We are a volunteer organization dedicated to the promotion and maintenance of the Morris County, NJ, Park Commission's various horticultural facilities, including especially its headquarters location, the George Griswold Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Learn more about us and the arboretum by clicking on the links at the left.

Weekend Wrapup

Sun Oct 26. A number of us were lucky enough to have attended today's final event in Focus on Japan, the Arboretum's month-long view into Japan's influence on plants, gardens and horticultural traditions. Stephen Morrell, Director of the John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden spoke today on the regional, zen and cultural traditions behind Japanese garden design. He showed many fine examples both from Japan and America.

The Arboretum features a collection of specimen Japanese Maples on the walkway approaching the mansion. They are reaching their peak of fall splendor, so a walk is clearly in order in the next few weeks. One is featured in the rotating pictures on the right, while others are highlighted in the Late October album in the photo gallery.

Today is Speaker's Day

Sun Oct 26. Call 973-325-7603 to reserve your place to hear Stephen Morrell, Executive Director of the Humes Japanese Stroll Garden in Mill Neck, NY speak on the aesthetics of Japanese gardens. Refreshments will follow the talk, including a selection of Japanese beverages. As always, the Events Page has lots of details.

Ken Druse Talk Set

Fri Oct 24. We are proud to announce that we have scheduled a talk with Ken Druse, well-known garden author, for January 22nd. Read more about this terrific program on our Events Page.

Revised 2008 Treasurer's Report

Tue Oct 21. As noted in the latest Arboretum Leaves, the Treasurer's Report for 2008 which was distributed at the Annual Meeting this past summer contained errors. A replacement set of reports is now available here for download:

• Balance Sheet
• Profit and Loss Statement

Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience.

Come Early for Sunday's Concert

Fri Oct 17. If you are planning to attend the Focus on Japan Concert this Sunday, October 19, please come early to secure a seat. We will be handing out "tickets" from 1:00 p.m. on for the concert.

Final "In Bloom" Updates

Tue Oct 14. Many thanks to Phil Dahlen for updating the What's in Bloom listing throughout the growing season. We received his last update of the year last week and are pleased to say the Arboretum is still awash in color. Check out the list and come over for a walk while the nice weather lasts.

Gingerbread Constructors Take Note!

Mon Oct 6. The 17th Annual Gingerbread Wonderland runs this year from the Members-Only Preview Party on Friday, December 5th daily through Sunday, December 14th. More information is available on the Gingerbread Page.

There too you can find information about gingerbread construction techniques, as well as the entry procedure to ensure a place at this year's extravaganza. The last day for exhibitor registration is Friday, November 14th.

Fall Blooms Reflect Autumn's Splendor

Tue Sep 23. Today was another beautiful Fall day. The Arboretum is robed in splendid bloom. Volunteer, Phil Dahlen, updated the What's in Bloom list today. Take an opportunity to enjoy a walk around the Arboretum right now.