22 Botanical Gardens in New Jersey: A Nature-Lover's Paradise

Exploring Nature's Wonders in the Garden State

New Jersey, known for its bustling cities and vibrant culture, is also home to an array of enchanting botanical gardens that offer a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts. These verdant oases showcase a diverse range of flora, from exotic specimens to native wildflowers, providing a glimpse into the wonders of the plant kingdom. Join us as we delve into the beauty of 22 botanical gardens that New Jersey has to offer.

1. Cross Estate Gardens, Bernardsville

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Bernardsville, Cross Estate Gardens boasts 150 acres of breathtaking gardens, woodlands, and ponds. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of the formal gardens, designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, or wander through the picturesque woodland trails, admiring the towering trees and vibrant wildflowers.

2. Duke Farms, Hillsborough

Spanning 2,740 acres, Duke Farms is one of the largest botanical gardens in New Jersey. This sprawling estate offers a vast array of natural attractions, including formal gardens, woodland trails, a butterfly garden, an orchid range, and a working farm. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, kayak or canoe on the Raritan River, or simply relax in the tranquil setting.

3. Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morristown

Established in 1923, Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a renowned botanical garden that showcases over 12,000 plants from around the world. Visitors can stroll through the 120-acre arboretum, admiring the vibrant collections of magnolias, azaleas, rhododendrons, and conifers. The arboretum also features a Victorian-style greenhouse, a Japanese garden, and numerous walking trails.

4. Hacklebarney State Park, Chester

Nestled in the heart of the New Jersey Highlands, Hacklebarney State Park encompasses over 5,000 acres of rugged wilderness and serene lakes. The park features a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, leading visitors through dense forests, past scenic waterfalls, and to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

5. Holmdel Arboretum & Gardens, Holmdel

Spanning 600 acres, Holmdel Arboretum & Gardens is a living museum of trees and shrubs. Visitors can explore the vast collection of over 10,000 specimens, many of which are native to New Jersey. The arboretum also features a herbarium, a seed bank, and an educational center.

6. Howell Park, Farmingdale

Howell Park is a picturesque 16-acre park that features a beautiful rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a formal garden. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the gardens, admiring the profusion of roses, azaleas, and other ornamental plants. The park also offers a playground for children and a picnic area for families.

7. Leonard J. Buck Garden, Far Hills

Nestled in the hills of Somerset County, Leonard J. Buck Garden is a tranquil botanical garden that showcases over 2,000 species of plants from around the world. Visitors can stroll through the diverse collections, including the Rose Garden, the Mediterranean Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Fragrance Garden. The garden also features a conservatory, a library, and a gift shop.

8. Liberty State Park, Jersey City

Liberty State Park is a 1,212-acre park that offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. The park features a variety of gardens, including the Liberty State Park Gardens, which showcase a diverse collection of plants and flowers. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, fishing, and kayaking in the park.

9. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA

Just across the state border in Pennsylvania, Longwood Gardens is a world-renowned botanical garden that encompasses over 1,077 acres. With its vast collections of rare and exotic plants, Longwood Gardens is a feast for the senses. Visitors can explore the formal gardens, the Conservatory, the Meadow Garden, and the Night Garden.

10. Losen Slote Creek Park, Rahway

Located in the heart of Rahway, Losen Slote Creek Park is a 12-acre park that features a botanical garden, a playground, and a walking trail. The botanical garden showcases a variety of native plants, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely walk along the creek, admiring the beautiful scenery.

11. Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Doylestown, PA

Just a stone's throw from New Jersey in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden offers a tranquil retreat for nature lovers. With its 60 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows, Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a haven for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Visitors can explore the collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, and viburnums, or simply relax in the serene setting.

12. Natirar Park, Peapack-Gladstone

Spanning over 1,000 acres, Natirar Park is a stunning botanical garden that showcases a variety of formal gardens, woodlands, and meadows. Visitors can explore the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Sensory Garden. The park also features a lake, a pavilion, and a walking trail.

13. New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood

Nestled in the scenic Ramapo Mountains, New Jersey Botanical Garden encompasses over 96 acres of gardens, woodlands, and wetlands. The garden showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the world, including native wildflowers, rare and endangered species, and ornamental plants. Visitors can explore the various themed gardens, including the Azalea Meadow, the Conifer Collection, and the Rock Garden.

14. Old Tappan Apple Orchard, Old Tappan

Old Tappan Apple Orchard is a sprawling 110-acre farm that features a botanical garden, an apple orchard, and a pumpkin field. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the botanical garden, admiring the variety of plants and flowers. The apple orchard offers a variety of pick-your-own apples, and the pumpkin field is a popular destination for families during the fall season.

15. Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit

Established in 1910, Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a beautiful 30-acre arboretum that showcases a diverse collection of trees and shrubs. Visitors can explore the various themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Viburnum Collection, and the Native Plant Garden. The arboretum also features a Conservatory, a library, and a gift shop.

16. Rutgers Gardens, New Brunswick

Rutgers Gardens is a 185-acre botanical garden that showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Visitors can explore the various themed gardens, including the Asian Garden, the Children's Garden, and the Rose Garden. The garden also features a conservatory, a greenhouse, and a library.

17. Skylands Botanical Garden, Ringwood

Nestled in the scenic Ramapo Mountains, Skylands Botanical Garden encompasses over 1,100 acres of gardens, woodlands, and wetlands. The garden showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the world, including native wildflowers, rare and endangered species, and ornamental plants. Visitors can explore the various themed gardens, including the Alpine Garden, the Trailside Garden, and the Woodland Garden.

18. Spring Lake Arboretum, Spring Lake

Spanning over 60 acres, Spring Lake Arboretum is a botanical garden that showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Visitors can explore the various themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Fragrance Garden, and the Children's Garden. The arboretum also features a greenhouse, a library, and a gift shop.

19. Stevens Institute of Technology Gardens, Hoboken

Located on the waterfront of Hoboken, Stevens Institute of Technology Gardens is a 10-acre botanical garden that showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Visitors can explore the various themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Native Plant Garden. The garden also features a greenhouse, a library, and a gift shop.

20. Van Vleck House & Gardens, Montclair

Van Vleck House & Gardens is a 10-acre botanical garden that showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Visitors can explore the various themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Native Plant Garden. The garden also features a greenhouse, a library, and a gift shop.

21. Willowwood Arboretum, Far Hills

Spanning over 130 acres, Willowwood Arboretum is a botanical garden that showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Visitors can explore the various themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Native Plant Garden. The arboretum also features a greenhouse, a library, and a gift shop.

22. Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY

Just across the state border in New York, Woodlawn Cemetery is a sprawling 400-acre cemetery that features a botanical garden, a mausoleum, and a chapel. Visitors can explore the various themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Native Plant Garden. The cemetery also features a greenhouse, a library, and a gift shop.

Benefits of Visiting Botanical Gardens

Educational and Inspiring

Botanical gardens are a treasure trove of knowledge for nature enthusiasts. They provide an opportunity to learn about the diversity of plant life, the importance of conservation,