Jersey Gardens Trail
Expiration: 365 days after purchase
If you’re a fan of tiptoeing through the tulips and stopping to smell the roses, the Jersey Gardens Trail is for you! And, let’s face it, no one can deliver on this experience quite like The Garden State.
Of course, we cultivated this trail beyond your garden variety gardens – rounding up the state’s stunning arboretums, farms and orchards too. We even included gardens that sprout sculptures and fill the skies with butterflies – not to mention adding a historic cranberry farming village to the collection.
As you stroll participating sites and awaken your senses, you’ll also earn points that can be redeemed for authentic Jersey Gardens Trail swag. Sign up for free today and discover how our gardens – and your points – grow!
PLEASE NOTE: The Jersey Gardens Trail does NOT cover entry fees for sites that charge admission. It is simply a mobile program that tracks your visits to award amazing prizes.
Included Venues

See locations on an interactive map.
The English Cottage Style Gardens surrounding the Lighthouse were established in 1986 on what was once barren land covered in beach sand. Today, these gardens showcase over 170 plant varieties and thousands of individual flowers spread across a ½-acre site. The grounds are thoughtfully divided into several distinct areas, including an herb garden and a shade garden. With flowers blooming from spring through late fall, the most picturesque time to visit is between early June and mid-July.
The gardens have garnered significant attention, featured in publications such as New Jersey’s Great Gardens, The Garden State in Bloom, New Jersey Audubon Magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Courier Post, Action News, and other media outlets.
Steve Murray, Superintendent of Parks for the City of North Wildwood, is the visionary behind the gardens. He designed, planted, and continues to maintain this beautiful space.
In 2002, the gardens received the prestigious “Suburban Greening Award” from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
Melick’s Town Farm is the largest apple grower in New Jersey with 25,000 apple trees and 5,000 peach, nectarine, plum and pear trees. Our orchards cover 120 acres of our 650 acres of land. Pick Your Own is available with our Apples, Strawberries, Peaches, Pumpkins and Flowers.
In the fall, experience; Pumpkin picking, Luke Bryan themed corn maze, tractor rides, sunflowers, zinnias and pumpkinville. In the winter, experience our Maple Festival, where attendees can take a tractor ride of our 130-acre farm.
Established in 1959 through a joint effort of the New Jersey Rose Society and the Essex County Parks Department, the Rose Garden has over 500 rose bushes of nearly 150 varieties in 25 separate beds. Dedicated volunteers from the Master Gardeners of Essex County, the Brookdale Park Conservancy, and the general public work tirelessly to restore and revitalize the garden for the enjoyment of all park visitors. While the garden can be enjoyed year-round, peak blooming times are in June and September.
Emery’s is a 60-acre farm of which 20 acres are dedicated to our blueberries. Our blueberries are usually available from mid-June through July. We currently grow five varieties of high-bush blueberries: Duke, Blueray, Bluecrop, Darrow, and Chandler. Come enjoy our U-Pick experience!
Most of our blueberries were planted by Warren Ash, as our farm was formerly known as "Ash's Blueberry Farm". There are currently 3 varieties that fruit from around June to mid-July. The bushes are approximately 30-40 years of age and continue to grow strong each and every year. Come indulge in our blueberries with our You Pick.
At Pleasant Valley Lavender we believe in the importance of maintaining a farm that is accessible, safe, and fun. We pride ourselves on serving as a green space where people can relax, connect with nature, enjoy the fragrant lavender blooms. and discover beautiful lavender themed gifts in our shop. We are pet friendly. Please keep all pets on leashes and clean up after them.
The E.A.R.T.H. Center in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park at 42 Riva Avenue, South Brunswick, is the headquarters for Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County. The State University’s outreach wing, Rutgers Cooperative Extension offers programs such as the Master Gardeners Environmental Stewardship program, 4-H Youth Development clubs and federally funded nutrition classes for limited resource families. Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County uses the knowledge of university faculty to offer programs and research to serve Middlesex County’s diverse population.
