, butterfly bush, garlic mustard, porcelain berry, periwinkle, English ivy, and Chinese silvergrass.
Dig up the invasive vegetation with the roots included, if doable, and carry it in a sealed box or bag.
Professional naturalists will be on-internet site to supply guidance and details on gardening with indigenous vegetation.
People really don’t have to carry invasive crops from house to make a obtain at the party only if they intend to swap.
Pre-registration is essential on-line at ucnj.org/plant-swap.
For additional assistance on gardening with native vegetation, obtain the absolutely free “Plant This, Not That” guide.
Jen Ursillo is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach her at jennifer.ursillo@townsquaremedia.com
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Some of New Jersey’s Native Plants
New Jersey has additional than 2,000 native vegetation in the condition. But 350 of them are in a searchable database at www.jerseyyards.org. Below are some native crops you can discover in the Backyard garden State, some perfect for hummingbirds and butterflies and some others for yard natural beauty.