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Press Releases: 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006

Press Releases

New Jersey Botanical Garden Holds Wreath-Making Workshops on Dec. 5

NJBG will sponsor two hands-on Wreath-Making Workshops at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden, on Saturday, December 5, 2009, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The workshops are an annual tradition at NJBG.

In these two workshops you'll learn how to assemble and decorate holiday wreaths to grace your home, using a variety of fresh and dried plant materials. You'll make two wreaths, one for use at NJBG's Holiday Open House and one to take home with you. All materials are provided, but bring clippers, gloves and any special ribbon you might wish to use. Fees are $25 for NJBG members and $30 for non-members. For more information and to reserve your spot in the workshop, please call 973-962-9534.

NJBG is located on Morris Road in Ringwood, NJ. Call (973) 962-9534 or visit  www.njbg.org for more information on NJBG, membership, volunteer opportunities, events or directions. The NJ Botanical Garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to the Garden is always free; parking is also free in the autumn, winter and spring.

Originally assembled from pioneer farmsteads of the 1890s, The New Jersey Botanical Garden has a venerable history. In 1922, Clarence McKenzie Lewis, an investment banker and trustee of the New York Botanical Garden purchased the property and original Victorian mansion from Francis Lynde Stetson. Over the next three decades, Mr. Lewis built the current 45-room Tudor manor house and transformed Skylands into a botanical showplace, engaging prominent landscape architects to design the grounds and collecting plants from all over the world.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands as the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official Botanical Garden in 1984. The gardens contain many unique features, including an extensive collection of statuary, historic trees, formal annual garden, perennial beds and an heirloom collection of lilacs.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, concerts and special events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden. Guided tours of the gardens are offered on Sundays at 2 p.m., May through the end of October, weather permitting.


Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: NJBG workshop leader Pat Grossi (r) helps wreath-makers build the perfect wreath to take home with them at one of NJBG's annual Wreathmaking Workshops. Photo courtesy of NJBG.

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NJBG Holiday Open House at Skylands Manor -- Nov. 19-22

Historic Skylands Manor in the New Jersey State Botanical Garden will be filled with an extravagant display of seasonal décor during NJBG's spectacular annual Holiday Open House from November 19 to November 22, 2009.

Skylands Manor, a 45-room Tudor-style country estate built in the early 1920's, features many fine historic architectural elements and is an elegant backdrop for this celebration of the Thanksgiving season. In keeping with the botanical surroundings, the lush décor features abundant live and dried plants and flowers, elegant appointments, and displays created with youngsters in mind.

The decorating theme is changed annually, so each year the Manor has a very different look. For 2009, we will focus on fall and spotlight the beauty of the Manor itself by "Celebrating Skylands Manor." Individual rooms are decorated by scores of volunteers from northern New Jersey garden clubs, Master Gardener programs, local companies and NJBG members. NJBG/Skylands Association, the non-profit member organization of volunteers which supports the garden, sponsors this annual event.

Daytime tours of the NJBG Holiday Open House are available Thursday through Sunday, November 19-22, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for children 6-12, and free for children under six. No babystrollers, please. Group tours are also available by appointment. The last tour begins at 4:00 p.m.

Evening 'Champagne and Candlelight' Receptions are also available on Friday through Sunday evenings, November 20-22, 2009, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. During these special evening showings, the Manor will be yours for leisurely enjoyment with champagne, light refreshments and valet parking. Tickets are $30 and reservations are required. To reserve tickets, please call 973-962-9534 or visit our website at www.njbg.org .

NJBG is located on Morris Road in Ringwood, NJ. The NJ Botanical Garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to the Garden is always free. Call (973) 962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org for more information on NJBG events, directions, membership, and volunteer opportunities.

Originally assembled from pioneer farmsteads of the 1890s, The New Jersey Botanical Garden has a venerable history. In 1922, Clarence McKenzie Lewis, an investment banker and trustee of the New York Botanical Garden purchased the property and original Victorian mansion from Francis Lynde Stetson. Over the next three decades, Mr. Lewis built the current 45-room Tudor manor house and transformed Skylands into a botanical showplace, engaging prominent landscape architects to design the grounds and collecting plants from all over the world.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands as the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official Botanical Garden in 1984. The gardens contain many unique features, including an extensive collection of statuary, historic trees, formal annual garden, perennial beds and an heirloom collection of lilacs.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, concerts and events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden. Guided tours of the gardens are offered on Sundays at 2 p.m., May through the end of October, weather permitting.


Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: Skylands Manor, lighted for the season. For 2009, daytime tours will be Nov. 19-22 (Thurs-Sun), 10a-4p and Evening Champagne tours will be Nov. 20-22 (Fri-Sun), from 6-8p. Photo by Gene Creasi.

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NJBG Daffodil Planting -- October 24, 2009

NJBG volunteers will work with the Garden's expert staff on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to noon, to plant hundreds of daffodils (narcissus) in the New Jersey State Botanical Garden. Kids are welcome, so bring the family and help us make a colorful display for all Garden visitors to enjoy. It's also a great place to get answers to your questions about spring bulbs in your own garden.

This mass bulb planting will enhance the lovely daffodils which blooms in late April throughout the Botanical Garden, always an early and welcome sign of spring. These deer-resistant beauties return year after year in vibrant displays of yellow, orange, salmon and white, and make a fine addition to any garden.

Bring gloves and a trowel if you have them, and wear sturdy shoes. No experience is necessary, and children are welcome. Meet on the Great Lawn behind the Carriage House. Rain date: October 31, 10 a.m.-noon.

NJBG holds hands-on workshops throughout the growing season, working with many different plants under expert guidance. Be sure to check next year's calendar for workshops on lilacs, hosta, perennials, wildflowers, and much more.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free; parking is also free in fall, winter and spring.

NJBG/Skylands is located on Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, please call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official botanical garden in 1984.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, concerts and events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.


Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: NJBG volunteers planted these bulb pockets last year. Over time, they will multiply and fill the hillside with dense clusters of brilliant spring color.

