What’s growing on the Farm!

Posted on February 13, 2017 by RutgersLN

What’s Growing on the Farm?

Did you know that Rutgers Nursery maintains a beautiful 62 acre farm in Stockton, NJ? Since 2013 we have been growing and harvesting a lot of our own trees and shrubs right down the street from our Nursery. Plants from our farm are very hardy and have the added benefit of being grown in local soil, making them better acclimated to our area.

One tree that we’re particularly proud to be growing is the “Fringe Tree,” Chionanthus virginicus, a native to the eastern U.S.

This spectacular tree grows 12-20’ tall and wide, and tolerates full to partial sun. Its multi-stemmed (or “clump”) habit gives it a nice rounded shape at maturity. In late spring, the Fringe tree is covered with drooping clusters of fluffy, fringe-like flowers which can last for over two weeks! Bright green, spear-shaped leaves emerge soon after flowering, which are followed by clusters of black berries on female Fringe trees in autumn- a favorite of songbirds and ground birds.

The Fringe Tree is especially hardy, and is known to tolerate less-than-ideal conditions like urban areas with air pollution or even drought. It is happiest, however, in a moist but well-drained spot with good light and a little space to spread its limbs. This easy to care for tree seldom needs pruning and requires only moderate watering until established.

Keep an eye out for our Fringe Trees when you stop by our Nursery this spring, and ask us to show you what other trees have been locally grown at our farm!

A Taste of the Tropics: The Pawpaw!

Posted on March 1, 2016 by RutgersLN

Native to Eastern North America, the Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a small tree that grows just about 25-feet at maturity. The tree requires part shade when it’s young, but as it matures can handle full sun. It is primarily found growing natively as an understory tree, and if you’re lucky to find it bearing fruit, it’s a fantastic treat! The fruit resembles young mangoes, has a creamy texture, and tastes like a mix of a banana, melon, and pineapple. Best of all, we are cultivating them on our farm, and young trees should be dug and available this season. Give us a call or check out our website for availability!

A Walking Tour of the Plant Gallery with Jim Brophy!

Posted on September 25, 2014 by RutgersLN

Rutgers Nursery carries (and grows!) many beautiful specimen plants. On Saturday, September 27th at 11 am, Jim Brophy, owner of Rutgers Nursery will lead a tour through our Gallery of Plants. We spoke with Jim about these special plants.

What is the Gallery of Plants?

To me, the specimens we carry in our Plant Gallery are those that serve more as artistic pieces. They both improve the landscape and intrigue the beholder.

What’s your favorite specimen tree/shrub and why?

As you might guess, it’s hard for me to pick just one! A few of my favorites include the Fernleaf Maple (Acer Japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’), Paperbark Maple (Acer Griseum), Japanese Snowbell (Styrax Japonica), and the Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia) — whose foliage right now is quite spectacular!

Are specimens harder to maintain than other plants?

Contrary to what one may think, they actually require less maintenance! You generally get the benefit of the slow growth and hardiness of a specimen plant — with the exception of the Dawn Redwood, which is hardy and grows exceptionally fast!

Are there any special needs for specimen plants from a care perspective?

Like any plant, it truly depends on its needs as far as nutrients, light requirements, and pruning. Most are very easy to care for.

Is there anything attendees should bring to the walk (aside from questions!).

Attendees are welcome to bring pictures of their property to help assess which specimen might be a good fit. They are also welcome to take pictures as well!

For more information on plants carried or grown by Rutgers Nursery, click here.

This is No Mellow Yellow

Posted on September 5, 2014 by RutgersLN

Golden hues abound at the nursery, and these gorgeous trees are certainly stealing the spotlight.

The Ogon Dawn Redwood (also appropriately called Gold Rush), is a chartreuse, pyramidal variety that is fast growing and can reach a mature height of up to 80 feet! It puts on a fantastic, eye-catching display in any garden landscape.

Frans Fontaine Hornbeam is also quite literally beaming, displaying its stately columnar shape, which is excellent planted individually, as a hedge, or for situating in narrow planting spaces. With an average height of 30′ tall and about 12′ wide, it takes and becomes its own spotlight!

Our Maidenhair Ginkos are also letting down their golden hair, with vibrant bright yellow fan-like leaves. This gorgeous ornamental shade tree can get 40′ tall with a canopy of 25.’ It holds a pyramidal shape, and is drought tolerant and can handle many soil types.

Come in and experience the glow!

Blazing Glory

Posted on August 29, 2014 by RutgersLN

Who needs Blu-ray when you can get this type of high definition naturally? Whether or not you’re ready for fall, our Japanese Maples sure are, and currently are putting on quite the fiery display. Japanese Maples make a great addition to your backyard landscape, and because they can handle part shade, are excellent for brightening up an area that needs a little kick of color. We have many types to choose from in stock, ranging from adorable ornamentals to stately Japanese Bloodgoods.

Japanese Snowbell Tree (Styrax japonicus)

Posted on July 31, 2014 by RutgersLN

If the thought of snow makes you shiver, ease your mind with Japanese Snowbell, a stunning tree that offers fragrant, snowy-white blooms as it ushers in springtime.

This deciduous, compact tree can be spectacular on its own or added as a showy accent when planted near a house or patio. Its deep green leaves are glossy and broad, reaching a length of 3.” An upright leaf habit allows well-deserved focus on its clusters of bell-shaped, sweet-smelling blossoms. Flowers transform into olive-green drupes that last into the fall, which offers intrigue well passed its bloom time.

Japanese Snowbell can obtain a size of 20-30” high and wide, prefers moist, well-drained soil, and tolerates full to partial sun. The shape of your tree can be manipulated by pruning. Cutting lower branches gives a more tree-like shape, while leaving them yields a thicker, more shrub-like look. What’s more, as the tree matures, the outer bark begins to peel to reveal a deep orange inner bark.

Stop by the nursery to see how this gorgeous specimen can enhance your garden landscape!

Paperbark Maple

Posted on June 13, 2014 by RutgersLN

Gorgeous Paperbark Maple

Sharpen your #2 pencils and add Paper Bark Maple to your must-see list of specimen trees! This slow-growing variety was originally cultivated in China, but has since found its way to our area, growing well in zones 5-7. This maple does well in both full sun and partial shade, and reaches a moderate height of 15′-30,’ with similar sized canopy. Leaves grow in clusters of three, ranging from 3-8” long, and turn from orange to bright red in late fall, holding onto its color far longer than most maples, which can be a real treat in the grey of winter! Although small, delicate yellow-green blooms appear in spring, the real boasting point of the Paper Bark Maple (as the name suggests) is its distinctive, chocolaty copper bark that peels away in ribbons and curls. This tree is truly an ornament for all seasons!

Category Archives: Trees Grown by Rutgers Nursery