What we’re about
Do you enjoy gardening and are looking to connect with like-minded individuals in the Central NJ area? Join our Meetup group to share tips, tricks, and inspiration for all things gardening! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, are interested in vegetables, flowers or both, or even just houseplants, we welcome all levels of experience. Let's explore the beauty of nature together, swap seeds, swap plants, explore local gardens and nurseries. and cultivate a community of green thumbs. From urban gardening to backyard oasis projects, there's something for everyone to dig into.
And all work and no play, well you know, so lunches, coffee klatches, etc will be a part of our fun.
Let's cultivate beautiful gardens and friendships in Central NJ!
Upcoming events
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FREE Winter Sowing Workshop
Jakes Branch Park, Double Trouble Road, Beachwood, NJ, US| Winter Sowing Workshop: January 17th at Jakes Branch County Park |
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Would you like to grow native plant seedlings at a low cost and with little effort? NPSNJ member and Ocean County Master Gardener Ellen McGuff-Silverman will show us how at a Winter Sowing workshop on Saturday, January 17th from 1:00 to 2:30 pm inside the Jakes Branch County Park nature center.
The seeds of many NJ native plant species need cold, moist stratification in order to germinate. At the workshop, we'll be sowing native seeds in repurposed containers (such as milk jugs, liter soda bottles, or salad clamshells) that you will then take home to overwinter outdoors. The seeds will germinate in their own time as the weather warms, giving you many seedlings to plant in your own yard!
We'll supply most of the materials for the workshop. However, we ask that you bring your own prepped container(s) to the workshop.
How to Prep Containers: They should be clean and dry with drain holes cut in the bottom. If using a container that doesn't open, such as a milk jug, cut the container in the middle, leaving a "hinge" for opening the top portion. See
All the Dirt on Winter Sowing
for more information about how to prep your containers.
The workshop is a great opportunity to share seeds. If you've collected native plant seeds from your garden, bring them to sow yourself or exchange with others at the workshop. We'll also have a variety of seeds available.
Registration is required to attend the workshop, which is limited to 25 attendees. Please register as soon as possible. If you sign up after the maximum is reached, we'll let you know and add your name to a standby list in case of cancellations.
To Register click here:
Jersey Shore Chapter: Winter Sowing Workshop
$5 Program: Bogs and Barrens
Rutgers building, 1623 whitesville rd, Toms river, NJ, USHello,
On Tuesday, 01/20/2026 @ 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County is offering a $5.00 In Person program titled "Bogs and Barrens".
THIS PROGRAM IS LOCATED AT:
RCE of Ocean County, 1623 Whitesville Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755
Jason Austin, CPN (Chief Plant Nerd), Horticulturist Hoch’s Landscaping, Barnegat, NJ will introduce us to the captivating world of NJ Pine Barrens natives, from unusual carnivorous plants, hardy, underused perennials, and garden-ready woody species. You’ll discover how many of these plants can thrive in conditions we already have at home—and why now is the perfect time to rethink and rewild our home gardens.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY 01/19/2026
Please go here to register!
In the Know to Grow - Rutgers University Division of Continuing Studies
flyer in photo will provide you with further details about the program.
Please call 732-505-3671 if you have any questions.
Please share this info with family and friends.1 attendeeFREE Winter Tree Identification
Forest Resource Education Center, 495 Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson, NJ, US| Winter Tree Identification: February 7th at the Forest Resource Education Center |
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| Join us on Saturday, February 7th at 11:00 am for a Winter Tree Identification walk at the Forest Resource Education Center (FREC) in Jackson.
FREC educators will guide us as we learn how to identify our native trees in winter by looking at bark, branch patterns, buds, leaf scars, and more. This hour-long walk will be outdoors so be sure to dress for the weather.
| Registration is required for this event. The walk will be limited to a maximum of 25 individuals. If you sign up after the maximum is reached, we'll notify you and add your name to a standby list in case of cancellations. |
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Register here:
Jersey Shore Chapter: Winter Tree ID4 attendees
Past events
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