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NJBG Hosts Harvest Fest at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden - Oct. 3 and 4

The eighth annual Fall Harvest Fest will take place at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. NJBG/Skylands Association, the non-profit member organization that supports the Botanical Garden, sponsors this annual weekend packed with family fun.

Activities for visitors of all ages include hay rides, pumpkin painting, face painting, a blacksmithing exhibit, storytellers, dollar-a-minute chair massages, an autumn plant sale at the Volunteer Greenhouse, and even a few surprises. There'll be free guided garden tours, or you can wander on your own on a self-guided scavenger hunt or tour. Don't forget to bring your camera, as there'll be fun photo face boards and lots of great photo ops, too!

For hungry guests, the Harvest Cafe will offer tasty fall treats, popcorn and traditional Octoberfest food, and there'll be live music and dancing both days from 1-4 pm.. At the Beer-Tasting ($15, adults only), you can sample several different Octoberfest beers.

Free guided garden tours will be available each day at 1 p.m and 3 p.m. Guided tours of Skylands Manor will be available on Sunday only from 12 noon to 4 p.m. ($5/adults, $3/seniors 62 and over, $1 ages 6-18, free under 6. Last Manor tour begins at 4 p.m). Gift Shop open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

The Botanical Garden, with all its glorious fall plantings and foliage, is open free of charge. Parking is also free. Proceeds from Harvest Fest activities benefit NJBG/Skylands Association in its public-spirited work improving the New Jersey State Botanical Garden.

NJBG is still welcoming sponsors for the Harvest Fest. If your business is interested in sponsoring an activity or donating in other ways, please contact Pauli Maniscalki at 973-907-7823. Your generosity will be publicly displayed at the festival and your contributions are tax-deductible.

NJBG is located on Morris Road in Ringwood State Park, Ringwood, NJ. Call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org for directions and any changes due to weather.

Originally assembled from pioneer farmsteads of the 1890s, The New Jersey Botanical Garden has a venerable history. In 1922, Clarence McKenzie Lewis, an investment banker and trustee of the New York Botanical Garden purchased the property and original Victorian mansion from Francis Lynde Stetson. Over the next three decades, Mr. Lewis built the current 45-room Tudor manor house and transformed Skylands into a botanical showplace, engaging prominent landscape architects to design the grounds and collecting plants from all over the world.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands as the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official Botanical Garden in 1984. The gardens contain many unique features, including an extensive collection of statuary, historic trees, formal annual garden, perennial beds and an heirloom collection of lilacs.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG receives no state funding. NJBG sponsors programs, concerts and events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden. Guided tours of the gardens are offered on Sundays at 2 p.m., May through the end of October, weather permitting.

Call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org for more information on NJBG membership, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events or directions. The NJ Botanical Garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to the Botanical Garden is free, and parking is free in the fall, winter and spring.

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Skylands Manor Tours Available Sept. 20 and Oct. 4 at NJBG

Guided tours of the ground floor of historic Skylands Manor at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden will be available on Sunday, September 20, 2009 and Sunday, October 4, 2009.

Please note: Tours will NOT be available on September 13, 2009 as previously scheduled.

Sponsored by the NJBG/Skylands Association, the non-profit member support organization working with the State to preserve the Garden and its historic buildings, the 45-minute guided tours will run from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm and are conducted by NJBG voluneer tour guides, or docents. The last tour begins at 4:00 pm.

Skylands Manor, a Tudor Revival mansion, was constructed in the early 20th century for Clarence McKenzie Lewis by renowned architect John Russell Pope. Pope also designed many outstanding private buildings, including the Jefferson Memorial and National Gallery of Art, both in Washington, D.C. Among Skylands Manor's many attractions are a remarkable collection of antique stained glass medallions set in leaded windows, including pieces from 16th century German, Bavarian and Swiss sites. The lanterns, electrical fixtures, lamps, spiral staircase rail and gate were fashioned by Samuel Yellin, who led the American revival of the use of iron as decorative art.

The suggested donations for Manor House tours are: adults $5; seniors, $3; children/students aged 6-18, $1; and children under age 6, free.

Since 1976, the NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect NJBG/Skylands and its historic structures.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free., There is a $5 per car State Park parking fee on summer Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through Labor Day weekend. Parking is free on regular summer weekdays. Parking is also free in the winter, spring and fall.

NJBG/Skylands is located off Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.

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NJBG Summer Concert: Brassworks on August 21

NJBG is again sponsoring its annual Summer Concert Series at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden in Ringwood, and on Friday, August 21, we'll feature Brassworks. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and come enjoy a wide range of musical talent in these magnificent and beautiful surroundings. Light refreshments are available for purchase or you can bring your own, but no alcohol, please (State Park rule). If the weather is bad, the concerts are moved indoors into the Carriage House Visitor Center. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm. NJBG requests a $3 per person donation.

Brassworks is a professional brass quintet which plays a broad range of music, including medieval, classical, ragtime, jazz, big band, Broadway show tunes, and traditional American music. You'll hear the trumpet, french horn, flugelhorn, trombone, and a big bass tuba in an eclectic and delightful evening to end this year's concert series.

This concert is sponsored by Coachworks in River Edge.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official Botanical Garden in 1984.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which is on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and admission to the Garden is always free. There is a $5-per-car parking fee on summer holidays and weekends (Saturdays and Sundays); weekday parking is free year-round.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, tours, concerts and fun public events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.

Call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org for more information on NJBG, how to become a member, volunteer opportunities, events or directions.


Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: On Friday, August 21, the New Jersey Botanical Garden will feature the classy, brassy sounds of Brassworks.

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Skylands Manor Tours Available August 2 and Sept. 13 at NJBG

Guided tours of the ground floor of historic Skylands Manor at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden will be available on Sunday, August 2, 2009 and September 13, 2009.

Sponsored by the NJBG/Skylands Association, the non-profit member support organization working with the State to preserve the Garden and its historic buildings, the 45-minute guided tours will run from 11a to 4 pm and are conducted by NJBG voluneer tour guides, or docents. The last tour begins at 2:00pm.