Our Master Gardeners have built and maintain a butterfly house through the growing season. It is open on weekends from 10 am - noon in June, July and August. Come marvel at the pollinators while learning how you can help support them in your backyard.
Terhune Orchards is a family owned and operated 250-acre, sustainable farm in Princeton, NJ. The Mount Family is the 10th generation of farmers in central New Jersey, providing fresh fruits and vegetables from its current location for more than 45 years. Visitors come from near and far to enjoy a variety of family farm activities, shop in the Farm Store and winery and pick their own fruits and vegetables. Please visit our website for a list of seasons for Pick Your Own.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Its estate and gardens represent design trends by prominent landscape architects of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Any season is a good time to visit Reeves-Reed! From blooms in the Louise Muncie Roehm Greenhouse to the feather-like fertile fronds of the Ostrich Fern, there’s plenty to appreciate. Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a botanical garden – a museum of plants and trees – and we ask that you treat the grounds and facilities like you would any other museum, so the property can be enjoyed by all for many years to come!
Ort Farms is a family farm located in Long Valley, New Jersey. Long Valley is nestled in a scenic area of Morris County, conveniently located in close proximity to New York City. We farm 400 acres of land in Morris County and work through all four seasons to give our customers fresh fruit and vegetables, blooming annuals and perennials, delicious baked goods, giant pumpkins and family fun in our corn maze, and handmade holiday decorations.
Here at Johnson’s Farm in the heart of South Jersey, we offer a variety of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables. We grow acres of beautifully groomed orchards and fields full of ripe fruits and vegetables yearning to be picked. Your family will not only get the freshest fruit and vegetables available but will experience the farm and the satisfaction of picking. Visit Johnson’s Farm in Medford, one of the largest pick-your-own farms in South Jersey.
Our first Lavender Fields were planted almost 16 years ago and are flourishing and producing lots of blooms for us. We have planted a variety of Lavender types (15 to be exact) to suit many individuals. Whether it be for Bouquets, Buds, Oil or Culinary, we can offer it. All of our Products are made with 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil and Lavender grown right here in Skillman, NJ and distilled during the month of July, which visitors are able to watch how it is done. Lavender typically blooms from Mid-June to Mid-July. We have the Lavender Gift Shoppe and Alpacas for you to visit. We take reservations for Alpaca Halter Walking, and this is a great way to get close and personal with one of these wonderful animals.
The DiMeo’s are real blueberry experts. Our roots run deep in the American blueberry industry since our great-grandfather started back in 1916. DiMeo Farms and Organic Blueberry Plants Nursery is a family blueberry farm in the Hammonton, NJ Pinelands region that passionately continues a 109 year-old blueberry growing history. The DiMeo family, with all different farms combined, grow about 986 acres of fresh NJ blueberries in the beautiful New Jersey Pine Barrens.
DiMeo Farms has the most beautiful pick your own blueberry farm in NJ. Pick better tasting ORGANIC, Non-GMO, Heirloom blueberries. Enjoy relaxing blueberry picking music, explore nature trails, go kayaking or swimming in the creek with fully-shaded picnic areas in the Pinelands forest. It’s worth the drive to pick organic NJ blueberries here.
Dalton Farms in Swedesboro, NJ, hosts the Tri-State Tulip Festival each spring, inviting visitors to stroll through acres of vibrant tulip fields and pick their own flowers. The #1 spring destination for families. Located just minutes from Delaware and Pennsylvania, the farm transforms into a breathtaking floral destination with over 1 million tulips, 250,000 daffodils, with 30 acres of flowers blooming in a stunning array of colors. Guests can wander through the fields, capture beautiful photos, take home freshly picked tulips, and make their own bouquet. Beyond the flowers, Dalton Farms offers a variety of attractions, including tractor rides, a playground, the Giant Hill Slide, Trike Track, a low ropes course, and the Farm Market. On the weekends, guests can also enjoy live music, delicious food from rotating vendors, a beer and wine garden, and pedal boats on the lake. Whether you're a flower enthusiast or simply looking for a fun spring outing, the Tri-State Tulip Festival at Dalton Farms is the perfect seasonal escape. Plan your visit and experience the beauty of spring in full bloom at this charming family-owned farm in New Jersey.
