Lisa,
I was at nj botanical gardens today and almost past out when I saw how many varieties of hosta they had, and at $3.99 each you cant go wrong. I was like a kid in a candy store.
SLUG

It's been a long time - 10 yrs. - since I went to NJ Botanical Gardens. I stopped going because many of the plants I purchased turned out to be diseased. Perhaps it's changed over time.

Try Well Sweep Herb Farm for a ride in the country and great atmosphere. RB - not the place for you 'cause you have to deal with the border collies and the chickens - as well as a wonderful, wonderful shop.

Heehee...I went to a place you would love when I visited my dad, except it's in Alabama. I was hoping to find a few places like that here in Jersey. Thanks everybody. I know I will be checking out a few of those places when it warms up.

sheila

My favorite so far is Platt's Farm Market in Clarksboro....Great selection and very reasonable prices. Haven't started "shopping" yet to I don't know what they have to offer this year. Bought two Peony's from them last year that are just starting to pop up again. Can't wait to start filling that cart up again this year.

I went to NJ Botanical on opening day (Friday 4/9).
I was amazed at their selection.
And saddened when I heard this is the last season
in operation due to the owner's death.
I too hope someone else steps in.
I'd hate to see it close.

It would be a shame if NJ Botanical Gardens closed after this year. Anyone know anything about this? Went there there today and picked my shade plants. That is my kind of place-endless tables packed with tresures. Is there any other places like that in Central Jersey or Eastern PA?

I found a place called Native Plant Nursery in a book about native plants last year. When I called, they had incorporated with Cicconi Farms in Jackson NJ. Cicconi still carries native species, but boy are they big. They have a huge selection. I bought about 10 plants there last year. All of them were $2.50 ea except a Virburnum which was $12.50, still a good price, as someone I knew, paid $25.00 for one. The best thing is the plants were very healthy and all are thriving. Also, when I called with questions they were very helpful.
Don't know if they have soul but worth a trip.
This year, however, I was ticked that I called for a catalog and they wanted $5.00 for it! That's worth 2 plants. So I passed on that.

ellen

where is NJ botanical garden located ??

It's on Dukes Parkway West, off of RT. 206 in Somerville.

Can anyone give me directions to NJ Botanical Gardens from South Jersey? I'd go up either 295 or the Turnpike.

I-295 to 206 North, left on Dukes Parkway.

Cicconi Farms has a HUGE selection of perennials. Not too sure about soul, but the sales staff knows their stuff and are quite enthusiastic. Well worth the trip! They do have a catalog this year - and yes it is $5.00, but there are a ton of coupons in it that will more than make up for the cost of the catalog!

Just found out New Jersey Botanical Gardens in Hillsborough, NJ is having an end of the season sale begining Wednesday June 23.
Everything is going to be 50% off.

Barton's on How Lane in New Brunswick (North Brunswick?).
2 cats.
The owner is a former entymologist and will chat with you about your pest problem.
2 wonderful greenhouses.

ellen

The NJBG sale is not to be missed. What an extraordinary place, just as so many here have said. And they have SO much stock! Barely anyone was there today; most were just buying a few petunias and such - seemingly oblivious to the treasures all around. I can't imagine how they will sell even a fraction of it by July 4; most likely they will reduce prices even further????

I went to NJBG yesterday, and they still have tons of plants. As prubo said, not many people there either... The selection in the $1.79 (now .90) category is truly amazing. I was there earlier in the spring, and the selection has decreased a bit since then, but we're still talking about hundreds of varieties of plants. The only way to get this kind of selection is from seed, and if you don't like starting seeds, or don't have the space/time, this is the place for you. Besides, you could now buy two or three plants of a variety and it would still be about what many specialist seed places charge for a packet of seeds -- and you get instant gratification:-)

Nora

Although it is only an orchid nursery(world renowned) the coolest nursery in all of Jersey, has to be waldor orchids in Linwood New Jersey. If you're ever near Atlantic City you must check it out you will be absolutely amazed.

Does the NJBG sale continue even if it is not indicated on their web site?

ellen

Thanks for the tip about Pope's. I got a late start today and ran out of time to try NJBG, so visited Pope's instead.