Skylands Manor, a Tudor Revival mansion, was constructed in the early 20th century for Clarence McKenzie Lewis by renowned architect John Russell Pope. Pope also designed many outstanding private buildings, including the Jefferson Memorial and National Gallery of Art, both in Washington, D.C. Among Skylands Manor's many attractions are a remarkable collection of antique stained glass medallions set in leaded windows, including pieces from 16th century German, Bavarian and Swiss sites. The lanterns, electrical fixtures, lamps, spiral staircase rail and gate were fashioned by Samuel Yellin, who led the American revival of the use of iron as decorative art.

The suggested donations for Manor House tours are: adults $5; seniors, $3; children/students aged 6-18, $1; and children under age 6, free.

Since 1976, the NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect NJBG/Skylands and its historic structures.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free., There is a $5 per car State Park parking fee on summer Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through Labor Day weekend. Parking is free on regular summer weekdays. Parking is also free in the fall, winter, and spring.

NJBG/Skylands is located off Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.


Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: Guided tours of the ground floor of historic Skylands Manor at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden will be available on Sunday, August 2, 2009 and September 13, 2009.

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NJBG Summer Concert: Bob Leive, Lou Pallo & Patti Rio - August 7

NJBG is again sponsoring its annual Summer Concert Series at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden in Ringwood, and on Friday, August 7, we'll feature Bob Leive, Lou Pallo and Patti Rio. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and come enjoy a wide range of musical talent in these magnificent and beautiful surroundings. Light refreshments are available for purchase or you can bring your own, but no alcohol, please (State Park rule). If the weather is bad, the concerts are moved indoors into the Carriage House Visitor Center. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm. NJBG requests a $3 per person donation.

Jazz, swing and familiar favorites are an NJBG tradition from this talented combo. Each year Bob Leive and Patti Rio (of the Wooster Street Trolley) and Lou Pallo (of the Les Paul Trio) combine their talents to create an evening of musical magic especially for NJBG, often bringing along special guests to sit in. With the irrepressible Bob (trumpet), Patti (vocals) and Lou (guitar) in charge, you're guaranteed a fabulous concert of jazz, ragtime, swing era classics and contemporary favorites.

This concert is sponsored Strawberry Blossom Home & Garden Center in Wayne.


Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: On Friday, August 7, the New Jersey Botanical Garden will feature the smooth jazz sounds of Bob Leive, Lou Pallo and Patti Rio.

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NJBG Summer Concert: The 3M Band on July 24

NJBG is again sponsoring its annual Summer Concert Series at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden in Ringwood, and on Friday, July 24, we'll feature the 3M Band. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and come enjoy a wide range of musical talent in these magnificent and beautiful surroundings. Light refreshments are available for purchase or you can bring your own, but no alcohol, please (State Park rule). If the weather is bad, the concerts are moved indoors into the Carriage House Visitor Center. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm. NJBG requests a $3 per person donation.

Larry Morris, Bill Moen and Mike Morris make up the 3-M Band, playing guitar, bass and percussion. Formed in 1971, they all hail from Pompton Lakes. Their acoustical sounds are of the 60s and 70s with attention to harmonizing vocals, including the music of Crosby, Stills and Nash, Neil Young, Harry Chapin, Jimmy Buffet, Simon and Garfunkel and more. These are all lively sing-along songs, and the audience always joins in for a great time.

This concert is sponsored by Liberty Subaru/Liberty Hyundai, Mahwah and River Edge, and Prominent Properties/Sotheby's International Realty, Franklin Lakes.

    Other upcoming concerts in the series are:
  • August 7--Bob Leive, Lou Pallo and Patti Rio
  • August 21--Brassworks

Details on all upcoming concerts may be found at the end of this press release.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official Botanical Garden in 1984.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which is on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and admission to the Garden is always free. There is a $5-per-car parking fee on summer holidays and weekends (Saturdays and Sundays); weekday parking is free year-round.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, tours, concerts and fun public events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.

Call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org for more information on NJBG, how to become a member, volunteer opportunities, events or directions.

# # #

Details on other upcoming concerts:

August 7 (Friday) 7p - Bob Leive, Lou Pallo and Patti Rio.
Jazz, swing and familiar favorites are an NJBG tradition from this talented combo. Each year Bob Leive and Patti Rio (of the Wooster Street Trolley) and Lou Pollo (of the Les Paul Trio) combine their talents to create an evening of musical magic especially for the NJBG Concert Series, often bringing along special guests to sit in. With the irrepressible Bob (trumpet), Patti (vocals) and Lou (guitar) in charge, you're guaranteed a fabulous concert of jazz, ragtime, swing era classics and contemporary favorites.
Sponsored by Strawberry Blossom Home & Garden Center in Wayne.

August 21 (Friday) 7p - Brassworks.
Returning to the NJBG stage, this professional brass quintet plays a broad range of music, including medieval, classical, ragtime, jazz, big band, Broadway show tunes, and traditional American music. You'll hear the trumpet, french horn, flugelhorn, trombone, and a big bass tuba in an eclectic and delightful evening to end this year's concert series.
Sponsored by Coachworks in River Edge.


Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: On Friday, July 24 at 7:00 pm, the 3M Band will bring the acoustical sounds of the 60s and 70s to life at the New Jersey Botanical Garden.

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NJBG Summer Concert: Linda Ipanema and the Dixie Cats on July 10

NJBG is again sponsoring its annual Summer Concert Series at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden in Ringwood. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and come enjoy a wide range of musical talent in these magnificent and beautiful surroundings. Light refreshments are available for purchase or you can bring your own, but no alcohol, please (State Park rule). If the weather is bad, the concerts are moved indoors into the Carriage House Visitor Center. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm. NJBG requests a $3 per person donation.

Back on the NJBG stage by popular demand, the fabulous Linda Ipanema and the Dixie Cats will stir up an evening of Dixieland, swing and show tunes for your summer fun.