The David C. Shaw Arboretum at Holmdel Park was established in the fall of 1963. Its 22 acres contain hundreds of species, cultivars and varieties of ornamental trees and shrubs.
Frederick Sayen was an avid gardener and world traveler. In 1912, he purchased a 30-acre parcel of land not far from the family rubber mill in Hamilton Square, NJ. He built a bungalow-style home and surrounded it with plants and flowers acquired while he traveled the world. His collection includes species from China, Japan, and England, many of which are still flourishing today. According to Sayen Garden's horticulturist, there are more than 1,000 azaleas and nearly 500 rhododendrons thriving under the vigilant care of the dedicated Sayen Gardens groundskeepers. Spring unveils a magnificent display of color and beauty with more than 250,000 flowering bulbs, as well as dogwoods, heirloom azaleas, and rhododendrons.
Rutgers Gardens is a 180-acre botanic garden, consisting of designed gardens, farms, plant collections, natural habitats, and a farmers' market. As part of Rutgers University, Rutgers Gardens provides experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. It serves as a living laboratory for faculty and staff to better serve plant science research, landscape architecture, and the nursery and public horticulture industry.
At Rutgers Gardens we strive to provide a place of peace, beauty, and safety for enjoyment by all of our visitors.
Located at the base of the 7 1/2-acre Mountainside Park, the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens contain over 14,000 irises of approximately 3,000 varieties and produce over 100,000 blooms over the course of the season. The annual spring Bloom Season is typically mid-May through the first week of June. Certain beds will bloom in October. Visitors can see by the arching slope of the garden beds because Presby is often referred to as the “rainbow on the hill”. A recent addition is the PresBee Sanctuary which currently supports 10 active hives with well over 100,000 Italian honeybees.
The Cross Estate Gardens, a project of the ‘New Jersey Historical Garden Foundation in cooperation with the National Park Service, are located on the Cross Estate, site of the New Jersey Brigade Unit of Morristown National Historical Park. The Gardens comprise formal and native gardens, a wisteria-covered pergola, and a mountain laurel allee. The Cross Estate is open daily from 8am to 8pm in the Summer. Parking is free, and there are no entry fees.
The formal one-acre rose garden was established in 1971 and contains more than 3,000 roses of 345 labeled varieties. From late spring through fall, the roses present a changing scene of color, form, and fragrance. Peak bloom is celebrated in early June with the annual Rose Day Festival. The rose garden and surrounding arboretum were part of the original Mettler Estate, which was once a working farm, dating back to the mid-1800s. A visit to the garden provides educational opportunities, including learning about rose care, what roses to grow in the home garden, and the rich history of roses. The garden is a wonderful place to be inspired, meet friends, bring out-of-town guests, and de-stress from the world.
Deep Cut Gardens is dedicated to the home gardener. The 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses are planned as a living catalog of cultivated and native plant materials to be observed through the seasons. Our renovated Parterre features 52 varieties of roses with over 180 bushes. The greenhouse is open during regular park hours. Please be aware that pets are not permitted at Deep Cut Gardens.
Once the biggest NJ Cranberry Farm, Whitesbog is also the Birthplace of the Blueberry industry and a significant Women’s History destination. Established in 1857 as a 100 acre farm, Whitesbog expanded to a 3,000 acre operation under Joseph J. White. Blueberry cultivation was started here in 1911. Today, Whitesbog is farmed by the fifth generation of the family. Hiking trails and special events highlight the farm’s location in the Pine Barrens, as well as our General Store.
The park is open every day.
