gardens to visit on jersey

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Welcome to Greenwood Gardens

Greenwood Gardens, a 28-acre non-profit public garden located in Short Hills, New Jersey, welcomes thousands of visitors annually for self-guided touring and specialized programs. A former private estate surrounded by 2,110 acres of preserved parkland, Greenwood is an enchanted hideaway, graced by terraced gardens, woodlands, meadows, grottoes, fountains, Arts and Crafts follies, and winding paths dating to the early 20th century. For all who choose to come through our gates, Greenwood offers a revitalizing experience, set against a unique backdrop of nature, beauty, and history.

May 3 – Nov 3, 2024 Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Last entry 3:30 p.m.

Plan Your Visit

Members & children under 3: free Adults (13 to 64): $15 Seniors (65+) and students with ID: $10 Children (3 to 12): $5 Advance Registration is Strongly Recommended ~ Entry Without Advance Ticket Purchase is Not Guaranteed

Register to Visit

274 Old Short Hills Road Short Hills, NJ 07078

T: 973-258-4026, stay up-to-date with happenings at the garden., join our email list, notes from the garden.

These monthly vignettes offer in-depth insight into aspects of nature, beauty, and history at Greenwood.

Serving Nostalgia: A History of Tennis at Greenwood

Learn more about the history of tennis at Greenwood Gardens.

Partnering with Pollinators

Learn more about the beehives at Greenwood Gardens.

The Harmony of Greenwood Gardens

Learn more about the harmony that exists between the architecture, flora, and landscape at Greenwood.

Follow us on Instagram @greenwoodgardensnj

Use #howgreenwasourgarden for a chance to be featured

274 Old Short Hills Road

Short hills, nj 07078, 973-258-4026, the gardens are open may 3 – november 3, 2024 fridays, saturdays, sundays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. last entry 3:30 p.m., mailing list.

© 2024 Greenwood Gardens. All rights reserved.

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Our island is just nine miles by five, making it easy to fit plenty of fun things to do in Jersey into a weekend or an extended break. Delve into the island’s colourful past or dive into our natural playground. Recharge on a relaxing break or shop ‘til you drop with a dose of retail therapy. Whatever kind of holiday you’re dreaming of, you’ll find it here and it’s all on your doorstep in Jersey. How will you spend your island time?

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What's hot?

It’s been an exciting year in Jersey, with bucket-loads of new places to stay, play, eat and drink popping up here on our island. Here, we bring you our Jersey ‘hot’ list – so you can discover all the latest and greatest hits next time you visit.

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Island break itineraries.

Need a little help deciding how to fill your Jersey holiday? We’ve got you covered. Choose from a collection of itineraries bursting with ideas of what to see and do during your getaway.

Discover Jersey’s top attractions.

Jersey has a wealth of wonders just waiting to be discovered. Explore the island’s most fascinating sites, including Jersey Zoo, the renowned Jersey War Tunnels, imposing castles and unique museums.

Mont Orgueil Castle

Mont Orgueil Castle, or Gorey Castle, has cast its imposing shadow over the beautiful fishing port of Gorey for more than 800 years. One of the finest examples of a medieval fortress in existence, Mont Orgueil is also a symbol of Jersey’s national identity and independent character.

Jersey War Tunnels

Jersey War Tunnels tells the true story of wartime Jersey in a way that no other visitor attraction does. It’s the best place to get a true picture of what life was really like in Jersey during WWII. The exhibition is housed within an underground tunnel complex, built by the Germans using slave labour.

La Mare Wine Estate

La Mare Wine Estate is a hidden gem nestled amidst the picturesque parish of St Mary. With free entry and ample parking, the estate extends a warm welcome to all whatever the weather. Join one of their Tour and Tasting Experiences, relax and refuel in the Vineyard Cafe and stock up on Genuine Jersey treats in the Cellar Gift shop.

The Botanic Gardens at Samares Manor

Created in the 1920's by millionaire philanthropist Sir James Knott, The Botanic Gardens offer many distinctive and unique plant collections which thrive in this exceptionally fertile site. Visit The Botanic Gardens to relax, explore, discover, eat, shop and stay. Uncover one of Europe's most outstanding gardens.

Jersey Zoo.

Whether you’re after fun, tranquillity, knowledge or a place to soak up the sunshine, this stunning 32-acre park with valleys, woodland and some of the world’s rarest animals is the perfect chance to experience ‘the jewel in Jersey’s crown’.

Fill your holiday with activities.

Jersey is bursting with possibilities. So, what are you waiting for?… Get out there and uncover the island break.

Absolute Adventures

Jersey’s leading watersports and adventure centre located in the stunning St. Brelade’s Bay, owned and run by a professional and experienced team who enjoy nothing more than to share their passion for the sea and adventure with visitors and locals alike.

Jersey Seafaris

RIB boat trips around Jersey's beautiful coastline, offshore reefs and surrounding waters. Seafaris include Les Ecréhous, Les Minquiers, north coast and caves, France for lunch or dinner, dolphin spotting and so much more. Suitable for all, whether it's scenery, wildlife or an adrenaline fix, there is a Seafari for you.

Jump Jersey

Jump Jersey is the island’s newest and biggest indoor activity centre, with a trampoline park, climbing walls and soft play area. Complete with laser light show and music, it's home to more high-energy adventure and adrenaline-fuelled action than you could possibly imagine. We've got something for everyone, so come by and get your bounce on!

Events in Jersey.

Why not plan your visit around one of the island’s vibrant annual events or festivals? Find out what’s happening while you’re here, come and experience something new or just relax and soak up the island atmosphere, it’s up to you.

Take a tour of Jersey.

Whatever tickles your fancy, there’s a tour for you. Get to know the island the way the locals do and get the inside scoop.

Family Walk on the Seabed to Seymour Tower

A fun daytime 'moonwalk' on the seabed, as you ramble towards Seymour Tower (one mile offshore) with an expert local guide. You will wade through gullies and rock pools to observe tiny beasts and lots of amazing marine life. Don’t forget a bag as we always find pretty shells. You’ll be on a discovery tour in a seaweed jungle and marine mini-zoo – so expect to get your feet wet!

May 28 2024 ‐ Aug 25 2024

Bohemia Chef’s Tour: Market & Lunch

Explore the markets of St. Helier and see the amazing produce that Jersey has to offer in this exclusive tour with one of Bohemia’s kitchen brigade. Starting at Bohemia restaurant your guide will take you on a tour of St. Helier Market and the Fish Market, learn about the amazing produce on offer on our amazing island and sample different goodies along the way.

May 23 2024 ‐ Dec 27 2024

Hamptonne Country House Museum Tour

Want to find out more about Hamptonne's history? Take a free tour with one of our volunteer guides.

May 20 2024 ‐ Dec 30 2024

Les Minquiers Sandbank RIB Voyage

Join us on this RIB voyage to one of wonders of the natural world, at Les Minquiers; home to breathtaking scenery, including its infamous reef at over 300 km2 (larger than most British cities), which boasts hundreds of granite fangs, wildlife, geology and archaeology - more spectacular than anywhere else in Europe. Departure locations can be either St. Helier or St. Catherine's.

Jul 21 2024 ‐ Sep 04 2024

Private WW2 Bunker Tours

Join Jersey War Tours and visit WW2 bunkers, which are not usually open to the public. JWT will show you how Jersey was made into an impregnable fortress and help you appreciate what the Third Reich was able to create with slave labour.

May 18 2024 ‐ Dec 29 2024

Jet Ski Experiences

The Jersey Sea Sport Centre offers Jet Ski experiences and escorted coastal excursions, with tuition and on-water supervision. Our Jet Ski Experience is a safe and supervised introduction to the world of Jet Ski and we provide wetsuits, buoyancy aids, full tuition, and on-water supervision.

May 18 2024 ‐ Sep 22 2024

Royal Court and States Chamber Tour

A unique opportunity for a tour of Jersey’s historical Royal Court and States Chamber. Join us on a guided tour of the Royal Court and the States Chamber in the Royal Square to find out more about where Jersey laws are made and used.

May 18 2024 ‐ Oct 26 2024

Scenic RIB Tour with Absolute Adventures

What a perfect way to see the beautiful south coast of Jersey by RIB. Standard day time tours depart from St. Brelade's Bay out and around the south coast. During this scenic exploration, you will discover a number of local landmarks including Beauport, Corbière Lighthouse, Portelet and more.

May 18 2024 ‐ Sep 01 2024

Jersey Duchess 2-Hour Southwest Coast Tour

Jump on board the Jersey Duchess for an exciting 2-hour trip around Elizabeth Castle, St. Aubin’s Bay, Noirmont Point, St. Brelade's Bay and up to Corbière Lighthouse. This activity includes commentary from our captain as we explore the Island of Jersey from a different perspective. Join us on board the Jersey Duchess, grab a drink or snack from our fully stocked bar and keep your eyes out for Dolphins!

May 18 2024 ‐ Oct 13 2024

RIB Coasteering with Absolute Adventures

RIB coasteering is the ultimate adventure for adrenaline junkies in Jersey. During our epic RIB coasteering adventure, you'll play in the swell, swim in caves, have a go at cliff jumping and explore the incredible untouched coastline. Our qualified instructors will take you to the best locations on the island only accessible by boat.

Foraging Tour & Michelin Starred Tasting

You’ll be whisked away by a local transfer to the Jersey’s Wild East or West Coast, choose from either an inland or coastal foraging experience with a renowned local guide, that will take your through the abundance of produce available in Jersey, either foraging for herbs and mushrooms inland or for seaweeds and shellfish with a coastline tour of one of our breathtaking Jersey bays.

May 18 2024 ‐ Dec 28 2024

The Oyster Trail

Join a local resident to walk among the oyster and mussel beds in the Royal Bay of Grouville, followed by the opportunity to sample fresh Jersey Oysters at The Seymour Pub and Restaurant. Hear about the modern cultivation of shellfish in Jersey - the biggest oyster beds in the British Isles - and the fascinating history of the oyster fishery, which in the 19th century was a major industry.

Jul 06 2024 ‐ Aug 18 2024

Feed your appetite.

As a small island famous for its food, Jersey’s bursting with flavour from abundant local produce and rich creamy milk, to seafood straight from the island’s clear waters. From beach cafes to chic restaurants, farm stalls to village delis, Jersey is packed with amazing eating experiences to add an authentic local flavour to your stay. Just bring a healthy appetite.

Ocean Restaurant

An exceptional award-winning luxury dining restaurant, showcasing modern British cooking in a stylish setting with the emphasis on the freshest island produce. Working with a network of Jersey producers, the best local ingredients are sourced whenever possible.

Jersey Crab Shack – St. Brelade

Right on the seafront at St. Brelade's Bay, the flagship Jersey Crab Shack restaurant offers relaxed island-inspired dining with spectacular panoramic views. The small and big plate menu provides flexible ordering with plenty choice, from traditional fish and chips to vegan and vegetarian options.

Contemporary styling and a buzzing atmosphere. Zephyr offers casual dining using a mix of fusion and pan Asian cuisine combined with local produce. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fresh and fashionable, Zephyr, which is located within the Royal Yacht Hotel, is the perfect destination, no matter the occasion.

A European-style grand brasserie located in a restored historic building in Jersey's town centre. Formerly a Victorian gentlemen's' club, Banjo now boasts two individually-decorated restaurants, four boutique hotel bedrooms, and a beautiful cocktail bar.

Shopping in Jersey.

Shopping in Jersey is like nowhere else in the world. Enjoy top brands, designer goods, department stores, and VAT-free shopping.

Experience Jersey, island-style.

When it comes to marvellous, memorable experiences, Jersey has it all. Whether you’re a culture vulture, history buff, outdoor explorer, or just like to soak up those relaxed island vibes, you’ll find an experience (or two!) to make your Jersey holiday extra special. Discover just some of the epic island experiences to immerse yourself in, and why not give them a go yourself?

Discover an epic experience.

Need some more inspiration.

Not sure where to start or how to fit it all in?  Explore all the ways to reconnect, rejuvenate and rebalance in Jersey. You’ll find experiences to warm the soul, energise the mind and invigorate the body.

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Garden State Gardens

A Consortium of New Jersey’s Public Gardens

seeks to increase the public’s awareness of and appreciation for the beauty and horticultural, educational, artistic and historic value of New Jersey’s public gardens. This is to be accomplished through the collaboration of allied public garden professionals as they work to promote public garden visitation, development, stewardship and support.

New Jersey Legislature Recognizes Public Gardens and Arboreta

Creating a New Jersey Public Garden and Arboretum Day

Read about the History of Garden State Gardens Consortium  here . Click  here  for a pdf of a map showing the location of our member gardens.

We are excited to unveil the 2024 version of the Garden State Gardens Consortium Passport to our gardens! The passport is available in paper form at some member gardens. Fulfill the passport requirements at all the member gardens using either the paper passport or download the web version and then email us for a prize (see instructions in passport)! Help us publicize the passport by posting or distributing this  GSG passport flyer , which has a copy of the passport available via a QR code.

Looking for plants for your 2024 gardens? Check out our member gardens’ online and in-person 2024 plant sales !

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The Best Gardens and Nature Centers in New Jersey

New Jersey has some of the best gardens and nature centers around—and that’s one reason it’s called the Garden State. Our lush state is full of beautiful grounds, landscapes, and nature centers where the entire family can learn about different environments and species and marvel at the beauty around them. Walk among the blooms on the trails at New Jersey State Botanical Gardens in Ringwood, learn about bamboo at Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick, or visit the beautiful roses at the Essex County Rose Garden in Brookdale Park. Read on for the best places to appreciate the beauty of the Garden State. ( featured photo credit: New Jersey State Botanical Garden & Skylands Manor )

14 of the best nature centers and gardens in New Jersey

The Azalea Garden at New Jersey State Botanical Garden. Photo Credit: New Jersey Botanical Garden & Skyland’s Manor

New Jersey State Botanical Garden & Skylands Manor

The New Jersey Botanical Garden and Skylands Manor range across 96 acres of gardens and about 1,000 acres of woodlands—there are plenty of spaces to explore and home to unusual plant species from around the world. Stroll around the carefully crafted formal areas or through walking paths that are a must-see for budding botanists. Ringwood State Park, Ringwood, NJ 07456

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary

Open during daylight hours year-round, the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary is a fantastic spot to enjoy nature and make new friends with birds. The 16-acre forest was once degraded woodland, so this Arboretum wants to achieve its goal of sustaining a healthy, diverse woodland habitat. The building and trails are open, and the Arboretum has an interactive scavenger hunt you can download on the trails to keep littles busy and learn about nature. 324 Forest Hills Drive South, Short Hills, NJ 07078

A visit to Duke Farms will feel like a mini-escape to another place. Photo Credit: @thecornerflemington

You’ll spend a peaceful afternoon at Duke Farms in Hillsborough, home to over 1,000 acres of gorgeous land. Walk or bike through the paths and stop by the Orchid Range for tropical and subtropical species. Take advantage of their bike rental program, see the tiered waterfalls, grab a bite in their farm-to-table cafe, and go geocaching (a treasure hunt using GPS on your phone) with the fam. 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Rutgers Gardens

Rutgers is one of the unique gardens in NJ that is entirely self-sustainable. The students and workers at Rutgers hope to bring together curious minds and inspirational gardening on these grounds, which include a sun and shade garden, a pollinator garden, a holly collection, herbs, and ponds. They also host farmer markets and other fun events. Rutgers University, 112 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, NJ 08902

The flourishing grounds of  Greenwood Gardens . Photo Credit: @greenwoodgardens

Greenwood Gardens (Reopens May 3, 2024)

A former private estate, Greenwood Gardens will delight kids and adults. The grounds and mansion feel like you’ve stumbled into an enchanted hideaway graced with terraced grounds, woodlands, meadows, caves, fountains, statuaries, and winding paths. The grounds are open from May through September, and special events, bird walks, plant walks, and guided tours are offered during that time. 274 Old Short Hills Rd., Short Hills, NJ 07078

The Willowwood Arboretum

The Willowwood Arboretum began as a passion project for two brothers interested in horticulture in the late 1800s. There are several formal spots to wander through and informal walking paths to stroll around. You’ll see plants for shade and sun, subtropical plants, bulbs, ferns, and shrubs. New to this Arboretum is a Cell Phone Tour, which guides you around using your phone. Make sure you check out the events page for all the fun things happening. 300 Longview Rd., Far Hills, NJ 07931

Take in the beautiful sights at Deep Cut Gardens . Photo Credit: istock/andykazie

Deep Cut Gardens

Deep Cut Gardens is dedicated to the home gardener. There are 54 acres filled with cultivated varieties and native plants and flowers in NJ. You won’t get lost in this location – everything is easy to see and pretty low to the ground. Kids will love exploring the grounds, looking at the hundred-year-old bonsai trees, and observing the small-scale replica of the Italian volcano, Mt. Vesuvius. 152 Red Hill Rd., Middletown, NJ 07748

Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Though the Reeves-Reed Arboretum is one of the gardens in NJ that’s famous for its spring Daffodil Bowl (filled with thousands of blooming daffodils), there’s plenty to admire here. Take a hike through the trails, explore outdoor sculptures, and relish the history of the grounds and display areas. There are also kid-friendly crafts and events all year . 165 Hobart Ave., Summit, NJ 07901

Essex County Rose Garden  

The Essex County Rose Garden at Brookdale Park started in 1959 and has grown to 1,500 bushes of over 100 varieties of roses, including hybrid tea, floribunda, hybrid musk, rugosas, and antique roses. Did you know roses are more than pretty colors and lush fragrances? Learn how they resist disease and more when you stop by to see the thousands of beautiful roses in bloom. For peak times, check their Facebook page for updates. Brookdale Park, Montclair, NJ 07043

The beautiful greenery and flowers adorn every inch of the Van Vleck House and Gardens building . Photo Credit: @vanvleckhouseandgardens

Van Vleck House & Gardens

Van Vleck House & Gardens is a formerly private estate now owned by The Montclair Foundation and is a beautiful spot to visit in all seasons, especially spring and summer. The grounds and walking paths are open to the public 365 days a year (unless a special event is noted on their website), and there are seasonal events, like nature walks, crafts, and plant sales throughout the year. As you take in the beauty of the estate and the villa, you can check out their bloom list to see what flowers are blooming—there are over 60 kinds of trees alongside shrubs, rhododendrons, and perennials.  21 Van Vleck St., Montclair, NJ 07042

Grounds For Sculpture

Nearly 300 contemporary pieces of art cover 42 landscaped acres, where you can view sculptures such as Walter Dusenbery’s Damascus Gate or Seward Johnson’s Daydream. As you wander through this unique attraction, you’ll see ponds, wildflowers, and architectural reflecting pools in these gardens in New Jersey. Kids will love seeing larger-than-life art and all the hidden spots to view. 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619

Sayen House & Gardens

History buffs, nature lovers, and garden enthusiasts will get their fill at the historic Hamilton Square Sayen House and Gardens. Spring is the perfect time to visit their beautiful display of color and beauty with more than 250,000 flowering bulbs and dogwoods, heirloom azaleas, and rhododendrons. Throughout the year, annual and perennial displays are on display, and they highlight the walking trails, fish ponds, and pavilions on the grounds. 155 Hughes Drive, Hamilton, NJ 08690

Stunning sunsets are a frequent occurrence at Cattus Island County Park. Photo Credit: @mattbaronphoto

Cattus Island County Park’s Cooper Environmental Center

Cattus Island County Park features 530 acres and 7 miles of trails, filled with beautiful paths surrounded by Barnegat Bay. It’s one of the unique gardens of NJ, offering a cool mix of trees and watershed, as well as sand and shore. The Cooper Environmental Center has been recently renovated and includes hands-on activities for kids, like a live osprey cam, habitat tree, tunnel, children’s activity corner, and live reptiles and fish. Also, check out the Butterfly Garden, with native plants and lots of butterflies all around. 1170 Cattus Island Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08753

NJ Audubon Nature Center of Cape May

The NJ Audubon Nature Center of Cape May is worth a stop when you are vacationing at the shore. Kids will love following the nature trail, which showcases a diverse area of habitats and plants. At the Nature Center, your kids can get their hands wet in a touch tank and climb the three-story observatory tower to see native bird species and beautiful views.  1600 Delaware Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204

More nature centers and gardens in NJ to check out

Frelinghuysen Arboretum Leonard J. Buck Garden Morven Museum & Garden Linwood Arboretum Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and Gardens Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden Palmyra Cove Nature Park Presby Memorial Iris Gardens Georgian Court University Gardens and Arboretum Smithville Mansion Courtyard Gardens The Cross Estate Gardens

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A dozen of the prettiest botanical gardens to experience in NJ

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🌺 Spring is almost here and that means flowers will soon be blooming

🌺 a great day trip is to a botanical garden to see flowers and plants, 🌺 here are 12 of new jersey's prettiest botanical gardens.

Spring is here and it’s a great time of year to take the family, friends, or even just yourself to visit some of the many botanical gardens New Jersey has to offer.

Nothing puts you in the “spring” mood like fresh flowers, herbs, and beautifully manicured gardens.

Here is a list of a dozen of the best botanical gardens in the state.

Cape May County

Hereford inlet lighthouse gardens.

111 North Central Avenue, North Wildwood

The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was built in 1874 and served as a beacon of safety to 19th-century mariners. The lighthouse is open to the public. The English Cottage-style gardens surrounding the lighthouse began in 1986. There are over 170 plant varieties and thousands of individual flowers to marvel at on the property.

The grounds are divided up into different garden areas like shade gardens, herb gardens, and more. Flowers typically bloom from spring to late fall. The best time to visit is early June to mid-July. These gardens are so beautiful, that they’ve been featured in “New Jersey’s Great Gardens,” “The Garden State in Bloom,” and “New Jersey Audubon Magazine.”

Essex County

Brookdale park rose garden.

Master Gardeners of Essex County 621A Eagle Rock Avenue Roseland, NJ 07068

If you love roses, this is the place to visit. There are over 100 varieties of roses at the Essex County Brookdale Park Rose Garden.

“Established in 1959 by the North Jersey Rose Society and the Essex County Parks Commission, the much-loved Rose Garden has been a jewel of Brookdale Park for over sixty years,” according to its website.

The garden is about 15,000 square feet with 25 beds of hybrid tea, floribunda, shrubs, hybrid musk, antique roses, and more. There are over 500 individual rose bushes of nearly 150 different varieties. While peak bloom is in June, there are so many varieties of roses, that something is always in bloom from late May through at least October.

Branch Brook Park

Park Avenue, Lake St, Newark

Home of the cherry blossoms and the Cherry Blossom Festival, Branch Brook Park is bursting with blossoms during the spring.

There is no need to travel to Japan this spring to see cherry blossoms when Branch Brook Park has over 5,300 Japanese cherry blossom trees to enjoy. With a diverse collection of 18 varieties in Branch Brook Park, the cherry blossoms bloom from late March to early April with the peak bloom typically between the second and third week of April.

The annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from April 6-14 with a week-long schedule of events planned that include bike races, runs, walks, crafts, demos, live music, family day, and so much more.

Can’t make it to the festival? You can take part in a historic virtual tour available all season with a free, self-guided tour of all 72 stops.

Mercer County

Grounds for sculpture.

18 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton

Grounds for Sculpture is known for its exhibit sculptures, but it is also known for its gardens and arboretum. Landscape construction began in 1989. Since then, over 2,000 trees, representing more than 100 species have been planted. Many are rare and unusual trees.

The Winter Garden is a collection of evergreen and deciduous shrubs that flower in late winter and early spring with fragrant blooms such as Lenten Rose, Witchhazel, and more.

The Pain Garden means just that. Look, but don’t touch. These plants have aggressive spikes or thorns such as trident maple, barberry, and castor-aralia.

The Meadow and Wildflower Berm is seven acres filled with meadow grass and wildflowers. More than 100 bald cypress trees were planted along the main path.

The Fairgrounds Woods contains some of the oldest, largest trees at Grounds for Sculpture. Within the grove of trees is the “Bicycle Beech,” a tree that is estimated to be around 100 years old.

Sayen Park Botanical Garden

155 Hughes Drive, Hamilton

There are more than 1,000 azaleas and nearly 500 rhododendrons under the care of Sayen Gardens groundskeepers, according to Sayen Garden’s horticulturist. During the spring, there is a vibrant display and color with more than 250,000 flowering bulbs, as well as dogwoods, and other flowers. Mother’s Day marks the garden’s annual Azalea Festival. The botanical garden serves as a sanctuary for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts, and history buffs. Enjoy the many walking trails, fish ponds, and gazebos that fill the grounds.

Middlesex County

Frank G. Helyar Woods and Rutgers Gardens

Cook College, Rutgers University, 112 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick

Rutgers Gardens, a 180-acre botanical garden, is one of the few botanical gardens in the state that does not charge admission.

Open all year round, people are invited to visit as often as they want and admire the large collection of plants and gardens, plus natural habitats, and a farmers’ market. The All-America Selections Garden features a collection of annuals, vegetables, and perennials. The Art Rudolph Sun and Shade Garden has many plants that give gardeners inspiration for their own masterpieces. There is also the Bamboo Garden, the Shade Tree Collection, The Pollinator Garden, The Rain Garden, and so many other gardens to check out.

Monmouth County

Deep cut gardens.

152 Red Hill Road, Middletown

Deep Cut Gardens is part of the Monmouth County Parks System and is dedicated to the home gardener. There are 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses. Their renovated Parterre features 52 varieties of roses with over 180 bushes. The greenhouse is open during regular park hours. There are native plant workshops, plant swaps, and seed swaps available throughout the year, as well.

Morris County

Willowwood arboretum.

300 Longview Road, Chester

The Willowwood Arboretum is New Jersey’s most comprehensive and longest continually operating arboretum. It is open daily, and free to the public.

Within the core garden area surrounding the Tubbs residence are several formal gardens like Pan’s Garden, the Cottage Garden, and the Rosarie. Other gardens to see include Bee Meadow, Conservatory, Cypress Pool, Hacklebarney Field, Hillside Pasture, Lilac Collection, Long Meadow, Orchard, Rockery, Chive Walk, the Winter Garden, and the Woodwalk.

Passaic County

New jersey botanical garden.

Ringwood State Park, Morris Road, Ringwood

We certainly can’t do a list of botanical gardens in the state without mentioning the New Jersey Botanical Garden.

It is part of Ringwood State Park, New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, Department of Environmental Protection. Featured gardens include The Perennial Garden, a colorful, floral display that changes with the seasons, The Lilac Garden with over 100 varieties is best seen in the middle of May, and The Italianate Gardens, which is a popular backdrop for wedding photos. Other gardens include the Magnolia Garden, Octagonal Garden, Azalea Garden, Peony Garden, Summer Garden, Wildflower Garden, and the Annual Garden.

Somerset County

1112 Dukes Parkway West, Somerville

At Duke Farms, there are more than 1,000 acres of land to explore native species, sustainability efforts, and the area’s natural beauty. It’s also home to the famous “Eagle Cam” which allows viewers an up close and personal view into the lives of a pair of bald eagles as they breed, incubate, and raise young.

The Orchid Range houses a subtropical display and a tropical orchid display focusing on plants native to the U.S. The Tropical Orchid Garden is filled with a variety of orchid species from tropical regions. The Subtropical Display is filled with orchids that have evolved in cooler subtropical locations where winter nights fall to 40 degrees.

Cross Estate Gardens

61 Old Jockey Hollow Road, Bernardsville

Cross Estate Gardens is made up of formal and native gardens, a wisteria-covered pergola, and a mountain laurel allee. Large specimen trees such as Silver Maple and Chinese Sequoia can be found on the grounds.

Take a self-guided walk to view the historic trees and learn about their importance to Native Americans and colonists. The walled garden is on two levels and the pergola features 19 stoned columns with blue and white wisteria and male kiwi vines. Other gardens include the lawn garden with native rhododendrons, primroses, and perennials, the fern garden with the dawn redwood on site, as well as the pachysandra beds, and the mountain laurel allee.

A spring plant sale will be held at Cross Estate Gardens on Saturday, May 4.

Garden tours start up again for the 2024 season on Wednesdays.

Union County

Reeves-reed arboretum.

165 Hobart Avenue, Summit

There are so many gardens to cherish at Reeves-Reed Arboretum. The Azalea Garden was the focal point of the property; the garden that Mrs. Reeves looked out onto each morning, according to the website, and the garden where her daughter was married in 1940.

The Susan Graham Reeves Rose Garden is a traditional symmetrical plan, dedicated to enthusiastic rose growers.

The pond and waterfall at the Richard, Graham, and Susan Reeves Rock Garden are a shady retreat that offers an inviting habitat for birds and garden visitors.

The herb garden is filled with a variety of medicinal, aromatic, and culinary blends.

The Daffodil Bowl is bursting with thousands of daffodils blooming throughout April in its naturalized setting. The daffodils constitute the first major spring display that begins a steady flow of visitors throughout the arboretum’s growing season.

These are just a dozen of the many beautiful botanical gardens and arboretums in New Jersey. It’s not called The Garden State for nothing.

Exploring Deep Cut Gardens: One of NJ's most colorful county parks

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

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Explore the Beauty of NJ Botanical Gardens and Arboretums

By: Author Lorelei Lawson

Posted on Published: May 7, 2023  - Last updated: May 8, 2023

There is nothing like the smell of fresh flowers to renew your spirits and get you excited to be outdoors. But you don’t have to wait till spring to see flowers in New Jersey. There’s always something blooming at NJ botanical gardens and arboretums.

Many people do not truly appreciate New Jersey’s beauty and the reason it is called the Garden State. Even though the state is very densely populated, it is still filled with botanical gardens and arboretums. Our family has already visited many of these New Jersey botanical gardens and arboretums listed on multiple occasions. Visiting them has really helped us appreciate one of the charms of living in our state. 

Whether it is seeing the roses in bloom at Deep Creek Gardens, crossing the bridge over water lilies at the Grounds for Sculpture, or seeing the orchids at Duke Farms, NJ botanical gardens truly have a lot to offer. Did you know that many of these New Jersey botanical gardens and arboretums are free to visit? What a cheap option for a road trip for large families in New Jersey.  

In our guide, you will find New Jersey’s botanical gardens and arboretums. They are listed according to North, South and Central Jersey. Within each section, the botanical gardens are listed by county. If you have not started exploring any of these yet, now is one of the best times to start doing so with the advent of spring. Many of these NJ botanical gardens and arboretums are open nearly year-round. 

Before you visit New Jersey Botanical Gardens and Arboretums

Before you visit one of these NJ botanical gardens be sure to check the garden details below as well as on their website for important information such as if there is a fee, are pets are allowed, are food and drinks are allowed, and if there are restrooms available. 

While we aim to always keep this guide updated sometimes changes occur and we’re not notified of them. You can check the publication and last updated dates to see when the most recent changes were made to this guide to NJ botanical gardens.

Remember to be prepared for different types of weather with appropriate attire. It is best to wear proper walking shoes such as sneakers, hiking boots, or rain boots depending on the terrain you will encounter. It doesn’t hurt to pack the bug spray and sunblock as well. For all gardens where food is allowed, it is good to remember to carry in/carry out.

NJ Botanical Gardens & Arboretums – North Jersey

New Jersey botanical gardens and arboretums, give families opportunities to get exercise as a family while also discovering new flowers and creating new memories together. Every few weeks something different is blooming. What will you find? Which garden will be your favorite?

Bergen County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

The thielke arboretum of glen rock nj.

The Thielke Arboretum is located at 460 Doremus Avenue Glen Rock, NJ 07452. The location is right next to the athletic fields on Doremus Avenue and the Glen Rock Pool.

The Thielke Arboretum is an eleven-acre combination of a wetland forest, trails, gardens, a brook, a bird sanctuary, and a spring-fed pond. It is also well known for its antique gazebo near its dogwood trees. There are wooden bridges, many benches to sit on, and a natural play area.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thielke Arboretum (@thielkearboretum)

What’s blooming at the Thielke Arboretum ?

• In spring, daffodils, peonies, and mayapples are blooming. 
• In summer, purple alliums are blooming.
• During the fall, the witch hazel trees have yellow flowers that bloom. 
• In winter, Eastern skunk cabbage blooms.

How much is admission at Thielke Arboretum?

Admission to Thielke Arboretum is free.

When is the Thielke Arboretum open?

The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk every day of the week. The Vielbo/ Scerbo Environmental Education Center is open from 9 am to noon on Saturday and from noon until 2 pm on Sunday. It is also open from 9 am to 3 pm on Monday to Wednesday.

Popular Events

They offer programs throughout the year such as walks in the woods, preschooler programs, storybook trails, and family scavenger hunts. Learn about their events on their event calendar .

How accessible are the gardens at Thielke Arboretum?

The trail is moderately accessible. It is not paved but is dirt and well-maintained. The loop trail is 0.90 miles long.

5 more things to know before visiting the Thielke Arboretum

• Strollers are allowed. 
• There are restrooms on the property. They are located within the environmental education center when it is open and next to the children’s playground.
• Food and drink are allowed on the property.
• The arboretum is accessible from the path at 412 Doremus Avenue. Parking is on the street. Parking is available at the pool parking lot and on the West Side of Doremus Avenue. For more parking information visit this page: https://glenrocknj.net/arboretum . 
• Pets are not allowed at the Thielke Arboretum.

Learn more at their website www.thielkearboretum.org or by emailing [email protected] .

Essex County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

Presby iris gardens in montclair nj.

The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens are located at 474 Upper Mountain Avenue Upper Montclair, NJ 07043. 

The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens reopens each spring for the public to view their amazing irises. It is known as the rainbow on the hill. They have over 100,000 flowers blooming over the course of a few weeks.

Presby Memorial Iris Gardens was started as a memorial to one of the founders of the American Iris Society and a resident of Montclair in 1927. Frank H. Presby had wanted to give some of his iris collection to Mountainside Park. There is also a Bloom Room Gift Shop as well as a Presbee Sanctuary holding 7 active hives.

What’s blooming at the Presby Iris Gardens?

• In spring, irises are blooming. View all the different varieties on this page .

How much is admission at Presby Iris Gardens?

Admission at Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is free but there is a suggested donation of $10 per person.

When is the Presby Iris Gardens open?

The gardens will open on May 12, 2023, from dawn until dusk. During the annual spring Bloom Season the garden is open for visiting and viewing on weekdays, weekends and Memorial Day. During Bloom Season the 1851 Historic Walther House is open 11 am – 3 pm, Tuesdays through Sundays, and closed on Mondays.

Please see their website for the most up-to-date information about upcoming events.

How accessible are the gardens at Presby Iris Gardens?

The gardens are not handicap accessible. Physically challenged visitors might have difficulty accessing the Walther House the entrance has a 7-step staircase.

7 more things to know before visiting the Presby Iris Gardens

• Strollers are allowed but they would need to have wide wheels to be able to be pushed over the grass. 
• There are no restrooms on the property. The county often brings in porta johns during the bloom season. 
• Food and drink are allowed on the property. They should not be had near the gardens but there are picnic tables above the gardens. They are not easy to access for those with limited mobility since they are atop a grassy hill. 
• Parking is on the street side of Upper Mountain Avenue on the garden side. Parking is prohibited past Presby’s driveway on Upper Mountain Avenue. For more parking information visit their site .
• Dogs are allowed at Presby Memorial Iris Gardens but they must remain on leashes at all times. 
• Smoking is not allowed and flowers should not be touched. For other garden etiquette rules visit their page .
• To learn more about the iris plants visit this page of their site.

Learn more at their website presbyirisgardens.org or call 973-783-5974.

Avis Campbell Gardens in Montclair NJ

The Avis Campbell Gardens are located behind 60 South Fullerton Street Montclair, NJ 07042.

Who enjoys the book The Secret Garden ? The Avis Campbell Gardens is a secret garden of Montclair that is hidden behind the United Way building and open to the public from the spring to the fall.

This year they are celebrating their 70th birthday! The gardens form a “Wheel of Life” pattern with a fountain in the center of the design. They are well known for their beautiful tulips. There are many butterflies and other flowers that can be seen there as well.

What’s blooming at the Avis Campbell Gardens?

• In spring, hellebores, peonies, and tulips are blooming. 
• In summer, you can see roses, daisies, foxgloves, and Asiatic lilies blooming. 
• During the fall, dahlias are blooming.

How much is admission at Avis Campbell Gardens?

Admission to the Avis Campbell Gardens is free.

When is the Avis Campbell Gardens open?

They are open year-round from dawn to dusk.

How accessible are the gardens at Avis Campbell Gardens?

The gardens are accessible. There are grassy areas and brick pathways. There are no gates or fences.

5 more things to know before visiting the Avis Campbell Gardens

• Strollers are allowed.
• There are no restrooms on the property.
• Food and drink are allowed on the property as long as visitors take their garbage away with them.
• Parking is on the street or nearby on parking decks. 
• Pets are allowed at the Avis Campbell Gardens if they remain on a leash.

Learn more at their website gardenclubofmontclair.com/avis-campbell-gardens .

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum in Short Hills NJ

The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum is located at 324 Forest Drive South Short Hills, NJ 07078. 

This is a 16.5-acre woodland garden with an educational institution. It is home to over forty species of trees and 150 species of native wildflowers. It is also home to many migrating birds in the spring and fall such as the American Goldfinches.

There are about 3 miles of trails and some of the terrain is hilly. There are benches located throughout the grounds. The Stone House has some animal exhibits and some small live animals as well. There is also a little free nature library.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cora Hartshorn Arboretum (@hartshornarboretum)

What’s blooming at the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum?

• In spring, celandine wood poppies, trout lilies, violets, and Virginia bluebells bloom. Various birds can be seen such as palm warblers, hermit thrushes, rose-breasted grosbeaks, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and more. 
• In summer, you can see milkweed, Viburnum Acerifoloum, Mapleleaf Viburnum, and Asclepias Syriaca bloom. 
• During the fall, witch hazel blooms. Various birds can be seen such as pine siskins. 
• In winter, skunk cabbage blooms.

How much is admission at Cora Hartshorn Arboretum?

Admission to the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum is free.

When is the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum open?

This arboretum is open from dawn to dusk daily. The trails are currently open. The building is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily with the exception of Thanksgiving and December 23rd to January 2nd. To access the trails there are two gates behind the building off of Forest Drive and two gates on the creek trail that is behind Chatham Road. Be sure to close the gate doors.

• Native Plant Hikes
• Hike-a-thons
• Summer camps
• Educational programs for children
• Hot chocolate hikes
• Make and take crafts and more

How accessible are the gardens at Cora Hartshorn Arboretum?

The building is accessible. The arboretum is not accessible.

6 more things to know before visiting the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum

• There are restrooms on the property in the building.  
• Food and drink are allowed on the property. Make sure to take your trash with you. 
• There is no parking lot. Parking is on a residential street. For parking, details visit hartshornarboretum.org/visitors/parking/ . 
• Pets are not allowed at the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum.
• Review the trail map .

Learn more at their website hartshornarboretum.org or by calling 973-376-3587.

Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills NJ

Greenwood Gardens is located at 274 Short Hills Rd Short Hills, NJ 07078.

Greenwood Gardens is a 28-acre garden that was formerly an estate of Joseph P. Day. The original mansion was replaced with a smaller house that is still on the property by the Blanchards who later owned the property.

The garden includes unique features such as a Teahouse, stone columns, ponds, garden sculptures, and more. Pollinators such as Black Eastern Swallowtail butterflies can be seen on the grounds. There are benches throughout the gardens.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Greenwood Gardens (@greenwoodgardensnj)

What’s blooming at the Greenwood Gardens?

• In spring, snowdrops, star magnolias, hellebores, tulips, and daffodils are blooming. 
• In summer, you can see Japanese anemones, elephant ears, coneflowers, and lacecap hydrangeas bloom. 
• During the fall, camellias and dahlias are blooming. 
• In winter, wintersweet and greenwood are blooming.

How much is admission at Greenwood Gardens?

There is a fee for admission to Greenwood Gardens. Members and those 3 and under are free. As of April 19, 2023, it costs $15 for anyone from ages 13 to 64 years old. Seniors and students who have IDs are $10. Children from 3 to 12 years old are $5.

Advanced registration is strongly recommended. The cottage and main house are not open.

When are the Greenwood Gardens open?

The garden is open from May 5, 2023, to November 4, 2023, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm with the last entry at 3:30 pm.

There are numerous upcoming events such as bird walks and a Jazz in the Gardens concert series. These can be found on their Facebook page and website .

How accessible are the gardens at Greenwood Gardens?

The Main Terrace which has partial views of the garden is accessible to all visitors. There is also accessible parking. The rest of the landscaping is not handicap accessible.

10 more things to know before visiting the Greenwood Gardens

• Strollers are not allowed. There is stroller parking on the East Terrace.
• There are public restrooms. 
• Food and drink are not allowed on the property except for in Adelaide’s cafe. Visitors are allowed to bring their own lunch. Only personal water bottles are allowed in the gardens. 
• Parking is complimentary. Visit this page for directions to the parking.
• To find your way from the parking lot to the gardens and to see a Self-Guided Walking Tour visit this page . 
• Pets are not allowed unless they are certified service animals.   
• Visitors should arrive within 30 minutes of their time slot.
• Tick spray is recommended. 
• There are self-guided maps and garden guides at the Ticket Kiosk. 
• There is a gift shop at the visitor center. 

Learn more at their website greenwoodgardens.org or call 973-258-4026.

Van Vleck Gardens in Montclair NJ

Van Vleck Gardens is located at 21 Van Vleck Street Montclair, NJ 07042.

The Van Vleck Gardens are a beautiful sight to see in the middle of Montclair. It is a 5.8-acre property that used to be a private home for the Van Vleck family for three generations. The property is great to visit to see what large homes built in the suburbs used to look like that were built in the Mediterranean style.

The Van Vleck house is now a center for different non-profit organizations. There are horticultural programs that occur throughout the year. There is a Wisteria Courtyard, Formal Garden, Winter Garden, Azalea Walk, Tennis Court Garden, Children’s Butterfly Garden, Outdoor Classroom and Courtyard, Visitor Center, Edible Garden, and Education Center.

What’s blooming at the Van Vleck Gardens?

• In spring, wisteria, daffodils, periwinkle, bloodroot, winter hazel, Japanese cornel dogwoods, and Japanese andromeda are blooming.
• In summer, Japanese stewartia trees and seven sons flowers are blooming. 
• During the fall, sulfur cosmos, groundcover roses, holly tea olives, and monkshood are blooming.
• In winter, witch hazel, snowdrops, winter aconites, snow crocuses, American holly, and Lenten roses are blooming.

How much is admission at Van Vleck Gardens?

Admission to the Van Vleck Gardens is free.

When are the Van Vleck Gardens open?

The Van Vleck Gardens are open year-round from 8 am until sundown unless there is a special event being held there. The House is closed to the public.

There are numerous upcoming events that can be found at vanvleck.org . Most of these events do have various fees for the activity. These include Tales on the Trails, Outdoor Adventures: Earth Day, Junior Gardeners, Spring Plants Sale, and a Concert series.

How accessible are the gardens at Van Vleck Gardens?

There are areas of the garden that are not accessible.

7 more things to know before visiting the Van Vleck Gardens

• Moms recommend wearing baby carriers to this garden. 
• There are restrooms on the property currently open in the Visitor’s Center. 
• Picnicking and coolers are not allowed. 
• Parking is onsite and is limited. There is also free street parking. 
• Pets are not allowed at the Van Vleck Gardens since they are a designated wildlife preserve.
• A virtual tour of the gardens or a cell phone tour is available at vanvleck.oncell.com/en/tour-options-66468.html . 

Learn more at their website vanvleck.org or call 973-744-4752.

Hudson County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

• We are unaware of any gardens or arboretums in Hudson County.

Morris County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

Willowwood arboretum in chester nj.

Willowwood Arboretum is located at 14 Long Brook Rd Far Hills, NJ 07931.

The Willowwood Arboretum is a beautiful public garden managed by the Morris County Park Commission that contains meadows, woodlands, and brooks. It is adjacent to the Highlands region which starts at the Bamboo Brook.

Willowwood Arboretum is well known for its beautiful lilacs. There are many kinds including the Common, Preston, Chinese, Henry’s, Chinese Tree, Early Flowering, Meyer and LittleLeaf Lilacs. Aside from its flowers, it has many types of trees including lilac, oak, magnolia, maple, willow, pine, and even a Dawn redwood. The many wildflowers encourage pollinators to visit the gardens as well.

The arboretum is gated and fenced in. There are chairs throughout to sit on as well.

What’s blooming at the Willowwood Arboretum?

• In spring, lilacs are blooming. 
• In summer, you can see bergamot, goldenrod, dahlias, phlox, black eyed susans and lilies are blooming. 
• During the fall, elephant ears and Kiss Me Over the Garden Gates are blooming. 
• In winter, snowdrops, viburnum, witch hazel, and crocuses are blooming.

How much is admission at Willowwood Arboretum?

Admission at Willowwood Arboretum is free. There is only a fee for some special events.

When is the Willowwood Arboretum open?

The Willowwood Arboretum and Bamboo Brook are open daily from 8 am until dusk. It is open year-round.

The garden events can be found on their event calendar .

How accessible are the gardens at Willowwood Arboretum?

People in wheelchairs will have a graveled parking lot after which there will be a stone and macadam walking path that goes from there past the Stone Barn, the Greenhouse and the Cottage Garden Entrance towards the Tubbs House. There are some uneven pathways between flower beds.

