Iris pumila 'Michael Paul', Dwarf Bearded Iris at RRA
From the Executive Director
Dear Friends,

With ART in the Garden a month away, I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes this event a success. Good food is a must, and without a doubt we have that covered. David Ellis Events put together a menu like no other. This year, in addition to the delicious hors d’oeuvres and small plates we have enjoyed in the past, guests can purchase a VIP Dinner table and enjoy an exclusive, three-course family style dinner. If you have not seen the menu click here, it looks delectable!

Atmosphere is also key to a successful event. If you visited the Arboretum this spring, then you know we have this covered as well. The gardens could not be more beautiful this year. Imagine strolling through the gardens with live music playing in the background; I cannot think of a prettier place to hold an event.

While these items are without question important, for me the most important part is the people. To see our friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family members come together to enjoy the evening and each other’s company in support of this incredible community resource makes my heart sing.  

I look forward to seeing you there.

Until next time,
Art in the Garden™
Saturday, June 5, 6:00 - 11:00 pm

Our annual Garden Party Under the Stars is a month away! Join us as we celebrate the Junior League of Summit’s 90 Years of Service and Retired RRA Executive Director Frank Juliano. Celebrate at the Arboretum or from home.

Click here for more information and to purchase a sponsorship, tickets, or an ad to congratulate our honorees. The deadline to purchase an ad is May 19.
Plant Sale
The annual RRA plant sale will take place on May 7, 8, and 9, 2021. The sale takes place rain or shine, and features annuals and perennials, natives and tropicals, as well as Freeman Medal Winners. Come expand your gardening horizons!

On Friday, May 7 (2:00 pm to 7:00 pm) RRA members will get an exclusive opportunity to shop.

On Saturday, May 8 (10:00 am to 3:00 pm), all are welcome.

New for RRA's Plant Sale this year is our extended shopping day on Sunday, May 9 (10:00 am to 3:00 pm), all are welcome.

Click here to become a member today; you’ll get to shop early!
Adult Education
Please click on the titles for more information and to register
Thursday, May 13, 6:00 - 7:15 pm
Thursday, May 27, 9:00 - 10:15 am

Join The R3finery for an outdoor yoga class and immerse yourself in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings at the Arboretum. This 75-minute yoga class is open to all levels. Modifications will be provided to make this class accessible to everyone. Enjoy the peacefulness of the garden, and discover the many benefits of practicing yoga outdoors.

Please bring your own yoga mat, towel and water bottle. Social distancing will be adhered to. Registration is required.
Sunday, May 23
Seatings at 11:30 am OR 2:00 pm

Experience the beauty of spring at Reeves-Reed Arboretum, while enjoying a finely curated tea. Reeves-Reed Arboretum is delighted to partner with 'The Secret Tea Room' to offer an exquisite tea experience overlooking the gardens.
Wednesday, May 26, 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Reeves-Reed Arboretum is delighted to partner with 'The Secret Tea Room' to offer a charming mid-week tearoom experience. Enjoy a relaxed, unrushed tea service served with scones overlooking our beautiful gardens.
Sunday, June 6, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Wednesday, June 9, 1:30 - 3:00 pm

Join us for seasonally informative ‘Talk and Tours’ in the garden. See what’s new, what’s in bloom, and be a part of the conversation. This is a chance to improve your knowledge or learn more about the history of Reeves-Reed Arboretum, as well as gain insight and understanding of the Arboretum’s ever-changing grounds. The cost is free for RRA members and Docents-in-Training, and $10 for non-members. We will meet at the Visitor’s Center—rain or shine!

RRA Docents and RRA Docents-in-training should call (908) 273-8787 x1616 to register.
Sunday, June 6, 1:30 - 4:30 pm
(All ages. 15 & under must be accompanied by an adult, children ages 6-12 must share a tandem kayak with an adult)

Bordering the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge this section of the Passaic River boasts beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife. You'll feel at one with nature as the river's twists and turns carry you deeper into the Refuge's soul. Led by an ACA (American Canoe Association) certified kayak instructor from Kayak East, this tour is rated "Easy" meaning no experience is necessary. This tour is great for families and paddlers of any skill level. Space is limited so don’t wait to register!
Sounds of a Summer Night Concert Series
Save the dates!