The New Jersey State Botanical Garden is a part of Ringwood State Park, New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, Department of Environmental Protection. The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places. At the New Jersey Botanical Garden, indulge in the Perennial Garden, Peony Garden, Lilac Garden, Azalea Garden, Magnolia Walk, and so much more!
Hours:
NJBG is open from 8:00AM to 8:00PM during Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and 8:00AM to 6:00PM during Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Admission:
Admission to the Botanical Garden itself is always free.
Parking:
On summer Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, there is a state parking fee (cash only) of $5 for New Jersey-registered vehicles and $7 for non-New Jersey-registered vehicles.
Duke Farms is a center for environmental stewardship in Hillsborough, NJ, that restores nature, demonstrates equitable climate solutions and engages leaders through the work we do on our 2,700 acre campus and through the influence of the Doris Duke Foundation. Duke Farms has 523 plant species, 10+ years of public access, and 247 bird species. Make sure to visit the Orchid Range, Hay Barn, and the Great Falls. Try Biking at Duke Farms, Geocatching, or taking a look at our eagle cam!
Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center is a public garden in Chester Township dedicated to preserving Landscape Architect Martha Brookes Hutcheson’s former home and gardens. As one of America’s first female landscape architects, whose contemporaries included Marion Coffin and Beatrix Farrand, Martha Brookes Hutcheson (1871-1959) helped advance the fields of civic horticulture and horticultural therapy through her use of native plants and involvement in garden clubs, including her own Garden Club of Somerset Hills, and shared her vision through her extensive writings, professional associations, and lectures for both professional and lay audiences.
After studying at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Martha Brookes Hutcheson opened her own office in 1901 and began designing gardens for estates in Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. Purchased in 1911, the property, once known as Merchiston Farm, became a living laboratory for Martha; by 1927, the property had evolved to include terraces, pond, pool, waterways, walks, an orchard, kitchen gardens, and a tennis court. Acquired by the Morris County Park Commission in 1972 and listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1989, the gardens continue to offer a peaceful retreat and a visual delight to any wandering visitors. Highlights include:
Circular Pool:
The original farm pond, used for watering livestock, was converted into a sunken swimming pool which continues to be a central feature and functions as an anchor in the axial system of paths and steps used to move up and down the slopes. Martha used a combination of evergreen and deciduous trees and flowering shrubs to enclose this space while creating vistas that revealed glimpses of the water and open landscape beyond.
East Lawn and Coffee Terrace:
Organized by axial and cross-axial patterns, the East Lawn and Coffee Terrace is defined by both built elements and plant materials. Using mainly green foliage plants, shrubs such as Lilac and Bottlebrush Buckeye, combined with various textures to define the spaces within, Martha’s influence by the Italianate style can still be seen today.
Spillways & Little House:
As indicated on her 1927 plan, Martha laid out a “Long Path to Woods and Brook” which featured a little house designed as a getaway over a small stream with a series of spills and small pools (including a Lily pool) created to balance both the built and natural environment.
Playhouse, Tennis Court, and Orchard:
Originally a playhouse for Martha’s daughter, the structure was moved to its current location and expanded by 1930. With the move, Martha renovated the area to include a clay tennis court that was carved and leveled out of a hillside. As the only remaining area not restored to Martha’s 1945 design vision, a recent grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust’s Preserve New Jersey Fund will help bring this area back to its historic glory.
The Van Vleck Gardens were designed by several noted architects, including Rodney Robinson, and are characterized by the rhododendrons and azaleas, as well as terraced formal gardens, large pergolas, open spaces and meandering trails for exploration and discovery. The grounds are open to the public 365 days/year from dawn to dusk, and no admission fee is charged. Excellence abounds in every corner of the Gardens, with extraordinary plantings that yield color and striking forms through all four seasons. The Gardens are a place of refuge (both for wildlife and people), and a place for quiet contemplation and meditation. The campus also includes a butterfly garden which is a Certified Backyard Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, and a kitchen garden which produces hundreds of pounds of produce, all of which is donated to a local food kitchen. The Gardens pack a large amount of biodiversity within the 5.8 acres situated in the heart of Montclair.
