Colts Neck

Feb 08, 2023

Embrace Flora and Fauna This Winter

Late winter can move so slowly as gardeners wait impatiently for their seed orders to arrive, crocuses to bloom and forsythias to break buds. 

“This is a time to learn indoors rather than toil outdoors,” said Rachel Weston, of the Shrewsbury Garden Club. “Monmouth County has numerous organizations and businesses where you can learn more and become a better gardener. There is expert help, whether you want to grow bigger and better veggies, plant more native plants to attract more birds and wildlife to your yard or simply want to admire stunning flowers in bloom.” 

Rutgers Master Gardeners of Monmouth County offer free “Coffee Talks for Home Gardeners” webinars. On Saturday, Feb. 18 at 9:30 am, it’s “Time to Get Growing! Spring Vegetables for Every Garden.” Register at go.rutgers.edu/o2odeq76. On Saturday, Feb. 25 at 9:30 am, the presentation is “Bedazzling Dahlias: Adding Delightful Drama to Your Garden.” Register at go.rutgers.edu/rbxe2md5.

On Sunday, Feb. 19 from 9 to 10 am, the Monmouth County Parks System will hold a Backyard Bird Count at Huber Woods Park in Middletown. In this free program, attendees will explore Huber Woods Park with a Park System naturalist in celebration of the Great American Backyard Bird Count. Meet the winter birds at the local feeders and see which birds you can identify. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow, if needed. To learn more, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com.

From Saturday, March 4 to Sunday, March 12, the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This is the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event, featuring stunning displays by the world’s premier floral and landscape designers. This year’s theme is “The Garden Electric!” The show is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm; until 8 pm on March 4, March 10 and 11; and until 6 pm on March 12. Daily tickets are available with add-on activities like the two-hour Early Morning Tours, a walk through the live butterfly garden, making a flower crown and many more for small additional fees. To learn more, visit PHSOnline.org. 

On Wednesday, March 8 from 8 to 10 pm, the Monmouth County Audubon Society will teach event participants how to create a garden oasis for birds and other native wildlife. This lecture will be presented in person and virtually by Jason Goldman of the Monmouth County Park System. To learn more, visit MonmouthAudubon.org. 

On Tuesday, March 21 at 7 pm, Shrewsbury Garden Club member Emilee Carton will present a free slideshow of her gorgeous photography called “Digging Deeper into Local Wildlife.” She’ll share her experiences photographing wildlife in Monmouth County, and her humorous stories will show you just how far she’s willing to go to get the perfect shot. To learn more, visit ShrewsburyGC.com.