Linda Ipanema has been in show business her whole life. In addition to stage musicals, she has appeared in leading films such as "A Bronx Tale" and "The Pope of Greenwich Village," as well as on TV's "Law & Order." A few years ago she formed the Dixie Cats, a red hot, foot-tapping, finger-snapping revue featuring classical Dixieland tunes and bluesy ballads is presented by some of the best Dixieland players in the metro area. Wait 'til you hear this band swing! (www.lindaipanema.com)

This concert is sponsored the NJBG/Skylands Association.

    Other upcoming concerts in the series are:
  • July 24--3M Band
  • August 7--Bob Leive, Lou Pallo and Patti Rio
  • August 21--Brassworks

Details on all upcoming concerts may be found at the end of this press release.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official Botanical Garden in 1984.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which is on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and admission to the Garden is always free. There is a $5-per-car parking fee on summer holidays and weekends (Saturdays and Sundays); weekday parking is free year-round.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, tours, concerts and fun public events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.

Call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org for more information on NJBG, how to become a member, volunteer opportunities, events or directions.

# # #

Details on other upcoming concerts:

July 24 (Friday) 7p - 3M Band
Larry Morris, Bill Moen and Mike Morris make up the 3-M Band, playing guitar, bass and percussion. Formed in 1971, they all hail from Pompton Lakes. Their acoustical sounds are of the 60s and 70s with attention to harmonizing vocals, including the music of Crosby, Stills and Nash, Neil Young, Harry Chapin, Jimmy Buffet, Simon and Garfunkel and more. These are all lively sing-along songs, and the audience always joins in for a great time.
Sponsored by Liberty Subaru/Liberty Hyundai, Mahwah and River Edge, and Prominent Properties/Sotheby's International Realty, Franklin Lakes.

August 7 (Friday) 7p - Bob Leive, Lou Pallo and Patti Rio.
Jazz, swing and familiar favorites are an NJBG tradition from this talented combo. Each year Bob Leive and Patti Rio (of the Wooster Street Trolley) and Lou Pollo (of the Les Paul Trio) combine their talents to create an evening of musical magic especially for the NJBG Concert Series, often bringing along special guests to sit in. With the irrepressible Bob (trumpet), Patti (vocals) and Lou (guitar) in charge, you're guaranteed a fabulous concert of jazz, ragtime, swing era classics and contemporary favorites.
Sponsored by Strawberry Blossom Home & Garden Center in Wayne.

August 21 (Friday) 7p - Brassworks.
Returning to the NJBG stage, this professional brass quintet plays a broad range of music, including medieval, classical, ragtime, jazz, big band, Broadway show tunes, and traditional American music. You'll hear the trumpet, french horn, flugelhorn, trombone, and a big bass tuba in an eclectic and delightful evening to end this year's concert series.
Sponsored by Coachworks in River Edge.

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NJBG Presents Solar System Walk -- June 20, 2009

As part of its 'Garden Saturday' series, NJBG will sponsor a Solar System Walk at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden, on Saturday, June 20, at 10 a.m. A $3 donation is requested.

Celebrate the summer solstice with a guided walk through the Botanical Garden's scale-model solar system. The model is an easy, pleasant half-mile walk along the edges of the Great Lawn, with planet signs spaced to create a scale model of our solar neighborhood. On this scale, the Earth is the size of a peppercorn, and the Sun is bowling ball size. You'll learn about the different planets, and enjoy the Garden's lovely surroundings at the same time. Wear comfortable shoes; meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center. Rain cancels.

The Solar System is a permanent exhibit at the Botancial Garden and can be enjoyed year-round. Sponsors of the NJBG Solar System include: Sharp Electronics (Mahwah), Deb Manfredonio (West Milford), Dr. Ida Greidanus and Michael Leywood (Ringwood), Dr. Mary Lou West (Montclair), Adastra West (Mahwah), and the North Jersey Astronomical Group (Clifton).

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free.

Summer parking is $5 per car on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Regular summer weekday parking is free.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official botanical garden in 1984.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, concerts and events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.

NJBG/Skylands is located on Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, please call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.


Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: Deb Manfredonio of West Milford is the sponsor for the planet Mercury. Photo by Maja Britton.

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NJBG Hosts Garden Party to benefit NJ State Botanical Garden - June 20, 2009
Event cancelled due to excessive rains.

Explore Edgecroft, one of Bergen County's most beautiful private gardens, at an afternoon Garden Party to benefit the NJBG/Skylands Association's work at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden.

The Garden Party will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m., (rain or shine) at Edgecroft in River Edge, NJ. There'll be a light buffet, wine & soda, dessert, music, conversation, door prizes, and a flower-arranging demonstration by Pat Grossi.

Tickets are $25 for members; $30 for non-members; and $35 for all at the door. Tickets are available at 973-962-9534 or online at our secure site: www.njbg.org. Advance ticket sales end on Friday, June 19 at 1 p.m.

Edgecroft is a unique terraced property laid out in 1910 by Italian artisans, with 100 Carrara marble stairs to a swimming pool with a Venetian bridge surrounded by a stone-columned pergola draped in roses, wisteria, and honeysuckle. A gated brick courtyard entrance with a slowly maturing alleé of hydrangeas greets guests entering Edgecroft's gardens. Beyond are rare Cryptomeria 'Lobbii', rhododendrons, azaleas, and Magnolia virginiana; a centerpiece tiered bronze angel fountain; a Victorian-style perennial garden with David Austin antique roses and other favorites; a formal garden with crape myrtles, azaleas, and a fountain with a copy of Verrocchio's fifteenth-century bronze "Cupid with Dolphin." Three koi ponds with 9 waterfalls cascade down terraces edged with aged pines, golden larches, flowering cherry trees, dogwoods, Styrax japonicus, hydrangeas, wild strawberries, and creeping roses. Bronze water statuary, stone benches, and stone statuary are throughout the grounds. An all-white Bridal Room includes heritage white birches and dogwoods, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, azaleas, buddleia, and creeping cushion white roses.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free.

Summer parking is $5 per car on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Regular summer weekday parking is free.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official botanical garden in 1984.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, concerts and events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.

