Renegade Gardener Don Engebretson to Speak at 35th Annual New Jersey Home & Garden Show

Plants for sale at the New Jersey Home and Garden Show

Location:
New Jersey Convention Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837

🎟 Tickets:

  • Children 15 and under: Free with a paying adult
  • Online: $10 (Ages 16+), nonrefundable
  • At the door: $12 (Ages 16+), subject to a $0.75 credit card fee

đź•’ Show Hours:

  • Friday, February 28: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, March 1: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday, March 2: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Edison, NJ – January 27, 2025 – The New Jersey Home & Garden Show is set to return for its 35th annual event from February 28 to March 2, 2025, at the New Jersey Convention Center in Edison. This year’s show will feature renowned landscape designer and award-winning garden writer Don Engebretson, also known as The Renegade Gardener, as a featured speaker.

Engebretson, a seasoned expert in the field, will offer insights into essential landscape design principles used in some of the country’s most stunning private gardens. He will also challenge common gardening myths that may be leading homeowners astray. Visitors are encouraged to bring photos of their yards or landscaping plans for Engebretson to review and provide personalized advice.

Garden Design Insights from The Renegade Gardener

According to Engebretson, successful landscaping is about seamlessly integrating a home into its natural surroundings. He emphasizes the importance of layering plants of various heights to create a balanced and visually appealing space. He likens flowers to accessories, saying, “Annual and perennial flowers serve as accents, like the colorful tie or scarf that completes the look of a magnificent men’s suit or woman’s dress.”

One of the most valuable takeaways from Engebretson’s approach is that landscaping should be a unified whole, combining elements such as colorful gardens, shrubs, hedges, trees, and lawns that flow together. He advises homeowners to develop a master plan, even if they implement changes gradually over time.

Beyond aesthetics, Engebretson also underscores the importance of trees and shrubs in a well-designed landscape. While many homeowners focus on vibrant flowers, he explains that small trees and structured shrubbery provide the backbone of a breathtaking outdoor space.

Dispelling Common Gardening Myths

As part of his presentation, Engebretson will debunk common gardening misconceptions, including:

  • Annuals blooming all season – Contrary to popular belief, annuals do not bloom from late spring through fall. Engebretson explains that they typically bloom for three to four months, and when they stop flowering, it is not the gardener’s fault.
  • Fertilizing at the time of planting – He warns that most nursery plants already contain slow-release fertilizer, and adding more too soon can do more harm than good. Instead, he advises fertilizing plants the following spring after planting.

A Weekend of Inspiration for Homeowners and Gardeners

In addition to Engebretson’s expert insights, the New Jersey Home & Garden Show will feature:

  • Five stunning garden displays from Longford Landscape, Mike’s Country Market, Brothers Exterior, Monti Landscaping, and Blue Mountain Landscaping and Hardscaping.
  • Workshops and presentations by home improvement experts, including color consultant Cindy Gelormini (The Paint Diva) and Master Electrician Adam Corbin.
  • Over 100 exhibitors, including remodelers, contractors, interior designers, and landscapers—most from locally owned New Jersey businesses.
  • A Marketplace featuring handcrafted artisan products for visitors to browse and purchase.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert landscaping advice, discover innovative home improvement ideas, and connect with local businesses at one of New Jersey’s premier home and garden events!

For more information and to purchase tickets,
visit New Jersey Home & Garden Show

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