5 New Jersey Gardens That Are Free!
Updated: Sep 7, 2019
Having fun doesn't always have to cost you! New Jersey offers a ton of beautiful gardens and guess what! Many of them are free! Here are 5 of our favorite New Jersey gardens with free admission!
1. Duke Farms - Hillsborough Township
At Duke Farms you'll find over 1,000 acres of sprawling landscapes and water features designed and built by James Buchanan Duke. Spending a whole day getting lost wandering the many trails and paths that go throughout the land is easy! The Old foundation and Coach Barn are just a few of the amazing landmarks on the property. Our favorite stop to make on trips to duke farms is at the Orchid Range. Inside this beautiful greenhouse you'll find a tropical and subtropical orchid display! Words and images do not do this display a justice!
Hours: Open daily 8:30am-6:00pm (Closed Wednesdays)
Learn more Here
2. Leonard J. Buck Garden - Far Hills
The Leonard J. Buck Garden is 33 acres of exotic and rare rock garden plants. The garden was formed in the late 1930s by Mr. Buck as part of his estate. It’s considered one of the premier rock gardens in the Eastern United States. The garden is reaching an amazing point of maturity with many plants and trees filled out the property. A great time to visit the garden is spring when many of the plants and flowers are in full bloom, however there is always something new blooming every week of the year there. It's the perfect garden to visit if you're looking to kill a couple of hours. If you'd like to make in to a day trip you can pair this garden with Duke Farms which is only about a 15 minute drive away!
Hours: 10am-4 Mon-Fri, 10am-5 Sat 12-5
Learn more Here
3. Van Vleck House & Gardens
Over 140 years ago Joseph Van Vleck Sr. moved his family from Brooklyn to Montclair in 1868. He was speaking refuge from the growing industrial areas and had a vision of an estate with acres of landscaped gardens. The estate was gifted to the Montclair Foundation in 1993 an organization with a mission to support non profits. Over the past two decades many volunteers and donors have made it possible for the grounds to be open to the public! The estate is open 365 days a year and has classes concerts and special events. There are 10 different gardens to stroll through when you visit! Our favorite is the Formal Garden and Tennis Court Garden!
Hours: 9am-6pm Daily
Learn more Here
4. Rudolf Van Der Goot Rose Garden
Also located in Somerset County is the Rudolf Van Der Goot Rose Garden. More than 3,000 roses of 325 varieties are contained within this 1 acre display! This garden was named aft Rudolf Van Der Groot the first horticulturist in Somerset County. This gardens purpose serves for public enjoyment and education. All roses are labeled for easy identification. The garden is broken up into three sections the Formal Gardens, Trellis Gardens and The Dutch Gardens. Like many of the gardens in New Jersey this one is also part of a former estate and used to be a functioning farm. Today it is an arboretum open to the public. Visiting the arboretum and rose garden provides the perfect opportunity to learn about the many variety of roses and how to add them to home landscaping.
Hours: Open daily 8am-Sunset, Wednesday 12pm-Sunset
Learn more Here
5. Deep Cut Gardens
Deep Cut Gardens is 54 acres of bountiful gardens that was formed in 1935 when Vito Genovese purchased the land as a retreat from the city for his family. In 1978 the gardens were open to the public. There are many areas to explore in this garden. The Display Garden, Rockery and Lilly Pond just to name a few. One of the more unique areas of this garden is the Bonsai Display. This display features ,miniaturized shrubs and trees some of which are more than 100 years old. They offer many classes and activities at Deep Cut Gardens. From potting to propagation there are classes for all ages!
Hours: Open Daily 8am-Dusk
Learn more Here
Thank you to the following sources:
Duke Farms Info - Dukefarms.org
Orchid Range Image - A Traveling Life
Leonard J. Buck Info - Somersetcountyparks.org
Leonard J Buck Image - Happy Family Art
Van Vleck Info - Vanvleck.org
Van Vleck Image - Vanvleck.org
Rudolf Van Der Goot Image - Trip Advisor
Rudolf Van Der Goot Info - Somersetcountyparks.org
Deep Cut Info - Monmouth County Parks
Deep Cut Image - Trip Advisor