The Van Vleck property was purchased by New York industrialist Joseph Van Vleck in the 1870’s and featured several different family homes over time. The current historic Italianate/Mediterranean style mansion was constructed in 1916 and was the home of Joseph’s son, Howard, who was an architect and horticulturist. Howard famously hybridized rhododendrons and azaleas found only on the Van Vleck property. In 1993, the Van Vleck family deeded the House & Gardens to The Montclair Foundation, and it proudly serves as the custodian of this magnificent location and historic treasure. Founded in 1979, The Montclair Foundation’s mission is to nurture growth in the community through grant-giving to local nonprofits and the preservation of the historic Van Vleck House & Gardens. Van Vleck House is listed on the State and National Registries as part of the Mountain Historic District in Montclair. The House is not open to the public except for special events. It is used by area nonprofit organizations for meetings, retreats and events. A former carriage house on the grounds has been converted to an Education Center and a handicap-accessible Visitor Center.
The Gardens are free to visit and open dawn to dusk year-round. Please visit Montclairfoundation.org for more information about visiting. Find @VanVleckGardens and @Montclairfoundation on social media to see what is thriving throughout the year.
Grounds For Sculpture is a 42-acre public sculpture park, museum, and arboretum located in Hamilton, NJ, that invites you to unwind, explore, and connect in ever-changing, art-filled gardens. It was founded in 1992 on the site of the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds by Seward Johnson to promote an understanding of and appreciation for contemporary sculpture for all people. Visitors can enjoy the outdoor permanent collection of 300+ works, temporary exhibitions in six indoor galleries, and learn about contemporary sculpture through a variety of educational programs including hands-on workshops for adults and children, lectures from top creative minds, tours for all ages, and more.
For guests with limited mobility, wheelchairs and scooters may be rented in the Welcome Center. Complement every visit with a meal at one of our cafes or at the fine dining Rat's Restaurant and enjoy shopping in the well-appointed Museum Shop.
Settled on 136 acres, Willowwood Arboretum always provides a feeling that you are a welcome guest at someone’s private home. Of course, why wouldn’t it since it was the home of Robert and Henry (Hal) Tubbs, two brothers who purchased the property in 1908 as a quiet retreat from New York City. Soon after renovating the 1792 farmstead, they turned their attention to their love of horticulture and literally added a freight train car’s worth of plant material as they began their horticultural pursuits. Over the years they befriended many noted horticulturists, botanists and arboreta such as the Arnold Arboretum as their collection grew. Probably the most influential friend was Dr. Benjamin Blackburn, who taught at Rutgers and Drew Universities and in 1946 permanently moved to Willowwood. It was the wish of Henry Tubbs for the property to become a public arboretum and in 1980 the Morris County Park Commission acquired and continues to maintain the property to this day!
As you walk about the Arboretum and enjoy the rustic beauty of the stone cottage and the three barns, including a beautiful stone barn, the garden paths guide you around the site, inviting you to see the various gardens. Both the Cottage Garden in the front of the home and Pan’s Garden at the rear of the house are actually laid out on the central hallway of the home, helping to blend home and garden. Pan’s Garden is in fact designed to look larger through the playful addition of a False Perspective, since the walkway becomes narrower at you move away from the home. Adjacent is the Rosarie featuring plants of the Rose Family; it has wonderful formal undertones with a central urn fountain, yet the plantings are anything but formal with the tall ornamental grasses and perennials swaying in the breeze.