NJBG/Skylands is located on Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, please call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.

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NJBG Summer Concert Series presents The Kootz on June 26

NJBG is again sponsoring its annual Summer Concert Series at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden in Ringwood. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and come enjoy a wide range of musical talent in these magnificent and beautiful surroundings. Light refreshments are available for purchase or you can bring your own, but no alcohol, please (State Park rule). If the weather is bad, the concerts are moved indoors into the Carriage House Visitor Center. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm. NJBG requests a $3 per person donation.

Rock and roll rules when the Kootz jams! Covering the spectrum from Don McLean to the Who, from Otis Redding and Jackson Browne to the Grateful Dead. Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones, this band puts together many of your favorite rock songs with their own distinctive sound. And the band is often joined by guest artists who kick it up another notch. It's a great way to warm up for a great weekend! (www.thekootz.com).

This concert is sponsored by R & D Insurance, Teaneck.

    Other upcoming concerts in the series are:
  • July 10--Linda Ipanema & the Dixie Cats
  • July 24--3M Band
  • August 7--Bob Leive, Lou Pallo and Patti Rio
  • August 21--Brassworks

Details on all upcoming concerts may be found at the end of this press release.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official Botanical Garden in 1984.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which is on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and admission to the Garden is always free. There is a $5-per-car parking fee on summer holidays and weekends (Saturdays and Sundays); weekday parking is free year-round.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, tours, concerts and fun public events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.

Call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org for more information on NJBG, how to become a member, volunteer opportunities, events or directions.

# # #

Details on other upcoming concerts:

July 10 (Friday) 7p - Linda Ipanema and the Dixie Cats.
Back on the NJBG stage by popular demand, the fabulous Linda Ipanema and the Dixie Cats with stir up an evening of Dixieland,, swing and show tunes for your summer fun. Linda Ipanema has been in show business her whole life. In addition to stage musicals, she has appeared in leading films such as "A Bronx Tale" and "The Pope of Greenwich Village," as well as on TV's "Law and Order." A few years ago she formed the Dixie Cats, a red hot, foot-tapping, finger-snapping revue featuring classical Dixieland tunes and bluesy ballads is presented by some of the best Dixieland players in the metro area. Wait 'til you hear this band swing! (www.lindaipanema.com)
Sponsored by NJBG/Skylands Association.

July 24 (Friday) 7p - 3M Band
Larry Morris, Bill Moen and Mike Morris make up the 3-M Band, playing guitar, bass and percussion. Formed in 1971, they all hail from Pompton Lakes. Their acoustical sounds are of the 60s and 70s with attention to harmonizing vocals, including the music of Crosby, Stills and Nash, Neil Young, Harry Chapin, Jimmy Buffet, Simon and Garfunkel and more. These are all lively sing-along songs, and the audience always joins in for a great time.
Sponsored by Liberty Subaru/Liberty Hyundai, Mahwah and River Edge, and Prominent Properties/Sotheby's International Realty, Franklin Lakes.

August 7 (Friday) 7p - Bob Leive, Lou Pallo and Patti Rio.
Jazz, swing and familiar favorites are an NJBG tradition from this talented combo. Each year Bob Leive and Patti Rio (of the Wooster Street Trolley) and Lou Pollo (of the Les Paul Trio) combine their talents to create an evening of musical magic especially for the NJBG Concert Series, often bringing along special guests to sit in. With the irrepressible Bob (trumpet), Patti (vocals) and Lou (guitar) in charge, you're guaranteed a fabulous concert of jazz, ragtime, swing era classics and contemporary favorites.
Sponsored by Strawberry Blossom Home & Garden Center in Wayne.

August 21 (Friday) 7p - Brassworks.
Returning to the NJBG stage, this professional brass quintet plays a broad range of music, including medieval, classical, ragtime, jazz, big band, Broadway show tunes, and traditional American music. You'll hear the trumpet, french horn, flugelhorn, trombone, and a big bass tuba in an eclectic and delightful evening to end this year's concert series.
Sponsored by Coachworks in River Edge.

The Kootz
Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: The Kootz will rock and roll at the New Jersey Botanical Garden on June 26, 2009.

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NJBG Lilac Workshops -- June 13 and June 20, 2009

NJBG will sponsor two hands-on Lilac Workshops on Saturday, June 13 and June 20, 2009, from 9 am to 1 pm.. Members of NJBG's Lilac team will be in the Garden's extensive lilac collection both days to work on these sweet-smellng beauties. Join them for a great chance to learn by doing, and to get answers to any questions you may have.

NJBG volunteers work with expert curator Daniel Ryniec of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to restore and improve the NJ Botanical Garden's renown lilac collection. This Garden's symphony of color and scent is at peak bloom throughout May and into early June.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and admission to the Garden is always free. There is a $5-per-car parking fee on summer holidays and weekends (Saturdays and Sundays); weekday parking is free year-round.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official botanical garden in 1984.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, concerts and events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.

NJBG/Skylands is located on Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, please call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.

Lilacs at New Jersey Botanical Garden
Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: The New Jersey State Botanical Garden is home to one of the largest and most beautiful collections of lilacs on the East Coast. Ranging in color from white to pink to lavender to dark purple, these aromatic shrubs love the local climate and are a fine addition to any garden. Photo by Maja Britton.

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NJBG Summer Concert Series Begins on June 12 with Richard Reiter

NJBG is again sponsoring its annual Summer Concert Series at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden in Ringwood. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and come enjoy a wide range of musical talent in these magnificent and beautiful surroundings. Light refreshments are available for purchase or you can bring your own, but no alcohol, please (State Park rule). If the weather is bad, the concerts are moved indoors into the Carriage House Visitor Center. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm. NJBG requests a $3 per person donation.

The first concert, featuring Richard Reiter, is scheduled for Friday, June 12. Sit back, relax and chill out to a program of instrumental jazz by saxophonist Richard Reiter and his Swing Band. You'll hear familiar favorites with a brand new twist, as well as original pieces by this Emmy-Award winning composer. It's guaranteed to be a light and mellow ending to your week, and a great start to a summer of fabulous concerts.

