The Colonial Park gazebo. Photo: Somerset County Park Commission.

Autumn is almost here and the Somerset County Park Commission’s Perennial Garden, located in the Colonial Park Gardens, Lot F, is approaching peak bloom.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., the Colonial Park Gardens Horticulture Department is inviting the public to join a field study of fall-blooming perennials. The staff will discuss plant care, demonstrate gardening techniques, and answer gardening questions on a stroll through the garden.

The fee is $15 per person. Preregistration is required and may be made by calling 732-873-2459, ext. 21 or the NJ Relay Service at 711 for individuals with a hearing or speech impairment Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (except for holidays). Online registration is available at www.somersetcountyparks.org. The program is limited to 30 participants.

The Perennial Garden is located at Parking Lot F in Colonial Park Gardens. The garden is managed and maintained by the Horticulture Department of the Somerset County Park Commission and is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

The five-acre Perennial Garden was established in 1976 as a lilac collection. It has evolved over the years into a garden that provides year-round horticulture interest. In spring, the garden comes alive with the colors and fragrances of daffodils, lilacs, daphnes and pinks. Late spring and summer bring added color and form to the garden. Irises, peonies, roses, lilies, and coreopsis bloom among the many perennials and shrubs. In autumn, asters, ornamental grasses and butterfly bushes reach their peak bloom. Evergreens and winterberry hollies provide interest well into the winter months. Amid green lawns and beds of colorful perennials, bulbs, trees, and shrubs, lies the focal point of the garden, the gazebo.

Information on this event and other Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.