Of course, it would not be an Arboretum if not for trees and what wonderful trees it has. In fact, one of the original plants of Dawn Redwood grown in the US resides at Willowwood. Originally thought to be extinct until 1941, seed was sent to the US from China in 1947 with the plant at Willowwood also happening to be the National Champion! With over 2,000 different species of trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs, the Arboretum is a joy to stroll and discover new or unusual plants throughout the year! In late winter the gardens are ablaze with a variety of minor bulbs that have slowly self-seeded throughout the more formalized gardens. Come spring the grounds features a number of fragrant Lilacs, Cherries and Dogwoods while summer and fall feature the many acres of flowering meadows. A delight for pollinators, birds and visitors alike, everyone can get a first-hand experience of the meadows via the several miles of trails that are maintained throughout!
Ever changing throughout the year, Willowwood is one of those secret jewels that never fail to delight. Open daily from 8:00 AM till dusk, make certain to visit throughout this year and in the years to come to enjoy some of the many secrets this garden has in store for you!
Located in Morristown New Jersey, the Frelinghuysen Arboretum offers 124 scenic acres of parkland for the visitor to enjoy. At the center of the Arboretum is the former country home of George Griswold Frelinghuysen and his wife, Sara Ballantine Frelinghuysen that was built in 1891. They called the homestead Whippany Farm and the Frelinghuysen’s spent 40 summers at the farm before passing it along to their only daughter, Matilda E. Frelinghuysen. To serve as a living tribute to her parents, Matilda actively worked with Morris County to convert the farm into a public arboretum. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum was dedicated in 1971 and was entered on the State and National Register of Historic Places on September 22, 1977.
Today, the Arboretum features over 5 miles of walking trails, allowing visitors to enjoy the collection of nearly 2,000 different species of trees, shrubs and perennials throughout the property. There is even a ‘Big Tree’ tour if large tree specimens should that be of special interest. Come spring, the entrance to the visitor center is marked by a display of several thousand hybrid Tulips and Daffodils that are complimented by additional bulb and flowering tree displays throughout the property. In summer, the gardens feature colorful displays of annuals and perennials while the meandering trails through the woodlands provide many cool, shady retreats to sit and enjoy the scenery. There is also a Pinetum, which features a number of different small, medium and large sized conifers that provide interest during every season of the year.
If you are looking for creative inspiration for your home garden, a number of smaller garden areas have been established around the visitor center to provide thoughts on various plant combinations. Styles range from a focus on winter blooming plants to a stylish cottage garden, to rock and vegetable gardens. There are even gardens that focus on techniques for using lush tropical plants in your garden.
Frelinghuysen Arboretum also has a wide array of programs and special events for gardeners of every age and interest throughout the season. Favorites include: Fairy Day, Expressions of Nature, the many different Make and Take Workshops, and a children’s vegetable garden called Branching Out. There is literally something for everyone! Open daily from 8:00 AM to dusk, visitors should plan on returning throughout the seasons since there is always something new and changing to be seen and enjoyed by all!
Alstede Farms, located in the heart of Chester, New Jersey, is the perfect destination for anyone seeking fresh, local produce, farm-to-table products, and a true taste of the countryside. Established over 40 years ago, Alstede Farms is still family-owned today, with the next generation of the Alstede family proudly stepping in as co-owners. The farm is also majority female-owned, reflecting the strong leadership and vision of women in the family.
With four convenient locations, two of which are open year-round in Chester and Jefferson Township, Alstede Farms makes it easy for visitors to access farm-fresh produce all year long. Whether you're picking your own fresh strawberries in the summer or shopping for homemade pies, jams, and locally sourced meats in the winter, there's always something to enjoy.
One of the farm’s biggest attractions is its "pick-your-own" experience, which invites guests to stroll through fields of fresh, ripe produce and harvest their own fruits and vegetables. It’s a fun and interactive way to connect with the land while supporting local farming. From apples in the fall to pumpkins and sunflowers, there’s something for everyone—and every season.
Alstede Farms isn’t just about fresh food. It’s about creating memorable experiences. Throughout the year, the farm hosts a variety of family-friendly events, from seasonal festivals and farm tours to cooking demonstrations and hands-on activities for all ages. Whether you’re learning about sustainable farming or enjoying a peaceful day outdoors, Alstede Farms offers an immersive and fun escape for visitors of all ages.