I didn't encounter the dusty cat, but instead 2 friendly Labs, one of whom greeted me as soon as I got out of the car. :)

Nice to see so many ferns actually alive, in pots, instead of dormant roots in little baggies. (Never had much luck with those roots.)

FYI - A sale is on. 4 and 6 inch pots of annuals, and all herbs, on sale half price. (4-inch pots less than $1). Also, buy 2 hanging baskets and get one free. Perennials not on sale--but what a selection! I'll be going back, for sure.

Erica

Here is a link that might be useful: Pope's Gardens

Ok - is the sale still on at the NJBG ? Today is July 1st.
Dukes Parkway is off RT.206 ? Is there a sign?

Also - is there a good place to buy climbing roses and ground cover / carpet roses? Someplace that the people are helpful and very knowledable.

Mary Ann
Edison, NJ

According to their web site, they are open for 4 more days. To get there, going south from Somerville on 206, make a right on Duke's Parkway West. There's a light at the intersection. You probably go about 1/2 mile and it's on the left. It looks like a group of kind of run down greenhouses with a parking lot in front.

Been there lots of times, but never for the end of season sale. I hope to get there this time.

Ellen

I like Sickles....... :)

If you like orchids, I suggest Silva's in Neptune. They are hidden away so call for precise directions. Only open on Friday and Saturday to the public. They are a smaller operation than Waldor's but they are closer and just as knowledgable and I think, cleaner or neater. If anyone knows of any other orchid or tropical plant specialists please drop me an Email. I'm always up for a road trip.

Hi everyone,

I live outside of Boston and have been here since I was 18. My dad lives in Bergen County, NJ. He loves to come to visit me and go to Russell's. Am I wrong or is there a real shortage of good nurseries in Bergen County? Seems with so many people gardening and so many beautiful homes - there would be more choices. Can anyone help with suggestions?

My dad recently had back surgery and has been unable to garden all summer - I'd love to be able to tell him to visit a place he has not been to in his area. Thanks for your help!

Madsud! I don't know where your Dad lives in Bergen COunty, but as the perennial buyer for Goffle Brook Farm in Ridgewood, NJ, I would personally like to invite him to our place!

Although I just joined the Farm in December, it has been a family run business for over 50 years, with a great reputation. This growing season, I was able to establish one of the widest shade perennial selections in New Jersey as well as improve the sun perennials we ofer with diverse varieties on old favorites that are hard to come by. We are a small outfit, but well worth a trip. We no longer carry trees or shrubs, but are continuing to expand our perennial program to better serve the needs of our customers, both practically and creatively. PLEase join him if you have the time. BEst, Diana

How could I forget Ambleside Gardens in Hillsborough on route 206?

Well, I guess it's easy to overlook because although it's right there on 206, it's not well advertised. But it is a wonderful place to wander around and they do have a marvelous selection of shade-garden plants.

The plants are well arranged for browsing and some of the combinations are quite inspiring. There's also a terrific assortment of small sculpture and pottery. Soulful really is a good adjective to describe the place.

Hey, 206 in Somerville-Hillsborough could be a mini nursery circuit trip:

1. For inspiration, you could start out with a tour of Duke Farm,

2.head over to NJ Botanic on Duke Parkway West (when its open for the season).

3.Stop at Parkside Gardens right on the corner of DPW and 206 (They also sell cheesecake!),

4. head south about 1 mi. and stop at Ash's Flower farm (wide selection) and then Venis Bros. (poke throught the greenhouses in back) on the Northbound side and

5. continue down about another 2mi and amble around Ambleside on the Southbound side.

Five neat nurseries within five miles. Shouldn't that get a special prize?

;-)

Amy

DianaNJ - thanks! I will be visiting my parents the weekend of Aug 7. I will definitely drive my dad to Ridgewood. I know he can't plant anything this year - but it will defintely be exciting to visit a new place and maybe I could sneak a couple of plants home myself!

GReat Madsud! Email me if you need directions of just call the store. We are located just off RT208, where Ridgewood meets Wyckoff and Hawthorne, across the street from Bergen Tire. I should be working both Sat & Sun that weekend. We are legendary for our sweet corn, so be ready to pick some up!

I'll look forward to seeing you and your Dad.

Best, Diana

I was just thinking about this thread...

Bump for 2005 which is off to such a slow start that this thread could still be useful...

Sheila

Sheila

THANKS for the bump!!

Atlock Nursery on Weston Canal Rd Somerset, Ambleside in Hillsbourgh, Colonial Nursery West Front St Lincroft, Ciccioni Farms They have an online catalog too if you don't want to spend $5 for the catalog.

In addition to those cited, I like:

-Tony's (on northbound Rte. 130 in East Windsor; there
are a couple others nearby on Rte. 130 but can't
hold a candle to Tony's)
-Barlow's, in Sea Girt (the Shore); really nice selection
but a tad pricey, incredible Gift Shop, if
that's you're thing.
-Sickle's, in Little Silver on Rte. 520, a really class
act.
-Patterson's, on Rte. 524, in Howell - I simply love
these folks, a family that's been working the
land there for years. You can't find much more
"soul" than Don Patterson, his wife and the two
kids; the only nursery where I have EVER found
trailing (maroon) coleus - one small plant turns
into a four foot (and more) cascade by season's
end!
-Morganville Flower Farm, 409 Rte. 79, north of Marlboro;
a relative newcomer, but some unusual stuff.

These are all relatively "local" for me, but I constantly roam the state (and Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut) searching out interesting nurseries. . .

I love Sickle's in Little Silver. Their produce isn't that great but they have a good selection of prepared foods for when you don't feel like cooking.

I did check out various Casola's on Rt. 34 and 79. One on 79 has some beautiful plants but are very pricey. I still like Brock's (out on 34) for the water plants and visiting the giant koi. Can't feel guilty going there because I can always go to Delicious Orchards for the produce. I'll have to look at a map sometime, because out through that neck of the woods while freecycling I noticed a lot of little nurseries on the less travelled roads.

I'll be checking various nurseries posted here. I'll be heading to Cicconi's sometime this week. If anyone lives in the Bayshore area and wants to hitch a ride, let me know. Only caveat, I have a kid in school in the afternoon class. I'm thinking he could skip a day (it's afternoon class right in the middle of the day.) I got the catalog last time- and it will be time to use one of the coupons!

I'm hoping to visit Pope's after school lets out.

Hey Carl, can you post some Pennsylvania nurseries as well?

Sheila

How come it seems all the good nurseries are so far away from me? I don't drive, so I have to get my BF to drive and thats like pulling teeth. 52 minutes to Popes and 1 hr and 32 minutes to NJBG. The only one close to me is Michaels in Medford. You guys know any closer to Mt Holly, Medford, Pemberton, Columbus?
Im gonna try and get BF to go to Popes but dont thikn Ill get to NJBG til I get my license back.
Kymmie

KymmieAnn: There's one near Franklin Mills Mall (N.Phila.)
that I've always wanted to check-out: Creek's Edge, behind
the Toys-R-Us (215-637-8658) - if you get there before me,
post your reaction. P.S. NJBG is gone for good; sorry you
missed it. . .

Sheila: Pennsylvania Nurseries? Whoa, where to start?!!!
Here's just a few special ones:
-Meadowbrook Farm (www.gotomeadowbrook.com), now the
"official" nursery of the Penn. Horticultural Society (the
folks who bring you the Philadelphia Flower Show) - and
it's not far from Chanticleer which is ALWAYS worth a visit.
-Kaufell Gardens, New Hope (215-598-8238) used to be quite special, but I think I hear they've scaled back -
but New Hope's always a nice trip and the next two places are quite nearby;
-Linden Hill Gardens (www.jerryfritzgardendesign.com),
not a "nursery" per se, but on "event" weekends they often have unusual plants available;
-Renny, The Perennial Farm, Newtown, PA (215-598-0550),
has always been a "serious" gardener's place, a real treat.
When you call for directions/info/hours, see if the
adjacent Hortulus Farm, a 100 acre 18th century farmstead
(where Renny Reynolds personally gardens) still offers
tours to small groups (8 or so) for a nominal fee - you will be postively transported, a garden maven's DREAM!
-J.Franklin Styer Nurseries (www.styers.com), one of
many, big, classy Philadelphia-area nurseries and a major
presenter (and winner!) for years at the Phil. Flower Show;
also just down the road from Longwood Gardens - need I say more?