This concert is sponsored by Orly Steinberg of Coldwell Banker, Ringwood.

    Other upcoming concerts in the series are:
  • June 26--The Kootz
  • July 10--Linda Ipanema & the Dixie Cats
  • July 24--3M Band
  • August 7--Bob Leive, Lou Pallo and Patti Rio
  • August 21--Brassworks

Details on all upcoming concerts may be found at the end of this press release.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official Botanical Garden in 1984.

The NJ Botanical Garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and admission to the Garden is always free. There is a $5-per-car parking charge on summer holidays and weekends (Saturdays and Sundays); weekday parking is free year-round.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands, its gardens and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, tours, concerts and fun public events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.

Call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org for more information on NJBG, how to become a member, volunteer opportunities, events or directions.

# # #

Details on other upcoming concerts:

June 26 (Friday) 7p - The Kootz.
Rock and roll rules when the Kootz jams! Covering the spectrum from Don McLean to the Who, from Otis Redding and Jackson Browne to the Grateful Dead. Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones, this band puts together many of your favorite rock songs with their own distinctive sound. And the band is often joined by guest artists who kick it up another notch. It's a great way to warm up for a great weekend! (www.thekootz.com)
Sponsored by R & D Insurance, Teaneck.

July 10 (Friday) 7p - Linda Ipanema and the Dixie Cats.
Back on the NJBG stage by popular demand, the fabulous Linda Ipanema and the Dixie Cats with stir up an evening of Dixieland,, swing and show tunes for your summer fun. Linda Ipanema has been in show business her whole life. In addition to stage musicals, she has appeared in leading films such as "A Bronx Tale" and "The Pope of Greenwich Village," as well as on TV's "Law and Order." A few years ago she formed the Dixie Cats, a red hot, foot-tapping, finger-snapping revue featuring classical Dixieland tunes and bluesy ballads is presented by some of the best Dixieland players in the metro area. Wait 'til you hear this band swing! (www.lindaipanema.com)
Sponsored by NJBG/Skylands Association.

July 24 (Friday) 7p - 3M Band
Larry Morris, Bill Moen and Mike Morris make up the 3-M Band, playing guitar, bass and percussion. Formed in 1971, they all hail from Pompton Lakes. Their acoustical sounds are of the 60s and 70s with attention to harmonizing vocals, including the music of Crosby, Stills and Nash, Neil Young, Harry Chapin, Jimmy Buffet, Simon and Garfunkel and more. These are all lively sing-along songs, and the audience always joins in for a great time.
Sponsored by Liberty Subaru/Liberty Hyundai, Mahwah and River Edge, and Prominent Properties/Sotheby's International Realty, Franklin Lakes.

August 7 (Friday) 7p - Bob Leive, Lou Pallo and Patti Rio.
Jazz, swing and familiar favorites are an NJBG tradition from this talented combo. Each year Bob Leive and Patti Rio (of the Wooster Street Trolley) and Lou Pollo (of the Les Paul Trio) combine their talents to create an evening of musical magic especially for the NJBG Concert Series, often bringing along special guests to sit in. With the irrepressible Bob (trumpet), Patti (vocals) and Lou (guitar) in charge, you're guaranteed a fabulous concert of jazz, ragtime, swing era classics and contemporary favorites.
Sponsored by Strawberry Blossom Home & Garden Center in Wayne.

August 21 (Friday) 7p - Brassworks.
Returning to the NJBG stage, this professional brass quintet plays a broad range of music, including medieval, classical, ragtime, jazz, big band, Broadway show tunes, and traditional American music. You'll hear the trumpet, french horn, flugelhorn, trombone, and a big bass tuba in an eclectic and delightful evening to end this year's concert series.
Sponsored by Coachworks in River Edge.

Richard Reiter
Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: Richard Reiter and his Swing Band will play jazz favorites and original pieces at New Jersey Botanical Garden on June 12.

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Skylands Manor Tours Available June 7 at NJBG

Guided tours of the ground floor of historic Skylands Manor at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden will be available on Sunday, June 7, 2009.

Sponsored by the NJBG/Skylands Association, the non-profit member support organization working with the State to preserve the Garden and its historic buildings, the 45-minute guided tours will run from 11a to 4 pm and are conducted by NJBG voluneer tour guides, or docents. The last tour begins at 3:30pm.

Skylands Manor, a Tudor Revival mansion, was constructed in the early 20th century for Clarence McKenzie Lewis by renowned architect John Russell Pope. Pope also designed many outstanding private buildings, including the Jefferson Memorial and National Gallery of Art, both in Washington, D.C. Among Skylands Manor's many attractions are a remarkable collection of antique stained glass medallions set in leaded windows, including pieces from 16th century German, Bavarian and Swiss sites. The lanterns, electrical fixtures, lamps, spiral staircase rail and gate were fashioned by Samuel Yellin, who led the American revival of the use of iron as decorative art.

The suggested donations for Manor House tours are: adults $5; seniors, $3; children/students aged 6-18, $1; and children under age 6, free.

Since 1976, The NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect NJBG/Skylands and its historic structures.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free. Parking is free in the winter, spring and fall. Summer parking is free on weekdays, and $5 per car on summer weekends and holidays only.

NJBG/Skylands is located off Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.

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NJBG Presents Black Bear Program -- May 23, 2009

As part of its "Garden Saturday" series, NJBG will sponsor a program on Black Bears at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden. The program will be held in the Carriage House Visitor Center on Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. A $3 donation is requested.

Nature educator Russell Brust will introduce you to the black bears which live in the forests and backyards of New Jersey -- and on the edges of the Botanical Garden. You'll learn about the bears' lifestyle, how you can help protect them, and what to do if you meet one! Mr. Brust has been a Bergen County zoo educator for 13 years, and brings a wealth of experience to his hour-long presentation.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free.

Summer parking is $5 per car on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Regular summer weekday parking is free.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official botanical garden in 1984.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, concerts and events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.

NJBG/Skylands is located on Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, please call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.