June 16 - Simply Sonare

July 7 - Sir Rod and the Blues Doctors

July 28 - The Ryan Hernandez Jazz quartet

September 1 - Random Test Reggae Band
Children's Education
Please click on the titles for more information and to register.
Masks are mandatory and registration is required.
Weekends through May 30, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
(for families with children 3 and up)

Borrow one of our magnifying glasses (please remember to return it once you're done), grab an interactive activity guide and head out onto the grounds to see what wonders big and small await your discovery. There will be a surprise or two; a clue to follow; a rhyme or riddle to solve; and, always a fun nature exploration activity. Each week is a new discovery! Registration not required.
Thursday, May 20, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
(for ages 3 to 5 with adult)

Wonder, respect, and love for the natural world will get a great start in this engaging weekly class. Take nature walks, read stories, and create a one-of-a-kind art project every week. These are wonderful experiences where children can spend time outdoors with our Environmental Educators.
Volunteer Opportunities
Plant Sale Volunteers Needed!

The plant sale is fast approaching, and we need your help to make this special event a success! Volunteers can sign up for the following shifts (feel free to sign up for more than one!):

Thursday, May 6th    
1:30pm-3:30pm (set up)

Friday, May 7th 
1:00pm – 3:30pm
3:00pm – 4:30pm
4:00pm – 5:30pm
5:00pm – 7:30pm

Saturday, May 8th & Sunday, May 9th  
9:00am – 12:00pm
11:30am – 3:30pm

Email t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org to register to volunteer!
Saturdays & Mondays, May-June, 9:30 - 11:30 am
And NEW 1:30 - 3:30pm!
(Ages 14+, Age 12-13 with adult)

Join our horticulture staff working outdoors in the spring to maintain and enhance the beauty of our gardens and grounds!

To register, go to www.reeves-reedarboretum.org/get-involved/volunteer/ or email Volunteer Coordinator, Trish Cassin, at t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org.

Please note: For your safety, all tools and gloves are washed and sanitized, and masks are required. You are also free to bring your own gloves and tools.
Other News

The Arboretum wants to perennially celebrate those graduating this year by planting a June blooming garden that can be visited for years to come. Whether you are graduating from preschool or college (or anything in between), this is a way to recognize this accomplishment in a unique and meaningful way.

Please click here for more information.

Celebrating the life and work of Al Bross

Oil paintings

Through May 16 at Wisner House Gallery

Please click here for the thumbnails of this exhibit
RRA Receives Grant from Summit Garden Club

The Summit Garden Club has awarded the Arboretum a grant in the amount of $2,500 to fund the hiring of a seasonal gardener for the growing season. The seasonal gardener position is vital as we transition from our spring to summer displays in addition to working to keep the grounds looking beautiful. We are so grateful for the Garden Club’s support.

Be sure to check out this week’s new menu at davidellisevents.com/home.
And don’t forget to mention you are a friend of Reeves-Reed Arboretum when ordering! The deadline to order from this week's menu is Tuesday at 2:00 pm.
Help Us Every Time You Shop at Amazon!

During this pandemic, we know that many people are shopping online!

Please click here to donate a percentage of your Amazon purchases to RRA, or use this URL:


Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Follow @reevesreedarboretum for the latest scoop!
Come for a walk outside. We are here for you.
Be well and stay healthy!
Reeves-Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Avenue
Summit, NJ 07901
(908) 273-8787
Wisner House Open: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday
Grounds Open: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily (April - October)
9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily (November - March)
Programs and events at RRA are made possible, in part, by support from:
Novartis; Lois Schneider Realtor; Bartlett Tree Experts; Infantini Landscaping; Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation; E.J. Grassmann Trust; Mary Reinhart Stackhouse Foundation; The Summit Foundation; Hyde & Watson Foundation; Union Foundation; Kessler Foundation; Garden Clubs of America; Summit Garden Club; Junior League of Summit; Villani Bus Company; NJ Historic Trust; Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust; DEP/Green Acres Grant Program; and the NJ Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State, through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Department of Parks & Community Renewal.

Special thanks to our media sponsors including TapInto, Summit Living, and Renna Media.

Signature membership activities for 2021 are underwritten with generous support from Investors Bank.