Brookdale Park Conservancy

06/10/2026

Three things are always a guarantee at a Rose Squared Art Show: Fine arts and crafts, artist interactions, and handmade treasures.

Join us in Brookdale Park next weekend!
Catch us next at the Spring Brookdale Park Art Show:
June 20–21, 2026
10am – 5pm Saturday & Sunday

06/09/2026

If you take a walk (or a run, or a bike ride) around Brookdale Park right now, you’ve probably noticed these tall white flowers in almost all of our native garden beds. This is Penstemon digitalis, commonly called foxglove beardtongue or tall white beardtongue. It is a hardy, clump-forming, North American-native perennial which typically grows 3-5' tall and occurs in prairies, fields, wood margins, open woods, and along railroad tracks.

In late spring to early summer, tall clusters of showy white tubular flowers appear that attract long-toungued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Miner bees, and Mason bees; hummingbirds, and butterflies. The flowers produce seed pods that are almost red in summer.

Beardtongue derives its common name for the hairs that line the protruding lower petal of these tubular plants. These hairs serve an interesting function, forcing bees deeper into the flower. Some Penstemon species also have small protrusions in the flower interior that act like hooks, giving the bee a bit of a squeeze and making them struggle a tiny bit to escape. As they do so, the anthers of the flower wrap around the body of the bee, adhering pollen where it will be perfectly aligned to meet the stigma of the next flower.

If you look into the tubular flowers you’ll notice several distinct lines leading to the back of the flower known as nectar guides. These lines act like runway lights, advertising to bees that “the good stuff is back here!”

Beardtongue fills a critical role in the ecosystem, providing pollen and nectar at a time when resources are dwindling at the end of spring. Their long bloom time can stretch between late spring and mid-summer when other plants are just beginning to bloom.

Source: Xerces Society
Source: Prairie Moon Nursery
Source: Missouri Botanical Garden

06/08/2026

Are you looking for a professional experienced with natives? Essex Chapter - Native Plant Society of NJ has compiled a list of professionals serving Essex County.

06/08/2026

In just one week, come check out this artwork and more at the Spring Brookdale Park Art Show!

June 20–21, 2026
10am – 5pm Saturday & Sunday

06/05/2026

Anybody else take an early morning coffee stroll to beat the heat?

06/05/2026

Artist Spotlight!

The 37th Annual Brookdale Park Art Show is thrilled to feature the work and presence of these incredible artists: Karla Gudeon Art & Design, Annie Gilbert, and G W Sharpe Studio —along with many additional returning artisans and talented newcomers.

Join us for a full weekend of creativity:
June 20–21, 2026
10am – 5pm | Rain or Shine

Artist Spotlight!

The 37th Annual Brookdale Park Art Show is thrilled to feature the work and presence of these incredible artists: Karla Gudeon Art & Design, Annie Gilbert, and G W Sharpe Studio —along with many additional returning artisans and talented newcomers.

Join us for a full weekend of creativity:
🗓 June 20–21, 2026
⏰ 10am – 5pm | Rain or Shine
📍 473 Watchung Ave, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 (Brookdale Park)

Set within the scenic 121-acre Brookdale Park, this beloved Essex County destination transforms into a vibrant outdoor gallery featuring more than 150 juried artists and exceptional fine art & fine craft—from ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, and glass to fiber art, furniture, apothecary, mixed media, and more.
Plan your visit and experience an immersive weekend filled with artistry, inspiration, and community.

06/04/2026

There is so much in bloom in Brookdale Park right now! Let us know which is your favorite and what you're looking forward to seeing this summer.

1. Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) and Canada anemone (Anemone canadensis)
2. Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)
3. Northern Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera)
4. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
5. Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)
6. Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
7. Purple clover (Trifolium pratense)
8. Wild Iris (Iris shrevei)
9. Wild bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia)
10. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
11. Ohio spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)

06/04/2026

Artist Spotlight!

The 37th Annual Brookdale Park Art Show is thrilled to feature the work and presence of these incredible artists: Zu Yu, Nina R Nemeth, and Barry Gross - along with many additional returning artisans and talented newcomers.

Join us for a full weekend of creativity:
June 20–21, 2026
10am – 5pm | Rain or Shine

Artist Spotlight!

The 37th Annual Brookdale Park Art Show is thrilled to feature the work and presence of these incredible artists: Zu Yu,Nina R Nemeth, and Barry Gross—along with many additional returning artisans and talented newcomers.

Join us for a full weekend of creativity:
🗓 June 20–21, 2026
⏰ 10am – 5pm | Rain or Shine
📍 473 Watchung Ave, Bloomfield, NJ 07003 (Brookdale Park)

Set within the scenic 121-acre Brookdale Park, this beloved Essex County destination transforms into a vibrant outdoor gallery featuring more than 150 juried artists and exceptional fine art & fine craft—from ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, and glass to fiber art, furniture, apothecary, mixed media, and more.
Plan your visit and experience an immersive weekend filled with artistry, inspiration, and community.

06/04/2026

Your soundtrack to summer starts here! The 2026 Essex County Parks Summer Music Series is bringing FREE live concerts, festivals, and fireworks to parks across Essex County all season long. From jazz and salsa to classic rock tributes and soul favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy under the summer sky.

Check out the lineup for Brookdale Park. We can't wait to see everyone out in the park this summer!

🎤🌟 Your soundtrack to summer starts here! The 2026 Essex County Parks Summer Music Series is bringing FREE live concerts, festivals, and fireworks to parks across Essex County all season long. From jazz and salsa to classic rock tributes and soul favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy under the summer sky.

📍Concerts take place across Essex County Parks from June through August!
🎆 Fireworks shows, local park performances, and special festivals included!
📅 Check out the full schedule and start planning your summer nights with us!