EARTH Center to hold open house Aug. 20

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County will host its Garden Field Day/Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the EARTH Center, located in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park at 42 Riva Ave. in South Brunswick. The rain date will be Aug. 21.

The day will be filled with activities for the whole family, including garden tours, presentations and showcases on gardening and landscaping and live music. This day will also celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of Rutgers University.

Throughout the event, the Extension’s Agriculture Office and Rutgers Master Gardeners will offer advice on horticulture and environmental stewardship while guiding visitors through various teaching gardens and learning projects. Examples of their work include the Children’s Garden with Green Roof playhouse, an enormous vegetable display garden and the popular Butterfly House.

Also part of the event will be the “Greatest of the Garden” competition. Gardeners are welcome to bring their biggest or most outstanding home grown produce for a chance to win. Categories include but are not limited to biggest tomato, biggest cucumber, biggest squash, biggest watermelon, longest gourd, and best likeness to a celebrity or historical figure (all vegetables).

“Come enjoy the beautiful gardens and educational presentations, while enjoying the sounds of local musicians in beautiful Davidson’s Mill Pond Park,” said Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, chairman of the County’s Business Development and Education Committee.

“Garden Field Day is a day of fun for the whole family,” said Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “It’s a great way to learn about gardening and enjoy the park and warm summer weather.”

Many exhibitors who collaborate with Middlesex County Extension throughout the year will be on hand to share their programs and accomplishments. For more information, call 732-398-5268 or e-mail [email protected].

For information on Middlesex County’s Extension office, visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov and search “extension.”