Learning and Exploring with Bountiful Gardens
Photos by Jeff Tryon
West Trenton Garden Club members enjoyed two opportunities to learn from Ike Pilato, greenhouse manager at Bountiful Gardens in Ewing. A houseplant care presentation at our October 5 meeting, and a guided visit to the garden center on October 10.
Ike’s experience as an interior plantscaper informs his approach to helping people choose plants suited to their homes. His enthusiasm for tropical plants and belief that anyone can become a plant person through learning made him a welcoming guide to indoor gardening.
At our meeting, Ike brought a varied selection of houseplants and growing supplies, giving members a chance to examine plants up close and browse items available for purchase. Colorful foliage, trailing stems, and flowering plants filled the display tables.
His handout, “Ike’s Golden Rules of Indoor Gardening,” encouraged us to begin by thinking about where a plant grows in nature. Understanding its natural surroundings helps explain the light, moisture, and placement it needs indoors. He also emphasized giving plants time to adjust to a suitable spot, providing sufficient light, and watering thoroughly while allowing the soil to drain.
The following Saturday, members joined Ike for a tour of Bountiful Gardens in Ewing. He guided us through the entire garden space, including annuals, shade plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, indoor plants, and exotic plants. His knowledge brought another dimension to the visit as we explored the remarkable variety around us.
Bountiful Gardens is a spectacular place to spend an afternoon. The greenhouse surrounds visitors with layers of lush foliage from floor to ceiling, hanging plants, and extraordinary flowers, while the outdoor selection offers possibilities for gardens of every size. Our photos captured some of the day’s discoveries, including an intricately patterned purple passionflower and a large, yellow, “Angel’s trumpet” bloom of the Brugmansia. A group selfie with Ike recorded a happy gathering among the greenery.
The people behind Bountiful Gardens bring that same abundance to their relationships with the community. Their generosity and willingness to share their time and expertise make them a valued local resource. With the recent opening of a fourth location, Bountiful Gardens continues to grow, serving gardeners in Ewing, Lawrenceville, Hillsborough, and Ringoes.
We’re grateful to Bountiful Gardens for lending us Ike for our October program and for welcoming us back for such a thorough tour. Special thanks to Ike for sharing his knowledge
and enthusiasm so generously.
For anyone seeking plants, garden inspiration, or knowledgeable help, we encourage a visit. Here in Ewing, this wonderful destination is right in our own backyard.
Explore their plants, locations, and upcoming events at Bountiful Gardens.
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