Gardens to Visit in New Jersey

During the summer of 2017, I wanted to get out and practice more of my nature photography. I went to the search engine and typed: Gardens in New Jersey. There were many to choose from. Surprisingly, a garden was less than ten minutes from my job. My first visit was to  Greenwood Gardens for a photography class.

I planned family day trips to the Grounds for Sculpture, Freeman Gardens, and Frelinghuysen  Arboretum.  After we visited the lovely gardens, we were hooked and couldn’t wait to revisit them! These were genuinely secret gardens I discovered in New Jersey. Before visiting the following gardens, always check their website and Groupon for special entry rates.  Be sure to check the rules, opening, and closing times, bring water, and wear sunblock. The following gardens hold workshops and private and public events, so check the website before your visit. There are fun things to do for all ages.

Greenwood Gardens is located at 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills, NJ 07078. The garden is surrounded by the South Mountain Reservation. During my visit, I saw well-preserved stone sculptures, fantastic architecture, beautiful flowers, and chipmunks running through the grounds. The weather was perfect, allowing me to take great photos for my photography class. Greenwood Gardens is truly a hidden gem worth experiencing.

You can visit the gardens by train or car. The garden is open Sunday to Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, rain or shine, although it will close during intense storms. Greenwood Gardens allows amateur photographers (non-professionals) to take pictures with cell phones or pocket-sized cameras. Many events and tours are held at the garden, offering a chance to step back in time and enjoy your visit.

http://greenwoodgardens.org/

Frelinghuysen Arboretum is located at 353 Hanover Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960. The Arboretum is open daily from 8:00 am to dusk and is free of charge to the public. We went during Cherry Blossom season, and the trees were filled with beautiful pink blossoms. The tulips were full-bloomed with red, yellow, orange, and white colors that filled the charming landscape. Frelinghuysen Arboretum features a diverse array of plant life throughout its grounds. There are various trails for hiking and biking. The Arboretum provides programs for all ages; check the website and enjoy your visit.

https://www.arboretumfriends.org 

Freeman Gardens is located at 644 Hawthorne Ave, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028. The garden is a great place to view the roses or relax and take in the many species of birds and plants. I was honored to witness the wedding of my brother and sister-in-law. If you’re looking to hold a small, intimate outdoor event, Freeman Garden is a perfect place. The entry fee is free. To hold a private event, you will need to call for further information.

The Grounds for Sculpture is located at 181 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619. During my visit, we spent two hours exploring and still missed many sculptures. This destination is perfect for a day trip, allowing you to spend hours appreciating the fantastic artwork. With over 270 sculptures spread across 42 acres, it truly feels like a garden filled with wildflowers, trees, and stunning sculptures.

You won’t need to leave the grounds for a meal, as Rat’s Restaurant offers a diverse menu. We also enjoyed watching the beautiful peacocks that roamed freely, seemingly unfazed by the guests. Remember that tickets are required, so it’s best to reserve your slot online in advance.

Tickets are timed, so please check the website for more information. Admission prices may vary, so it’s a good idea to look for discounts on their website or through Groupon or consider becoming a member. Once you visit, you’ll likely want to return. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and prepare to be amazed by the incredible art; even after a few hours, you may not see all the sculptures. Additionally, events are held regularly, and new exhibits are frequently introduced, so be sure to check the website before your visit! Enjoy!

http://www.groundsforsculpture.org