Carl

Bump!

Just moved to South Jersey from out of state and I don't know where to go anymore. I see little places all the time around here (Moorestown, Mt. Laurel, Cherry Hill, Medford) but I'm hoping to find the local equivalent of the place from back home that's so big and crammed with lovely stuff that they have printed maps & you have to pick a meetup spot with your companion when you go :D

This thread is awesome but I wonder if things have changed in the last 3-4 years. If the Botanical Gardens shop can close, so can others.

Bonus points for shop cats, as far as I'm concerned...

In central Burlingon Co. try Stellwags in Moorestown, Eric's in Mt. Laurel and Briands on 206. Happy planting!

Triple Oaks Nursery on Rt. 47 in Franklinville (South Jersey) is great. They have many native plants, a large selection of shade plants, tropicals and a very knowledgeable staff.

Saphireblue,
I agree - this is a great list! I live in the Cherry Hill area, and just started gardening last year. Here's what I've found out so far in my limited experience - Pope's in Waterford and Mr. GreenJeans on Rt. 73 about 5 miles on the left past where you catch the Atlantic City Expressway are both excellent. Both have a huge selection of perennials, shrubs, trees, and annuals at reasonable prices. Soon, probably in early June, they'll be having sales. Pope's has an excellent website as well. I was somewhat disappointed with the prices at Tripleoaks - found then a little high, however helpful staff and good selection for a medium sized nursery. Enjoy and have fun. Let us know what you find out! Leslie

I agree with Carl18 about Tony's in East Windsor, on 130. It is very large but doesn't feel like a huge operation. Tons of stuff.

On the flip side, I love Obal's on Alexander Road in Princeton. If you are on Rt. 1, take the "Alexander Road -- Princeton" exit off Rt. 1, and it is about 1/4 mile down on the left, right at the huge curve in the road (be careful! dangerous curve). Obal's is small but they have lots of gorgeous, well-tended stuff. Family business. They leave you alone but are there for you if you need help. A "take one" candy bowl at the register too; cute touch!

I've found this great little place in Jackson. Not really that little, it gets bigger each year. Cicconi Farms right off rt 9 on Farmingdale Rd. They always have a ton of stuff. I'm big on natives and they always have a great selection. The annuals & veggies section has grown this year also. Family owned, healthy plants, helpful staff. Lots to choose from & the prices are very reasonable. I love getting quart perennials for under $3. Can't beat it.

re:Cicconi
I agree Ms Green jeans-
I have bought plants from them and they are very healthy. Also, when I had a question about something I bought, they were most helpful.
A few years ago Cicconi's bought out a business that used to sell only natives, which is why they have such a good selection.

ellen

I made trip to Gasko's but was a little disappointed with the shape of some plants but guess that size operation during height of spring chaos makes tending everything impossible, plants should recover and the prices are great. My parents got their planted trees and shrubs from Gasko's back in 1979 the spring after they moved to Monmouth County. The flowering fruit trees are a magnificent sight to behold in spring after all these years. Replacing some shrubs and will get them there later this year.

Been trying to get out to Cicconi's for several weeks and haven't had a chance. It's going to be a mandatory trip because they seem like a nice family, got a warm & welcoming email response when I made an inquiry and have a great plant list even if the online availability list might not be updated. The web site photos of the plants they're offering are tremendous and I'm really itching to get out there and just browse...well, not really just browse. There are a few things I know I'm going to end up buying.

I learned about Cicconi's on THIS very thread when going back through the NJ Gardening forum during this past winter!

