Newark Downtown District Donates Seasonal Plants To Residents

NEWARK, NJ – The Newark Downtown District is donating seasonal plantings to any resident who can give them a home in Brick City.

Over the past few weeks, 600 "winter" plants, trees and shrubs that were previously used to beautify the streets of downtown Newark were handed out to residents.

The Newark Downtown District has coordinated the giveaway of three species – Alberta Spruce, Gold Mop Cypress and Juniper Rug –at the three-acre Hawthorne Farm, an urban agriculture program operated by the Greater Newark Conservancy.

“Our Ambassadors take such good care of these plants during each season,” said CEO Anthony McMillan in a prepared statement, noting there are 250 large planters throughout the 110 blocks of the District. “We want to ensure all of these plants can best be used and continue to flourish in our community.”

Donations went to Apostle House, The Yard restaurant, Source of Knowledge Bookstore, and housing complexes such as University Court.

Spring and summer plants now fill the 250 planters, along with hanging baskets on various streets. There are also 43 permanent centerpieces on blocks that don't allow for tree pits or are prone to harsh weather factors.