Jersey-Friendly Yards Conference

This year’s conference offers a series of expert-led workshops about the eight steps to a Jersey-Friendly yard. Kathy Salisbury, Director of Temple University’s Ambler Arboretum and a past president of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, will give the keynote address, “Buds, Blooms, Berries and Bark – Native Plants for Multiple Seasons of Interest.”

What to plant where?  Sometimes it’s hard to get started on a new garden project. Steve Kristoph, owner of Steve Kristoph Nursery, will share his expertise on garden planning and design and his vast knowledge about native Ericaceous plants.

What is happening beneath my feet? Eileen Miller, owner of Healthy Landscapes, will give you the dirt on soil. She will show you how to assess the soil in your yard and keep it healthy.

Will a rain garden work in my yard? Shari Kondrup, Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority’s Source Water Outreach and Education Coordinator, will explain the basics of designing and installing a rain garden at home.

How can I go organic in my yard? Richard McCoy, owner of Richard A. McCoy Horticultural Services, will share his tips for organic land care, including how to grow healthy turf organically and replace high-maintenance lawn areas with native plantings.

What is IPM anyway? Master Gardener Educators Georgina Price and Phyllis Delesandro will show you how to identify and monitor garden pests and manage them using safer methods of control.

How can I create a haven for pollinators? John Black, President of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, will explore just what we mean by “native” plants and how pollinators depend on them. This workshop will cover what type of plants are necessary to truly support and attract our native pollinators.