Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

The Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is an internationally renowned garden that began with flower donations from the Presby family, John Wister, American Iris Society, Kellogg Gardens, Joseph Van Vleck, and international admirers. It is the largest public iris garden in the United States and is listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Sites. With more than 10,000 irises of around 1,500 varieties, more than 100,000 blooms can be seen throughout the month of May.

But Presby is more than just a pretty garden; it is a living museum of botanical preservation with some varieties dating back to the 1500's. While walking through the gardens, visitors will see every bed marked with a plaque summarizing the collection planted and each iris has a corresponding label marker with information unique to its identity. Locals lovingly refer to the Gardens as the "Rainbow on the Hill." Please visit the website for Bloom Season events and gift shop hours.