Duke Farms, Hillsborough – As part of the Doris Duke Foundation, this 2,700-acre oasis is dedicated to sustainability, stewardship and restoring the natural environment. Boasting 523 plant species and a show-stopping Orchid Range that draws visitors from near and (very, very) far, this property dates back to 1893 when the renowned tobacco tycoon and philanthropist James Buchanan Duke began transforming the landscape of this plot of land in Central Jersey.
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood – Nestled in Ringwood State Park, this slice of paradise is listed on both the state and national Registries of Historic Places. Between its Perennial, Lilac, Italianate, Wildflower, Hosta & Rhododendron and Annual Gardens, there are always flowers blossoming and scenting the air. The property’s calendar is also packed with crowd-pleasing events, including guided tours, themed walks and more.
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge – This 300-acre farm invites you to “make memories with your best buds.” Every April, its fields showcase a riot of color as MILLIONS of Tulips burst into bloom for u-pick events. Not to be outdone, fall brings its own showy display with a profusion of Sunflowers, Gladiolus, Dahlias and Calla Lilies in a full spectrum of shades blossom across the grounds. With its Dutch roots, the Jansen Family is behind all of this flower-growing glory. The game is afoot: Find decorative wooden clogs – perfect for social snaps – all around the farm.
Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown – What began as a refuge for a native New Yorker is now part of the Monmouth County Park System. Visitors are invited to explore this 54-acre property featuring a Display Garden, Rockery, Shade Garden, Meadow Walk, Japanese-themed garden, Pergola, Display Greenhouse, Rose Parterre, Bonsai Display, Ponds and more. So gangster: When infamous crime boss Vito Genovese bought the property in 1935, he had an outdoor fire pit designed to imitate Naples’ Mount Vesuvius.
Van Vleck House & Gardens, Montclair – The year was 1868 when Joseph Van Vleck, Sr. (yet another New York City transplant!) moved his family to this 12-acre bastion with dreams of building a grand country estate surrounded by manicured grounds. Today, the Montclair Foundation maintains the family’s former sanctuary from the city so you can enjoy blooms in the wondrous Wisteria Courtyard, Formal Garden, Rear Garden and Azalea Walk, Mother’s Garden and Woodlands, Tennis Court Garden and Drying Yard.
Morven Museum and Garden, Princeton – A National Historic Landmark, Morven was home to signer of the Declaration of Independence Richard Stockton but also played host to Grace Kelly and Buzz Aldrin. Outside of its hallowed halls, the grounds are abloom in the Annis and Commodore Beds, Colonial Revival Garden, Terraced Garden, Demonstration Garden and Orchards.
Greenwood Gardens, Short Hills – While this public garden spans 28 acres, it is insulated from the rest of the world by the embrace of 2,110 preserved parkland acres. In addition to the Main House and other buildings dotting the grounds, you’ll be treated to a stroll along winding pathways, terraced gardens, hidden grottoes and tranquil woodlands.
Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden, Somerset – For rose lovers, this one-acre oasis within Colonial Park Gardens is a favorite. Here, more than 3,000 roses of 345 different varieties – from heirloom to modern hybrid – vibrantly color the scene from late spring through fall. Must-sees include “The Grandmother’s Garden” in the front garden, the pergola covered with climbing roses in the middle garden and native and species roses in the Dutch Garden.
Cross Estate Gardens, Bernardsville – Follow the scent of wisteria to this collection of formal and native gardens. Thanks to the New Jersey Historical Garden Foundation and National Park Service, flower fans can stroll amongst native Rhododendrons, Primroses, Perennials, Ferns and a Mountain Laurel Allée as well as spotting a Dawn Redwood that grew from a seedling originally planted by Mrs. Cross.
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morristown – It was Matilda E Frelinghuysen’s own love of gardening that inspired the donation of her family’s longtime summer estate to Morris County for dedication as a public arboretum. Explore this 127-acre haven of horticulture as you take in its Knot, Rose, Fern, Shade, Marsh Meadow, Home Demonstration, Barkman Vegetable, Wantnong Rock, Vera Scherer Special Needs and “Branching Out!” Gardens.
The Willowwood Arboretum, Chester – Welcome to New Jersey’s most comprehensive and longest continually operating arboretum. As you wind your way through the grounds, make sure to hit the Bee Meadow, Conservatory, Cottage Garden, Cypress Lawn, Hacklebarney Field, Hillside Pasture, Lilac Collection, Long Meadow, Monarda Meadow, Orchard, Pan’s Garden, Rockery, Chive Walk, Rosarie, Winter Garden and Woodwalk. Not to be missed is the star of the arbor – the New Jersey and National Champion Dawn Redwood. At 112 feet tall and a 212-inch circumference, it’s a towering sight to behold!
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton – This highly acclaimed 42-acre outdoor art park showcases nearly 300 contemporary sculptures set amid equally artistic landscaped grounds. Marvel over the concentric circular plantings of Maplehenge. Gaze in wonder at the Winter Garden. Climb Olympia Hill. Look (but don’t touch!) the plants in the aptly named Pain Garden. Meander through The Meadow and Wildflower Berm. And discover top trees with Southern Live Oak, Monkey Puzzle Tree, Mohr’s Pine, Chinese Fringe Tree, Korean Sweetheart Tree, Crepe Myrtle, Seven Sons Tree and more notable varieties.
If these one-dozen picks have germinated your interest for more, you’re in luck. Check out our complete collection of gardens and arboretums. To help plan your someday getaway, we also recommend downloading our free travel guide and signing up for our always-inspiring e-newsletter.
