Rutgers Nursery is pleased to announce its recent partnership with J.P. Case Middle School in Flemington to enhance their horticulture and environmental programs! We are so excited to share our love of plants with a new generation — together we can plant for the future!
Stay tuned for upcoming programs and events!
By using a series of basic design principles, a landscape designer is able to create a pleasing, harmonious and ultimately useful outdoor space. The first of these is balance.
Balance is a very important design principle when it comes to planning your landscape. Simply put, balance is the overall distribution and spacing of similar landscape elements. There are two types of balance, formal and informal. Formal balance tends to describe a layout which repeats the same, left and right, giving stateliness and stability. Here is an example of a formal balance in the landscape.
Informal balance, on the other hand, will differ between left and right giving a sense of curiosity and movement throughout the layout. The total mass of plants on either side should be equal for a balanced plan.
Balance as a principle can also be applied to colors in the landscape. Keeping a consistent mix of flower and foliage colors on left and right sides can help to achieve this. Check back next week when we discuss the principle of scale in landscape design.
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.
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!
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!
Like any plant, it truly depends on its needs as far as nutrients, light requirements, and pruning. Most are very easy to care for.
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.
Saturday, September 21 at 11:00, join us for a Fall Foliage Garden Walk! Bring your questions about trees and shrubs with the best Autumn color.
Saturday, September 28 at 11:00, we will be making lovely Fall Wreaths! We’ll supply a grapevine wreath and a wealth of seasonal decorative materials. This is a popular workshop – reservations are required. Call us at 908-788-2600.
Ladies’ Evening on the Patio! Join us on Friday evening, from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm for an evening of wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres and handmade balms and creams. Unionville Vineyards, Bluefish Grill and Storybook Farms will supply their wonderful wares and the outdoor fireplace will be lit; a perfect Girl’s Night Out!
Reservations are Required
Have you wondered how to plant those wonderful little marvels that are terrariums (terraria?) Wonder no more and join us on Sunday, May 5th at 11 am for a FREE hands-on workshop. Floral designer Jeneen Hover will demonstrate and you will go home with a lovely little terrarium of your own. Call 908-788-2600 (or email at info@rutgersLN.com) to reserve a spot!