Alstede Farms is also committed to sustainability and preserving the rural charm of Chester. With preserved farmland status, they ensure that the land will continue to be a source of fresh, local food for generations to come. Plus, with a wide selection of products from homemade treats to fresh vegetables and flowers, you can shop local and support the community with every purchase.
Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the area, Alstede Farms offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, experience the best of farm-to-table freshness, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Stop by and see why Alstede Farms is one of Chester’s most cherished destinations—your adventure in fresh, local food awaits!
Stroll through 250 years of American garden history on Morven’s grounds. Situated on five acres in downtown Princeton, Morven’s gardens and landscapes surround the historic mansion-turned-museum that was home to many remarkable people. The landscapes and garden spaces evoke the historic periods associated with Morven’s inhabitants–from the Revolution through the late 20th century governors’ residence. Morven was originally built in the 1750s for a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Richard Stockton, and his wife, Annis. Morven was then home to four more generations of Stocktons and Robert Wood Johnson, Jr., chairman of Johnson & Johnson, before becoming New Jersey’s first Governor’s Mansion. In addition to the mansion-turned museum, the site includes a c. 1795 Wash House, a c. 1890s Carriage House, and a 1941 Art Moderne Pool House.
From the sweeping front lawn lined by majestic trees, to the Colonial Revival Garden, and the Demonstration garden with seasonally-changing flowers, herbs, and vegetables, Morven provides a peaceful, beautiful setting to stroll, unwind, and learn about this National Historic Landmark. Interpretive signage is located around the grounds.
The trees and shrubs on the front lawn are drawn from 19th century descriptions and photographs. The wisteria draped across the front portico was planted in the 1870s, making it over 150 years old.
The Colonial Revival Garden behind the museum is designed to the era of Helen Hamilton Shields Stockton, who married Richard the Signer’s great-great-grandson in 1894. She was determined to reproduce what she thought Annis and Richard’s garden had been. In a manner typical of the Colonial Revival period, Helen included not only plants thought to have grown at Morven, but also others grown at other historic sites.
Pocket gardens tucked along the historic brick wall adjacent to the Colonial Revival garden feature plantings that contrast varieties and growing styles of the late 1700s (“Annis’ garden”) and those of later 1850s Victorian times (Robert Stockton’s time). Through correspondence between Annis and her husband Richard (the Signer), we know that she was keenly interested in gardening.
Between the parking lot and the historic brick wall, Morven’s Demonstration Garden features eight themed beds that change annually. Inspired by the 19th-century kitchen garden that once stood where the parking lot is, the garden includes vegetable beds, with all produce donated to a local food pantry. Two beds showcase flowers—one reflecting blooms from the 1960s Governor’s cutting gardens, and the other playfully named Helen’s “Leper Patch,” filled with magenta flowers, a color Helen Stockton notably disliked.
Make a day of it! Grab some good eats at one of the many restaurants on nearby Nassau Street and have a picnic at one of Morven’s outdoor seating areas. Or bring a blanket and spread out on the lawn of this National Historic Landmark.
For more on Morven’s grounds and gardens, please go to: https://www.morven.org/the-garden
Nestled in the heart of Salem County, Field & Flock Lavender Farm is a place to experience beauty and tranquility. Visitors can stroll through two fragrant lavender fields, attend an informative class, enjoy one of our farm sponsored events and shop our selection of handcrafted lavender products.
The farm boasts 2,200 lavender plants that include seven different varieties: Sensational, Grosso, Phenomenal, Provence, Gros Bleu, Super Blue and Royal Velvet.
The lavender is in bloom from mid-June through early July. In July, the blooms are hand harvested, dried and distilled on site. Visitors can watch the extraction process then purchase farm distilled essential oil and hydrosol in the shop.
The farm is open May through August and reopens in November for holiday shopping. Please see our website for hours and events. www.fieldandflocklavenderfarm.com.
