Free Redbud Trees for Arbor Day in Ewing

Spring in New Jersey brings one of the most cheerful sights in the garden—the bright pink blooms of the Eastern Redbud. This year, the West Trenton Garden Club is helping more of those beautiful trees find a home in our community.

A Gift to the Community

To celebrate Arbor Day, the West Trenton Garden Club is giving away free redbud tree seedlings to local residents.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, April 24

• Time: 9:30 AM

• Location: Mercer County Library – Ewing Branch

This event supports the Ewing Green Team’s “250 Trees” initiative, a community effort to plant more trees and strengthen our local environment.

Learn more about the initiative here: https://ewinggreenteam.org/250-tree-campaign/

Fresh from the Nursery

Anne Chmielewski, who has been the driving force behind this initiative, shared::

“Today I picked up 120 redbud tubelings from the NJ State Forest Nursery in Jackson! They are so perfect and I am thrilled with these redbud babies...straight from the nursery!”

These young trees are healthy, locally grown, and ready to thrive in Mercer County landscapes.

Why Redbuds?

Eastern Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are a wonderful choice for home gardens:

• Native to our region

• Early spring color for pollinators

• Manageable size for smaller yards

• Heart-shaped leaves that add charm all season

They grow well in typical New Jersey conditions and bring years of beauty with very little fuss.

Magenta-pink flower clusters often grow on the mature bark of an Eastern Redbud Tree in early spring!

Easy Planting Tips

If you plan to take home a seedling, here are a few simple tips:

• Choose a spot with morning sun or light shade

• Water regularly during the first growing season

• Add a thin layer of mulch to keep roots cool

• Keep an eye out for deer browsing in early growth stages

A small tree planted today becomes a lasting part of your landscape.

Growing Together

Events like this reflect what the West Trenton Garden Club is all about—sharing plants, knowledge, and a love of gardening with the community. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, this is a simple way to connect with nature and neighbors.