10 more things to know before visiting the Willowwood Arboretum

• There are portajohns on the property.
• Food and drink are allowed on the property and there are picnic tables.
• Parking and handicapped parking are at the main parking area. For larger events, there is also parking in the field parking area. 
• There are no pets allowed at the Willowwood Arboretum. 
• For directions visit this page .  
• You can view their new lilac tour brochure online.  
• Masks and social distancing guidelines should be followed. 
• No smoking is allowed. 
• There is a trail that goes from Bamboo Brook to the Willowbrook Arboretum. View the trail map online.

Learn more at their website willowwoodarboretum.org . The Morris County Park System can be reached at 973-326-7600.

Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown NJ

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is located at 353 East Hanover Avenue Morris Township, NJ 07692. The GPS coordinates are at 40.805500,-74.451900. 

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is 124 acres that was formerly a summer home called Whippany Farm for the Frelinghuysen family in the early 1900’s. After their daughter Matilda passed away she bequeathed the land to Morris County as a public arboretum which was dedicated in 1971. There is also a Haggerty Education Center that opened in 1989.

What’s blooming at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum?

• In spring, Japanese flowering apricots, scarlet storms, pasque flowers, tulips, and crocuses are blooming. 
• In summer, you can see hydrangeas, lilies, dahlias, begonias, ox-eye hybrids, and nasturtiums blooming.
• During the fall, chrysanthemums are blooming.
• In winter, paperbush, witch hazel, and snowdrops are blooming.

How much is admission at Frelinghuysen Arboretum?

Admission to the Frelinghuysen Arboretum is free. The buildings are still closed and Matilda’s Cafe is closed as well.

When is the Frelinghuysen Arboretum open?

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is open seven days a week from 8 am to dusk. Be aware that hunting is permitted in the fall and winter. For more details on hunting visit the Morris Parks page .

Events at the Arboretum can be found on their event calendar .

How accessible are the gardens at Frelinghuysen Arboretum?

The areas around the Haggerty Center and Mansion at the Arboretum are wheelchair accessible. This area is level with paved paths. Other arboretum areas do not have wheelchair access.

7 more things to know before visiting the Frelinghuysen Arboretum

• There are portapotties on the property. 
• Food and drink are allowed on the property. 
• Parking is limited. 
• Pets are not allowed at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum.
• You can view the Frelinghuysen Arboretum map online.
• To learn the best way to take a 30-minute stroll around the arboretum visit the Frelinghuysen Arboretum Friends page .

Learn more at their website arboretumfriends.org or call 973-326-7601.

Passaic County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

New jersey botanical garden in ringwood nj.

The New Jersey Botanical Garden is located at Morris Road Ringwood, NJ 07456. The GPS coordinates are N 41.126950 W 74.23954.

The New Jersey Botanical Garden in Ringwood is part of the Ringwood State Parks. This was formerly a country estate of Francis Lynde Stetson known as Skylands Farms. After this, it was purchased by Clarence Lewis who turned it into a botanical showpiece. Then it was part of Shelton College and later purchased by the State of New Jersey as the first piece of land purchased under its Green Acres program. 

The New Jersey Botanical Garden is 96 acres that is a combination of multiple gardens including a lilac garden, perennial garden, wildflower garden, Italianate garden, annual garden, and garden of hosta and rhododendrons.

What’s blooming at the New Jersey Botanical Garden?

• In spring, lilacs and daffodils are blooming.
• In summer, you can see black-eyed susans, tree peonies, hosta, and rhododendrons blooming.
• During the fall, golden rain trees are blooming.
• In winter, witch-hazel is blooming.

How much is admission to New Jersey Botanical Garden?

Admission to the New Jersey Botanical Garden is free. On summer weekends and holidays from Memorial to Labor Day, there is a $5 parking fee for New Jersey vehicles and $7 for non-New Jersey vehicles. The parking fee for oversized vehicles is $10.

When is the New Jersey Botanical Garden open?

The gardens are open from 8 am to 8 pm.

Popular events include spring family hikes, birding for beginners, and flower sales. The events at the New Jersey Botanical Garden can be found on their event calendar .

How accessible are the gardens at New Jersey Botanical Garden?

The primary roads through the grounds are paved and fully accessible. The Carriage House Visitor Center and the ground floor of the Manor House are also handicap accessible. The trails, courtyard, and lawns are not accessible. According to the website for the New Jersey Botanical Gardens, the specialty gardens are set within lawns and are accessible with most sturdy wheelchairs despite being uneven and rocky.

6 more things to know before visiting the New Jersey Botanical Garden

• There are restrooms on the property.
• Food and drink are not allowed on the property.
• Parking Lot A is closest to the Carriage House Visitor Center, Manor House, and the Concert Lawn. This lot also offers the best-handicapped parking since there is paved access to the main road loops. Parking Lot B is closest to the Lilac Garden, Peony Garden, Great Lawn, and the Azalea Garden. Parking Lot C gives visitors direct access to the trails. For further parking information visit https://njbg.org/parking/ . 
• View an interactive map of the gardens in order to see locations of each plant.
• To find information about tours visit njbg.org/tours . 

Learn more at their website njbg.org or call 973-962-9534.

Laurelwood Arboretum in Wayne NJ

The Laurelwood Arboretum is located at 725 Pines Lake Drive West Wayne, NJ 07470.

The Laurelwood Arboretum is a beautiful 30 acres hidden amongst a residential area. It is filled with wildlife, ponds, streams, and woodland trails. There are gravel paths that go through the arboretum.

Laurelwood Arboretum was formerly a commercial nursery of rhododendrons and azaleas and it is now maintained as a public park. Numerous birds can also be seen such as cardinals and blue jays. There are ongoing installations for the Sculpture Trail and plans to have a summer concert series.

What’s blooming at the Laurelwood Arboretum?

• In spring, azaleas, rhododendrons, peonies, primroses, daffodils, and hellebores are blooming. 
• In summer, you can see hostas and daisies blooming. 
• During the fall, asters and dogwood berries are blooming. 
• In winter, snowdrops and witch hazels are blooming.

How much is admission at Laurelwood Arboretum?

Admission to the Laurelwood Arboretum is free. Donations are welcome.

When is the Laurelwood Arboretum open?

The garden is open from 8 am to dusk except during emergency conditions. Conditions may be hazardous in the winter. The Knippenberg Center for Education is located near the parking lots and has accessible parking. It is open from April to October from noon to 4 pm on Tuesdays to Sundays. When the building is open there are accessible bathrooms available.

There are free public tours offered throughout the year and they can be taken by motorized cart. View the tour schedule at laurelwoodarboretum.org/calendar .

How accessible are the gardens at Laurelwood Arboretum?

There is wheelchair-accessible parking. There is accessibility to the patio, gardens in the welcome area of the arboretum, and the Knippenberg Center for Education. For more details on accessibility visit their accessibility page .

7 more things to know before visiting the Laurelwood Arboretum

• There are two wheelchair-accessible restrooms in the Knippenberg Center. Its restrooms are open every day from April to October. On weekdays the restrooms are open from 9 am to 3 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays, the restrooms are open 11 am-5 pm.
• Grilling and picnicking are not allowed in the arboretum. 
• Parking lots are at Vale Road and at Pine Lake Drive West. 
• Dogs are allowed in the garden as long as they are leashed at all times. 
• View their welcome brochure online.
• Learn about the multiple self-guided tour options of the arboretum.

Learn more at their website laurelwoodarboretum.org .

Sussex County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

• We are unaware of any gardens and arboretums in Sussex County.

Union County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

Cedar brook park shakespeare garden in plainfield nj.

The Cedar Brook Park Shakespeare Garden is located at Park Avenue and Randolph Road Plainfield, NJ 07080. 

The Shakespeare Garden is located in Cedar Brook Park. The Olmsted Brothers had designed this in 1927. Plants and shrubs that were planted here are all from Shakespeare’s writings as well as other common ones found in the 16th and 17th centuries. The beds have labels with botanical names, folk names, and quotes about flowers. There is also a sundial, an arbor built, and various trees planted as well.

The Shakespeare Garden is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it is also a stop on the Women’s Heritage Trail.

What’s blooming at the Cedar Brook Park Shakespeare Garden?

• In spring, dicentra, iberis, armeria and poppies are blooming.
• In summer, you can see wolf’s bane, peonies, hollyhocks, digitalis, and maiden’s bush roses blooming.
• During the fall, saffron crocus and virgin’s bower are blooming.

How much is admission at Cedar Brook Park Shakespeare Garden?

Admission to the Cedar Brook Park Shakespeare Garden is free.

When is the Cedar Brook Park Shakespeare Garden open?

The garden is open from sunrise to sunset daily.

How accessible are the gardens at Cedar Brook Park Shakespeare Garden?

At this time we have been unable to discover how accessible the gardens are.

4 more things to know before visiting the Cedar Brook Park Shakespeare Garden

• Pets are allowed at the Cedar Brook Park Shakespeare Garden if they remain on a leash. 
• View aerial views of the garden through this YouTube video also embedded above.

Learn more at their website plainfieldgardenclub.org .

Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit NJ

Reeves-Reed Arboretum is located at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit.

The Reeves-Reed Arboretum offers beautiful grounds to explore with kids with multiple walking trails. Each of the trails was under a mile and clearly marked with trail signs. I think we walked them all.

There are also multiple gardens we couldn’t pass up on exploring. If the kids don’t love the flowers they will certainly enjoy looking for the fish in Peter’s Pond.

What’s blooming at Reeves-Reed Arboretum?

• In spring, daffodils and Japanese crabapples are blooming.
• In summer, roses are blooming.
• In winter, witch hazel, primroses, and winter jasmine is blooming.

How much is admission at Reeves-Reed Arboretum?

Admission to Reeves-Reed Arboretum is free. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person.

When is Reeves-Reed Arboretum open?

Reeves-Reed Arboretum is open all year. Visit their website for specific hours or details about special events.

The Arboretum has many events including homeschool classes, spring break mini camps, cream tea, gardening classes, tours, a Daffodil Day, and more. View their event calendar for all upcoming events.

How accessible are the gardens at Reeves-Reed Arboretum?

Most of the historic gardens and indoor spaces of Reeves-Reed Arboretum are accessible to all. There are ramps and paved pathways for easy maneuverability. However, there are different ground surfaces and some stairs that may make portions of the grounds hard to access without assistance.

• Limited wheelchair-accessible parking onsite
• Accessible public restrooms in Wisner House and the Stackhouse Education Center
• Accessibility to the Visitors Center, Welcome Walk, Perennial Border, Wisner House Gallery, Wisner House Library, and Patio.
• There are plans to make the property more accessible.

5 more things to know before visiting the Reeves-Reed Arboretum

• Food and drink are allowed on the property, but you are responsible for taking your trash with you.
• Parking is available at no charge in their lot. Space is limited.
• Dogs are not allowed except for service animals.

Learn more at their website, reeves-reedarboretum.org , or call 908-273-8787.

Warren County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

Merrill creek reservoir butterfly garden in washington twp nj.

The Merrill Creek Reservoir is located at 34 Merrill Creek Road Washington, NJ 07882. 

There is a 290-acre environmental preserve around a 650-acre reservoir. There are also 2,000 acres of woods. There is a butterfly and hummingbird demonstration garden located behind the Visitors Center.

The Visitors Center is currently closed. In the spring there are many migrating waterfowl. Hawks migrate through this area with peak numbers in mid-September through mid-October. There are also bald eagles that nest here. The best place to view both of these birds is from the Inlet/Outlet Tower Parking Area.

What’s blooming at the Merrill Creek Reservoir Butterfly Garden?

• During the fall, goldenrods and asters are blooming.
• At this time, it’s not clear what is blooming in these gardens during other seasons.

How much is admission to Merrill Creek Reservoir Butterfly Garden?

Admission to the Merrill Creek Reservoir is free.

When is the Merrill Creek Reservoir Butterfly Garden open?

Effective May 1st, 2023 the gates will open at 7:00 am year round. From March 1st to October 31st the gates will close at 5:30 pm. From November 1st to February 28th the gates will close at 4:30 pm. The visitor center is open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 am-4:00 pm as of April 5th, 2023.

However, it is closed on certain holidays. See the website for more details. The butterfly garden is currently undergoing renovations which are expected to be completed in June 2023.

How accessible are the gardens at Merrill Creek Reservoir Butterfly Garden?

There is one accessible paved and gravel trail. There is an accessible fishing dock.

5 more things to know before visiting the Merrill Creek Reservoir Butterfly Garden

• Strollers are allowed. It would be better with a jogging stroller. 
• Indoor restrooms are located in the visitor’s center and are available when the visitor’s center is open. There are outdoor restroom facilities at the Boat Ramp and the Inlet/Outlet Tower Parking Area.
• Food and drink are allowed but Picnicking is prohibited. There are no picnic tables. 
• There are 4 parking lots. Look at the trail map to find the one closest to the Butterfly Garden. 
• Pets are allowed on a leash. 
• View the online trail map .
• Learn about their Hawk Watch at merrillcreek.com/hawk-watch .

Learn more at their website merrillcreek.com .

Pohatcong Native Arboretum in Washington Township NJ

The Pohatcong Native Arboretum is located at 52 Mine Hill Road Washington, NJ 07882.

The Pohatcong Native Arboretum is home to over 150 species of native shrubs and trees. There is also a 1.8 mile trail loop along the creek and the Robert Rush Memorial Log Cabin.

The Pohatcong Native Arboretum is a great place to learn identification since trees and shrubs are labeled along the property.

What’s blooming at the Pohatcong Native Arboretum?

• In spring, mountain laurels and dogwoods are blooming. 
• In summer, you can see American crabapples, swamp roses and laurels bloom. 
• During the fall, hydrangeas are blooming.
• In winter, witch hazel is blooming.

How much is admission at Pohatcong Native Arboretum?

Admission to the Pohatcong Arboretum is free.

When is the Pohatcong Native Arboretum open?

The arboretum is open daily during daylight hours.

How accessible are the gardens at Pohatcong Native Arboretum?

At this time information about the accessibility of the Pohatcong Native Arboretum is unknown. We have been unsuccessful in reaching the arboretum by phone and our emails have not been returned.

4 more things to know before visiting the Pohatcong Native Arboretum

• The parking area has space for about ten cars. 
• Pets are not allowed at the Pohatcong Arboretum.
• Stay on grass pathways and close the gate when leaving. 
• To see a detailed list of their native plant collection visit https://sites.google.com/site/pohatcongnativearboretum/list .

Learn more at their website at njskylands.com/outdoors-preserve-pohatcong-arboretum . Another site to visit for more information is https://sites.google.com/site/pohatcongnativearboretum . Visitors can also call 908-496-8598.

NJ Botanical Gardens & Arboretums – Central Jersey

Hunterdon county botanical gardens & arboretums, hunterdon county arboretum in lebanon twp nj.

The Hunterdon County Arboretum is located at 1020 Highway 21 North Lebanon, NJ 08833. It is close to Flemington and Clinton.  

The Hunterdon County Arboretum is known as a living museum where people study the various shrubs, plants, and trees and there are also display gardens as well. There is also an herb garden and the oldest original two-story gazebo in New Jersey. The total property is 135 acres large and was initially a commercial nursery.

Thirty-two acres of Hunterdon County Arboretum is known as the Furnas Section which provides woods for many animals to reside. There are many frogs, deer, and squirrels. 

There are 2 miles of flat trails that include the Outer Loop Trail, Discovery Trail, Dogwood Trail, Boardwalk/Wetland Study Area, Two-Line Trail, Wizard Walk, and Furnas Trail. There are picnic tables located throughout the arboretum. The entrance to the gardens is behind the office.

What’s blooming at the Hunterdon County Arboretum?

• In spring, dogwood trees are blooming and wild asparagus is growing. 
• In summer, you can see goldenrods, asters, milkweed, and mountain mint blooming. 
• During the fall, the leaves on the Katsura trees have a cotton candy aroma. 

How much is admission at Hunterdon County Arboretum?

Admission to the Hunterdon County Arboretum is free.

When is the Hunterdon County Arboretum open?

The arboretum is open daily from dawn to dusk. Bow hunting is between September to February so visitors are encouraged to wear blaze orange or only visit on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays. Please see their website concerning ongoing updates and projects which cause temporary trail closures.

The Hunterdon County Arboretum has many events throughout the year such as bird walks, basketry workshops, and more. To see which events will be occurring soon and to register visit the Hunterdon County Parks page .

How accessible are the gardens at Hunterdon County Arboretum?

The garden is accessible.

6 more things to know before visiting the Hunterdon County Arboretum

• There are portable restrooms on the property. 
• Food and drink are allowed on the property as long as it is only with one family. 
• Parking is right off the highway on Route 31. 
• Dogs are allowed if they remain on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet. 
• Visit their website for details about the self-guided nature trail walk of the arboretum.

Learn more in their online brochure at https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/ or call 908-782-1158.

Mercer County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

Grounds for sculpture in hamilton nj.

The Grounds for Sculpture is located at 80 Sculptors Way Hamilton, NJ 08619. 

The Grounds for Sculpture is a beautiful place to get lost for a few hours. There always seems to be new pathways to explore. There are 42 acres filled with water views, sculptures, a bamboo grove, a gazebo, a water garden, an observation tower, and wildflowers. There is a variety of blooming flowers as well as well-manicured landscapes and paths.

Peacocks roam the grounds and kids love the koi in the water and waterfall that is close to Rat’s Restaurant. The pond has irises, water lilies, weeping willows, king tut grass, and weeping cherry trees that highlight the bridge. The Monet Bridge makes you feel as if you are inside his painting of the water lilies. The entire area was created in 1999 to replicate his painting of Bridge Over A Pond of Water Lilies . Many of the sculptures throughout the garden are a reference to various works by Monet and Manet.

What’s blooming at the Grounds for Sculpture?

• In spring, hellebores, winter aconites, and crocuses are blooming.
• In summer, you can see roses and water lilies blooming.
• During the fall, Spring’s Promise is blooming.
• In winter, witch hazel, Leatherleaf Mahonia’s and paperbush plants are blooming

How much is admission at Grounds for Sculpture?

As of May 1, 2023, admission at Grounds for Sculpture is $25 for adults. Admission is $18 for seniors, veterans, active military, and healthcare workers. Students 6 to 17 years old are $12 and kids 5 and under are free. For more details visit their admission page . Museum passes are no longer offered by libraries for the Grounds for Sculpture.

When are the Grounds for Sculpture open?

The Grounds for Sculpture are open year-round. The hours are 10 am to 5 pm every day except Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday they are closed and Thursday they are open 10 am – 4 pm.

How accessible are the gardens at Grounds for Sculpture?

The garden has many ways in which it is accessible and amenities for others as well. The main parking lots have accessible parking spaces, there is an induction loop at the Welcome Center desk, Assistive Listening devices and ASL tours available for tours and programs, two private gender-neutral restrooms in the Seward Johnson Center for the Arts, large print introductory panels in indoor exhibitions and accessible pathways.

There are ECV (scooter) and wheelchair rentals available for a fee. There are personal care aides available for those with disabilities by calling the number 609-586-0616. There are uneven walking surfaces in the garden. For more details visit their accessibility page .

10 more things to know before visiting the Grounds for Sculpture

• Food and drink are allowed on the property. Be sure to also visit one of their places to eat such as the Van Gogh Cafe or Rat’s Restaurant. 
• Parking is available in the parking lots. 
• Pets are not allowed at the Grounds for Sculpture. 
• To take a self-guided tour of their trees visit https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/gardens/tree-tour/ . 
• Masks are highly recommended indoors and guests should keep 6 feet between them and others. 
• Reserve a timed ticket in advance of going. 
• A printable map is available here or visit the interactive map here . 
• To read more about Monet and Manet’s influence at the Grounds for Sculpture visit ;

Learn more at their website groundsforsculpture.org or call 609-586-0616.

Sayen Park Botanical Garden in Hamilton NJ

Sayen Gardens is located at 155 Hughes Drive Hamilton, NJ 08690. 

The Sayen Gardens is a hidden oasis in New Jersey. With winding pathways, beautiful blooms, bridges, and water views it is truly a place that should not be missed. It is a great place to get photos taken. It is also home to the Annual Azalea Festival in Hamilton which is a great place to go and celebrate Mother’s Day.

The best time to visit Sayen Gardens is in the Spring since it truly feels like spring has arrived. Once you visit you are enveloped in all of the beautiful flowers. Many things you find in the Gardens seem like they are straight out of Monet’s paintings. The landscape reflects many of his Impressionist pieces.

The kids love coming here with friends to explore which new things are blooming on the paths as well as outdoor yoga and art classes.

What’s blooming at the Sayen Park Botanical Garden?

• In spring, cherry blossoms, hellebores, rhododendrons, hyacinths, dogwoods, crocuses, magnolias, forsythia and azaleas are blooming.
• In summer, you can see daylilies, beautyberry shrubs, alliums and butterfly bushes. 
• During the fall, chrysanthemums and mums are blooming. There is also beautiful foliage on the October Glory Maple Trees, Service berry trees and Tuscan flame bamboo. 
• In winter, witch hazel, winter pansies, winterberry holly, winter cabbage, winter kale and boxwoods are blooming.

How much is admission to Sayen Park Botanical Garden?

Admission to the Sayen Gardens is free.

When is the Sayen Park Botanical Garden open?

The gardens are open from dawn to dusk every day.

The Azalea Festival is held annually in May. There are food and craft vendors. For more information go visit their Azalea Festival page .

How accessible are the gardens at Sayen Park Botanical Garden?

The gardens are mostly accessible.

6 more things to know before visiting the Sayen Park Botanical Garden

• Strollers are allowed, though some of the uneven terrains may be difficult for some strollers. 
• Food and drink are allowed on the property but they are discouraged. There are no picnic tables. 
• Parking is in a small parking lot. 
• Dogs are allowed on a leash. 
• View an online map of the gardens .

Learn more at their website hamiltonnj.com/sayengardens or call 609-890-3874.

Herrontown Woods Arboretum in Princeton NJ

The Herrontown Woods Arboretum is located at 600 Snowden Lane Princeton, NJ. The road to Herrontown Woods is across from the entryway to Smoyer Park. 

The Herrontown Woods Arboretum is a great place for those who want to venture into the woods. There are 3 miles of trails as well as a stream and vernal pools. You can see the Veblen Cottage on the trails where Einstein was said to have eaten a sandwich and the Veblen House which is being restored as a community gathering space.

There is also a Botanical Artgarden next to the parking lot which has different things such as a frog pond, meditation garden, and more. The native plants are labeled along the trails here.

What’s blooming at the Herrontown Woods Arboretum?

• In spring, wintergreen barberries and sundrops are blooming.
• In summer, you can see rose mallow hibiscus, buttonbush, richweed, cutleaf coneflowers, green fringed orchids blooming.