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NJBG Presents Spring Wildflower Walk -- May 16, 2009

As part of its "Garden Saturday" series, NJBG will sponsor a Spring Wildflower Walk at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden, on Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. A $3 donation is requested.

Join NJBG wildflower expert Nancy Bristow in checking out the spring bloomers in the Wildflower Garden, including a spectacular display of Japanese primroses along the Wildflower Garden's brooks. The walk will explore several different terrains and the plants which inhabit them. Wear comfortable shoes; meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center. Steady rain cancels.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free.

Parking is free on the day of the walk. Summer parking is $5 per car on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Regular summer weekday parking is free.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official botanical garden in 1984. Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, concerts and events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.

NJBG/Skylands is located on Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, please call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.


Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: Bog Pond, right next to the Wildflower Garden, is a great place to look for frogs. Photo by Maja Britton

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New Jersey Botanical Garden Plant Sale -- May 2 and May 3

It's NJBG Plant Sale time again at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden, a delightful must-do on every gardener's list this spring. This year's sale, on Saturday, and Sunday, May 2 and 3, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature a generous array of lush perennials, colorful annuals, robust vines, tasty vegetables and herbs, as well as dwarf and full-size trees and shrubs. Admission is free.

The Plant Sale is held in and around the historic Carriage House Visitor Center on the grounds of the New Jersey State Botanical Garden in Ringwood State Park. Visitors flock to this sale not only for the botanical offerings, but also to see the Garden's lovely formal plantings, extensive historical statuary and world-class collection of mature tree specimens.

On Friday night, May 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., NJBG members will be treated to an exclusive wine-and-cheese reception at the Plant-Sale Preview Party, during which many of the choicest plants are traditionally sold. Non-member visitors to the Friday night preview may participate by becoming members at the gate. Master Gardeners and volunteers from the NJBG/Skylands Association -- a member-supported non-profit organization that works with the State to preserve and protect the Garden and its historic structures -- will be on hand to answer questions and help shoppers make selections.

Membership in NJBG/Skylands Association includes admission and benefits at numerous gardens and arboreta in the U.S., discounts in the gift shop, use of the reference library, volunteer opportunities, a quarterly Journal, guest passes for Manor House tours, and more. Individual memberships are $30 per year; $50 for families/dual members; and $20 for seniors/students.

NJBG/Skylands is located on Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For a calendar of events, membership brochure, directions or more information, please call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free; parking is also free during the Plant Sale. A $5 per car State Park parking charge is in effect on summer weekends and holidays only from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Parking is free during the Plant Sale.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official botanical garden in 1984.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG also sponsors programs, concerts and events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.


Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: Shoppers enjoyed the wide selection during NJBG's 2008 Plant Sale. Photo by Maja Britton

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Skylands Manor Tours Available April 5 at NJBG

Guided tours of the ground floor of historic Skylands Manor at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden will be available on Sunday, April 5, 2009.

Sponsored by the NJBG/Skylands Association, the non-profit member support organization working with the State to preserve the Garden and its historic buildings, the 45-minute guided tours will run from 1pm to 4 pm and are conducted by NJBG voluneer tour guides, or docents.

Manor tours will also be available on Sunday, May 3, from 11am to 3pm, and Sunday, June 7, from 11am to 4pm.

Skylands Manor, a Tudor Revival mansion, was constructed in the early 20th century for Clarence McKenzie Lewis by renowned architect John Russell Pope. Pope also designed many outstanding private buildings, including the Jefferson Memorial and National Gallery of Art, both in Washington, D.C. Among Skylands Manor's many attractions are a remarkable collection of antique stained glass medallions set in leaded windows, including pieces from 16th century German, Bavarian and Swiss sites. The lanterns, electrical fixtures, lamps, spiral staircase rail and gate were fashioned by Samuel Yellin, who led the American revival of the use of iron as decorative art.

The suggested donations for Manor House tours are: adults $5; seniors, $3; children/students aged 6-18, $1; and children under age 6, free.

Since 1976, The NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect NJBG/Skylands and its historic structures.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free. Parking is free in the winter, spring and fall. Summer parking is free on weekdays, and $5 per car on summer weekends and holidays only.

NJBG/Skylands is located off Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.

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NJBG Presents Winter Tree Walk March 21, 2009 at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden

NJBG will sponsor a Winter Tree Walk at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden on Saturday, March 21, at 10 a.m. While it's technically still winter until the 20th (Spring equinox), the signs of spring are already visible in many places if you know where to look!

Join Head Landscape Gardener Rich Flynn for a delightful learning walk in the Botanical Garden. You'll learn how to identify trees from their structure, branching, and budding patterns before the leaves once again appear, while you enjoy the subtle beginnings of the new growing season. It's a sure cure for cabin fever.

Meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center at 10 a.m., and wear comfortable shoes. Snow or heavy rain cancels. The Tree Walk is open to the public free of charge, but a $3 donation is welcome.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the Botanical Garden is always free. In the spring, parking is also free.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official botanical garden in 1984.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, concerts and events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.

NJBG/Skylands is located on Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, please call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.


Editors: Click here to download a larger JPEG
CAPTION: Snowdrops are among the very first harbingers of spring. Blooming low to the ground in late March, they are hardy enough to survive a late season snowfall. Look for this cheery group of them at the entrance to the Visitor Center in the New Jersey State Botanical Garden.

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NJ Botanical Garden Now Accepting Reservations for 2009 Group Tours

Throughout the year, trained volunteer docents from the NJBG/Skylands Association offer guided group tours at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden. These weekday tours of the Garden, the Manor House or both are by reservation and may be arranged for groups of 15 and up.

The first wildflowers of spring will be here before we know it. From then on, every day, new flowers will emerge. Each week, the Garden's ninety-six landscaped acres will come to life with new growth as warm breezes and birdsongs replace the winter chill. Come experience the splendor of spring on Daffodil Hill in April or, in May, immerse yourself in the beauty of two hundred fragrant lilacs. By June, all of our Gardens will be in bloom and continue to surround us with brilliance throughout the summer months. When the splendor of autumn color explodes, a visit to the Garden continues to be a delightful choice.

