7 Extraordinary Botanical Gardens in New Jersey Not to Miss

New Jersey, despite its relatively small size, is home to a wealth of botanical splendor. From sprawling estates with manicured gardens to hidden gems tucked away in urban centers, there's a botanical garden for every taste and interest in the Garden State.

1. The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG): A Verdant Oasis in the Bronx

Just across the Hudson River from New Jersey, the New York Botanical Garden is a must-visit for plant enthusiasts. Spanning 250 acres, the NYBG showcases over 1 million plants from around the world. Highlights include the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, the Native Plant Garden, and the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

2. Van Vleck House & Gardens: A Historic Gem in Montclair

This 17th-century manor house is surrounded by 28 acres of stunning gardens. The gardens feature a variety of plant collections, including a rose garden, a herb garden, and a woodland garden. Visitors can also explore the historic house, which is furnished with period antiques.

3. Turtle Back Zoo: A Unique Combination of Animals and Plants

Located in West Orange, Turtle Back Zoo is home to over 500 animals from around the world. The zoo also features a beautiful botanical garden, which includes a collection of rare and endangered plants. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the garden or simply wander through the paths, admiring the beauty of the plants.

4. Rutgers Gardens: A Plant Paradise at Rutgers University

Spread across 180 acres on the campus of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, Rutgers Gardens is a haven for plant lovers. The gardens feature a wide variety of plant collections, including a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a butterfly garden. Visitors can also enjoy educational programs and workshops offered by the garden staff.

5. Duke Farms: A Majestic Estate with Diverse Gardens

Once the estate of tobacco heiress Doris Duke, Duke Farms is now a public park and botanical garden. The park features over 1,000 acres of rolling hills, forests, and gardens. Highlights include the Orchid Range, the Rose Garden, and the Enchanted Woods.

6. Presby Memorial Iris Gardens: A Symphony of Colors

Located in Upper Montclair, Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is renowned for its collection of over 10,000 irises. The gardens are open to the public during the blooming season, which typically runs from mid-April to mid-May. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and admire the vibrant colors of the irises.

7. Willowwood Arboretum: A Haven for Native Plants

Nestled in the Watchung Mountains, Willowwood Arboretum is home to a collection of over 3,000 native plants. The arboretum features a variety of habitats, including a meadow, a woodland, and a wetland. Visitors can explore the arboretum on their own or take a guided tour.

Benefits of Visiting Botanical Gardens

Botanical gardens offer a wide range of benefits to visitors, including:

• Learning about plants: Botanical gardens are a great place to learn about different types of plants, their habitats, and their uses.
• Getting inspired: The beauty of botanical gardens can inspire visitors to create their own gardens or to simply appreciate the natural world.
• Relaxing and rejuvenating: The peaceful atmosphere of botanical gardens can help visitors to relax and de-stress.
• Spending time with family and friends: Botanical gardens are a great place to spend time with family and friends. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, go for a walk, or simply relax in the gardens.

Tips for Visiting Botanical Gardens

Here are a few tips for visiting botanical gardens:

• Plan your visit: Check the garden's website to see what's in bloom and to find out about any special events.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring a camera: You'll want to capture the beauty of the gardens.
• Be respectful: Follow the garden's rules and regulations.
• Have fun: Botanical gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Table 1. Comparison of Key Features of New Jersey Botanical Gardens

| Feature | NYBG | Van Vleck | Turtle Back Zoo | Rutgers Gardens | Duke Farms | Presby Memorial | Willowwood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acres | 250 | 28 | 20 | 180 | 1,000 | 10 | 136 |
| Number of Plants | Over 1 million | Over 1,000 | Over 500 | Over 10,000 | Over 3,000 | Over 10,000 | Over 3,000 |
| Collections | Rose garden, Native Plant Garden, Enid A. Haupt Conservatory | Rose garden, herb garden, woodland garden | Rare and endangered plants | Rose garden, Japanese garden, butterfly garden | Orchid Range, Rose Garden, Enchanted Woods | Iris collection | Native plants |
| Special Features | Guided tours, educational programs, workshops | Historic house | Animals from around the world | University research facility | Majestic estate, public park | Blooming season: mid-April to mid-May | Haven for native plants |
| Admission Fee | $20-$30 | $10 | $15-$20 | Free | $12 | Donation suggested | Free |

Table 2. Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Visit to a Botanical Garden

1. Choose a garden: There are many different botanical gardens in New Jersey. Do some research to find a garden that interests you.
2. Check the website: Once you've chosen a garden, visit its website to see what's in bloom and to find out about any special events.
3. Plan your visit: Decide how much time you want to spend at the garden. Most gardens take at least two hours to explore.
4. Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
5. Bring a camera: You'll want to capture the beauty of the gardens.
6. Be respectful: Follow the garden's rules and regulations.
7. Have fun: Botanical gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Table 3. Pros and Cons of Visiting Botanical Gardens

Pros:

• Beautiful and inspiring: Botanical gardens are filled with beautiful plants and flowers. They can be a great place to relax, get inspired, and learn about nature.
• Educational: Botanical gardens can be a great place to learn about different types of plants and their habitats. They often offer educational programs and workshops.
• Fun for the whole family: Botanical gardens are a great place to spend time with family and friends. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the gardens.

Cons:

• Can be crowded: Botanical gardens can be crowded, especially during peak season.
• Can be expensive: Admission fees to botanical gardens can be expensive.
• May not be open all year: Some botanical gardens are only open during certain seasons.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit a botanical garden in New Jersey?

The best time to visit a botanical garden in New Jersey is during the spring or summer when the plants and flowers are in full bloom.

2. How much time should I spend at a botanical garden?

Most gardens take at least two hours to explore. However, you can easily spend more time if you want to take your time and enjoy the gardens.

3. Are botanical gardens accessible to people with disabilities?

Most botanical gardens are accessible to people with disabilities. They often offer wheelchairs and other accommodations.

4. Are dogs allowed in botanical gardens?

Dogs are not allowed in most botanical gardens.

5. Can I take photos in a botanical garden?

Yes, you can take photos in most botanical gardens. However,