Barnegat Garden Club News

I heard a bird sing

In the dark of December.

A magical thing

And sweet to remember. "We are nearer to Spring

Than we were in September,”

I heard a bird sing

In the dark of December.

- Oliver Herford

Barnegat Garden Club will be decorating the barrels in Downtown Barnegat on Thursday evening, November 29, in preparation for the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus as they light the town this weekend.

This season we can celebrate the coming together of the community to offer support, hospitality, hope and optimism for our friends and neighbors who suffered the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy. 

Barnegat Garden Club helps to create a festive atmosphere in the Downtown each winter by decorating the barrel planters for the holidays.  The Garden Club plants and maintains the barrels all season through their Adopt-A-Barrel program.

The Barnegat Garden Club is a not for profit service organization established in 1988.  The club’s mission is to pursue the improvement and beautification of public lands and lands held by other not for profit organizations in the Township of Barnegat.  The club also strives to provide horticultural education opportunities to the community.  The Club welcomes new members. We would be happy to have you join us.  For additional information please call 609-698-3788 or email barnegatgardenclub@yahoo.com.

Suggestions for Winter Reading:

The Ever-Blooming Flower Garden: A Blueprint for Continuous Color – Lee Schneller.  Plan for continuous color in the garden (at least from early spring to fall) with plants that deliver height, color, and tons of blooms all season long. The planning chart can also serve as a plant shopping list.

Crops in Pots - Bob Purnell.   No space for a garden? Here is all you need to know to grow your own herbs and vegetables right on your patio, deck, or in window boxes. A recipe is included with each project.

All New Square Foot Gardening (second ed, due Feb 2013)  - Mel Bartholomew.  Great advice for anyone, anywhere. Children, adults with limited mobility, even complete novices can plant a square foot garden with spectacular results.

National Wildlife Federation Attracting Birds, Butterflies & Backyard Wildlife - David Mizejewski.  Colorful butterflies, uplifting songbirds, and lively toads can enhance the personal garden space. Find native plants and create spaces that attract nature's most interesting and friendly creatures.

 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett.  An uplifting and magical book for children and adults. The timeless and gentle message contained in this story will leave a lasting impression on the most cynical of hearts.

These are available at the Ocean County Library.