The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites gardening enthusiasts to stock up on plants, seedlings and other supplies at the 32nd annual Master Gardeners of Union County Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale.
The Spring Garden Fair takes place this year on Sunday, May 21, rain or shine, 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Union County Demonstration Garden, located by the Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.
“We thank the Master Gardener volunteers for their dedication to civic service and for sharing their expert guidance with the Union County residents and visitors. Proceeds from the Spring Garden Fair go to fund horticulture educational programs for youth and adults,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.
As always, admission to the Spring Garden Fair is free, and parking is also free. Visitors are advised that all sales are cash only. All proceeds go to fund civic activities of the Master Gardeners, including raising and donating fresh produce and cut flowers to local food pantries and health care agencies, community beautification and education, support for the 4-H youth development program, and a Union County Sustainable Sciences student scholarship..
Among the hundreds of plants and seedlings offered for sale, the Spring Garden Fair features deer resistant, drought tolerant and fragrant plants that thrive in Union County, including many easy-to-grow plants for beginner gardeners. The Spring Garden Fair is also known for a large selection of herbs and tomatoes.
The 2023 Spring Garden Sale also features Rutgers soil test kits for sale and free gardening fact sheets composed by Rutgers faculty.
Master Gardener “Garden Helpline” volunteers will be available to answer gardening questions, and the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control will have an educational display.
Free parking is located nearby at the Trailside Nature and Science Center parking lot and the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation. Additional free parking is available in the Loop playground area, located a short walk away on the other side of the Trailside Center.
Visitors are advised to bring a small wagon to convey their purchases. Pets are not permitted at the Garden Fair.
The Spring Garden Fair is organized each year by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County, an all-volunteer organization run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County and supported in part by the Commissioner Board.
Anyone with an interest in gardening and volunteer service can apply to become a certified Master Gardener volunteer. No previous education or training in horticulture is required. A training and certification course is provided by experts with the Extension.
The next training course will be begin in January 2024. For more information visit the Master Gardeners website at mastergardeners-uc.org or call the Extension offices in Westfield at 908-654-9854 (ext. 2).
For information about all Extension programs supported by the Commissioner Board, visit ucnj.org/rce.
For quick links to all Union County programs related to gardening, sustainability and nature conservation visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
# #
For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
Connect with Union County on social media.