I was at Dearborn Farms on Rt. 35 south in Holmdel yesterday. I've always thought they were expensive compared to farm nurseries and probably are but the quality and size of their plants is magnificent. The staff is helpful and very accomodating. If you don't see something you want (plants, ferts, accessories, etc.) they're willing to add it to their order for the next week. Their annuals are comparatively huge and very well developed running between $4-$5 for quart and less per plant for things in flats. Things like the New Guinea Impatiens were literally and figuratively head and shoulders above what I've seen anywhere else. Just the spectacular sight of all those gorgeous azaleas in bloom made my day.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their favorite spots!

Newbie,

Cicconi's in Jackson was an awesome find for me. I am in Matawan but I went there this year while visiting my sis in Jackson. People were absolutely the best!! Oh, so were the plants. Lots of qt sizes and cheap. I'll go back.

Next weekend I want to find the Rare Find Nursery in Jackson. Website is awesome and I need a "uncommon fix".

Haven't been to Dearborn since they added that huge greenhouse, usually pretty pricey but...ok I'll check them out soon(when its not 95 degrees outside the greenhouse). Went past there this weekend, the front always looks so nice in bloom.

PAm

All the nurseries in my original post (2005) are still
intact - Tony's in E. Windsor (Rte. 130) still amazes me -
finally tried Obals (in Princeton), and while reasonably
pleasant, it simply cannot hold a candle to any of the
others on my original list. In Princeton, I've also found
Kale's (on Carter Road), huge range of plants, annual,
perennial, as well as shrubs, just a tad pricey, but you're getting excellent quality - Morganville Flower Farm
on Rte. 79 between Marlboro and Matawan, just keeps getting
better and better (best vegetable seedlings I've EVER seen). And my "perennial" favorite is still Patterson's
on Rte. 524 between Freehold and Farmingdale, the quintessential family operation; "Mom" died of cancer last year, but Don and the two kids carry on with an astonishing
array of plants - some of their prices are a tad out of line, but their annual starter paks are 4-paks (instead of
the standard 6-pak), which means each starter plant has a larger root system which stabilizes more quickly when you plant them. Fewer plants per flat, yes, but far fewer
failures - for the last decade, I have switched to their
annuals exclusively because of transplant success, and that's crucial to my business.

Little known fact about the much-touted Cicconi's: while a
few of those quart-sized perennials (averaging $2.89 apiece
this year) are available up front, you CAN go trolling
through all the greenhouses directly behind the check-out
stand "on your own" (the staff won't come help, but most
plants are marked). . .I have spent virtually hours back there, making one remarkable discovery after another -
plants are "roughly" alphabetical, and early Spring, obviously, is the most productive time - be sure to bring one of the wagons (to park outside the greenhouse) and find
a bunch of the 12-pot trays to carry with you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kale's Nursery

I finally made it out to Cicconi's and it was only a half hour drive from my father's in Colts Neck.

I spent 3 hours wandering greenhouses and kept forgetting where I'd left my cart. I had 3 things I needed from their availability list but ended up with more than 3 plants!

In one of the back houses was where I found the Hakone Beni Kaze grass whose internet photo grabbed me but the mail order prices for a 3-5 inch pot didn't. It's still a visible plug inside the quart but I'm leaving it in the container sunk in the garden to grow on and baby for the next year. I'm hoping I have it good light condition to achieve the burgundy, red & pink coloration in Fall but with enough shade so it doesn't shrivel up.

Cicconi's prices for gallon perennials were almost on par with some other places but they had a great selection and people were extremely patient and helpful. The prices for good size plants compared to mail order, tops-lopped-off little starters were great and you get to actually see a plant in its natural state when you buy and growing the first year.

Got more Asclepias Incarnata (they were out of Tuberosa-the Monarchs will have to deal with it), NY Ironweed, Heuchera Amethyst Mist, Pink Jewel Fleabane (after I saw a Spring Azure testing the nectar right in front of me), a huge Sedum Vera Jameson (funky succulent, not like its photos but a facinating stunner) and some Sweet Basil since my little seedlings won't be "Pesto sufficient" for a LONG time.

