Butterfly Gardening for Home Schoolers takes place April 5, May 3, June 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at Duke Farms Children can learn much about the natural world by studying the life cycles of butterflies and planting a garden that attracts them and other pollinators. In this series of three indoor and outdoor classes, children and parents will learn all about the lives of the monarch and other butterflies, the plants and flowers they need to survive, and how to grow a garden that will help them thrive. Classes meet from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early, as we will be walking to different parts of the property promptly at the start of class! This series is designed for families with children in grades 1 through 6. Only 1 adult must accompany each child during this program as space is limited. Please note that we cannot accommodate any children who are not currently in first grade. This includes the younger siblings of any registered participant as well as any toddlers or babies in arms, carriers, slings, or strollers. Tickets are $15 per child. Adults are free.

Did you know that Duke Farms operates the largest allotment-style community garden in the country? This five-acre, 468-plot garden is usually closed to the public, but our “Snoop Tours” will provide an opportunity to explore what’s happening inside the fence. Our practices are organic and our diverse garden community utilizes interesting techniques to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Tours are led from May-September by experienced volunteer garden educators. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Please meet at the main gate of the Community Garden located next door to the Farm Barn. The event is free.

The Keyport Garden Club’s event, Keyport GardenWalk, will be held Saturday, June 2nd & Sunday, June 3rd, 2018 at 11:00AM – 3:00PM. Garden Talks starts at 9:30AM. Keyport GardenWalk is a unique, free opportunity to enjoy and explore the public and private gardens of this charming town on the Raritan Bay. First started in 2012, Keyport GardenWalk has quickly grown to be a top tourist attraction for the historic borough of Keyport attracting  3,100 visitors in 2017. As you stroll or bike through our town, you will discover perennial gardens in charming neighborhoods, find the Elizabeth Street Community Garden and learn about our environmentally beneficial rain gardens along Keyport’s magnificent waterfront. Keyport GardenWalk is one of many endeavors of the Keyport Garden Club – a not for profit 501 (c)(3) organization.