Every spring, I tell myself — this is the year I’ll finally discover my green thumb.
And while I haven’t become a master gardener just yet, I have learned a few things along the way.
First and foremost: if I’m going to tackle this on my own (and let’s be honest, there’s no shame in asking for help), I need to choose plants labeled Zone 6 or lower. That tells me they can handle our chilly Morris County winters — so I’m not replanting every single year.
But here’s the real secret: take a few moments to observe your space, then head to one of our many local garden centers — or call in a landscaper — to help set you up for success.
Here’s what you should know before you plant (and remember: your front, side, and back yards might all have different answers):
Thing to figure out about your space (and remember, the front, side and back yards may have different answers).
1. How much sunlight is there: full - 6+ hours a day; partial 3-6 hours a day or full shade - less than 3 hours.
2.It's Morris County, deer are prevalent. Have you seen them? If so, try boxwood, lavender, coneflower or ornamental grasses; avoid tulips, hosta and daylilies
3. Check out the areas you are thinking following a storm. Does your soil drain well? Is it rocky?
4. Do you want a full bloom or a stagger bloom? Staggered lets you plant all at once but have new things flowering every season.
Now that you’re armed with the basics, check out one of our amazing local garden centers — and let the experts guide you to your best gardening season yet! 🌼🌿
Amato's Garden Center
1135 Sussex Tpke, Randolph
Bader Farm
290 Changebridge Rd, Pine Brook
973-227-0294
Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 9am to 5pm
Offering home-grown annuals, perennials, fresh produce and fruit, as well as Easter plants, pumpkins, greenhouse Poinsettias, firewood, wreaths, grave blankets and Christmas trees.
Bushes Garden Center
55 Rt 10 East, Whippany
Cerbo's Garden Center
440 Littleton Rd, Parsippany
Country Mile Gardens
1108 Mt. Kimble Ave, Morristown
J&M Home and Garden
686 Main St, Madison
973-377-4740
Open 7 days a week 9am-6pm
Complete services including landscape/landscape design, annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and floral arrangements
Max is Back
1425 Rt 23, Butler
Morris County Farms
33 Smith Rd, Denville
Randolph Garden Center
1135 Sussex Tpke, Randolph
Redwood Gardens Nursery
65 Morris Tpke, Randolph
Van Wingerden Farms and Greenhouse
201 Farm Rd, Pompton Plains
Battista Landscape
Serving Pompton Plains and the surrounding area
973-523-5131
Caserta Landscaping
Serving Randolph and the surrounding area
973-270-3462
GGL Landscaping
Serving Randolph and the surrounding area
973-219-1270
Kohut & Son Landscaping
Serving Boonton and the surrounding area
973-334-9860
Penella's Landscape Design
Serving Towaco and the surrounding area
973-299-1143
Ruiz Landscape
Serving Denville and the surrounding area
201-727-3946
If we missed your business or you would like more information on an enhanced listing, please email sandyn@macaronikid.com
And don’t forget — say you saw it on Macaroni Kid!
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