How much is admission at Herrontown Woods Arboretum?

Admission to the Herrontown Woods Arboretum is free.

When is the Herrontown Woods Arboretum open?

The arboretum is open from 8 am to 5 pm and open from 8 am to 8 pm from May to October.

On the first Sunday of every month there is May’s Barden Cafe from 10 am to 12 noon which has Small World Coffee and baked goods that are sold.

How accessible are the gardens at Herrontown Woods Arboretum?

Details about the accessibility of these gardens are not available at this time.

4 more things to know before visiting the Herrontown Woods Arboretum

• There are no restrooms on the property. 
• Parking is in a lot at 600 Snowden Lane. 
• View an online map of the trails .

Learn more at their website njtrails.org/trail/herrontown-woods .

Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton NJ

The Morven Museum and Garden is located at 55 Stockton Street Princeton, NJ 08540. 

The Morven Museum and Garden is a beautiful place to visit where there are lots of blooms in the spring, especially in May. Morven was originally built by Richard Stockton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Inside the museum, there are historical exhibitions that visitors can see as well.

What’s blooming at the Morven Museum & Garden?

• In spring, daffodils, hellebores, tulips, crabapples, magnolias blooming.
• In summer, you can see clematis, foxgloves, Catalpa trees and phlox is blooming. 
• In winter, snowdrops are blooming.

How much is admission at Morven Museum & Garden?

As of April 25, 2023, admission at Morven is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors over 60, students with id, youth from ages 7 to 18, and active military. Children under 6 are free as well as members. There are some library systems that offer museum passes for Morven.

When is the Morven Museum & Garden open?

Morven is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

There are multiple events throughout the year such as the Festival of Trees in December and January. View their upcoming programs on their site.

How accessible are the gardens at Morven Museum & Garden?

Morven Gardens is 80% wheelchair accessible. For questions call 609-924-8144 ext. 111 or email [email protected] . There are wheelchairs available on site. The Stockton Education Center often holds programs that are fully accessible.

7 more things to know before visiting the Morven Museum & Garden

• Strollers are not allowed inside the museum but they can be left on the back porch. 
• There are restrooms on the property that are open when the museum is open. They are available for paying patrons taking an indoor or outdoor tour. 
• Food and drink are allowed on the property. There are umbrella tables in the museum courtyard that can be used and picnic blankets are also allowed to be used. Garden tours have a picnic lunch option as well. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum. 
• Parking is available onsite.
• Pets are allowed in the gardens but they cannot be allowed inside buildings and they must be on a leash. They are also not allowed on tours.
• Timed admission is available for purchase. 
• The museum only allows small bags to be brought inside. 

Learn more at their website morven.org/visit or call 609-924-8144.

William Trent House Museum & Gardens in Trenton NJ

The William Trent House is located at 15 Market Street Trenton, NJ 08611. 

The gardens at the William Trent House are a great place to find a green hideaway in Trenton for a picnic lunch. Behind the brick wall and the wrought iron is a miniature representation of how things were grown on the property in the 1700’s. There is a replica bee house, heirloom apple trees and a small garden.

William Trent House Museum & Gardens was redesigned in 2021. The four raised beds show what the Lenape, those of African ancestry and English colonists would have grown for food. The apple orchard is a great place to appreciate New Jersey’s heritage of producing apple cider.

The land was purchased by William Trent, a shipping merchant, from Mahlon Stacy. He then built this house as well as numerous other buildings and acquired most of the land that is now Trenton. In 1720 he established the settlement to be known as Trent Town.

What’s blooming at the William Trent House Museum & Gardens?

• In spring, heirloom apple trees in a miniature orchard and cherry trees are blooming.
• There is a 4 bed vegetable garden with 2 beds planted like a colonial kitchen garden (herbs and vegetables), a Lenape garden, and an African diaspora garden.

How much is admission at William Trent House Museum & Gardens?

Admission to the Gardens is free. Admission to the House is $5 for adults and $4 for children and seniors. Members are free.

When are the William Trent House Museum & Gardens open?

The William Trent House and Gardens are open from 1 pm to 4:30 pm on Wednesdays through Saturdays and closed on Municipal Holidays.

View their upcoming events on this page.

How accessible are the gardens at William Trent House Museum & Gardens?

The garden is accessible but it is mostly grass.

6 more things to know before visiting the William Trent House Museum & Gardens

• Food and drink are allowed on the property and there are picnic tables. 
• Parking is free. There are spots allocated to the William Trent House visitors in the Visitor’s Parking Lot for the R. J. Hughes Justice Complex.  
• Pets are allowed at the William Trent Gardens.
• View the apple orchard brochure or the map of the orchard online.

Learn more at their website williamtrenthouse.org/grounds-and-gardens.html or call 609-989-3027.

Butterfly House in Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed in Pennington NJ

The Butterfly House is located at 31 Titus Mill Rd Pennington, NJ 08534. 

The Butterfly House is the residence of a plethora of beautiful butterflies as well as native plants that butterflies prefer. Monarchs are also in the Monarch Watch program where they are tagged and released in the fall. 

The Butterfly House is also part of The Watershed Institute which has over 10 miles of hiking trails that are free and open from dawn to dusk throughout the year including a half-mile accessible boardwalk. My kids enjoy the trails and their H2OQuest programming which was very entertaining for them.

What’s blooming at the Butterfly House?

• In spring, Golden Alexander, Purple False Indigo, dogwood, and violets are blooming.
• In summer, you can see sunflowers, Spotted Joe Pye weed and Bergamot blooming
• During the fall, asters, and goldenrod are blooming. 
• In winter, there is nothing blooming.

How much is admission at Butterfly House?

Admission to the Butterfly House is free to the public.

When is the Butterfly House open?

The outdoor structure is open seasonally from mid-June to mid September and is open from dawn to dusk. The butterfly house is open any day of the week unless there is a program or event.

The Watershed Center itself is also open daily with free admission from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 4 pm on weekends. Some programs have fees and most require registration.

View their event calendar for details about programs and events.

The Butterfly House Opening Day is on June 10, 2023 from 10 am to noon. There will be a Butterfly House Tour, Monarch Migration Game, and other experiences to learn about plants and butterflies. T

Throughout the summer there will be Butterfly House tours weekly on Thursdays from 10 am to 11 am starting in July. 

The Watershed Butterfly Festival will be on August 5, 2023. 

How accessible are the gardens at Butterfly House?

The Butterfly House is accessible.

6 more things to know before visiting the Butterfly House

• There are restrooms on the property inside of the Watershed Center. 
• Food and drink are allowed on the property on the picnic tables on the center grounds. 
• Parking is in a parking lot. 
• Pets are allowed on a leash on the property but not in the Butterfly House. 
• To learn about Butterfly Nectar and Host plants at the Institute visit this page https://thewatershed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Native-Butterfly-Nectar-and-Host-Plants.pdf . 

Learn more at their website thewatershed.org/butterfly-house or call 609-737-3735.

Middlesex County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

Rutgers gardens in new brunswick nj.

The Rutgers Gardens are located at 130 Log Cabin Road New Brunswick, NJ 08901.

The Rutgers Gardens are 180 acres consisting of numerous gardens, student farms, natural habitats, plants, and a farmer’s market. There are other interesting things to find such as a gazebo, Helyar Woods, a collection of holly trees, a pollinator garden, a rain, and an evergreen garden.

What’s blooming at the Rutgers Gardens?

• In spring, tulips and daffodils are blooming.
• The blooms for the rest of this year are yet to be determined.

How much is admission at Rutgers Gardens?

Admission to the Rutgers Gardens is free.

When is the Rutgers Gardens open?

The Rutgers Gardens are open year-round. The gardens are open every day of the week except for Monday. Cook’s Market is open every Friday from May 1st – December 15th between the hours of 11 am to 3 pm depending on the weather. There is no current information available in regards to the opening of the Potting Shed Gift Shop.

How accessible are the gardens at Rutgers Gardens?

We were unable to obtain information about the accessibility of Rutgers Gardens.

9 more things to know before visiting the Rutgers Gardens

• There are composting and portable bathrooms. 
• Food and drink are discouraged on the property. Trash must be carried out. 
• Parking is in parking areas.
• Dogs must be kept leashed. 
• View a Trail Map of Heylar Woods and Meadows .
• Rutgers also offers a Rutgers Master Gardeners program that anyone can join. Rutgers Master Gardeners are pivotal in disseminating gardening information and doing other things to help their communities.
• To see the plants and pollinators in the pollinator garden visit rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/gardens/pollinator-garden/ . 

Learn more at their website rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu or call 848-932-7000.

Monmouth County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

David shaw arboretum in holmdel nj.

The David Shaw Arboretum is located at 44 Longstreet Road Holmdel, NJ 07733. 

The David Shaw Arboretum is 22 acres of trees and shrubs within Holmdel Park.

How much is admission at David Shaw Arboretum?

Admission to the David Shaw Arboretum is free.

When is the David Shaw Arboretum open?

The park opens at 7 am daily and is open year-round.

Learn more at their website  monmouthcountyparks.com/ or call 732-946-9562.

Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown NJ

Deep Cut Gardens is located at 152 Red Hill Road Middletown, NJ 07748. 

Deep Cut Gardens is home to 54 acres full of gardens and greenhouses. There are many interesting features such as a fire pit resembling Mount Vesuvius, lily pond, rockery, rose parterre, pergola, composting display, bonsai display, display greenhouse, Japanese themed garden, and more.

Deep Cut Gardens offers a great mix of trees with manicured gardens and hardscapes. The hilly terrain is great for kids to run around on.

What’s blooming at the Deep Cut Gardens?

• In spring, tulips, rhododendron, Virginia bluebells, lilacs, daffodils, primrose, and bloodroot are blooming.
• In summer, you can see roses, hostas, cardinal flowers, alliums, hydrangeas, peonies, and water lilies are blooming.
• During the fall, asters, chrysanthemums, clematis, and camellia are blooming.
• In winter, orchids, witch hazel, and crocuses are blooming.

How much is admission at Deep Cut Gardens?

Admission to Deep Cut Gardens is free and there is free parking as well.

When are the Deep Cut Gardens open?

The park opens at 8 am and closes at dusk year-round. The Elvin McDonald Horticultural Library is open to the public from 9 am to 4 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Upcoming events can be found on their Facebook event page .

How accessible are the gardens at Deep Cut Gardens?

The gardens are ADA accessible.

12 more things to know before visiting the Deep Cut Gardens

• Strollers are not allowed.
• Food and drinks are allowed on the property. There is a picnic area. They are not allowed inside buildings.
• Pets are not allowed at Deep Cut Gardens. Service animals are allowed. 
• View the park brochure and map .
• View a story map that shows some of the history of the landscaping at Deep Cut Gardens.
• To see a world tour of Deep Cut Gardens to find out where the different plants come visit https://indd.adobe.com/view/896ddd1d-5965-40df-b123-bd1e46546ca2 . 
• Garden safari backpacks are available at the Horticultural Center from 10 am to 4 pm daily. 
• There is a free seed exchange station in the Horticultural Center so remember to bring a packet of your seeds to exchange there for something new. 
• Learn about the history of Deep Cut Gardens .
• To see what is currently happening in the garden visit monmouthcountyparks.com.

Learn more at their website monmouthcountyparks.com or call 732-671-6050.

Somerset County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

Cross estate gardens in bernardsville nj.

The Cross Estate Gardens are located at 61 Jockey Hollow Road Bernardsville, NJ 07924. 

The Cross Estate Gardens is a beautiful combination of a mountain laurel allee, formal gardens, native gardens, and a pergola covered in wisteria. There is also a granite water tower on the property. They were made to resemble an English country garden.

What’s blooming at the Cross Estate Gardens?

• In spring, mountain laurels, star magnolias and rhododendrons are blooming.
• In summer, you can see wisteria, peonies, Carolina jasmine and black-eyed susans blooming.
• During the fall, asters, dahlias, woodland sunflowers and camellia are blooming.
• In winter, there is not anything blooming.

How much is admission at Cross Estate Gardens?

Admission and parking at Cross Estate Gardens are free.

When are the Cross Estate Gardens open?

The gardens are open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.

For upcoming events at Cross Estate Gardens visit their event page . Garden tours resume on Wednesdays in April and are $10 per person. To make a reservation email [email protected] .

How accessible are the gardens at Cross Estate Gardens?

The gardens are moderately accessible. There are gravel pathways.

5 more things to know before visiting the Cross Estate Gardens

• Picnicking is prohibited. Visitors must follow a carry in/carry out policy. 
• Parking is in a parking lot. The lot will be repaved this spring or summer so there might be limited parking
• Pets are allowed in the gardens as long as they are on a leash
• View their online brochure about the water tower .

Learn more at their website crossestategardens.org or call 973-539-2016.

Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills NJ

The Leonard J. Buck Garden is located at 11 Layton Road Far Hills, NJ 07931. 

The Leonard J. Buck Garden is one of the best rock gardens in the eastern United States. There are 33 acres within a stream valley that also has alpine gardens and woodland gardens. The trails have numerous beautiful plants amongst the rocks. The garden was formerly part of the estate of Leonard J. Buck. There are 2.5 miles of paths through the garden.

What’s blooming at the Leonard J. Buck Garden?

• In spring, azaleas, daffodils, hellebores, Lenten roses, anemones, and dogwoods are blooming.
• In summer, you can see asters and purple coneflowers blooming.
• During the fall, asters, goldenrods, stonecrops, and autumn crocuses are blooming.
• In winter, witch hazel, winter aconites, snowdrops, and skunk cabbage are blooming.

How much is admission at Leonard J. Buck Garden?

Admission at the Leonard J. Buck Garden is free but a small donation is requested. The original carriage house has now been renovated into a Visitor’s Center.

When is the Leonard J. Buck Garden open?

Leonard J. Buck Garden is open from 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and noon to 5 pm on Sundays. It is closed on weekends and major holidays in December, January, February, and March.

View their event calendar . On Sunday afternoons in May, there will be woodland walks at 1 pm for $7 per person.

How accessible are the gardens at Leonard J. Buck Garden?

At this time it is not clear how accessible the gardens are.

5 more things to know before visiting the Leonard J. Buck Garden

• Food and drink are not allowed in the gardens aside from bottled water and baby bottles. Picnicking is allowed in two designated areas which are next to the Visitor’s Center and on the picnic tables above the border. 
• Pets are not allowed in the garden. 
• View their online brochure .
• View a map of the garden online .

Learn more at their website somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200 ext. 5011.

Duke Farms Orchid Range in Hillsborough NJ

Duke Farms is located at 1112 Dukes Parkway West Hillsborough, NJ 08844. 

Duke Farms is a delightful place for a walk with young kids. The trails are very easy to navigate with strollers. There are 18 miles of well-maintained trails and there are over 1000 acres to explore. My daughter loved going to see the gorgeous orchids and running on the paths with her friends.

There are various places that you must visit while you are there such as the beautiful orchid range built in the form of a palm house, the lake system of seven lakes, and the Great Falls tiered waterfall. This goes off at 10 am, noon, 2 pm, and 4 pm except from November 1st to April 1st.

There is also a Coach Barn and the Farm Barn which houses the Orientation Center.

What’s blooming at the Duke Farms Orchid Range?

• This spring, orchids are currently blooming at the Orchid Range.

How much is admission at Duke Farms Orchid Range?

Admission at Duke Farms is free.

When is the Duke Farms Orchid Range open?

Trails are open. Free entry passes are required on Saturdays from April through November. Duke Farms is open on Tuesdays to Saturdays from 8:30 am to 6 pm.

To reserve a Saturday entry pass visit their Eventbrite page . Duke’s Farm is also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. The Orientation Center and the Cafe are currently open.

Their events are listed with Eventbrite .

How accessible are the gardens at Duke Farms Orchid Range?

Many of the trails are wheelchair accessible.

7 more things to know before visiting the Duke Farms Orchid Range

• Restrooms are at the Farm Barn and there are composting toilets on Oak Way and West Way as well. 
• Food and drink are allowed on the property. There is also a Farm-to-Table Cafe. 
• Parking is full when parking spots are filled in the parking lot. This can happen on nice weather days so be sure to have a backup destination in mind. 
• Pets are not allowed at Duke Farms.
• Download the app before you go for an interactive map.
• Print their guide to family activities.

Learn more at their website dukefarms.org or call 908-722-3700.

Colonial Park Arboretum & Rose Garden in Somerset NJ

Colonial Park Arboretum & Rose Garden is located at 156 Mettlers Road Somerset, NJ 08873.

This is a 5.5-acre arboretum that is in the western portion of Colonial Park. There are over 900 types of shrubs and trees here. The rose garden is beautiful from May to July with some roses blooming in September as well.

What’s blooming at the Colonial Park Arboretum & Rose Garden?

• In spring, the bluebells, cherry trees, magnolias, daffodils, and tulips are blooming. The serviceberry and flowering crabapple trees are blooming as well. 
• In summer, you can see roses, echinaceas, garden flocks, peonies, and pollinators.
• During the fall, hibiscus, roses, and Joe Pye weed are blooming. 
• In winter, witch hazels are blooming.

How much is admission to Colonial Park Arboretum & Rose Garden?

Admission to Colonial Park Arboretum and Rose Garden is free.

When is the Colonial Park Arboretum & Rose Garden open?

The arboretum is open from sunrise to sunset and from April 1, 2023 to October 31, 2023.

How accessible are the gardens at Colonial Park Arboretum & Rose Garden?

The perennial and rose gardens are accessible. Ninety percent of the arboretum is accessible.

5 more things to know before visiting the Colonial Park Arboretum & Rose Garden

• There are public restrooms on the property. 
• Food and drink are allowed on the property but not in the rose garden. Picnics of up to 6 people are allowed outside of the Rose Garden. 
• Parking is in 2 parking lots. They are in Colonial Park lots A & F off of Mettlers Road. 
• Pets are allowed in the arboretum on a leash, but they are not allowed in the Rose Garden.

Learn more at their website somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200 ext. 5721.

Wagner Farm Arboretum in Warren NJ

The Wagner Farm Arboretum is located at 197 Mountain Avenue Warren, NJ 07059. 

The Arboretum was established in 2004. There is also a Community Garden, Children’s Garden, and Giving Garden.

How much is admission at Wagner Farm Arboretum?

We believe admission to be free as no fees are stated on the Wagner Farm Arboretum website.

Learn about their events from their website .

How accessible are the gardens at Wagner Farm Arboretum?

This information is not readily available on their website and our calls for the information were not returned.

Learn more at their website wfafnj.org or call 908-350-7383.

Rockingham Kitchen Garden in Kingston NJ

The Rockingham Kitchen Garden is currently closed for renovations. Learn more at their website rockingham.net or call 609-683-7132.

NJ Botanical Gardens & Arboretums – South Jersey

Atlantic county botanical gardens & arboretums, egg harbor township arboretum in egg harbor township nj.

Egg Harbor Township Arboretum is located at Egg Harbor Township’s Nature Reserve at 317 Zion Road in Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234.

The open space is composed of approximately 14.7 acres which include wetlands, wooded areas, a parking area, and a large meadow. It is bordered by a lake and woodlands. 

How much is admission at Egg Harbor Township Arboretum?

Admission is free.

When is the Egg Harbor Township Arboretum open?

It is open to the public, daily, from dawn to dusk. 

How accessible are the gardens at Egg Harbor Township Arboretum ?

They are not accessible. It is surrounded by grass with no paved paths to it.

Learn more at their website ehtenvironment.org/arboretum.html or call 609-926-4093.

Linwood Arboretum in Linwood NJ

Linwood Arboretum is located at Belhaven & Wabash Avenues in Linwood at 1410 Wabash Avenue. It’s situated along the Linwood-Somers Point Bike Path.

While not very large, less than an acre, the Linwood Arboretum fits a lot of beauty in a small space. Enjoy it as a break from riding or walking along the town’s bike path that connects it to neighboring towns.

What’s blooming at the Linwood Arboretum?

• In spring, cassia popcorn blooms.
• In summer, you can see hydrangeas blooming.
• During the fall, asters, and blooming.
• In winter, snowdrops witch hazels and camellias are blooming.

How much is admission at Linwood Arboretum?

Admission to the Linwood Arboretum is free. There is no fee for admission nor is there an admission gate.

When is the Linwood Arboretum open?

The Linwood Arboretum is open every day from dusk to dawn.

How accessible are the gardens at Linwood Arboretum?

The garden is accessible with a smoothed and paved sidewalk throughout.

5 more things to know before visiting Linwood Arboretum

• Food and drink are allowed on the property. There is a water fountain that includes a dog-friendly bowl.
• Parking is on the street.
• Pets are allowed at the Linwood Arboretum. From their website, “Please keep dogs leashed, and encourage them to urinate prior to entering. Canine urine is a potent herbicide, dangerous to many plants.”

Learn more at their website linwoodarboretum.org or call (609) 214-1399.

Burlington County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

Butterfly garden in eastampton nj.

The Butterfly Garden in Eastampton is located at 39 East Railroad Avenue Eastampton, NJ 08060. 

The Butterfly Garden in Eastampton is a beautiful place to find a wide assortment of butterflies. There are many native plants that attract them. My kids love coming here with their butterfly nets. It is a part of Smithville Park which has many trails and there is also the Smithville Mansion and Grounds.

What’s blooming at the Butterfly Garden?

• In spring, golden ragwort, chives, violets, phlox, and dogwoods are blooming.
• In summer, you can see common milkweed, butterfly weed, wild bergamot, black-eyed susans, blazing stars, catmint, lavender, turtlehead, blanket flowers, and purple coneflowers. 
• During the fall, turtleheads, mistflowers, cardinal flowers, brown-eyed susans, goldenrods, and great blue lobelias are blooming.

How much is admission at Butterfly Garden?

Admission to the Butterfly Garden is free.

When is the Butterfly Garden open?

The garden is open from dawn to dusk.

How accessible are the gardens at Butterfly Garden?

The butterfly garden is accessible.

6 more things to know before visiting the Butterfly Garden

• There are restrooms close to the parking lot. 
• Food and drink are allowed on the property. There are picnic tables nearby. 
• Parking is in a free parking lot right next to the garden. 
• Pets are allowed at the Butterfly Garden as long as they are on a leash. 
• To reach a ranger after hours call the number 609-668-5164.

Learn more at their website co.burlington.nj.us/948/Historic-Smithville-Park or call 609-265-5858.

Smithville Mansion Garden in Eastampton NJ

The Smithville Mansion Garden is located at 803 Smithville Rd Eastampton Township, NJ 08060. 

The Smithville Mansion Garden is a beautiful courtyard garden adjacent to the mansion that makes you feel as if you were on an English estate. Kids love to run through the high foliage since to them it is a large maze.

What’s blooming at the Smithville Mansion Garden in Eastampton?

• At this time we were unable to get this information.