Holland Ridge Farms is a family-owned flower farm located at 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, New Jersey 08514. Situated in Monmouth County, the farm is conveniently accessible, approximately an hour's drive from both New York City and Philadelphia.
Spanning over 300 acres, Holland Ridge Farms is renowned for its expansive and vibrant flower fields. Each spring, the farm comes alive with over 8 million tulips, offering a breathtaking display that rivals those found in the Netherlands. This spectacle is part of their "U-Pick Tulips: Spring Spectacular," where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the blooms and pick their own flowers.
In the fall, the farm transforms for the "U-Pick Sunflowers: Fall Festival," featuring fields of towering sunflowers alongside other mixed blooms. This seasonal shift provides a picturesque setting for guests to enjoy and pick their favorite flowers.
Beyond the flower fields, Holland Ridge Farms offers a variety of attractions to enhance the visitor experience. These include a petting zoo, pony rides, horse and carriage rides, tractor-pulled hayrides, a bakery, a museum, and a gift shop. The farm also hosts numerous food trucks daily, ensuring a diverse selection of culinary delights for guests.
The farm's history is deeply rooted in Dutch tulip-growing traditions. The Jansen family, originally from the Netherlands, has been involved in the tulip industry for over a century. In 2012, they purchased the former Rue dairy farm in Cream Ridge and transformed it into the flourishing flower farm it is today. Their dedication to sustainable agriculture and passion for sharing the beauty of flowers with the public has made Holland Ridge Farms a premier agritourism destination in the Garden State.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips during the farm's seasonal events, as tickets often sell out quickly. Whether you're looking to capture stunning photographs, enjoy family-friendly activities, or simply bask in the beauty of expansive flower fields, Holland Ridge Farms offers a unique and memorable experience for all.
Take in the unspoiled beauty of Cattus Island County Park, which spans 530 acres and 7 miles of trails. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the main trail to the beach, or walk a trail and view many lovely vistas of Barnegat Bay. The park contains a beautiful Butterfly Garden where you can view native plants and pollinators.
Leonard J. Buck Garden is one of the premier rock gardens in the eastern United States. Begun in the late 1930's, the garden has reached a breathtaking point of maturity. It consists of a series of alpine and woodland gardens situated in a 33-acre wooded stream valley. One of the greatest delights in visiting the Leonard J. Buck Garden is discovering its variety of plants.
Battleview Orchards is a family ownded and operated farm, located in Freehold, New Jersey. The farm features locally grown fruits and "Pick Your Own" New Jersey Strawberries, Sour Cherries, New Jersey Peaches, Nectarines, New Jersey Apples, and Pumpkins. Battleview Orchards is the oldest Pick Your Own orchard in New Jersey!
Experience the presence of the past at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. This 200-acre New Jersey and National Register Historic Site is complete with farm animals, crops, period furnishings, and machinery from the turn of the 20th Century. The spirit of life is evoked through daily activities presented on the farm, at the Farmhouse, and the Foster family home, The Willows, a Gothic Revival mansion bult in 1854 be Joseph Warren Revere, grandson of Paul Revere. The site also includes a transportation exhibit with restored early 20th century cars belonging to the Foster family.
Staff dressed in period attire perform daily regimen of farming by raising livestock and crops. Livestock include Jersey cows, Oberasli goats, sheep, pigs, horses, chickens, turkeys and ducks. Meet all the animals during your visit! Visitors can also participate in corn cracking demonstrations, butter churning, egg collecting, and other chores on the farm.
Located less than an hour from Manhattan, Greenwood Gardens connects people with nature and the arts in a historic garden oasis. At Greenwood, you will be stepping back through 100 years of history to encounter formal terraced gardens, Arts and Crafts follies, stately fountains, hidden grottoes, romantic woodlands, and winding paths. You can take in the sights and sounds of nature at its best, visit with our turkeys and geese, and linger on a comfortable bench. Our hope is that during your time at Greenwood, you will experience the revitalization of all your senses.