Mystery, Masterpieces, and Making with Somerset County Park Commission’s Gardeners

BRIDGWATER, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission is offering three  workshops focusing on nature and art in the coming weeks. These programs, presented by the Horticulture Department, provide participants with opportunities to grow their understanding of and build personal connections to the natural world through education and hands-on creation.

The Magical Mysterious Monarch workshop will be held on Friday, August 22nd at 10 a.m. at the Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills. Cynthia Hedin, Somerset County Master Gardener, will discuss the mysteries of Monarch butterflies which for centuries disappeared on a southern migration each fall, only to reappear the following summer. 

In the past few decades scientists have discovered their secret, and Ms. Hedin will reveal their winter home and the magical life cycle of the Monarch. Registration with a $20 fee is required as space is limited.Those interested in watercolors, experts and beginners, will want to head to Buck Garden on Friday, September 12th at 10 a.m. for Watercolors in the Garden. 

Artist Donna Souren will lead this six-hour lesson on translating the natural beauty of Buck Garden to a watercolor tableau. Ms. Souren will guide students in choosing the best locations when painting outdoors, paint application, mixing colors, composition, and how to create a finished watercolor painting. Registration with a $40 fee is required as space is limited. Students will be sent an art supply list following registration.Crafters will love the Felt Woodland Scene Workshop on Sunday, September 14 at 10 a.m. at the Park Commission Headquarters, North Branch Park in Bridgewater. 

This two-hour session will teach the craft of needle felting, walking students through the creation of their own three-dimensional enchanted woodland forest floor using natural roving wool. This workshop is open to anyone 12 years or older, all materials will be provided, and registration with a $65 fee is required due to limited space.

Magical Mysterious Monarch
Friday, August 22 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road, Far Hills, NJ 07931
Fee: $20
Registration (required): https://njsomerset.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=23162789

Watercolors in the Garden
Friday, September 12 from 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road, Far Hills, NJ 07931
Fee: $40
Registration (required): https://njsomerset.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=23162758

Felt Woodland Scene Workshop
Sunday, September 14 from 10 a.m. – noon
Park Commission Headquarters, 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Fee: $65
Registration (required): https://njsomerset.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=23163864 

About The Somerset County Park Commission
The Park Commission is committed to excellence in promoting stewardship of land and resources, providing outstanding recreation opportunities and leisure services, and fostering an environment that is service oriented and responsive to the public’s needs.

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