How much is admission at Smithville Mansion Garden in Eastampton?

Admission to the Garden at Smithville Mansion is free.

When is the Smithville Mansion Garden in Eastampton open?

The grounds of the mansion are open from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays.

How accessible are the gardens at Smithville Mansion Garden in Eastampton?

It is accessible.

4 more things to know before visiting the Smithville Mansion Garden in Eastampton

• There are restrooms on the property. 
• Parking is in a free parking lot nearby.

Learn more at their website smithvillemansion.org or call 609-265-5858.

Barton Arboretum in Medford Leas NJ

The Barton Arboretum is located at 1 Medford Leas Way Medford, NJ 08055.

The Barton Arboretum has aesthetically pleasing trails surrounding a private residential community. We especially enjoyed the Cathedral Trail section with evergreens. It is a great place to learn about different tree varieties as many of them are labeled as you walk.

What’s blooming at the Barton Arboretum?

• In spring, daffodils and crabapples are blooming.
• In summer, you can see dogwoods blooming.
• During the fall, meadows are blooming with goldenrod, asters.
• In winter,  witch hazels are blooming. Barks of trees change such as the paper birch maple and river birch.

How much is admission at Barton Arboretum?

Admission to the Barton Arboretum is free. Check in at the community building to let them know you are there before walking.

When is the Barton Arboretum open?

The arboretum is open from dawn to dusk.

How accessible are the gardens at Barton Arboretum?

The arboretum is accessible since there are many paved pathways.

5 more things to know before visiting the Barton Arboretum

• Food and drink are not encouraged.
• Parking is in a parking lot and free. There is limited parking available at the front area however there is additional space to park in lot A, lot B, and near the nature center.
• Pets are allowed at the arboretum when on a leash.

Learn more at their website  bartonarboretum.org or call 609-654-3000.

Perkins Arboretum in Moorestown NJ

The Perkins Arboretum is located at 395 Kings Highway Moorestown, NJ 08057. It is no longer being maintained as a public garden.

Rowan College at Burlington County Sculpture Walk in Mount Laurel, formerly known as the Sculpture Garden, in Pemberton

The Rowan College at Burlington County Sculpture Walk, located on the quad of the Mount Laurel Campus (900 College Circle), serves as an exhibition of contemporary sculpture. The works were selected from the college’s original sculpture garden that was housed on the Pemberton Campus.

How much is admission to Sculpture Walk ?

Admission to the Sculpture Walk is free.

When is the Sculpture Walk open?

The Sculpture Walk is outdoors and open whenever the campus is open.

How accessible are the gardens at Sculpture Walk ?

It appears the Sculpture Walk is fully accessible. The campus has paved sidewalks that are alongside the sculptures.

5 more things to know before visiting the Sculpture Walk

• Parking is in one of the campus parking lots.
• Pets are not allowed at the garden name.

Learn more at their website rcbc.edu/sculptures , or call (856) 222-9311.

Camden County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

Camden children’s garden in camden nj.

Camden Children’s Garden is located at 3 Riverside Drive in Camden. As of May 1st, 2023, there is no available information about the gardens reopening.

Camden Children’s Garden is a wonderful garden designed with children in mind. There is so much to explore. From the Storybook Gardens to Arrow River Train, from the Butterfly House to the Dinosaur Garden, from the spray ground to the treehouse, your kids will wear themselves out while having a blast.

What’s blooming at the Camden Children’s Garden?

• As the Camden Children’s Garden is currently closed, that information is unavailable.

How much is admission at Camden Children’s Garden?

There is a fee for admission at Camden Children’s Garden.

When is the Camden Children’s Garden open?

The Camden Children’s Garden did not open in 2021 or 2022. It has not opened so far for 2023 and the status is unknown.

Additionally, our phone calls or emails to obtain that information have not been returned.

How accessible are the gardens at Camden Children’s Garden?

The Camden Children’s Garden is accessible with paved and wide walkways throughout the garden. There are a few ramps located on the property.

5 more things to know before visiting Camden Children’s Garden

• Strollers are allowed .
• Parking is available for a fee at a lot and a parking garage across from the garden.

Learn more in our article about the Camden Children’s Garden , at their website, camdenchildrensgarden.org , or call 856-365-8733

Cape May County Botanical Nature Centers

Hereford inlet lighthouse garden in north wildwood nj.

The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Garden is located at 111 N Central Ave Wildwood, NJ 08260. 

A park, that holds over 200 types of plants, surrounds the lighthouse.

What’s blooming at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Garden?

At this time, the information is unavailable.

How much is admission at Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Garden?

Admission to the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is free.

When is the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Garden open?

The lighthouse will reopen for the season in May 2023. The lighthouse is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Gardens are open daily from dawn to dusk every day of the year.

How accessible are the gardens at Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Garden?

Learn more at their website herefordinletlighthouse.com or call 609-600-1561.

Cumberland County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

• We are unaware of any Gardens & Arboretums in Cumberland County

Gloucester County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

• We are unaware of any Gardens & Arboretums in Gloucester County

Ocean County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

Edith duff gwin gardens in barnegat light.

The Edith Duff Gwin Gardens is located at 501 Central Ave Barnegat Light, NJ 08006. 

This garden is a third of an acre and has beautiful things to offer year round. It is located at the Barnegat Light Museum. 

The garden contains many milkweed plants where Monarch butterflies lay their eggs. Visitors to the garden then have the pleasure of watching them emerge from their chrysalis, drying their wings and flying off! The garden is constantly changing. 

What’s blooming at the Edith Duff Gwin Gardens in Barnegat Light?

• Around the fountain, at the center of the garden, are pink and white heathers that bloom all winter. There are two witch hazels, one yellow and one orange, that bloom in February with flowers that resemble little firecrackers. 
• In March the hellebores bloom in many colors throughout the garden. They are followed by daffodils, tulips, irises, and crocuses.
• Summer is the time for the perennials and annuals. There is a very special pine tree near the fish pond called a Japanese Umbrella Pine. A huge Southern Magnolia erupts in fragrant, dish-sized blooms in July. Milkweed is also blooming.

How much is admission at Edith Duff Gwin Gardens in Barnegat Light?

This information is not available.

When is the Edith Duff Gwin Gardens in Barnegat Light open?

This information is not available publicly. It appears the garden may only be open to the public during special tours and events.

How accessible are the gardens at Edith Duff Gwin Gardens in Barnegat Light?

We have been unable to obtain this information.

Learn more at their website thegardencluboflbi.com/committees/gardens/edith-duff-gwinn-gardens .

Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum in Lakewood NJ

Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum is located at 900 Lakewood Avenue Lakewood, NJ 08701. 

This arboretum is located at Georgian Court University. It includes four historic gardens including a Formal garden, a Sunken Garden with a lagoon and fountain, the Italian Gardens and a Japanese Teahouse style Garden. There is also a Wellness Garden with over 70 species used for medicinal reasons in the past. Most of the things visitors find in the garden will be labeled.

What’s blooming at the Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum?

• In spring, cherry trees, daffodils, hyacinths, lilacs, rhododendrons, and dogwoods are blooming.
• In summer, you can see scholar trees, irises, and magnolias, toneflower, cardinal flowers, goldenrod blooming.
• During the fall, the Frankliea tree is blooming as are Black gums, maple, and dogwoods. 
• In winter, holly berries are out, and witch hazels, winter jasmine, crocuses, snowdrops, hellebores are blooming.

How much is admission at Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum?

Admission at the Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum is free. Guided tours for groups of 5 or more are available for free with Director Michael Gross. Brochure and booklet guided tours for 4-5.

When is the Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum open?

It is open from 8 am to dusk daily.

How accessible are the gardens at Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum?

Moderately accessible. Gravel paths.

5 more things to know before visiting the Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum

• There are restrooms open when the university buildings are open during business hours on weekdays and are locked on the weekend.
• Food and drink are allowed outdoors on the property.
• Parking is in a parking lot. Visitors must enter through the security gate on 9th street.
• Pets are not allowed at the Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum.

Learn more at their website georgian.edu/arboretum/ or call 732-987-2373.

Salem County Botanical Gardens & Arboretums

• We are unaware of any Gardens & Arboretums in Salem County.

America’s Garden Capital Passport Program

What is america’s garden capital passport program.

For this program, participants get a free passport either from a garden or online and they can then collect stamps, stickers, etc at each garden. For more details about the program visit americasgardencapital.org/passport . The passport makes a good souvenir of some of your journeys as well. 

Which NJ botanical gardens participate in ​​America’s Garden Capital Passport Program?

Three of the New Jersey botanical gardens and arboretums are also part of America’s Garden Capital Passport program. These include the Grounds for Sculpture, Camden Children’s Garden, and the Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve of Medford Leas.

Looking for more places to see flowers in New Jersey?

Visit these guides to find specific flowers in new jersey, 12 tips for visiting tulip festivals in new jersey.

Tulip festivals are wonderful if you’re prepared. Read our 12 tips for finding and visiting tulip festivals in NJ and be ready for great tulip pictures and pick your own tulip adventures.

Have a SunTastic Time at these New Jersey Sunflower Farms

Make a day out of picking sunflowers in NJ with our list of New Jersey sunflower farms , sunflower mazes, and sunflower trails listed by region and city.

Visit these New Jersey attractions to find more flowers.

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7 Gorgeous Gardens to Sprout into Spring Login or Register to save this to your Favorites.

Get outdoors and discover some of new jersey’s most spectacular botanical gardens with these beautiful places to visit..

It should come as no surprise that the “Garden State” is filled with gorgeous botanical retreats across every region. As spring begins to bring its showy colors, make a plan to peep buds and blooms at these locations throughout New Jersey:

• Nestled in the forested expanse of Ringwood State Park in northern New Jersey, the specialty gardens of New Jersey Botanical Garden sprawl over 96 acres, offering miles of walking trails to explore. Bonus: Admission and parking are free before Memorial Day weekend.
• Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills is also surrounded by forestland. This 28-acre garden—which reopens for the season May 1, 2021—is enveloped by 2,110 acres of South Mountain Reservation. Once the private residence of the affluent Joseph P. Day family, today it is a public paradise profuse with wildflower meadows, moss-covered paths, terraces and grottoes.
• Flanking the shoreline of Westons Mill Pond in New Brunswick, Rutgers Gardens is a peaceful retreat for nature seekers. Wander among the gardens to discover a bamboo grove, ornamental tree collection, rhododendron and azalea garden and so much more. Blooming bounty: Rutgers Gardens is open 365 days a year and never charges an admission fee.
• The intimate setting of Davis Johnson Park & Gardens in Tenafly might only be about seven acres, but its beauty abounds, making it a popular place for wedding ceremonies and photos. Take a stroll along walking pathways, and don’t miss the redesigned rose garden. Park Perk: As one of Tenafly’s municipal park lands, Davis Johnson Gardens is always open to explore, free of charge.
• What Somerset’s Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden lacks in size, it makes up for in quantity and quality. Reopening for the season on March 20, 2021, this one-acre haven boasts more than 3,000 gorgeous roses, comprised of 325 varieties, from “Old Garden Roses” to modern-day hybrids. Admission to the garden is free, but a modest per-person donation is suggested.
• Conveniently located in historic Hamilton Square, Sayen House and Gardens is the perfect spot for a quick retreat into nature. Spring just happens to be the perfect time to visit this 30-acre oasis, when more than 250,000 azaleas, rhododendrons and flowering bulbs unfurl into gorgeous, colorful blooms. Say yes to Sayen: Enjoy free admission daily from dawn to dusk.
• Looking for some home horticulture inspiration? Look no further than Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown. Its 54 acres are a “living catalog of native and cultivated plant species to be observed throughout the seasons.” A cut above: The park is open year-round from 8am until dusk, with free admission and free parking.

As always, we advise visiting each garden’s official website or social media channels before visiting in person for the latest updates on hours of operation or any restrictions. Then make your plans to stop and smell the roses—and every other beautiful blossom you come across—in these botanical gardens! 

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The Best Public Gardens and Arboretums in New Jersey

The latest update for NJ’s Best Public Gardens and Arboretums was written by Lindsay Podolak .

D o you know why New Jersey is called “The Garden State?” It’s because we’re home to many gorgeous nature centers, public gardens, and arboretums. Whether you’re looking for unique gardening ideas or just a quiet stroll among the flowers, these public gardens are a great (not to mention gorgeous) way to spend an afternoon.

During the COVID-19 Crisis, safety guidelines and restrictions may be in place for public gardens and other outdoor trails. With this in mind, we are including specific updates for each place on our list. Just look for the “Current COVID-19 restrictions” section of each listing.

Quick Click Guide : Select an NJ Region below to find the best public garden or arboretum near you. | North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |

More from Best of NJ

North Jersey

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary

Location: 324 Forest Drive South, Short Hills Details: Families flock to the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum to enjoy all that nature has to offer. The arboretum features a wide variety of native wildflowers and is also home to multiple species of ferns and trees. Cora Hartshorn also offers a natural amphitheater created by glaciers. In addition, this spot is popular with birds in the spring and fall; making it the perfect place to do a little bird watching. They also offer classes and events for all ages. The trails and grounds are open year-round during daylight hours, and admission is free. Why I like it: The “Citizen Science” program allows visitors to play the role of scientist and collect valuable data. This actually helps the staff plan future conservation needs. More info: Click here to visit their website or you can click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions: The building plans to reopen on September 7. Until then, trails and grounds are open from dawn to dusk on weekends and after 4:00 pm on weekdays; this gives the summer campers ample space during the day.

Greenwood Gardens

Location: 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills Details: Formerly a private estate, Greenwood Gardens is a 28-acre public garden in the Essex County Park System’s South Mountain Reservation. Moreover, Greenwood is a contemporary garden in the Arts & Crafts and Classical garden design. Step back in time at this beautiful oasis while exploring garden terraces, grottoes, moss-covered paths and wildflower meadows. Greenwood Gardens offers a variety of nature walks and workshops, as well as outdoor yoga. The garden is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, beginning in early May. Admission is $10. Why I like it: Greenwood asks to silence cell phones on the grounds so visitors can enjoy a relaxing, tech-free experience. More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions : Greenwood Gardens plans to reopen in September after renovations are complete.

New Jersey State Botanical Garden

Location: 2 Morris Road, Ringwood Details: Visit New Jersey State Botanical Garden to discover the boundless beauty of the Garden State. The Skylands property consists of 96 acres of botanical gardens, surrounded by 1,000 acres of woodlands. The grounds offer wildflower and lilac gardens, a magnolia walk, and a crabapple allée. Free garden tours are also available on Sunday afternoons from May through October. In addition, they offer Children’s tours and scavenger hunts on select dates. The Garden is open daily year-round, but hours change by season. (8:00 am to 8:00 pm during spring, summer, and fall, then 8:00 am to 6:00 pm during winter.) Admission is free, however a parking fee applies on summer weekends. Why I like it: Interested in a scenic hike? There are miles of trails for you to explore. More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions : Visiting hours are currently 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily and all buildings remain closed; with the exception of the public restrooms in the Carriage House.

Central Jersey

Morven Museum & Garden

Location: 55 Stockton Street, Princeton Details: Situated on 5 beautiful acres, the museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Garden State through exhibitions and events. Meanwhile, the beautiful gardens surrounding the mansion are the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of nature. Featuring elms and catalpa trees, the grounds strive to recreate the landscape of the past 200 years. Tulips and daffodils begin blooming in April, followed by irises and peonies in May. Throughout the summer, Phlox and summer annuals fill the garden with bright colors. Morven Museum & Garden is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, admission is $10. Why I like it: After strolling the gardens, check out the museum for historical collections, fine arts, and seasonal exhibits. More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions : Starting July 9, Morven will open daily from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm to members only; then from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for the general public. They require face masks and social distancing at all times, both indoors and during outdoor tours.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Location: 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit Details: There’s always something blooming at the Reed-Reeves Arboretum. The 13.5-acre property consists of historic and contemporary gardens, as well as plenty of woodland trails. The Arboretum offers something for everyone, including gardening programs for kids and adults, art exhibits, and bird watching. The Reeves-Reed Arboretum is open November through March from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, then April through October from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Why I like it: “Discovery Saturdays” are fun for the whole family. Borrow an Arboretum backpack loaded with binoculars, a magnifying glass and everything you need to enjoy a themed adventure! More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions : The Reeves-Reed grounds are open daily from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm, but all buildings remain closed. In addition, all programs are cancelled until further notice.

Sayen House & Gardens

Location: 155 Hughes Drive, Hamilton Details: Located in historic Hamilton Square, Sayen House & Gardens is a nature lover’s dream. This 30-acre parcel of land was purchased by Frederick Sayen, an avid gardener and world traveler, in 1912. Afterward, he built a small home and surrounded it with flowers and plants from around the world. The collection includes plant species from England, China, and Japan, many of which are still flourishing today. When spring arrives, the garden comes alive with more than 250,000 flowering bulbs, as well as heirloom azaleas and rhododendrons. Sayen Gardens is open year-round from dawn to dusk, and admission is free. Why I like it: Unlike many of NJ’s public gardens, Sayen House & Gardens allows leashed dogs. Now Fido can bask in the beauty of the grounds with you! More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions : The outdoor gardens are open as normal from dawn to dusk. However, you must call to book the Sayen House in advance if you want to go inside.

Willowwood Arboretum

Location: 14 Longview Road, Far Hills Details: Once a private residence, the 130 acres of Willowwood Arboretum are now part of the Morris County Parks System. The grounds feature over 2,100 native and exotic plants, including daffodils, cherries, magnolias, and lilacs, as well as flowering dogwood and crabapple trees. Visitors can stroll through the numerous gardens, including Bee Meadow, Huckleberry Field, and Cottage Garden. From April through October, self-paced cell phone tours of the garden areas and buildings are available. Willowwood is open daily from 8:00 am to dusk, and admission is free. Why I like it: You may think of spring and summer as ideal times to visit a garden, but Willowwood is still breathtaking in the winter months; Their Ornamentals Collection includes evergreen and deciduous plants. More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions : Willowwood is not yet open for 2020 and does not have a reopening date.

Jersey Shore

David C. Shaw Arboretum

Location : Holmdel Park, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel Details : Twenty-two acres inside Holmdel Park make up the David C. Shaw Arboretum. The name comes from Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission superintendent David C. Shaw, who served from 1963 to 2002. The arboretum introduces Monmouth County residents to different trees, shrubs, and woody plants that can also enhance their home landscapes. The grounds are free for all to enjoy daily from 7:00 am until dusk. Why I like it : The park has over 10 miles of trails to hike after your trip to the arboretum. More info : Click here to visit the website or click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions : This spot requires face coverings while using any public buildings, such as park restrooms.

Deep Cut Gardens

Location: 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown Details: Deep Cut Gardens is the perfect destination for the avid home gardener. The park’s 54 acres consist of gardens and greenhouses that feature both cultivated and native plants and trees. The park also offers seasonal walking tours, led by horticulture experts. Gardening workshops are available, as well as free activities for the entire family. The park is open daily from 8:00 am until dusk, and admission is free. Why I like it: Children will have loads of fun searching for the hidden “Deep Cut Rocks” or visiting the fairy garden. More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions : Certain park facilities remain closed, but all parks are open. For buildings that are open, they require face coverings at all times.

Linwood Arboretum

Location: 1410 Wabash Avenue, Linwood Details: This small, hidden gem came to be after the town of Linwood voted to turn an unused tract of land (formerly an electrical substation site) into an arboretum. A grant from the Open Spaces program plus many hours of volunteer work later, and the Linwood Arboretum was born. Plants on the premises include redbuds, hollies, maidenhair trees, and dawn redwoods. The grounds are open everyday and admission is free. Why I like it: When selecting which plants to cultivate, the arboretum placed special emphasis on those that would thrive in the fall and winter months, making this a great outing for a cold weather day. More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions : The grounds are open 24/7, but they encourage masks and social distancing at all times.

The Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary Gardens

Location : 1075 Stone Harbor Boulevard, Stone Harbor Details : The Wildflower Meadow and public gardens at the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary are the design of Dr. Lenore Tedesco of the Wetlands Institute. Three trails (Heron Overlook Path, Meadow Walk Path, and Egret Espy Path) and the surrounding gardens are open year-round. In addition, the Holly Path closes from March 1 to October 1 to allow Night Herons to roost and nest. Why I like it : A map of the Wildflower Meadow as well as a list of all the growing plant species can be found online. More info : Click here to visit the website or click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions : You must social distance and wear a face mask when visiting the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary.

South Jersey

Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve

Location: 1 Medford Leas Way, Medford Details: Barton Arboretum is on the grounds of adult residential center Medford Leas; but they welcome public visitors seven days a week, from dawn to dusk, all year round at no charge! Stop in to the Community Building and pick up a map for a self-guided walk through the property. In the gardens you will find butterflies, birds, bunnies, and more. Why I like it: The arboretum can host your club’s meeting and provide a program about the history of the grounds at no charge. More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions : The walkways and trails are no longer open to public visitors; but they remain open for residents and staff to enjoy.

Camden Children’s Garden

Location: 3 Riverside Drive, Camden Details: The Camden Children’s Garden is a four-acre public garden for children and families. This little oasis, adjacent to the Adventure Aquarium, provides horticultural experiences for imaginative play. Young visitors will love a visit to the Butterfly House, the Dinosaur Garden, and the Tree House. There are even rides for the younger kids, including a carousel and train. Starting in mid-March, the garden is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; then on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. General admission is $9 per person, but Camden residents pay only $6 with a valid ID. Why I like it: In the summer months, kids can make a splash at the Water Spray Ground; this fun splash pad is sure to keep children cool in the hot sun. More info: Click here to visit the website or you can click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions : The Camden Children’s Garden is now open Fridays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Butterfly House is closed, but the splash pad is open. Visitors must wear masks and maintain safe social distance from those not in their party. Since the facility is not fully operational, general admission is now only $6 per person (children under 2 are free).

Rancocas Nature Center

Location : 794 Rancocas Road, Westampton Details : Sitting on a 210-acre section of Rancocas State Park, the Rancocas Nature Center is a true treat; you can peruse the various habitats of the southern part of the state, including meadows, wetlands, and forests. Of course, there are also three miles of hiking trails to enjoy, plus a Nature Store and Nature Museum. There is no cost to enter, however, they suggest a $2 per person donation be made via Paypal. Please note they do not allow dogs and bikes on the trails the center maintains, but they can roam the rest of the park. Why I like it : The center is always bustling with programs for the community; for instance, they host many educational programs, summer camps, and more. More info : Click here to visit the website or click here to call .

Current COVID-19 restrictions : The Visitors Center is not yet open, but the trails are accessible from dawn to dusk. Hikers should wear protective masks and maintain social distancing at all times.

Palmyra Cove Nature Park

Location : 1335 Route 73 South, Palmyra Details : This 250-acre “urban oasis” public garden lets you observe and interact with the habitats along the Delaware River. For example, you’ll find award-winning nectar gardens that attract, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; as well as wetlands, woodlands, a creek, and a freshwater tidal cove. The property is also home to the Institute for Earth Observations, where teachers and students alike can learn and collaborate. They always need volunteers, so it’s a great way to help preserve this corner of the Earth. Why I like it : Check the website to find out how you can become a citizen scientist; you’ll get to collect helpful data for NASA right from your own home! More info : Click here to visit the website or click here to call (Ext. 1264).

Current COVID-19 restrictions : The outdoor park is open, but they ask visitors to wear masks and practice social distancing. All buildings and restrooms on the property remain closed.

Hero (Top) Feature Image: © tomikk / Adobe Stock Additional Images: © Greenwood Gardens / Facebook Morven Museum & Gardens / Facebook Deep Cut Gardens / Facebook Camden Children’s Garden / Facebook

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These 8 New Jersey public gardens are in bloom right now

Spring is here — and that couldn’t be clearer than it is in the colorful flowers, budding trees and lush greenery that exist in New Jersey’s favorite gardens.

For those with a penchant for the outdoors, the best time to see iconic local gardens is now when their foliage is in full effect. They also make a great day trip or afternoon well-spent. 

If you’re ready to remember how the Garden State got its nickname, visit these New Jersey gardens during the time of year they were born to bloom.

Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown

No matter if you're an avid home gardener or a flower fan with a black thumb, there is inspiration to be found at Deep Cut Gardens. 

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

There are flowers here from all over the world – Africa's Lily of the Nile, pitcher plants from Asia and Hawaii's frangipani among them – plus a collection of trees, including Weeping Hemlock and American Chestnut, that form shaded groves and canopies.

Visitors can wander the Front Lawn, House on the Hill, Lily Pond and Horticulture Center or take classes that teach about native plants, arranging succulents and growing roses. 

Deep Cut Gardens, which opens at 8 a.m. and closes at dusk, also offers evening garden walks, mindfulness hikes and a garden camp for children, plus a free "take one, leave one" seed exchange. 

And don't forget the history: Deep Cut Gardens, half of which was willed to the county park system by owner Marjorie Wihtol, opened in 1978. The Wihtol family swimming pool became a lily pond and their house is now the Horticulture Center. 

Go:  152 Red Hill Road, Middletown; 732-671-6050, monmouthcountyparks.com.

More: How these NJ festival organizers are prepping for an uncertain summer at the Shore

Leonard J. Buck Garden, Far Hills

New Jerseyans have one of the most of the most revered rock gardens in the country in driving distance — the Leonard J. Buck Garden, a nearly 100-year-old garden situated on a 33-acre stream valley. 

Named for Leonard J. Buck, who developed the garden as part of his estate, it was donated to the Somerset County Park Commission by Helen Buck in 1976.

Tucked among the rocks, which were arranged to appear naturalistic and not man-made, are rare and exotic rock garden plants which are connected with wildflowers by wooded trails. Each outcropping is slightly different, creating varying exposures and microclimates which enable different plants to thrive. 

The garden's peak bloom is in spring, when wildflowers, alpines and azaleas all show their colors, but there also are other plants in bloom almost every time of year.

Go:  11 Layton Road, Far Hills; 908 722-1200. ext. 5011,  somersetcountyparks.org/parksfacilities/buck/LJBuck .

More: Did you get your first vaccine dose in May? You can get a free beer at these NJ breweries

Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit

There’s plenty to do at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Hike through its wooded trails, check out the blooms, wander the natural landscape, settle in for a summer concert, peruse the outdoor sculptures or view the art in the Wisner House gallery.

The 13.5-acre garden – which is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places – was the country estate of John Horner Wisner in 1889. Wisner’s wife planted the first few daffodils in the garden. Today, the daffodil bloom in April is still a big attraction.

In the 1920s, the Reeves family took over and expanded the daffodil garden and added a rose garden and a rock-pool garden. In 1968 the Reed family became the owners. They added the patterned herb garden and the trails.

Go: 165 Hobart Ave., Summit; 908-273-8787,  reeves-reedarboretum.org .

Roebling Museum Garden Tour, Roebling

A village tour of private and public gardens on June 5 will let the public view flowers and other plantings and also learn the history of Roebling, now a federal historic district.

John A. Roebling Sons Company built the company town in the very early 1900s for immigrant workers from Eastern Europe to manufacture long steel wires that, when bound together, became the long suspension cables of the nation’s most iconic and sleek bridges — the Golden Gate and George Washington bridges, for example — while the Brooklyn Bridge was built earlier by the company's Trenton mill.

The company encouraged Roebling steel mill workers to grow gardens with flowers, as well as vegetables and fruit, to beautify the community and build pride and even sponsor garden competitions. The company also built its workforce a theatre-like auditorium to promote the arts, a building still in use.

The Roebling Garden Club plants flower and shrubs every year around the statue of Roebling mill founder Charles Gustavus Roebling, son of John A., on a traffic rotary in the very center of town.

Roebling is adjacent to Route 130 South in Burlington County and also has a New Jersey Transit RiverLine light rail station.

Go : To reserve $15 tickets for guided tours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. June 5, visit roeblingmuseum.org or call 609-499-7200. Tour and self-guided tickets are also available on tour day at the museum, 100 Second Avenue, Roebling.

Rudolf W. Van Der Goot Rose Garden, Somerset

Colonial Park is home to six different gardens, but one of its gems has long been the Rudolf W. Van Der Goot Rose Garden, a one-acre garden with more than 3,000 roses in 325 varieties. It's named after Rudolf W. van der Goot, the first horticulturist with the Somerset County Park Commission who worked to design and develop the garden.

Starting in late spring through fall, the rose garden is full of a variety of colors, form and fragrance, ranging from hybrid species to "old garden" roses. Although the collection varies vastly, all roses are clearly labeled and only roses that thrive in Central Jersey are kept.

Go:  56 Mettlers Road, Somerset section of Franklin; 908 722-1200, ext. 5008,  somersetcountyparks.org/parksfacilities/colonial/RoseGarden.html .

Rutgers Gardens, North Brunswick

Rutgers University may be a hub of bustling activity in Central Jersey, but in the middle of it all sits tranquil Rutgers Gardens, a 180-acre botanic garden with designed gardens, plant collections, a student farm, farmers' market and natural habitats. Plus, it's one of the few botanical gardens that does not charge an admission fee and, during normal times, is open 365 days a year. 

However, Rutgers Gardens is much more than just 18 gardens, including a succulent garden, rain garden and bamboo grove. It's also a a living laboratory for faculty and staff that offers experiential and service learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

Go:  130 Log Cabin Road, North Brunswick; 732-932-8451,  rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu . 

Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum, Lakewood

Established in 1989, this collection of gardens on the grounds of Georgian Court University is home to nearly 200 species of plants arranged throughout the property.

Architect Bruce Price designed three of the gardens: the Italian Garden, which has fountains and a 1900s-era statue; the Formal Garden, with a centuries-old sundial; and the Sunken Garden, which features a fountain from 17th century France. The Japanese Garden, designed by Takeo Shiota, features a tea house and bridges.

The gardens are currently not open for walking tours (check back in late May), but guests can use online brochures to guide them through a free drive-through visit.  

Go:  900 Lakewood Ave.; 732-987-2705, georgian.edu/arboretum.

Van Vleck House & Gardens, Montclair

What was the gorgeous suburban mansion of the Van Vleck family is now a public garden, bursting with colorful flowers and stately greenery. The property links back to Joseph Van Vleck, Sr., who moved from Brooklyn to Montclair in 1868. The Mediterranean-style villa his son Joseph Van Vleck Jr. built on the property still stands today. In 1993, the heirs of Joseph Jr.’s son Howard gifted the house to The Montclair Foundation.

Generations of Van Vlecks were obsessed with horticulture and cultivated the grounds. Because of their stewardship, today the garden boasts beautiful ericaceous plants, including rhododendrons and azaleas. Howard Van Vleck even created hybrids of rhododendrons that survive in the garden today.

The gardens are open and free to the public every day, even through winter. Hours are currently from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Go:  21 Van Vleck St., Montclair; 973-744-4752,  vanvleck.org .

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9 Beautiful Gardens To Visit In The Garden State

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Ever wonder why New Jersey is called the Garden State? Well, it is full of gardens. There are 25 public gardens in New Jersey. Beyond that, nature and flower lovers will find even more to see and do from the northern Delaware Water Gap and the Pine Barrens to the Cranberry Bogs and Cape May to the south.

Travel the state and you’ll find small and large public gardens that will take your breath away and calm you down with their tranquility. From daffodils to tulips to blossoming cherry trees, you’re sure to find a garden that will delight you.

It is hard to select favorites among the 25 public gardens in New Jersey . We managed to narrow it down to our nine favorite gardens in the Garden State .

1. Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places, the lovely Reeves-Reed Arboretum , previously a country estate, is a beautiful and intimate garden of just over 13 acres. The child-friendly gardens are great for walking, bird watching, viewing the flowers, and enjoying the sculptures.

If you love daffodils, Reeves-Reed is the place to be in early April when 50,000 daffodils bloom in the Daffodil Bowl. In the height of the bloom, it is quite a sight. It was planted in as a response to 9/11.

You can take a self-guided tour at Reeves-Reed (pick up a map at the visitor center kiosk) or sign up for the 30-minute free guided tours on most Saturdays from April to October.

Pro Tips: Check the website before to find out what is currently blooming and to make sure it is not closed for a private event. Reeves-Reed has paved pathways, making it generally accessible (no wheelchairs are provided) and the small parking lot has limited accessible parking spots.

2. Laurelwood Arboretum

One of our favorite gardens, Laurelwood has peaceful paths, tons of flowering plants and trees, and outdoor sculptures. A sensory garden greets you at the entrance of the 30-acre garden. Nearby is a small wetlands garden. Follow the gravel paths to see the many different hybrids of rhododendrons and azaleas. Lilacs bloom in May on the aptly named Lilac Walk. Sculptures dot the trails and complement the flowering shrubs and trees.

Pro Tips: Much of the trail is gravel so accessibility can be an issue. The parking lot is small. There are many maps that show self-guided tours, including exotic trees, lilacs, and wetlands.

3. Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is our go to place for… irises! We love irises and Presby has a very impressive collection. Imagine 100,000 blooms, 10,000 irises, and 1,500 varieties in a small 6-acre area. It is a rainbow of colors. You’ll see types of irises that you’ve never dreamed of.

Presby is only open a few weeks of the year when the irises are blooming, generally mid-May to early June. As a result, it can get crowded, especially on the weekends during peak bloom.

Pro Tips: Check the website for the peak bloom. The gift shop has Iris-related gifts and mementos.

4. Leonard J. Buck Garden

Far hills, somerset county.

The Leonard J. Buck Garden is an exquisitely landscaped 33-acre wooded garden with surprises at every turn. We love how the rocky outcrops are embedded with rare and exotic garden plants. In the spring, the contrast between pastel colors and the rocks is striking. Paths lined with wildflowers and the scenic landscaping around the pond make this garden a lovely experience. Although there are steps, the garden is accessible on paved paths.

Pro Tips: The main parking lot is small, you can also park at the lower lot if the main lot is full. Public toilets are available in the visitor center.

5. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Spread over 124 acres, The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is part of the Morris County Park Commission. The arboretum is huge with forests, woodlands, meadows, trees, flowers, and gardens. You’ll want to bring your hiking shoes for the trails.

Frelinghuysen is the place for tulip lovers with 150 varieties and more than 3,000 tulips. The lovely beds of tulips can be found around the Colonial Revival mansion dating back to 1892.

Pack a picnic lunch or take a moment to relax in the Adirondack chairs dotting the great lawn. 

Pro Tips: There are no public restrooms currently. Porta Johns are available in the parking lot. Download a digital map before heading out. Use the cell phone guided tour for information on the gardens.

6. Willowwood Arboretum And Bamboo Brook Garden

Far hills, chester township.

Among the most peaceful gardens in New Jersey, Willowwood Arboretum and Bamboo Brook Garden are located side by side. You can only see a small slice during a day trip as Willowwood spans 136 acres and Bamboo Brook is 687 acres. One of the most relaxing places in all of New Jersey, the gardens have rolling fields, hiking trails, woods, and 3,500 varieties of native and exotic plants.

At Willowwood, we love visiting Pan’s Garden and meandering along the brook behind it. In the early spring, you’ll find daffodils dotted around the property. You can also see the landscaped circular pool, east lawn, and terrace at Bamboo Brook.

Pro Tips: The buildings are still closed to the public but there are Porta Johns. Download the digital map and use the cell phone tour for a self-guided tour.

7. Branch Brook Park

Every year, we go to see the cherry blossoms at Branch Brook Park in Newark. There are 5,200 cherry trees in the park, more than the 3,800 trees in Washington, D.C. The most scenic walk is along the Passiac River with the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the background.

Most people drive to the park and then walk along the river. There is a cherry blossom festival in Branch Brook every year with activities for young and old.

Pro Tips: Check the website for peak bloom and for the dates of the festival. It’s an easy ride from New York City (take the PATH and then a taxi or car service). We recommend going to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart while you are in the area. It is the fifth largest cathedral in North America.

8. Grounds For Sculpture

The Grounds for Sculpture is most known for its sculptures that dot the landscape, but many people visit to enjoy the wonderfully manicured landscape and gardens. The 42 acres are full of wildflowers, landscaped ponds, exotic trees, and much more. The paths are easy to walk and there are many places to sit and admire the view.

Pro Tips: There is a lovely cafe and a restaurant at the Grounds for Scultpure (reservations are required). If you want to learn more about the Grounds for Sculpture, check out New Jersey’s Best Kept Secret: 12 Reasons To Visit Grounds For Sculpture .

9. Greenwood Gardens

Short hills .

Greenwood Gardens is a 28-acre oasis less than an hour drive from New York City. As with many of the other gardens, it was a former private estate. In the late spring, the Saucer and Star Magnolias are a must see. The walking paths will take you past beautiful fountains, grottoes, and gardens. Take a moment to admire the massive chestnut trees. Or, wander by the Garden of the Gods, a lovely location to see the panorama of the formal gardens. If you are lucky, you’ll see the turkeys that roam the grounds.

Pro Tips: Greenwood is only open from May to November, though there are occasional events during the rest of the year. There is an admission fee and it is advantageous to pre-register for visiting.

Visiting The New Jersey Gardens

Check out the Garden State Gardens website for a list of all 25 public gardens in New Jersey.

You can do several of these gardens in a day if you have a car. Branch Brook Park, Reeves-Reed Arboretum, and The Frelinghuysen Arboretum are all less than 15 miles from each other. If time permits, you can venture further west to Leonard J. Buck Gardens. The Presby Iris Garden in Montclair is about 6 miles north of Branch Brook Park.

Willowwood Arboretum and Bamboo Brook are very large, so you’ll need a whole day for each of them. You can combine a trip to Laurelwood Arboretum with the NJ Botanical Gardens. 

A trip to the Grounds for Sculpture could be combined with a number of gardens near Princeton of the Rutgers Garden in New Brunswick. 

• Most of these gardens have walking paths and are easily walkable. The larger gardens (Frelinghuysen, Willowwood, Bamboo Brook) have hiking trails and hiking shoes are useful if you plan to do a longer trek.
• These gardens do not have cafes, so bring a picnic or try a place to eat nearby.
• With the exception of Greenwood, these gardens do not have entry fees and parking is free.
• Most of the gardens have tours that you can access via your mobile phone. Keep your eyes out for the signs.

These are our top nine gardens in New Jersey. Although, you cannot go wrong with the others that we did not mention here. Spring, summer, and fall, you’ll always find something blooming in the Garden State.

If you now have the itch to indulge in more greenery, check out these amazing gardens all over the world:

• These Are My 9 Favorite Gardens To Visit Around The World
• Best Botanical Gardens In The U.S.
• 8 Incredible Botanical Gardens To Experience In The Midwest

Sue Davies and Regina Ang live in both the New York area and Singapore. Sue -- a native New Yorker -- and Regina -- a native Singaporean -- share their experiences at Travel for Life Now . Between them they've traveled to all seven continents (including Sue's dream trip to Antarctica) and more than 50 countries. They love Street Art, LGBTQ+ travel, Asia (especially Singapore), local food, and the search for local travel experiences around the world.

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14 Public Gardens In New Jersey That Will Take Your Breath Away!

New jersey public gardens offer visitors relaxing refuge.

Today is National Public Gardens Day and what better way to celebrate than to visit one of the many beautiful public gardens in New Jersey ? Many of these gardens are hosting special events in celebration of National Public Gardens Day today and throughout the weekend. Can’t make it this weekend? No worries – these New Jersey gardens offer breathtaking views throughout the year, so be sure to check them out! Read on to learn more about these fantastic public gardens in NJ …

Public Gardens in North Jersey

Skylands – the new jersey botanical garden.

Located within Ringwood State Forest, Skylands -The New Jersey Botanical Garden includes 96 acres of specialty gardens surrounded by 1000 acres of woodlands. The gardens are divided into thirteen specialty gardens including the Annual Garden, the Perennial Border, Crab Apple Allée, the Hosta/Rhododendron Garden, the Moraine Garden (an enchanting sort of alpine rock garden), the Wildflower Garden, the Lilac Garden, the Peony Garden, the Summer Garden, the Azalea Garden, Magnolia Walk, the Octagonal Garden (dwarf plants showcasing Skyland Octagonal Pool and fountain), and the Winter Garden (a beautiful collection of trees and shrubs designed to stimulate the senses during the winter months). From delicate wildflowers to the spectacular colors of the Summer Garden, Skylands is a beautiful destination in any season. Miles of well-marked trails meander through elegant formal gardens and wind through enchanting woodlands. The New Jersey Botanical Garden offers special programs and events such as Skyland Manor tours, nature talks and hikes, festivals, family programs, and more. Skylands – The New Jersey Botanical Garden is located within Ringwood State Forest at 2 Morris Road, in Ringwood, New Jersey. Admission to the gardens are always free. For more information, including operating hours and things to do at this New Jersey public garden, click HERE .

The Reeves-Reed Arboretum

Named for the property’s previous owners, the Reeves-Reed Arboretum features 5 ½ acres of formal gardens representing gardening trends of the early 20th century. Highlights of a visit to this New Jersey botanical garden include the Keller Azalea Garden, the Reeves-Reed Rock Garden, and the Rose Garden, which features nearly 300 rose bushes, including samples of the annual All American Rose Society (AARS) winners. Beyond the formal gardens are woodland and wetland natural areas, which feature native trees and plants. There are benches throughout most of the gardens where visitors can sit, relax, and enjoy the scenery. The Wesson Family Nature Grove provides a picturesque setting for programs for children and families throughout the year. The Reeves-Reed Arboretum is located at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit NJ. Admission is free (suggested donation of $5 for non-members). For more information, including operating hours and things to do at this New Jersey public garden, click HERE .

Frelinghuysen Arboretum

The beautiful 127-acre Frelinghuysen Arboretum offers visitors a peaceful place to relax as well as to learn more about plants that are well-suited to the gardens of northern New Jersey. Centered around a splendid Colonial Revival mansion, the beautiful formal gardens, woodlands, and meadows provide a stunning setting in which to spend a day outdoors. With a wide variety of plantings, there is something to see at virtually any time of the year at this New Jersey botanical garden. In addition to the formal gardens and majestic woodlands, the Frelinghuysen Arboretum features the Great Lawn (the site of many outdoor concerts), nature and horse trails, a Braille Nature Trail designed for hands-on exploration by visually impaired visitors. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum offers special events and programs for all ages, including horticultural classes, book clubs, art exhibits, concerts, and special family events such as photo scavenger hunts and “Fairy Day”. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is located at 353 East Hanover Avenue in Morris Township NJ. Admission is free and the arboretum is open from 8am to dusk daily. For more information, including operating hours and things to do at this New Jersey public garden, click HERE .

Greenwood Gardens

Greenwood Gardens is a 28-acre public garden featuring 27 garden areas which overlook a large preserve of forest and meadows. Formerly the estate of real estate auctioneer Joseph P. Day, it became a nonprofit conservation center in 2003 and has been newly restored with native plantings as well as exotic species such as Japanese flowering almonds and yellow-flowered Japanese lilac. Visitors are invited to follow the moss-covered footpaths through Italianate garden terraces, grottoes, and allées of sycamore and spruce trees. Greenwood Gardens is located at 274 Old Short Hills Road in Short Hills NJ. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (65+) and students with ID, and free for garden members and children under 12. For more information, including operating hours and things to do at the garden, click HERE .

Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

Presby Memorial Iris Gardens features nearly 14,000 irises in about 3,000 varieties that produce over 100,000 blooms beginning in mid-May. Don’t procrastinate though – the display only lasts for few weeks! By early June, the show is over! (The expected dates for this year’s season are May 10 through June 5.) Founded in 1927 in honor of local horticulturalist and American Iris Society founder Frank H. Presby, this New Jersey public garden is the largest garden featuring irises in the nation and – thanks to the arching slopes of the garden beds – is often referred to as the “rainbow on the hill”. Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is located at 474 Upper Mountain Avenue in Montclair NJ. Admission is free, however the garden depends entirely on donations to fund its operation so please consider supporting them when you visit (Suggested donation: $5/person). For more information, including operating hours and things to do at this New Jersey public garden, click HERE .

Essex County Rose Garden

The Essex County Rose Garden at Brookdale Park features 15,000 square feet of gardens divided into 29 distinct beds of hybrid tea, shrub, floribunda, hybrid musk, rugosas, polyanthas, and antique roses. The garden includes 1,500 bushes of almost 100 varieties. Roses are selected for their disease resistance, color, fragrance and blooms throughout the growing season. It is a spectacular sight to see throughout the blooming season. Admission is free. The Essex County Rose Garden is located in the Montclair section of Brookdale Park (access from Grove Street to Circuit Drive) in Montclair NJ. For more information, including operating hours and things to do at this New Jersey public garden, click HERE .

Public Gardens in Central NJ

The leonard j. buck garden.

The Leonard J. Buck Garden is one of the most outstanding rock gardens in the eastern United States. The 33-acre garden consists of a breathtaking series of woodland and alpine gardens situated in a wooded stream valley. This garden was created by Mr. Leonard J. Buck as part of his estate and was donated to the Somerset County Park Commission by Mrs. Helen Buck in 1976. This delightful New Jersey garden features an extensive variety of plants. From rare and exotic rock garden plants, to beautiful wildflowers, to delicate ferns, to colorful woodland azaleas and rhododendrons, there is something interesting in bloom throughout most of the year in the garden. The Leonard J. Buck Garden is located at 11 Layton Road  in Far Hills NJ. Admission is free. For more information, including operating hours and things to do at this New Jersey public garden, click HERE .

Willowwood Arboretum

Willowwood Arboretum is a beautiful New Jersey public garden at any time of the year. Once a private residence, the 130 acres were purchased by brothers Henry and Robert Tubbs in 1908. The brothers, enthusaistic gardeners who lived and worked in New York City, worked diligently to transform the property into the magnificent garden displays seen at Willowwood today. Willowwood Arboretum is home to a whopping 2,100 native and exotic plants. In fact, you’ll find 65 different varieties of magnolias alone! The grounds are divided into 14 distinct areas including Bee Meadow, Conservatory, Cottage Garden, Cypress Pool, Hacklebarney Field, Hillside Pasture, Lilac Collection, Long Meadow, Monarda Meadow, Orchard, Pan’s Garden, Winter Garden, Woodwalk, and the Rockery, Chive Walk and Rosarie. Willowwood Arboretum is located at 300 Longview Road (14 Longview for GPS) in Far Hills NJ. Admission is free. For more information, including operating hours and things to do at this New Jersey public garden, click HERE .

Morven Museum and Garden

Morven was formerly the home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. It also served as the New Jersey governor’s mansion. In 2004, it became a museum dedicated to the cultural history of New Jersey. Morven’s stunning five acres of gardens draw thousands of visitors to the grounds each year. The garden is awash with spectacular displays of color throughout the growing season; blooming begins in April with daffodils and tulips, followed by irises and peonies in May. The fabulous display of color continues into the summer with phlox, zinnias, and other summer annuals. There is also a robust kitchen garden which produces hundreds of pounds of food every year for local food banks.  Morven Museum and Garden is located at 55 Stockton Street in Princeton NJ. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (60+), students, and active military personnel, and free for children 6 and under and Friends of Morven. Guided one-hour tours of the garden are available for $6. For more information, including operating hours and things to do at this New Jersey public garden, click HERE .

Cross Estate Gardens

The Cross Estate Gardens is a project of the New Jersey Historical Garden Foundation in cooperation with the National Park Service and is located on the Cross Estate in Morristown National Historical Park. The Gardens feature formal and native gardens, a beautiful wisteria-covered pergola, and a mountain laurel allee. Admission is free. The Cross Estate Gardens are located at 61 Jockey Hollow Road in Bernardsville NJ. For more information, including operating hours and things to do at this New Jersey public garden, click HERE .

Deep Cut Gardens

Deep Cut Gardens features 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses that are intended to be a living catalog of cultivated and native plant materials for home gardeners. A highlight of Deep Cut is the recently renovated Parterre featuring 52 varieties of roses with over 180 bushes. Visitors are encouraged to discover new ways to improve their home garden by taking a walking tour of the park and asking the staff horticultural questions. Garden programs and classes are also offered. Families are welcome and can explore the garden with Deep Cut’s Garden Safari Backpack (available at the Horticultural Center on a first-come, first-serve basis). Each backpack contains everything families need to discover new ways of seeing living and non-living features of the gardens. Admission to Deep Cut Gardens is free. The garden is located at 152 Red Hill Road in Middletown NJ. For more information, including operating hours and things to do at this New Jersey public garden, click HERE .

Rutgers Gardens

In its own words, Rutgers Gardens is “a public garden dedicated to cultivating inquisitive minds, great plants, and inspired gardening through educational exploration and enjoyment”. The Gardens feature 19 distinct areas including the Bamboo Forest, the Pond at Holly House, the All American Selections Garden, the Community Youth Garden, Donald B. Lacey Display Garden, Ella Quimby Water Conservation Terrace Garden, Frank G. Helyar Woods, the Holly Collection, the Ornamental Tree Collection, the Herb Garden, the Pollinator Garden, the Rain Garden, the Rhododendron and Azalea Garden, the Shade Tree Collection, the Shrub Garden, the Volunteer Supported Agriculture (VSA) Garden, the Edwin J. and Ida M. Otken Memorial Garden, the Art Rudolph Sun and Shade Garden, and the Roy H. DeBoer Evergreen Garden. Admission is free. Guided tours are available (fee). Rutgers Garden is located at 130 Log Cabin Road in New Brunswick NJ. For more information, including operating hours and things to do at this New Jersey public garden, click HERE .

Sayen Gardens

Sayen Gardens is the former home and gardens of Frederick Sayen, an avid gardener and world traveler. In 1912, Sayen purchased a 30 acre parcel of land in Hamilton Square NJ where he built a bungalow style home and surrounded it with plants and flowers that he acquired while traveling the world. His collection includes species from China, Japan and England, many of which can still be seen thriving in the gardens today. The gardens feature more than 1,000 azaleas and nearly 500 rhododendrons, 250,000 flowering bulbs, beautiful dogwood trees, and spectacular annual and perennial displays that create an amazing display of color throughout the year. For more information, including operating hours and things to do at the garden, click HERE .

Public Gardens in South Jersey

Barton arboretum and nature preserve.

Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve is a unique public garden set within the adult community of  Medford Leas in Burlington County. The garden pathways meander among its many private residences. This public garden is a 168-acre preserve featuring courtyard gardens, natural woodlands with over 1,300 trees representing about 200 different species, landscaped meadows, and wetlands. Barton Arboretum and Nature Preserve is located at One Medford Way at Medford Leas in Medford NJ. Admission is free but visitors are asked to sign in at the Medford Leas Campus Community Building, where self-guided tour maps and pamphlets are available. For more information, including operating hours and things to do at the garden, click HERE .

Do you know of other public gardens in New Jersey that should be featured here? Contact us and let us know about it!

Featured Photo Credit: Daderot via Wikimedia Commons

New Jersey Gardens to Visit ASAP This Spring + Summer

New Jersey is called the Garden State for good reason. As the weather starts to improve and spring greets the region, there are a few ways to get outside and enjoy everything this season has on offer. Blooming tulips, flowering trees, and carpets of daffodils are just some of the highlights of our state’s gardens. Read more about some of the best parks in our area and how to make New Jersey really feel like a garden state.

Greenwood Gardens | 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills

Tucked off a quiet street in Short Hills sits the exceptional Greenwood Gardens, a remnant of an old estate with the acreage to prove it. The serenity in this garden is twofold, both for its general solitude and lack of visitors and its division into several garden rooms. Enjoy sweeping landscapes of London plane trees, whimsical chess pieces ensconced in ferns, and walk through the garden’s many well-kept paths.

Van Vleck Gardens | 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair

In the center of Montclair is the old Van Vleck estate, a classical structure that now generously houses non-profit organizations and events. The grounds are open every day to the public and boast incredible azaleas, lush greenery, and the most spectacular wisteria blooms in the whole state. It is the perfect garden for a picnic and a tranquil walk, where one can simply admire what nature has to offer.

The Presby Iris Gardens | 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Montclair

(Photo credit: @presbyirisgardens )

The iris gardens might not be much to see in the off-season, but your eyes will enjoy a feast of color from mid-May to early June. Presby Iris Gardens is the world’s most extensive specialty iris garden, complete with rare specimens and unique breeds that are only found here. Check the website for bloom updates so that you can plan a visit during ‘peak bloom’ and see why the flowers are named after the Greek word for rainbow.

NJ Botanical Garden | 2 Morris Road, Ringwood

New Jersey doesn’t get enough credit for having its own botanical gardens, perhaps because it is located northern, in the upper reaches of the state. The gardens and manor house have an incredible array of volunteers who keep the grounds as magical as ever. The magnificent perennial garden showcases feature trees and shrubs, but there is much more to see. There is a lilac garden, as well as an Italianate garden, a wildflower garden, and an annual garden — so a visit anytime this spring will yield gorgeous flowers.

Brookdale Park Rose Garden | Brookdale Park, Montclair

(Photo credit: @essexparks )

Just a short walk from most homes in Montclair is the Brookdale Park Rose Garden, an often overlooked area of our beloved Essex Park. Don’t be fooled by its size, the rose garden here is exceptional. Over 500 healthy, full rose bushes are ripe for photography, while several nearby benches allow views of the flowers and wafts of pleasing fragrance.

Rutgers Gardens | 112 Log Cabin Road, North Brunswick Township

(Photo credit: @rutgersgardens )

Open all year round, Rutgers Gardens is one of the few botanical parks that has free admission. The collection of American Hollies is one of the largest in the United States, but it is just the tip of the flora iceberg. There are as many unique gardens as any other state-run botanical garden, with sun and shade plants, a bamboo grove, a succulent garden, and around 60 acres of woods for wandering.

Read More: Outdoor Spring Escapes in Essex County

Laurelwood Arboretum | 725 Pines Lake Drive West, Wayne

(Photo credit: @friendsoflaurelwoodarboretum )

This Wayne-located public park is a favorite spot for locals. It was once a commercial nursery but is now maintained through a non-profit called Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum and the Township of Wayne. The garden is “30-acres of botanical oasis,” specializing in native rhododendrons and azaleas, and shrubs that bloom in early spring.

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum | 353 E. Hanover Avenue, Morristown

(Photo credit: @friendsoffrelinghuysen )

The arboretum boasts nature and horse trails surrounding a Colonial Revival mansion and formal gardens. Perfect for a brisk hike, a horseman’s cantor, or pedaling on bikes, the park preserves a wide variety of native and ornamental trees. Concerts are held on the grassy lawn in warm months like an old English estate.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum | 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit

(Photo credit: @reevesreedarboretum )

The Reeves-Reed Arboretum is “dedicated to preserving the past and imagining the future of American gardening.” The lush setting showcases a variety of gardens, including a unique rock garden that was installed around 1925. The arboretum is well known for its outstanding events, including its popular and greatly anticipated daffodil lawn, which blooms for the four weeks of April.

Cross Estate Gardens | 61 Jockey Hollow Road, Bernardsville

(Photo credit: @bernardsville.nj )

On the site of Morristown National Historical Park is the Cross Estate Gardens. Open from dawn to dusk and accessible to the public, the gardens are characteristic of the Arts and Crafts period. Stroll through a formal perennial garden, a mountain laurel allee, and marvel at their large specimen trees. The self-guided walk shares knowledge of the historic trees and their historical importance to Native Americans and early-American colonists.

Freeman Gardens | 644 Hawthorne Avenue, Glen Ridge

(Photo credit: @freemangardens )

Devoted volunteers maintain this petite rose garden. A short walk through this corner garden can become a much longer visit if you take time to soak in all the beauty these roses offer. This park is a beloved spot for family events, botanical photography, and respites from zoom work calls.

Leonard J Buck Garden | 11 Layton Road, Far Hills

(Photo credit: @ljbuckgarden )

Hatched in the 1930s, the Leonard J. Buck Garden is one of the most splendid rock gardens on the east coast. Alpine and woodland gardens flourish on the 33-acre property, showcasing many natural outcroppings. Wildflowers dot the wooded trails that lead to a collection of exotic plants. This garden peaks in spring, so pack a snack and head over soon!

See More: A Visit to La Serra Gardens, Little Falls Garden Center

Sayen House + Garden | 155 Hughes Drive, Hamilton Square

(Photo credit: @sayenhouseandgardens )

With over 250,000 flowering bulbs and blooming trees, spring really shines at Sayen House and Garden. There are fish ponds, gazebos perfect for weddings, and even a yearly Azalea Festival during the blooming season.

Willowwood Arboretum | 300 Longview Road, Far Hills

(Photo credit: @willowwoodarboretumfoundation )

Here you’ll find New Jersey’s most comprehensive and longest operating Arboretum, which is delightful from spring to fall. There are 130 acres of rolling farmland and 2,100 types of native and exotic plants. With formal gardens and an undisturbed forest, any tree lover will be right at home navigating the blooming branches.

Duke Farms | 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough

Duke Farms boasts over 1,000 acres of New Jersey land as the setting of its magnificent gardens and woodland. You can walk or bike this fantastic conservation area thanks to Doris Duke, an environmentalist, and plant lover. There are tropical orchids on display, a waterfall, and countless trails and ruins to wander through. Get lost on the property, and then find yourself at their cafe for an afternoon refreshment.

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum + Bird Sanctuary | 324 Forest Drive, Short Hills

(Photo credit: @hartshornarboretum )

Do we have bird sanctuaries in New Jersey? Surprisingly, yes! There are many nature lovers in this state, including the workers and volunteers at the Hartshorn Bird Sanctuary. Here, you can birdwatch and hike the property’s miles of trails, all the while enjoying a diverse woodland that helps scientists further understand the relationship between people and our environment.

Grounds For Sculpture | 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township

(Photo credit: @groundsforsculpture )

Truly a spectacular garden, the Grounds For Sculpture offers an amazing intersection between art and nature. With over 400 pieces in wood, bronze, stone, steel, and even paper, this sculpture museum and garden is an inspiration. Art comes to life through unexpected shapes in tree groves, dancing figures out of paintings, and abstract expressions in the gardens. However, nothing is quite as remarkable as the Monet Bridge, recreated in the likeness of Monet’s famous painting, Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies .

Morven Museum + Garden | 55 Stockton Street, Princeton

(Photo credit: @morvenmuseum )

This National Historic Landmark in the heart of Princeton was once the home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. With art exhibits and a fantastic garden outside, it is a unique historical garden steeped in the early-American landscape. The beautiful garden wall is a highlight, likely erected during the 1850s to serve as a kitchen garden.

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Explore 6 Of New Jersey's Most Beautiful Gardens On This Virtual Road Trip

Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.

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It’s spring in New Jersey and flowers are blooming across the state. Our parks and gardens are closed for public safety and we’re not supposed to take leisurely drives. So, a garden road trip is out of the question… unless it’s virtual . Why not try an online tour of some of the Garden State’s most beautiful places?

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That 4-hour drive sure went fast. (Wink!) What’s your favorite garden in New Jersey? To check out a few others, including Willowwood Arboretum and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, click here . When this is over, we’re certainly going to be visiting them all!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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6 whimsical n.j. gardens that feel like a fairy tale brought to life, like this article share it with your friends.

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Hunter Hulbert - Family

This article has been updated to reflect the latest information for 2022.

The state’s best gardens live up to the name “the Garden State.” Keep in mind that state public health guidelines as well as garden-specific rules will need to be adhered to while visiting. Here are a few options to stroll through.

Beautiful Sargent’s weeping hemlock trees line a walkway in Middletown Township’s Deep Cut Gardens. Photo courtesy of Flickr

If horticulture is your game, Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown Township is home gardener bliss. With 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses, the gardens are a living catalog of cultivated and native plant material that can be observed through the seasons. The gardens include 52 varieties of roses with over 180 bushes. Visitors can discover new ways to improve their own home garden as they traverse the park with the ability to ask the staff questions related to horticulture.

The gardens open daily at 8 a.m., but will close at dusk, so plan accordingly. Parking and admission are free.

Address: 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown Township, N.J. 07748

The Great Falls at Duke Farms in Hillsborough. Photo by Peter Miller

If you’re looking for sheer size, Duke Farms in Hillsborough has a 2,740-acre property with over 1,000 acres open to the public for exploration. Once the residential estate of American Tobacco Co. President J.B. Duke, his daughter Doris Duke would guide the property to become a leader in environmental protection, and her vision was fulfilled when it opened to the public in 2012. The property consists of nine man-made lakes, 18 miles of roads for walking and biking and a year-round Orchid Range. While the Orchid Range is open, most buildings are closed, but the trails are open as well as a café for outdoor dining.

Admission is free, and the property is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Free entry passes are required from April to October. Passes will not be required for Saturday visits from November to March.

Address: 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough Township, N.J. 08844

The reflecting pool terrace and flowering dogwoods at Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills. Photo courtesy of Greenwood Gardens

If you’re looking for vintage charm, the historic Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills reopened in 2020 after undergoing extensive renovations. With 28 acres to wander, the public garden is offering self-guided tours of the property that was once private before being transformed into a nonprofit conservation organization. This self-described “peaceful oasis” has terraced gardens, sculptures, grottoes, fountains, woodlands, paths, urns and early 20th century gates.

A visit is free to members and children under 3, $15 for adults ages 13 to 64, $10 for seniors and students with ID and $5 for children ages 3 to 12. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the gardens reopen May 1, 2022. Last entry is at 3:30 p.m.

Address: 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills, N.J. 07078

‘Monet’s Bridge’ at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton Township showcases a beautiful marriage of art and nature. Photo by Hunter Hulbert

If you’re looking for a bit of kitsch in your life, Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) in Hamilton Township is a world-class sculpture garden and museum. Founded by J. Seward Johnson II in 1992, the park is a wonderland of nature and larger-than-life art, with nearly 300 sculptures on display within its 42 acres. A constantly changing landscape, there are lily ponds, bamboo groves, natural woodlands and over 2,000 trees from over 100 species planted on the grounds. Some plants have been collected from abandoned nurseries or salvaged from construction sites, according to GFS.

Timed entry tickets are available on the website , and masks are highly recommended when social distancing is not possible. Click here for the latest hours of operation. The sculpture garden also has a special, night-themed exhibit worth checking out through April 3, 2022.

Address: 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, N.J. 08619

The Pump House is one of the many curious features of the New Jersey Botanical Garden in Ringwood. Photo by Kristine Paulus

If you’re looking to discover some state pride, the New Jersey Botanical Garden at Skylands in Ringwood is 96 acres of botanical gardens surrounded by 1,000 acres of woodlands ready to do just that. It is listed on both the State and National Register of Historical Places and features 13 specialty gardens, including such types as a lilac garden, perennial garden and wildflower garden. It is the perfect place to stroll and smell the flowers or get a guided tour and learn more about each type.

The Botanical Gardens are currently open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and parking costs $5 for New Jersey-registered vehicles and $7 for non-New Jersey-registered vehicles Memorial Day through Labor Day. After that, it’s free. (Admission to the grounds is always free.)

Address: 2 Morris Road, Ringwood, N.J. 07456

A kaleidoscope of color awaits at the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden in Somerset’s Colonial Park. Photo by Mike Klein

If you’re looking for a bit of beauty, the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden is a 1-acre garden with more than 3,000 roses of 325 varieties. It is an accredited All-America Rose Selections display garden, which may display award-winning roses before their release to the public. The garden has three sections, including the formal garden area, the central walk and the Dutch Garden. Visitors can learn about roses and view the beauty of the well-cultivated garden. Located in Colonial Park in Somerset, the garden is named for the first horticulturist with the Somerset County Park Commission who helped design and develop the garden.

The garden is open daily starting April 1, 2022, and a donation is suggested for visiting. Click here for the latest hours of operation.

Address:  Colonial Park (Lot A) 156 Mettlers Road, Somerset, N.J. 08873

Stay safe, enjoy your visit to one of the Garden State’s best gardens and make sure to smell the flowers.

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15 comments on “ 6 whimsical N.J. gardens that feel like a fairy tale brought to life ”

How is Grounds for Sculpture kitschy?

Many of the works by J. Seward Johnson (founder of Grounds For Sculpture) displayed in GFS have been labeled as “kitsch” even though they are highbrow.

Really cool, must see for sure

There’s something kind of Disney about it. I never thought of the word “kitschy,” but that will work.

Parts of it are on the kitschy side but the grounds are beautiful and there’s lots of great art, too. Something for everybody. The views of the bridge outside at Rats restaurant are lovely , too.

I agree. Poor choice of words here.

I object to that description as both a many years member and an active volunteer, specializing in being a Docent there…

Those trees in the first picture are not bonsai

Where does it say they are/

Are any wheelchair friendly?

All of them are actually.

Deep Cut is only partially accessible, the grounds being very steep.

Buck Gardens in Far Hills is truly a fairytale garden.

I have been to Grounds for Sculptures, I loved it and yes, it is kitschy. Deep cut gardens have amazing and wonderful trees. The Sargent’s Weeping Hemlock are divine.

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The Best New Jersey Gardens to Enjoy This Spring + Summer

Spring is when New Jersey looks its best — it is, after all, named the Garden State for a reason. And as the weather starts to improve and spring is on the horizon, there are a few ways to get outside and enjoy everything this season has to offer. Blooming tulips, flowering trees, and carpets of daffodils are just some of the highlights of our state’s gardens. Read more about some of the best parks in our area and how to make New Jersey really feel like a garden state.

Brookdale Park Rose Garden | Brookdale Park, Montclair

Just a short walk from most homes in Montclair is the Brookdale Park Rose Garden, an often overlooked area of our beloved Essex Park. Don’t be fooled by its size, the rose garden here is exceptional. Over 500 healthy, full rose bushes are ripe for photography, while several nearby benches allow views of the flowers and wafts of pleasing fragrance.

Read More: Where to See Cherry Blossoms in North Jersey

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum + Bird Sanctuary | 324 Forest Drive, Short Hills

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Do we have bird sanctuaries in New Jersey? Surprisingly, yes! There are many nature lovers in this state, including the workers and volunteers at the Hartshorn Bird Sanctuary. Here, you can birdwatch and hike the property’s miles of trails, all the while enjoying a diverse woodland that helps scientists further understand the relationship between people and our environment.

Cross Estate Gardens | 61 Jockey Hollow Road, Bernardsville

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On the site of Morristown National Historical Park is the Cross Estate Gardens. Open from dawn to dusk and accessible to the public, the gardens are characteristic of the Arts and Crafts period. Guests can stroll through a formal perennial garden, a mountain laurel allee, and marvel at the large specimen trees. The self-guided walk shares knowledge of the historic trees and their historical importance to Native Americans and early American colonists.

Duke Farms | 1112 Dukes Parkway West, Hillsborough

Duke Farms boasts over 1,000 acres of New Jersey land as the setting of its magnificent gardens and woodland. You can walk or bike this fantastic conservation area thanks to Doris Duke, an environmentalist, and plant lover. There are tropical orchids on display, a waterfall, and countless trails and ruins to wander through. Get lost on the property, and then find yourself at their cafe for an afternoon refreshment.

Freeman Gardens | 644 Hawthorne Avenue, Glen Ridge

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Devoted volunteers maintain this petite rose garden. A short walk through this corner garden can become a much longer visit if you take time to soak in all the beauty these roses offer. This park is a beloved spot for family events, botanical photography, and respites from Zoom work calls.

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum | 353 East Hanover Avenue, Morristown

The arboretum boasts nature and horse trails surrounding a Colonial Revival mansion and formal gardens. Perfect for a brisk hike, a horseman’s cantor, or pedaling on bikes, the park preserves a wide variety of native and ornamental trees. Concerts are held on the grassy lawn in warm months like in an old English estate.

Greenwood Gardens | 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills

Tucked off a quiet street in Short Hills sits the exceptional Greenwood Gardens, a remnant of an old estate with the acreage to prove it. The serenity in this garden is twofold, both for its general solitude and lack of visitors and its division into several garden rooms. Enjoy sweeping landscapes of London plane trees, whimsical chess pieces ensconced in ferns, and walk through the garden’s many well-kept paths.

Grounds For Sculpture | 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township

Truly a spectacular garden, the Grounds For Sculpture provides an amazing intersection between art and nature. With over 400 pieces of wood, bronze, stone, steel, and even paper, this sculpture museum and garden is an inspiration. Art comes to life through unexpected shapes in tree groves, dancing figures out of paintings, and abstract expressions in the gardens. However, nothing is quite as remarkable as the Monet Bridge, recreated in the likeness of Monet’s famous painting, Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies .

Laurelwood Arboretum | 725 Pines Lake Drive West, Wayne

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This Wayne-located public park is a favorite spot for locals. It was once a commercial nursery but is now maintained through a non-profit called Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum and the Township of Wayne. The garden is “30-acres of botanical oasis,” specializing in native rhododendrons and azaleas, and shrubs that bloom in early spring.

Leonard J Buck Garden | 11 Layton Road, Far Hills

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Hatched in the 1930s, the Leonard J. Buck Garden is one of the most splendid rock gardens on the East Coast. Alpine and woodland gardens flourish on the 33-acre property, showcasing many natural outcroppings. Wildflowers dot the wooded trails that lead to a collection of exotic plants. This garden peaks in spring.

Morven Museum + Garden | 55 Stockton Street, Princeton

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This National Historic Landmark in the heart of Princeton was once the home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. With art exhibits and a fantastic garden outside, it is a unique historical garden steeped in the early American landscape. The beautiful garden wall is a highlight, likely erected during the 1850s to serve as a kitchen garden.

NJ Botanical Garden | 2 Morris Road, Ringwood

New Jersey doesn’t get enough credit for having its own botanical gardens, perhaps because it is located in the upper reaches of the state. The gardens and manor house have an incredible team of volunteers who keep the grounds as magical as ever. The magnificent perennial garden showcases feature trees and shrubs, but there is much more to see. There is a lilac garden, as well as an Italianate garden, a wildflower garden, and an annual garden — so a visit anytime this spring will yield gorgeous flowers.

The Presby Iris Gardens | 474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Montclair

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The iris gardens might not be much to see in the off-season, but your eyes will enjoy a feast of color from mid-May to early June. Presby Iris Gardens is the world’s most extensive specialty iris garden, complete with rare specimens and unique breeds that are only found here. Check the website for bloom updates so that you can plan a visit during ‘peak bloom’ and see why the flowers are named after the Greek word for rainbow.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum | 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit

The Reeves-Reed Arboretum is “dedicated to preserving the past and imagining the future of American gardening.” The lush setting showcases a variety of gardens, including a unique rock garden that was installed around 1925. The Arboretum is well known for its outstanding events, including its popular and greatly anticipated daffodil lawn, which blooms for the four weeks of April.

Rutgers Gardens | 112 Log Cabin Road, North Brunswick Township

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Open all year round, Rutgers Gardens is one of the few botanical parks that has free admission. The collection of American Hollies is one of the largest in the United States, but it is just the tip of the flora iceberg. There are as many unique gardens as any other state-run botanical garden, with sun and shade plants, a bamboo grove, a succulent garden, and around 60 acres of woods for wandering.

Sayen House + Garden | 155 Hughes Drive, Hamilton Square

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With over 250,000 flowering bulbs and blooming trees, spring really shines at Sayen House and Garden. There are fish ponds, gazebos ideal for weddings, and even a yearly Azalea Festival during the blooming season.

Van Vleck Gardens | 21 Van Vleck Street, Montclair

In the center of Montclair is the old Van Vleck estate, a classical structure that now generously houses non-profit organizations and events. The grounds are open every day to the public and boast incredible azaleas, lush greenery, and the most spectacular wisteria blooms in the whole state. It is the perfect garden for a picnic and a tranquil walk, where one can simply admire what nature has to offer.

See More: This NJ Artist Highlights the Garden in Garden State

Willowwood Arboretum | 300 Longview Road, Far Hills

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Here you’ll find New Jersey’s most comprehensive and longest-operating Arboretum, which is delightful from spring to fall. There are 130 acres of rolling farmland and 2,100 types of native and exotic plants. With formal gardens and an undisturbed forest, any tree lover will be right at home navigating the blooming branches.

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A Montclair girl born and bred, Eva Grall is a writer, blogger, and artist. When she’s not writing romance novels or short stories, Eva is planning creative projects for her blog and photographing flowers around town. She’s more than halfway through a gardening degree from New York Botanical Garden, loves rainy days reading with her cats, and is learning French at FIAF to earn her citizenship. Follow her adventures on her Instagram page @evagrall.

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Joe Giudice Shares an Unfortunate Update on His Bahamas Home: "I'm So Pissed"

The RHONJ dad also provided a peek at his beach day with his daughter Milania Giudice.

Joe Giudice ’s outdoor garden got a drastic new look. And let’s just say he wasn’t thrilled about it. 

How to Watch

Watch The Real Housewives of New Jersey  Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo and stream next day on Peacock .

The Real Housewives of New Jersey   ex-husband shared the update via Instagram on Tuesday (July 16) when he delivered a brief rant from  his Bahamian abode . The video was filmed on Joe's back patio and began with a close-up shot of a cucumber plant, which was wilted, brown, and brittle. He then highlighted half a dozen other plants that suffered the same fate.

Joe Giudice reveals his outdoor garden is "dead as dead"

“I cannot believe that all my plants just died by adding some sh*t-ass fertilizer that I wanted to get rid of,” Joe said while filming the sad-looking garden. “So I put [the fertilizer] in here and it killed everything… That there is an avocado tree, that’s a little cucumber that’s about to die, so I’ll take it in and eat it… I’m so pissed.”

Although Joe was a bit optimistic about his sprouting lemon trees, it was clear that the bulk of his garden was done for.

Here's Why Joe Giudice Is Feeling "So Blessed"

“Look at my beautiful basil plant, dead as dead," he continued. "I actually eat avocados and then I plant the seed and they grow… And that’s it. That’s the story of my garden.”

Here's what you might've missed on Bravo:

Teresa Giudice Opens Up on What Really Led to Her and Joe Giudice’s Divorce

Where to Watch and Stream The Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 14

Milania and Audriana Giudice visit Joe in the Bahamas

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joe Giudice (@joe.giudice)

While the situation was understandably annoying, Joe managed to end his day on a good note. He returned to Instagram several hours later to share a glimpse at his beach day with  Milania Giudice , one of four daughters he shares with his ex-wife, Teresa Giudice . Joe posted a clip of the recent high school grad  dressed in a blue bikini as she placed a towel on a lounge chair.

“Look at who I just found at the beach! Milania!” he said in the Story. “Cutie pie… It’s beautiful out.”

Joe's youngest daughter,  Audriana Giudice , landed in the Bahamas shortly after with a few friends. As seen on social media, the family getaway included a night on the town as well as some fishing from Joe's back patio.

Milania Giudice says her dad played a role in her college pick

You Need to See Milania Giudice's Throwback Photos with Dad Joe: "Countless Memories"

Joe moved to the Bahamas in 2021, about a year after he and Teresa finalized their divorce and roughly two years after he was deported back to Italy. Although he no longer lives in the States, Joe receives frequent visits from Milania and Audriana as well as his two oldest daughters,  Gia and Gabriella Giudice .

Milania is now gearing up for her freshman year at the  University of Tampa , which is just a short plane ride away from Joe’s home in Nassau. The Jersey daughter spoke about her college pick in a March 13 episode of Namaste B$tches , confirming Joe played a big role in her decision .

“I really thought about it, like, ‘Wait a minute, Florida is 30 minutes away from my dad on a plane. That’s so amazing,’” she said. “So, whenever I have a few days off from class or something, I’ll go see my dad. It’s go[ing to] be so great.”

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6 Reasons Why Your Money Tree Leaves Are Turning Brown, and How to Fix It

If you see your money tree leaves turning brown, here are the most common causes and how to restore your plant to health.

Leanne Potts is an award-winning journalist who has covered home design and shelter topics for three decades. She's an expert on everything from choosing a color palette for a room to growing heirloom tomatoes to the origins of Modernism in interior design. Her writing has appeared in or on HGTV, Parade, BHG, Travel Channel, and Bob Vila.

Akchamczuk / Getty Images

The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a popular houseplant, beloved for its hand-shaped leaves and ability to thrive in the low light that often exists indoors. Asian legend has it that this tropical plant brings its owner good luck and financial success. So what does it mean when your money tree leaves are turning brown? Are you doomed to bad luck? Of course not! You just need to figure out what’s going on. Growing healthy plants is science, not magic. Here are some possible causes of those brown leaves, along with solutions to get them green again.

Reasons for Money Tree Leaves Turning Brown

1. too little water.

Brown leaves might be a sign that your money tree is thirsty. Underwatering a money tree causes dry, brown edges on the leaves. Eventually, the entire leaf turns brown and falls off the plant. Money tree plants are native to the wetlands of Central and South America and are grown extensively in Japan and East Asia where there is a lot of water. Money tree plants do best with weekly watering. Add water slowly until the water runs out of the bottom of the pot.

2. Too Much Water

Overwatering can cause money tree leaves to turn brown, too. Give too much water to your money tree and its roots will drown and rot because sodden soil prevents the roots from absorbing oxygen and nutrients from the soil. When the plant doesn’t get nutrients, the leaves turn brown and die. Proper watering is the key to keeping your money tree healthy. Let the top couple of inches of soil dry out between waterings. Water the plant until the water runs out of the pot’s drainage holes; then empty the excess water so the plant’s roots are not left standing in water.

Mealybugs or spider mites can cause leaves to brown in the late stages of an infestation. These tiny pests suck the sap out of your plant, turning leaves yellow and then brown. It’s possible to miss the stage where the leaves turn yellow and notice only the brown leaves. Inspect the leaves for signs of bugs. If you find them, spray the entire plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil .

Trim off the brown leaves. Once they turn completely brown, they cannot be saved. Concentrate on rescuing the remaining green leaves and getting the plant healthy.

4. Air Drafts

Sudden temperature changes can cause leaves to brown and drop. Keep your money tree away from drafty windows or heating and air conditioning vents. Sudden blasts of cold or hot air can stress the plant and turn its leaves brown. Put your money tree in a spot where it gets consistent ambient temperature.

5. Fungal and Bacterial Infections

If the leaves are covered with brown spots, your money tree may have a fungal or bacterial infection. Fungi and bacteria thrive in wet, humid conditions. Left untreated, they kill the plant tissue in the leaves. Treat infected leaves with a copper fungicide and isolate the sick plant from your other plants until it is healthy again. To prevent fungal and bacterial infections, water the money tree at the roots, not from the top where water gets on the leaves. Wet leaves that don’t dry out quickly can become breeding areas for fungus and bacteria.

6. Low Humidity

Dry air can cause money tree leaves to turn brown, especially in winter when indoor heat lowers the humidity. These tropical plants like moist air. Don’t spritz the leaves with water because you could encourage a fungal infection. The best solution is a humidifier. Place it near your tropical plants so they’re in consistently moist air .

Will the Money Tree Grow New Leaves?

In most cases, the money tree will grow new leaves. Fix what’s causing those brown leaves and give the plant some TLC to return it to health. This includes the right light , water, and a gentle boost of fertilizer. When your money tree is healthy again, it will produce new growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

A money tree grown indoors in the right conditions can live 10 years or longer.

When grown indoors, a money tree plant can reach 8 feet tall unless it is pruned occasionally or grown as a bonsai plant . In the tropics of South America, it grows outdoors and reaches 60 feet tall.

You can if you live in USDA Zones 10–12 . The money tree plant is a tropical plant that doesn’t tolerate cold temperatures.

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Wawa | New Store | Opening September 2024

Listing Contacts

75 US-206, Stanhope, NJ 07874

Marketing description.

New 20-Year Corporate Ground Lease – The Tenant, Wawa Inc.​, is subject to a new 20-year NNN ground lease estimated to open in September 2024.​ The lease is flat during the base term, but features 10 percent (10%) rental increases in each of the six, five-year options.​ Wawa will operate in a 5,585-square-foot store with six fueling pumps.​ The Tenant boasts an investment grade shadow rating of “BBB+” by Fitch.​

Prominent Signaled Corner Along Route 206 – Wawa is situated upon a 2.6-acre corner parcel at the signalized intersection of Route 206 and Lackawanna Drive.​ The property is highly visible and accessible to an average of 28,053 vehicles per day.​ Route 206 is a heavily traveled north-south US highway through northwestern New Jersey.​ It intersects with Interstate-80 2.5 miles south, providing access to Newark, New York, and the surrounding trade areas around the region.​ Wawa will operate adjacent to a CVS pharmacy - a preferred tenant by Wawa.​ Traditionally Wawa locations next to CVS pharmacies have higher sales volumes than those not.​  Chase Bank also has a location immediately neighboring.​

Opposite High-Performing ShopRite Center – Wawa will benefit from its location opposite Byram Center, anchored by ShopRite, New Jersey’s dominant grocery operator.​ The center also features other notable retailers, McDonald’s, Dunkin’, Subway, and Atlantic Health System.​ Per Placer.​ai, the center ranks in the 97th percentile of all Strip/Convenience centers nationwide, and is first of 134 strip centers within 30-miles.​ It averages 2 million annual customer visits, generating strong and consistent daytime traffic to this intersection.​ The property is also within one-mile of two area schools, Byram Lakes Elementary School and Byram Township Intermediate School with a collective 812 students.​ Wawa prefers to locate nearby schools as they provide off-peak customer traffic, especially of high margin items inside the convenience store.​

Limited Competition – Wawa will benefit from limited large format gas and c-store competition along this segment of Route 206.​ While there is a QuickChek one-half-mile south, along with smaller format Exxon and Shell stations, the nearest gas station to the north is 3.3-miles away.​ Wawa will capture southbound travelers towards Interstate-80 (69,400 VPD), as well as compete for the corridor’s existing customer base.​ Wawa also recognized this submarket as a hole in its coverage area.​ Its nearest locations are more than 10 miles in each cardinal direction.​

Investment Highlights

New 20-Year Term; Store Opening September 2024

Across from High-Performing ShopRite Center with 2M Annual Customer Visits

Highly Visible Signaled Corner Parcel Along Route 206

Mature Sussex County Submarket

Investment Grade Tenant; Shadow Rated “BBB+” By Fitch

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Due diligence information will be provided. Please reach out to the listing contacts for details.

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Harris says in first remarks since Biden dropped out of race she's "deeply grateful" to him for "his service to the nation"

By Caroline Linton

Updated on: July 22, 2024 / 12:50 PM EDT / CBS News

In  Vice President Kamala Harris ' first remarks since  President Biden dropped out of the 2024 race  and  endorsed her for the Democratic nomination , she said she is "deeply, deeply grateful" to Mr. Biden for his "service to our nation." 

"I am a firsthand witness that every day, our president Joe Biden fights for the people, and we are deeply, deeply grateful for his service to our nation," she said.   

Harris said Mr. Biden wanted to be at Monday's event. Mr. Biden is currently in Rehoboth, Delaware, while he recovers from COVID-19. 

"He is feeling much better and recovering fast, and he looks forward to getting back on the road," Harris said. 

Harris called out Mr. Biden's legacy, saying it is "unmatched in modern history." She also referenced to their long relationship, saying she first got to know him through his son, Beau, who served as Delaware Attorney General when she was California Attorney General. Beau Biden died in 2015.

Mr. Biden made the shocking announcement on Sunday that he would be dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, and then endorsed Harris for the Democratic nomination. Mr. Biden cannot appoint a successor, who will be chosen by delegates at the DNC in August. 

Many key Democrats have lined up behind Harris, although notably former President Barack Obama has not backed her and neither have the powerful congressional Democratic leaders — House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. 

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Caroline Linton is an associate managing editor on the political team for CBSNews.com. She has previously written for The Daily Beast, Newsweek and amNewYork.

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• 2024's 7 Most Beautiful Small Towns In New Jersey

New Jersey , along with its mid-Atlantic neighbors, New York , Pennsylvania , and Delaware , sits in one of the most densely populated parts of the nation. However, beyond the big cities and suburban sprawl, New Jersey is home to dozens of communities that have maintained their historic character and small-town charm. Before making your 2024 travel plans to the “Garden State,” check out our list of seven of New Jersey’s loveliest small towns.

Cranbury sits between New York City and Philadelphia and has been a busy crossroads since the Revolutionary War era when luminaries like George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and the Marquis de Lafayette spent time in town. Thankfully, Cranbury is also one of the best-preserved historic towns in New Jersey. Take a walking tour to check out architectural gems like the Silvers Mansion and Old Cranbury School, along with approximately 200 pre-1900 buildings in the Main Street Historic District. After your history tour, enjoy some thrills at the nearby Six Flags Great Adventure theme park.

Chatham is well known for its ample supply of finely restored Victorian homes, befitting one of the wealthiest communities in New Jersey. The town’s history goes back more than 300 years, and two of its most famous homes—the 1780 William Day House and the 1781 Morrell House, which hosted George Washington—long pre-date the Victorian era. Your walking tour also has to include Main Street, which has a timeless look and feel and a nice variety of local shops. After enjoying your in-town sightseeing, make the short trip to Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge to experience some of New Jersey’s best wildlife sightseeing.

Situated at New Jersey’s southern tip, Cape May is the most historic of the Jersey Shore beach towns. Instead of towering hotels or modern condos, Cape May’s streets are lined mostly with stately Victorian homes and cute beach cottages. The elevated beach promenade offers great views of both the ocean and the town, and it is only a short walk to the picturesque, open-air Washington Street Mall. Additionally, Cape May Point, where Delaware Bay opens into the Atlantic Ocean , is a premier spot for watching migratory birds and songbirds like the Cape May warbler.

Burlington’s history stretches back more than 350 years, and one of its oldest homes (the 1685 Hutchinson-Revell House) was visited by none other than Benjamin Franklin . You can also check out historic homes associated with famed author James Fenimore Cooper and General (later President) Ulysses S. Grant . Burlington’s High Street district, home to an eclectic mix of retailers such as the century-old Burlington Antiques, offers great local shopping in a classic small-town setting. Head to the riverfront area to explore more shops and eateries, as well as a lovely waterfront park and walking paths along the Delaware River .

Not many people have heard of the New Sweden colony of the mid-1600s, and one of the few reminders in New Jersey is the town of Swedesboro. Fortunately for history lovers, Swedesboro is still full of historic character, most notably the 1784 “Old Swedes” Church and the circa 1600s Nothnagle House, likely the oldest log building in the nation. Visit Swedesboro Day in autumn (September 28, 2024) to celebrate the town’s unique heritage or explore its past any time of year at Swedesboro’s downtown history museum. Be sure to check out the excellent walking trails and parks of the adjacent Woolrich Township as well.

South Orange

South Orange’s oldest home, the circa 1680 Old Stone House, is in desperate need of restoration, but thankfully, many of the town’s other historic structures have been lovingly maintained. The town’s two historic districts, Prospect Park and Montrose Street, offer an architectural feast for the eyes, and the turreted 1894 Village Hall is a famous local landmark. South Orange is not just pretty to look at, however, as it is well known for having a vibrant arts and culture scene. The South Orange Performing Arts Center and the Baird Center regularly sponsor community programs and feature live shows such as the Giants of Jazz concert series.

While it has plenty of competition in history-rich New Jersey, Morristown may take the cake as the Garden State small town with the most historical connections. During your visit, you can see the 1774 Ford Mansion and Morristown Historical Park, where General George Washington and the Continental Army spent two long wartime winters. You can also check out the Campbell House, which hosted Alexander Hamilton’s wedding, and the 1838 Speedwell Ironworks, home to the world’s first operational telegraph system. Morristown also has a lovely downtown area, great walking trails around Speedwell Lake, and the classic (and still busy) 1937 Mayo Performing Arts Center.

Outsiders know New Jersey mostly for its New York City suburbs in the north, Philadelphia suburbs in the south, and beach towns along the Jersey Shore. And you can still find some great small towns tucked away in those parts of the state. But you should also venture into the interior of the Garden State to discover small towns that are more off the beaten path. Before long, you will be adding new names to your own “most beautiful small towns in New Jersey” list!

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Aaron Rodgers wants to bring two Super Bowls to … New Jersey?

Rodgers accidentally weighed in Monday on the age-old debate of whether the Jets (and Giants) actually belong to New York or New Jersey now that both teams have their training facilities in New Jersey, along with playing home games at shared MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

Appearing on the “Pardon My Take” podcast, Rodgers discussed buying a home in New Jersey, close to the Jets’ headquarters in Florham Park.

The Giants are headquartered in East Rutherford.

“Nobody [on the team] lives in New York,” Rodgers said. “If you are a Giant you can, but I don’t know why you would just because of the traffic into the tunnel. I joke about, I know the stadium used to be on Long Island, but we are the New Jersey Jets. So are the Giants.”

Some longtime Jets fans – especially those spread throughout Queens and Long Island – might not like that comment.

Then again, all will be forgiven if Rodgers delivers on his other joke .

When the hosts asked if he would go into the Hall of Fame as a Jet instead of as a Packer if he wins two Super Bowls with the Jets, Rodgers laughed.

“You’ve got to, I think,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers spent 18 seasons with the Packers, including 15 as the starting quarterback, and won one Super Bowl. He played four snaps before a season-ending torn Achilles in his much-hyped first year with the Jets.

The Jets open training camp Tuesday to start another season of big expectations .

Rodgers, who will turn 41 on Dec. 2, is trying to become just the 10th quarterback in NFL history to throw a pass during his age-41 season. None have had to come back from a major season-ending jury the year prior.

So, how many more seasons will he play? Rodgers said he is undecided before calling back the earlier quip.

“This one for sure,” Rodgers said. “I wanted to do good ones – to give us a chance to retire a Jet. You know, win two Super Bowls.”

The irony is that, unlike the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame does not induct its members with any kind of team designation, so it’s all a moot point. 

Advertisement

Miss Manners: She burned the letters I sent her, but I’d like her family to see the letters she gave me

• Published: Jul. 23, 2024, 8:00 a.m.

"Miss Manners" Judith Martin NJ Advance Media

• Judith Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Fifty years ago, an old love and I parted ways. We haven’t remained in touch, but we have been generally aware of our separate paths.

When my friend married, I was a part of that celebration, and I sincerely wished her and her spouse well. Now, the news has been passed to me that she is battling a terminal illness.

After we parted, she told me that she had burned my old letters, though not with rancor. I still have all the letters that she wrote to me, and I would now like to return them: She has children, and her letters recorded many remarkable parts of her life.

How might I proceed?

GENTLE READER: Quick -- ask! Miss Manners reminds you that people with terminal illnesses are nevertheless alive and have opinions.

That your friend burned your letters, not in anger but just to toss the past, suggests that she might not like to have her children poring over her ancient romances. You may consider it harmless history, but she might consider it embarrassing.

Or not. But surely she should make the decision.

(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com ; to her email, [email protected] ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

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