Free Landscaping, Gardening Lecture Series Kicks Off Oct. 13

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Community Renewal are pleased to offer adults, ages 18 and older, a series of landscaping classes this fall at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. The Trailside Museum Association is sponsoring these classes from 11:00 a.m. to noon on three Saturdays: October 13 (Planting Bulbs); October 27 (Deer Resistant Plants); and November 3 (Creating a Natural Wildlife Garden). Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcomed as space permits. There is no fee for these classes but donations are appreciated.

 “These landscaping classes will provide residents with knowledge and skills to grow and maintain beautiful gardens,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders appreciates the Trailside Museum Association’s sponsorship of these landscaping classes, as well as their ongoing support and commitment to Trailside.”

Bryan Lowe, horticulture consultant for HortSeminarsNJ, and a certified rain garden installer, will present an informative series of landscaping lectures. On Saturday, Oct. 13, learn which bulbs are available in the season; which do well in our area and are deer resistant; and find out how to plant, care for and maintain your bulbs. 

The topic of discussion on Saturday, Oct. 27 is deer-resistant plants. You’ll learn what plants are not attractive to deer, and what techniques work to deter deer. On Saturday, Nov. 3 the class will examine the proper design for creating a backyard corner for attracting birds, as well as a landscape dedicated to providing food and shelter for our animal friends. The class will offer a chance to explore Trailside’s wildlife habitat.         

 The Trailside Museum Association, sponsor of this landscaping series of programs, is dedicated to assisting Trailside staff in their ongoing efforts to educate people in all aspects of nature, science and conservation by assisting with funding, volunteering and advocacy. 

For information about the landscaping classes or information about any other programs or upcoming events, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.