In 1965 the Extension Specialist, Donald B. Lacey from the Agriculture School at Rutgers University consulted weather data to determine the date for the very first Open House Festival.  According to the Almanac the last Saturday in July was the least likely to have bad weather.  For the past 46 years the festival has been held on that Saturday.
Traditionally the Open House features lively and informative tours of the Rutgers Gardens along with The Donald B. Lacey Display Garden. The display garden contains spectacular plantings of annual, tropical and perennial flowers as well as herbs and vegetables.

Since education is the key to the Gardens mission, the day also includes Rutgers Cooperative Extension Agents, Program Associates, and the Master Gardeners from throughout the state who participate in “Ask the Expert” tables.   Horticultural experts provide lectures and information on topics relevant to both the homeowner and professional audience.

Children’s activities during the day include tours of the Community Vegetable Garden. where the children will be encouraged to plant something to take home and care for. Tours will be given of the Bamboo Forest. Afterwards we will be making rain sticks from the bamboo grown at Rutgers.

General admission policy - Rutgers Gardens Members free (must show your card)
Adults $5.00 children under 13 free. Please note there is a separate gate fee for the Wine Tasting.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor for our 2012 Garden Marketplace, and have questions please contact: Mary Ann Schrum or download the attached application.

 

Here's what went on on at the 2011 Festival. Please check back to see what will be happening in 2012!

2011 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

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TIME	EVENT	LOCATION
10:00 am- 2:00 pm	Tour Hourly tours of the Donald B. Lacey Display Garden	Display Garden
10:00 am - 4:00 pm	Children's Activity Visit Community Vegetable Garden and go on a scavenger hunt and make a craft.	Community Vegetable Garden
10:30am - 12:30pm	Children's Activity Fairy House Building	Rhododendron Garden
10:30 am	Tour Learn all about the Community Vegetable Garden with Debbie Henry, Children's Program Coordinator	Community Vegetable Garden
11:00 am - 4:00 pm	Wine Tasting $10.00 gate fee includes souvenir glass	Sun & Shade Garden
11:30 am	Educational Seminar "Planning Your Home landscape" Bruce Crawford, Director, Rutgers Gardens	Alumni Pavilion
12:00 pm	Tour New Introductions Tour led by Ira Grasgreen, Eason Horticultural Resources	Display Garden
1:00 pm	Educational Seminar “Growing Grape Vines in New Jersey” and the “45 Minute Wine Expert” Learn all about New Jersey wines. Dave Davis, Auburn Road Vineyards, and Gary Pavlis, Rutgers Cooperative Extension will be here to discuss Healthy Grapevines in New Jersey and how they affect the quality of wines as well as how to taste wine and pair with foods.	Alumni Pavilion
1:30 pm	Tour Garden Highlights Tour led by Bruce Crawford, Director Rutgers Gardens	Display Garden
1:30 pm	Children's Activity Take a tour of the Bamboo forest and make a rain stick	Community Vegetable Garden
2:30 pm	Educational Seminar "What's the buzz about bees?" Jennifer Merz Find out what makes these insects so important and interesting to have around.  Take away a few new facts about bee and enjoy a first-hand look inside the Rutgers Gardens apiary.	Alumni Pavilion

 

Day Long Activities included-

Wine Garden-

Tasting begins at 11:00 am and runs till 4 pm. There is a $10 tasting fee which includes a souvenir glass. Participants mist be 21.

Auburn Road Vineyards

Bellview Winery

Chestnut Run Farm

Plagido's Winery

Wagonhouse Winery

“Ask The Expert” Clinic

Farmers Market

Garden Market Place

Children's Activities/Crafts

Food sales by Twin Oaks

Wine Tasting

If you are interested in becoming a vendor for our 2011 Garden Marketplace, Wine Tasting or Local Fresh Produce and have questions please contact: Mary Ann Schrum

               

 

 

Last Modified: 04/03/2012, rugardens@njaes.rutgers.edu.
©2010 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey