Rutgers Master Gardeners of Burlington County Blog

By Joan Johnson The color wheel, based on the three primary colors of red, yellow, and blue, is a gardener’s best friend when planning a garden. When two of the primary colors are combined, they create a secondary color. A full color wheel resembles a rainbow, with red, orange and yellow, called warm colors. Green, blue and violet are known as the cool colors. Green is a neutral color, making foliage a wonderful base for any color flower. Although foliage is usually green, it can also be yellow, red, blue, silver and more. Bark, buds, and fruit also contribute color and visual texture. Carry your color wheel with you when touring different gardens, so you can admire and understand the different color schemes. At the nursery, set pots of flowers together using the colors you like. Plant shrubs and trees in the garden to draw the eye up and back from the front of the garden. A monochromatic garden, (using one color), is an easy way to start. Use many different shades of one

By Bobbie J Herbs Act now, before your lawn goes dormant, and deliver a big pay-off next spring. There are a few things you can do to improve the quality of your turf.   As the days become cooler, grass begins to recover from our New Jersey summer temperatures, growing fresh green blades until day time temperatures drop below 50 ° F. Through the winter, grass roots will continue to grow even as your lawn browns. This makes Fall the ideal time to nourish your lawn, preparing it for games, barbecues, and lounging next year.   Start by removing fallen leaves off your grass, they block the sun and trap moisture. Continue cutting your grass until the first hard frost, maintaining a 3” height. Make sure you continue to water, insuring you provide at least 1” of water weekly. A simple rain gauge can be useful in preventing overwatering. It is also important to relieve any severe compaction, which can block sun and water, by aerating your turf. Take a walk through your lawn