Pocket Gardens NJ -- open for business

Can you dig it? They can.

Do you need work/advice/design on a garden, porch, terrace or container(s) that might be too small & costly to hire a ‘big’ landscape company, but too big to maintain all by yourself?

Dig them via email pocketgardensnj@gmail.com or on Facebook: at https://www.facebook.com/pocketgardensnj/

'Tis the season of plant sales ... THANKFULLY

Plant sales are beginning to sprout up on my calendar, so I thought I would share a few with you:

--Garden Club of Harrington Park, Herring Street and Harriot Avenue: 9 a.m. to noon April 29. Info: www.gardenclubofharringtonpark.com.

--New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood: Members only 6:30 p.m. May 5, also May 6 and May 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: www.njbg.org.

--Garden Club of Teaneck: May 6-14. Info: www.gardenclubofteaneck.org.

--Essex County Master Gardener: 10 a.m. May 5 and 9 a.m. May 6 at Presby Iris Garden, Montclair and 9 a.m. May 13, Environmental Center. Roseland. Info: www.mgessex.org.

--Passaic County Master Gardener, Wayne: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 20. Info: 973-305-5740.

I expect more with be poppin' in shortly. If you have information, feel free to send it to raymondaedel@gmail.com

‘Grateful Heart’ rose helps fight heart disease

A new hybrid tea rose called “Grateful Heart” offers more than beautiful, fragrant blossoms. It’s also a rose with a purpose.

For every "Grateful Heart" rose bush sold, a $5 donation will go to the American Heart Association.

So while the plant grows magnificent blooms, the plant also helps fight against the world's foremost killer: cardiovascular disease.

The beautiful, five-inch-wide roses sit high on 14-18 inch stems. The deep red flowers are highlighted by the lighter pink of the reverse petals. Reaching 4 feet wide and 5 feet tall, thrives in sunny locations throughout USDA Zones 5-9.

The hybrid tea rose bushes are on sale for $27.95, and the 36-inch tree form sells for $55.95 at www.jacksonandperkins.com or 866-224-3866.

The Soil and Water Conservation Society offers scholarship to New Jersey college students

 A $500 scholarship will be awarded this summer to a New Jersey student majoring in natural resource conservation, environmental science or a related field of study, announced the Firman E. Bear Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.

The Edward R. Hall/Robert R. Hanna Scholarship is awarded annually to acknowledge N.J. college students for their academic and personal accomplishments in the field of conservation and/or natural resources.

To apply, go to www.njswcs.org to download application form, complete and postmark by April 28, 2017.

The scholarship winner will be announced by June 9.

Volunteers make a difference at Laurelwood Arboretum, Wayne

April is National Volunteer Month, no FOOLing.

And the volunteer season will begin at Laurelwood Arboretum in Wayne 9 a.m. Tue., April 11 at the arboretum’s pavilion.

On kickoff day, the volunteers will work until 11:30 a.m. and then enjoy refreshments and a welcome event starting at noon.

Mary Jo Sichak will present a “Garden Safari Photo Program” highlighting some of her favorite garden photos. She is a Master Gardener, a member of the Board of Directors of Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum, and an accomplished gardener and photographer.

Volunteers are welcome to work in the park any Tuesday or Friday from April 11 through October. Individuals can drop in anytime and do not need to sign up in advance. They should bring water, small hand tools and gardening gloves if they have them. Groups are asked to call 973-831-5675 to make arrangements in advance.

The arboretum is located at 725 Pines Lake Drive West in Wayne.

To learn more, visit the website www.laurelwoodarboretum.org.

Passaic County 4-H’s public night April 21 in Wayne

On Fri., April 21, 4-H members from around Passaic County will gather to demonstrate, perform and present on subjects that they are interested in and fascinated by.

This year’s "Public Presentation Night” will run from 6 to 8 p.m.  at the Public Safety Academy, 300 Oldham Road in Wayne.

Information:  973-684-4786.

Celebrate Earth Day, April 22 & 23 at New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood

Mark your calendar for Earth Day weekend - April 22-23 -  when the New Jersey Botanical Garden has several programs planned to celebrate our natural world.

They'll have walks and volunteer opportunities and a concert.

The schedule includes:

Sat., April 22 – 10 a.m. - Volunteer Season Kickof.f

Sat., April 22 – 1 p.m. - Early Spring Wildflower Walk.

Sat., April 22 – 2 p.m. - Christine Spero Duo in Concert.

Sun.,  April 23 – 1 p.m. - Family Earth Day Hike.

The garden is at Morris Road, Ringwood.

Information: www.njbg.org.