Brock Farms owners (from left) Ed Brock Sr., Jean Brock, Ed Brock Jr. and Linda Brock- Arcoleo are inviting the public to attend a series of special presentations at their locations in Colts Neck and Freehold Township. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR Individuals interested in acquiring information about growing their own vegetables and flowers may benefit from a series of upcoming events offered by Brock Farms Home & Garden World.
The 73-year-old Brock Farms Home and Garden World has two retail locations, a 42- acre farm on Route 9 north at Schibanoff Lane, Freehold Township, and a 19-acre farm at 375 Route 34, Colts Neck. The business also operates a 600-acre farm in southern New Jersey where much of the nurseries’ stock is grown.
Ed Brock Jr., who runs the operation with his sister, Linda Brock-Arcoleo, and their dad, Ed Brock Sr., who founded the business, said the nursery will hold four events that will be open to the public and free of charge.
Brock said he, Linda and their father visit 25 nurseries and 25 greenhouses each week to hand-pick items for their nurseries and greenhouses.
On May 10 at the Colts Neck location, guests may learn about hydroponic growing with the “Indoor Horticulture Day” event.
Andrew Volpetti of Hydrofarm will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to share tips and advice on the subject.
Hydroponic gardening allows an individual to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers indoors with or without soil, with the use of grow lights and other products. All necessary items are carried in the Colts Neck location.
On May 15 at the Colts Neck location, Rich Imlay of Jonathan Green, Farmingdale, will be on hand from 5-7 p.m. for the “Tomato Festival” event. Imlay will share tips on how to grow the best tomatoes.
On May 17 at the Freehold Township location, guests will enjoy “Perennial Garden Day” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Questions about growing perennials will be answered by Tim Blockson of Centerton Nursery, Bridgeton.
On June 7 from 2-4 p.m. at the Colts Neck location, Brock Farms will present a “Music Appreciation Day” featuring Jim Nicoletti and his Colts Neck Swing Band.
“Music of the Sinatra era will be played,” Brock said. “We just want to have a day of fun for our customers. They can listen to the music and browse around the nursery.”
Brock said that in addition to nursery items, flowers, shrubs and trees, the Colts Neck location also stocks items for ponds, including koi and goldfish. He said the pond “niche” was created almost 30 years ago.
The Freehold Township location has a gift shop with many unique items, from home décor to dolls, lamps and furnishings. Wild bird seed, feeders and accessories are also available.