Presented by Lesley Parness
"Think New Jersey only grows tomatoes? Think again. New Jersey was once the pinnacle for peaches, the ultimate for orchids, the tops for turf. 19th century New Jersey plant nurseries led the nation with their innovative breeding, greenhouse, field, and marketing techniques. Meet the horticultural superstars who made New Jersey their home. Impresarios, hermits, academics, politicos and a cast of unlikely characters will make you a believer that yes, New Jersey is the 'Garden State.'"
For the past 5 decades travel, academic studies, and work have provided a rewarding context for Lesley's love of plants. After a long career in museums and botanic gardens around the world she retired from her final post as Superintendent of Horticultural Education at New Jersey's Morris County Park Commission where she oversaw programming and interpretation at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Willowwood Arboretum and Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center. Currently, Lesley is enjoying her own garden and spending time with like-minded plant people. She is a member of the Herb Society of America, The Council on Horticultural and Botanical Libraries, and Garden State Gardens, a consortium of New Jersey's public gardens of which she is a founding member and past President. Lesley's column, The Garden Historian, is featured bi-monthly in Gardener News Magazine.
The Main Library on Plainfield Avenue next to the Edison Train Station. The library offers an extensive children’s room, a Meeting Room/Event Space, and a dedicated Maker Space.
