Rutgers Landscape and Nursery’s President, Jim Brophy, and our Operations Manager, Jeff Dallesander ponder the future for these 62 acres!

Here’s an article from the Hunterdon Democrat that describes our recent addition:

Rutgers Nursery has expanded once again, with a recent purchase of a 62-acre parcel of land located in Delaware Township, Hunterdon County. This site has been an active farm, where long-time farmer David Bond previously harvested soybeans. “David Bond’s farming practices for the past decade have provided Rutgers with ideal growing and soil conditions with a Soil ph make up of 6.8, nearly perfect for growing high quality nursery stock.” said Win Cowgill, Hunterdon County Agricultural Agent.

Rutgers Nursery is invested in “making a name for itself by growing one the most unique and diverse plant lines on the East Coast,” said President James Brophy. Many of the new plantings will be species that are rare or simply uncommon in retail, ranging from trees like the majestic and well-known (albeit hard to find) American Beech, to the American Persimmon, a native tree which grows naturally throughout the East, yet remains fairly uncommon in nurseries and garden centers.

Rutgers will grow more than 200 types of woody ornamental liners in the new fields, varying from bare-root six-inch saplings up to five foot tall “specimen” plants. They plan to grow more than 20 different varieties of Dogwood, Magnolia, and Redbud trees, as well as a great number of rare and unusual trees. For example, Davidia (more commonly known as the “Dove Tree” or “Handkerchief Tree”) is a unique tree similar in style to the Dogwood, with “petals” that are actually white bracts overshadowing its inconspicuous flowers. The Dove Tree is widely adapted and fast growing to 40 ft. tall, and once established, makes an excellent specimen tree.

Rutgers Nursery provides exceptional rootstocks, a wide selection of rare seedlings from around the world, and the latest in cultivars propagated by techniques such as grafting, tissue culture, or cuttings. Few nurseries will match its availability and season-long selection in rare/unusual woody ornamentals.

Rutgers Nursery aims to become a source for many Native plants that currently make up the indigenous New Jersey landscape, yet are extraordinarily hard to find for purchase.

“Our vision is to be among the top nursery firms in the country by offering vigorous, healthy young plants to our customers, and a fun, rewarding place for our employees to work while being an environmental steward of our property, soil, and water resources. We aim to leverage our employee talent and profit to help our neighbors, public resource managers, school children and legislators to understand that resource conservation is in everyone’s self interest. It’s our professional obligation to future generations,” explained Brophy.