Newark Hills in Bloom: Garden Workshop Recap

The hydrangea trees swayed gently as neighbors drifted toward North Newark, drawn by the scent of fresh mulch and sizzling kabobs. At a sunny 87 degrees, Sunday felt like the perfect summer afternoon to connect, share stories, and learn from two of Newark’s most trusted green-thumbed experts.

Forest Hill's first Seasonal Yard & Garden Workshop was hosted by Hills United's Larry Lyons, who kicked things off by welcoming everyone and thanking the event sponsors, Prudential Financial and The City of Newark’s Office of Sustainability.

Alpine Nursery & Garden Center owner and Forest Hill resident Michael Becerra transformed the workshop into a botanical garden with a stunning pop-up display of plants, flowers, trees, and garden décor. He highlighted how Alpine stands apart from big-box retailers through personal service, deep neighborhood knowledge, and passion for the craft.

Our speaker from S. Lozada Landscaping & Painting shared his Newark roots and the journey from dreaming about trees as a kid to owning a business that serves more than 100 Forest Hill homes. He offered practical tips on trimming, edging, and watering, earning high praise from residents who have used his services.

Guests came from as far as Brooklyn and Queens, and attendees included both new residents and lifelong neighbors. Everyone enjoyed fresh-off-the-grill treats and went home with a complimentary hanging basket of impatiens courtesy of Alpine Nursery.

#PlantDaddies #BloomingBaddies

It was a strong showing of community spirit, local expertise, and a shared commitment to building a more beautiful Forest Hill. We look forward to cultivating the connections made, creating more opportunities for neighbors to work side by side, and ensuring our yards and shared green spaces continue to flourish for years to come.

If you're interested in attending, volunteering or helping to plan future preservation and beautification events, email us at FlourishCultureLab@gmail.com