Weekday group tours are arranged to suit the season and the visiting group, and are partially handicap accessible. Per person fees are $7 for Garden Tours, $7 for Manor Tours, or $12 for a combined tour. Proceeds benefit NJBG's work in the Botanical Garden.

Please call Group Tour Coordinator Anne Thornton at 973-962-9534 for more information or to schedule your group's weekday tour of the Manor and/or the gardens.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official botanical garden in 1984. Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, concerts and events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.

NJBG/Skylands is located off Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, please call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.

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Skylands Manor Tours Resume March 1 at NJBG
Tours will resume April 5

Guided tours of the ground floor of historic Skylands Manor at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden will be available to the public throughout the upcoming year, beginning on Sunday, March 1, 2009.

Sponsored by the NJBG/Skylands Association, the non-profit member support organization working with the State to preserve the gardens, the 45-minute guided tours run from 12 noon to 4 p.m. and are conducted by NJBG voluneer tour guides, or docents.

Tours will take place on the first Sunday afternoon of each month through November (except July and September, when tours will be on the 2nd Sunday). Tour dates for 2009 are March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 12, August 2, September 13, October 4, and November 1.

Skylands Manor, a Tudor Revival mansion, was constructed in the early 20th century for Clarence McKenzie Lewis by renowned architect John Russell Pope. Pope also designed many outstanding private buildings, including the Jefferson Memorial and National Gallery of Art, both in Washington, D.C. Among Skylands Manor's many attractions are a remarkable collection of antique stained glass medallions set in leaded windows, including pieces from 16th century German, Bavarian and Swiss sites. The lanterns, electrical fixtures, lamps, spiral staircase rail and gate were fashioned by Samuel Yellin, who led the American revival of the use of iron as decorative art.

The suggested donations for Manor House tours are: adults $5; seniors, $3; children/students aged 6-18, $1; and children under age 6, free.

Since 1976, The NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect NJBG/Skylands and its historic structures.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free. Parking is free in the winter, spring and fall. In the summer, parking is free on weekdays, and $5 per car on summer weekends and holidays only.

NJBG/Skylands is located off Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.


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CAPTION: Skylands Manor in the New Jersey State Botanical Garden was built in the 1920's in the Tudor style.

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NJBG Presents Winter Walk with ADK February 22, 2009 at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden

This event was cancelled due to weather.

As part of its "Garden Saturday" series, NJBG will sponsor Winter Walk at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden, on Sunday, February 22, at 10 a.m. A $3 donation is requested.

Explore the Garden's trails with members of the Adirondack Mountain Club while you enjoy an expansive winter wonderland. The walk will last about 2-3 hours; it will be a moderate hike but may include some ups-ands-downs and rough terrain. Bring water and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes; meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center. Heavy snow cancels, but snow on the ground won"t stop our hardy hikers. In fact, you may wish to bring snowshoes if you have them.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free. Parking is free in the winter, spring and fall. A $5 per car State Park parking charge is in effect on summer weekends and holidays only from Memorial Day to Labor Day; summer weekday parking is free.

In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state's first acquisition under the "Green Acres" preservation program. Governor Thomas Kean designated the central 96 acres surrounding the manor house as the State's official botanical garden in 1984.

Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect Skylands and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors programs, concerts and events throughout the year at the Botanical Garden.

NJBG/Skylands is located on Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, please call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.

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Historic Landscape Design Presentation At NJ State Botanical Garden January 17, 2009

Winter is the perfect time to learn something new about our local history and surroundings. Skylands, the New Jersey State Botanical Garden in Ringwood, is a unique botanical and architectural destination, a former country estate featuring elegantly landscaped grounds, historic buildings, and a vast collection of unusual plant species from around the world. What many people do not know is that Skylands is also home to New Jersey's only State Botanical Garden.

On Saturday, January 17, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. in the Carriage House at the New Jersey Botanical Garden (NJBG) in Ringwood, Head Landscape Gardener Rich Flynn will discuss and show slides on "Landscape Design at Skylands: A Historical Perspective." All are welcome, and a $3 donation is requested.

In 1922, Clarence McKenzie Lewis, an investment banker and trustee of the New York Botanical Garden, purchased the property from the estate of Francis Lynde Stetson, who founded Skylands in 1891. Over the next 30 years, Lewis built the existing Tudor-style 45-room Manor House and transformed Skylands into a botanical showplace.

Italian landscape designer Ferruccio Vitale (1875-1933), who developed his reputation through important civic commissions such as the National Mall and the National Gallery of Art, created the country-estate landscape of Skylands. Most of the trees now framing the house were planted by Lewis and his crew of over 60 gardeners (in peak seasons), including the magnificent copper beeches. Wanting to appeal to all of the senses, Lewis stressed symmetry, color, texture, form and fragrance in his gardens.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden, located on the central 96 acres of this 1,000-acre former country estate, is a distinctive botanic and architectural destination in its own right. Purchased in 1966 as New Jersey's first "Green Acres" acquisition, NJBG features elegantly landscaped grounds containing many of the original garden designs, historic buildings, extensive statuary and vast collection of plant species from around the world.

The centerpiece of the property is Skylands Manor, a Tudor Revival mansion constructed in the early 20th century by renowned architect John Russell Pope, for the estate's owner, Clarence McKenzie Lewis. Pope also designed many outstanding private residences and public buildings, including the Jefferson Memorial and National Gallery of Art, both in Washington, D.C. Other distinguished contributors to Skylands included decorative metal designer and craftsman Samuel Yellin (1885-1940), who led the American revival of the use of iron as decorative art. Yellin fashioned the lanterns, electrical fixtures, lamps, spiral staircase rail and gate of the Manor House.

Since 1976, The NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorporated, member-supported non-profit organization of volunteers, has worked with the State to preserve and protect NJBG/Skylands and its historic structures.

The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the Garden is always free, with a small State parking charge on summer weekends only.

NJBG/Skylands is located off Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.

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