“Beautiful Bernards” is a perfect example of “sharing local history with a social twist!”
Mr. Local History Project’s mission – the red and gold have a tie to Bernards Township history.
Three years ago, Mr. Local History donated a garden on the S. Finley triangle to honor the 100th anniversary of their efforts. Two years later, the garden is back, and we’d love to double the amount of tulips that are blooming right now! Please help us make this happen by donating to double the number of flowers for next year’s bloom.
Goal – Help us double the Garden Size
Bernards Township Day is typically held around Charter Day on the 2nd or 3rd Saturday in May 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, Bernards Township has its own official township flag), the three colors also tie to the “Beautiful Bernards” garden campaign.
“We are proud to give back to the community with our gift to Bernards Township and the Basking Ridge Garden Club #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 red, crimson, yellow, and gold tulips. Dig holes about six inches deep and drop a bulb in each. Try to do it where there are few deer in the area because when they bloom, the tops are a deer favorite, so that you may need netting or sprays.
The links provided are merely for reference. Please try to shop locally for your flowers, seeds, bulbs, and mulch.
- Keizerskroon Tulip (Emperor’s Crown)
- Apeldoorn & Golden Apeldoorn Tulip
- Haley’s Comet Red and Yellow Tulip
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The “Beautiful Bernards” [#beutifulbernards] program was funded by supporters of the Mr. Local History Project, a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) 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 🙂