The 2 Lamium Purple Dragon I got from Gasko's are fading quickly without growth or flowers while another $3. Lamium 3 times their size I got at a roadside plant seller on northbound side of Rt. 35 (south of the light at Costco in Hazlet) is flourishing and blooming its head off. I always saw this roadside place too late in zipping traffic to stop in but was keeping an eye out for it last trip up that way to Lowe's & Dearborn. I also got a Eupatorium Rugosum Chocolate (terrific burgundy tinged foliage & can't wait for fall white blooms), Buddleia Red Knight (in huge shrub pot since nowhere really to put 5'x5' plant in full sun), Salvia May Night, unknown electric blue/purple Salvia, Curly Parsley for Swallowtails and a few six packs of annuals for mostly shaded garden. Total only $36. for all that and they're doing very well. I didn't have to make a stop at Dearborn for anything and they wouldn't have any plants I got at roadside plant seller anyway except for Salvia May Night most likely.

Early Saturday morning before food shopping I stopped in at Colonial Nursery on West Front Street just east of Middletown-Lincroft Rd. in Middletown. I never knew they existed until finding them listed as retail vendor for some national supplier. They had 2 year old Dwarf Goatsbeard for $9.95 that was 3 times the size of mail order gallon I got last fall and more than a foot tall/wide Astilbe Fanal that was a nicer shade of burgundy/raspberry than I perceived from online photos. It's not a huge place buy neat and clean with a good selection of plants not everyone carries in such pristine shape. The Fanal looked washed out and rangy at Cicconi's and price was the same.

Next year I'll have to make it out to Cicconi's earlier in the season to look around when things haven't gone through a withering heat wave. I probably don't "need" much more to fill in what I can at my father's but there's always a chance I'll see some perennial between now and next year for which I could find a place to plant. Used quite a few annuals to fill in where I was too confused or rushed to decide on perennials to fill out a few new beds. Particularly short on spring bloomers. Maybe next year after a full year in the ground I'll have more time to enjoy all these beauties when I don't have to baby them until they get established. I was never so happy to hear thunder and lightening as last night thinking "Yippee...I don't have to worry about watering at 5 AM" expecially before getting started on cooking/straightening house for Father's Day celebration.

All in all, I've maxed out on plants for my first year's attempt at gardening. I dread having to transplant the last few containers of annual seedlings I started myself. What was I thinking listening to people who said "It's a snap!" compared to being stretched out on the ground trying to tease apart tiny roots and then getting them placed just right in ground soil...to say nothing of watering with droplets so they don't dissolve into the ground? What a riot but good learning experience.

Boy, do I feel lucky to live in Jersey!

Hey Newbie!

"Boy, do I feel lucky to live in Jersey!" So where do you hail from??

I live down the road in Matawan so i am very familiar with the nurseries you mentioned, including The little place by Costco. I've gotten some good bargains there throughout the years.

Have you tried Morganville Flower Farm on Rt 79? His prices are pretty good and the plants are always good quality. I've been going there for years, way b4 he got the big greenhouse he was a smaller farm accross the street. Welcome to the neighborhood!!

Pam

Just south of Tony's are two great garden centers. A&M and Timothy's. Timothy's has great stones and bolders too. I really like the people there, I know them a long time. They have aquatic plants that they keep in water. Home depot was selling the same plants for about 10 or 20% less, but they were in plastic bags in boxes, I'm not fooled.

A&M has great hanging baskets and mixed containers. If you need a plant to give as a gift, A&M has very showy vibrant containers.

Hey, Pam...I live in Tinton Falls (condo) but my parents bought the house in Colts Neck in 1/79 when it was still comparatively rural. Colts Neck has become an overdeveloped place when it used to be more country. So many farms disappearing but can't blame some farmers as they can sell out and be set for life financially.

Can you believe the bargains at that little plant place right before Costco on Rt. 35? I stopped there Monday on my way to Lowe's and picked up a Sedum Autumn Joy for the butterfly garden.

I haven't tried Morganville Flower Farm on 79 yet.

