Annual Spring Fair (Pre)
Fair Directions
Annual Spring Fair (Post)
By Laurie Tham, Master Gardener
The Union County Master Gardeners hosted their 33rd annual Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. Bette Jane Kowalski, Union County Commissioner; Madeline Flahive DiNardo, County Agent and MG Coordinator; along with Joanne Krueger, Master Gardener; and Pat Paul, President of Union County Master Gardeners, welcomed fair visitors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Nearly 90 Union County Master Gardeners volunteered on the day, with many more contributing throughout the year to ensure the fair’s success.
Joanne Krueger, the event’s perennial Master of Ceremonies, highlighted the fair’s purpose: “The biggest driver for the fair every year is to fulfill our core mission of sharing what we learned in the Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener’s program with the public.” And fulfill that mission they did!
Over 1,000 visitors arrived with wagons and wish lists on a beautiful day. They found a wide selection of well-priced, carefully tended flowers, plants, and vegetables – over 5,000 in total. Of the 5,000 plants sold, 1,600 were perennials, 950 were vegetables and flowers, and 123 were houseplants. Many of these were nurtured by Master Gardeners in the early spring months. The offerings included annuals, tomatoes, herbs, and various vegetable plants. Oak Leaf Garden Center in Westfield generously donated additional plants.
Beyond plant sales, the fair featured educational tables staffed by experts, including the Garden Helpline, the Department of Union County Mosquito Control, and the 4-H Tree Stewards.
If you are interested in next year’s Spring Garden Fair, mark your calendars for May 18th, 2025. Our fair is held every year the Sunday after Mother’s Day rain or shine.
Events Page – Sprint Fair (Pre Fair)
34th Annual Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale
The Spring Garden Fair showcases a wide variety of vegetable transplants, native and ornamental perennials, annual flowers, and houseplants for sale. Home gardeners can seek advice on insect and plant problems at the Master Gardener Garden Helpline and Square Foot Gardening demonstration tables. Homeowners can visit the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control for tips and techniques to eliminate mosquito-breeding areas in their property. The 4-H Master Tree Stewards will host a children’s activity, and visitors are invited to explore the 24 themed garden beds situated in the Demonstration Garden.
This free event will be held rain or shine on May 18th. Visitors are advised that all sales are cash or checks only, and are recommended to bring a small wagon to transport their purchases. Service animals are welcome, but pets will not be allowed. Free parking is available throughout the Trailside Nature and Science Center parking lot and the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation.
Events Page – Sprint Fair (Post Fair)
33rd Annual Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale
The Union County Master Gardeners hosted the 33rd annual Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale on Sunday May 19, 2024 at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. Bette Jane Kowalski, Union County Commissioner Madeline Flahive DiNardo, County Agent, MG Coordinator, along with Joanne Krueger, Master Gardener, and Pat Paul, President of Union County Master Gardeners, welcomed our fair visitors with a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the Fair. Almost 90 Union County Master Gardeners volunteered on the day of the fair and many more Master Gardeners have dedicated their time and knowledge throughout the year to make the fair a success. Joanne Krueger, our perennial Master of Ceremonies for this special event commented, “The biggest driver for the fair every year is to fulfill our core mission of sharing what we learned in the Rutgers Cooperative Extensions Master Gardener’s program with the public.” And fulfill the mission we did!
Events Sprint -Pin Party
2024 Master Gardener Pin Party
The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County celebrated their 36th annual Volunteer Recognition ceremony on September 29, 2024, honoring the remarkable achievements of their dedicated volunteers who continue to enrich the Union County community through their horticultural expertise and service.
Events Sprint -Register for the Year (Annual)
Register for the 2025 Class
Rutgers Cooperative Extension is now accepting applications for the 2025 Master Gardener training program, offering gardening enthusiasts the opportunity to join this educational volunteer initiative across nine New Jersey counties: Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic, Sussex, and Union.
