COUNTY — The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County are hosting their 33rd annual Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale on Sunday, May 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Demonstration Garden of the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located within the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.
“The Spring Garden Fair is an excellent opportunity to support the efforts of our Master Gardener volunteers while refreshing your garden or dinner table with new plants and produce,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Additionally, all proceeds from the fair will be used to fund additional horticultural programs for our community. Join us in supporting this worthy cause while enjoying a fun and informative event.” The Spring Garden fair showcases a wide variety of vegetable transplants, native and ornamental perennials, annual flowers, and houseplants for sale. Home gardeners can seek advice at the Master Gardener Garden Helpline and Square Foot Gardening demonstration tables. The 4-H Master Tree Stewards will host a children’s activity, and visitors are invited to explore the 24 themed garden beds situated in the Demonstration Garden.
This free event will be held rain or shine on May 19. Visitors are advised that all sales are cash only, and are recommended to bring a small wagon to transport their purchases. Service animals are welcome, but pets will not be allowed.
Free parking is available throughout the Trailside Nature and Science Center parking lot and the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation.
“We are thrilled to announce the return of this event to Trailside for yet another season, and are equally proud of our partnership with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Master Gardeners, who work tirelessly to make our community a more vibrant and beautiful place to live,” said Liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski.
The Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale is organized each year by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County, an all-volunteer organization run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Commissioner Board. They create and run programs for the public including educational workshops and horticulture programs for people with special needs. The centerpiece of the program is the 1.5-acres Union County Demonstration Garden, located adjacent to the Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation, at 152 New Providence Road in Mountainside.
For more information about the Spring Garden Fair and the Master Gardener Program visit: http:// www.mastergardeners-uc.org.