“Beautiful Bernards” is a perfect example of the Mr. Local History Project’s mission:
“sharing history with a social twist!”
Bernards Township Day is held typically around Charter Day on May 24th to honor organizations that support and promote living in Bernards Township. There’s nothing better than beautiful crimson and gold blooms popping out of the ground in Spring. We welcome all our local history fans to join us for the “Beautiful Bernards” program that showcases flowers colorful beauty in the spring #beautifulbernards
Why Red & Gold
Three colors symbolize Bernards Township: “Red/Gold/and White.” Represented in the official flag of Bernards Township (yes, we have our own official township flag), the three colors also tie to the “Beautiful Bernards” garden campaign.
The idea for “Beautiful Bernards” coincides with the Basking Ridge Garden Club’s annual efforts to beautify Bernards Township. To honor the township and celebrate the Basking Ridge Garden Club, the Mr. Local History project donated and planted over 250 red, red hybrid, and yellow tulips just outside the town hall entrance on the S. Finely Avenue triangle.
Wouldn’t it be great if everyone in Bernards Township joined together by planting flowers for “Beautiful Bernards?” Well, that’s the idea behind a couple of local non-profits working to share the beauty of Bernards Township with this creative idea.
“We are proud to give back to the community with our gift to Bernards Township and the Basking Ridge Garden Club who has been beautifying Bernards Township for 100 years. It’s called #beautifulbernards”
Meg Wastie, Basking Ridge resident and Mr. Local History Project Trustee.
Spring Planting Suggestions
If you choose to take part in “Beautiful Bernards,” three colors are recommended: red, red and yellow, or a hybrid of red and yellow, all of which symbolize the official colors of Bernards Township. Please try to source your red and yellow perennials locally. If you can’t find any remaining, they are often available online with fall discounts. Each of the red and yellow perennials listed below is also deer resistant. Red and yellow tulips are another alternative for those who don’t have deer issues.
“Get any of the flowers listed and plant them in the front of your homes in the fall and spring. Celebrate the crimson red and gold and plant as soon as the ground is thawed.
Christina Del Giorno, Basking Ridge Garden Club
- Arizona Sun Gaillardia
- Yellow and Red Columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis)
- Aquilegia ‘Koralle’
- Coreopsis, UpTick Gold & Bronze
- Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
- Red and Yellow Daylily (Hemerocallis)
- Yellow and Red Daffodils (Narcissus) (Bulbs)
- Fritillaria (Fritillaria imperialism)
Fall Planting Suggestions
For those who like to plan for spring blooms in the fall, we love the various colors of red, crimson, yellow and gold tulips. Dig holes around six inches deep and drop in a bulb. Try to do it where there are few deer in the area because when they bloom, the tops are a deer favorite, so you may need netting or sprays.
The links provided are merely for reference. Please try to shop local to get your flowers, seeds, bulbs and mulch.
- Keizerskroon Tulip (Emperor’s Crown)
- Apeldoorn & Golden Apeldoorn Tulip
- Haley’s Comet Red and Yellow Tulip
More New Jersey Local History
The “Beautiful Bernards” [#beutifulbernards] program was funded by those who support the Mr. Local History Project programs, a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Jersey’s local history with a social twist. Tax deductible donations are always appreciated.
A resident wrote and asked if they can also work with the Basking Ridge Garden Club to plant in town as a gift to their 100th anniversary. PM me if interested and I’ll connect you. Otherwise, just planting in your front yard works too. Do it soon though. The ground is getting hard 🙂