My father will really have a fit if I bring one more plant to his place...but I would be easily swayed if they had some Fleabane (pink jewel) and Liatris Ligulistylis. It's not easy to find most native plants but Cicconi had a lot and Colonial had some. I'm so tempted by the look of too many plants to stick to my intent to plant only natives. So I'm weak...LOL.

So far the deer are only eating/trampling what I planted up around the mailbox. Found a hole right under the Morning Glory I'm trying to train up the mailbox post...could be one of the dozens of chipmunks we're infested with. My own fault since I ground feed birds with cracked corn but I can't disappoint the birds...LOL.

Already put down MoleMax and gladiolus are in bulb cages so it shouldn't be mole making hole.

Do you know of any local reliable place for trenching around flower beds and trees and then put down mulch? The last time it was done (8-10 years ago) it took eight yards of mulch and my father's pretty particular about a very neat job being done. I was thinking of inquiring at Colonial Nursery as I was impressed with their tidiness and knowledge in the flower section so hoping their landscape services were comparable. I just don't have the energy to ditch around all the beds/trees and then lug and lay down 8 yards of mulch and my father can't do it anymore at his age.

I had 3 yards of hardwood mulch for my new butterfly garden delivered from Molzon's on Middletown-Lincroft Road.

The ladies who work there are nice, patient and informative but the manager is "curt" to say the least.

The mulch turned out to be what I found out was "sour" as heck...couldn't use it for weeks until some of the
plant-toxic gases dissipated. Took me forever to haul it to the back from the street by wheelbarrow. It was the most expensive mulch they had but it was uneven and full of roots & painted wood instead of wood/bark. It's still full of wood lice but no longer detrimental to plant health. Live and learn...typical newbie mistake.

We call my father "Mr. ShopRite" since he just has to go up to the Matawan store on 34 at least 3 times per week...LOL.

Do you have this nearly impenetrable clay soil up in Matawan also? I wanted to do raised beds to save myself a lot of work but my father nixed that idea thinking I was only going to do "one little butterfly garden"! It takes tons of amendments to get anything to grow in it.

Do you have the invasive Chinese Wisteria vines that plague so much of Monmouth County? I could hack, chop and yank til the cows come home and, after a good rain, they look totally overgrown again.

Just noticed you're in Zone 7...I've been going on the information that we were in zone 6. Since you're a smidge north of Colts Neck could you be 7 because of your proximity to the ocean?

Nice to have a local to compare notes with!

Leslie

Leslie,

You can call Morganville and ask for Harry, see if he has what your looking for. I must admit, I am not a native only gardener, so I'm not sure if he carries natives. He has ALOT of perrenials though. The place is worth a look see though, you wont be disappointed.

I just came accross Molzon's this spring. Have to get back there soon to use my "coupons". I found the staff to be great and they had some unusual annuals. A few of the Lavendar I bought from them bit the dust, maybe it was my fault though. I just added a butterfly garden this spring also. I hired a few of our warehouse workers to dig it in and add the amendments, getting too old for that heavy digging. I added alot of manure, compost and good old fashion mg garden soil and they mixed in into the clay very well. I even added some sand to one section for some added drainage for my Agastache's.

No Chinese Wisteria vines in my backyard. Fortunately, we back up to an enviroment easement and we have lots of birds and wildlife. Unfortunately, I live next to a neighbor who poisoned all the grapevines that were naturally growing through the brush and brackle. We have a difference of opinion as to what is "pleasant to the eye", or even legal!!

Do you have plants for Hummingbirds too?? If not, I am over loaded with plants I started from seed, I could part with a few.

As far as my zone, I always thought I was in 6B, but than lately it seems to have changed. Did they change the borders due to global warming? I am fairly close to the Bay, about a 25 minutes to Sandy Hook.

I love to garage sale and usually end up in Colts Neck on a saturday. It seems this lousy economy is hitting everyone hard. I noticed some brand new homes there that are empty and vandaled. And a few horse farms up for sale. Not a good time to sell real estate, unless you HAVE to. Its a shame what's happening to our state. I was born here but am leaving for the Carolina's in 4 yrs when my hubby retires. Taxes are jsut too high here.

Here is a link that might be useful: zone map coastal is 7a