Greenwood Gardens

For discerning nature enthusiasts and those with an appreciation for historical elegance, Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills, New Jersey, presents an extraordinary and ever-evolving experience. This 28-acre non-profit public garden is a true hidden gem, offering a revitalizing escape where nature, beauty, and history intertwine. Unlike typical parks, Greenwood Gardens is a carefully preserved former private estate, graced by terraced gardens, serene woodlands, wildflower meadows, and unique Arts and Crafts follies. As New Jersey locals, we are fortunate to have such a meticulously curated botanical treasure right at our doorstep, a place that continues to reveal new layers of beauty with each visit.

Our aim with this article is to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Greenwood Gardens, encouraging New Jersey residents to discover its unique charm. We understand the desire for both serene outdoor spaces and enriching cultural experiences. We’ll delve into its picturesque location, the remarkable features that make it iconic (including ongoing restoration efforts), and the various ways visitors can engage with this historic oasis. From self-guided explorations to specialized programs and friendly volunteer interactions, Greenwood Gardens promises a memorable and enriching day out for anyone seeking to connect with the past and present beauty of New Jersey's natural landscape.

Greenwood Gardens is magnificently located at 274 Old Short Hills Rd, Short Hills, NJ 07078, USA. This address places it within the picturesque and exclusive Short Hills area, known for its lush landscapes and refined atmosphere. What makes its location particularly special is that this 28-acre garden is nestled adjacent to, and surrounded by, 2,110 acres of preserved parkland within the vast South Mountain Reservation. This creates an unparalleled sense of seclusion and immersion in nature, despite its proximity to suburban life.

Accessibility to Greenwood Gardens is well-managed for New Jersey residents. Visitors are asked to arrive by car, and complimentary parking is available on-site, making it convenient for those driving from various parts of the state. Upon arrival, visitors proceed through the main gate to a ticket kiosk where they can present their advance registration or purchase tickets (subject to availability). While it feels like an enchanted hideaway, its location on Old Short Hills Road is generally straightforward to navigate, providing good road access. It's important to note that due to the historic design with uneven paths and stairways, strollers are not permitted beyond the Main Terrace, though stroller parking is offered. Pets are also not allowed, with the exception of certified service animals. This careful management of access ensures the preservation and tranquility of the gardens, creating an optimal experience for all who visit.

Greenwood Gardens offers a range of services designed to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience for all visitors:

• Self-Guided Tours: Visitors receive a comprehensive Garden Guide with a map and historical overview, allowing for self-paced exploration of the property's diverse features.

• Specialized Programs and Workshops: The garden hosts a wide array of programs throughout its open season, including engaging lectures, interesting workshops, and uplifting musical events, often requiring advance registration.

• Guided Tours: Pre-arranged guided tours are available, offering deeper insights into the garden's history, design, and horticulture.

• Membership Benefits: Various membership levels provide benefits such as free admission on open days, advance notice of discounted tickets to programs, and reciprocal admission at other gardens nationwide.

• Gift Shop: A gift shop is available for visitors to purchase souvenirs, books, and other garden-related items.

• Event Hosting (Limited): While primarily a public garden, some reviews suggest that certain private events, like birthday parties, might be hosted, often with an educational focus.

• Complimentary Wine and Cheese: For some evening events, such as the "Music in the Garden Concert Series," complimentary wine and cheese are offered, enhancing the visitor experience.

Greenwood Gardens boasts an array of captivating features and highlights that make it a truly unique destination in New Jersey:

• Historic Arts and Crafts Design: The gardens are rooted in the early 20th-century Arts and Crafts and Classical approaches to garden design, featuring elegant Italianate garden terraces, grottoes, and winding paths. This historical integrity provides a unique aesthetic.

• Iconic Water Features: The "water gardens are iconic," and the "grand cascade is being refurbished and set to reopen in autumn of 2025," highlighting the significance of these impressive water elements in the garden's design. Rookwood tiles are notably embedded in many of the fountains.

• Terraced Gardens and Allées: Graceful terraced gardens, long allées of majestic sycamore and spruce trees, and stunning vistas of the Watchung Mountain range create a visually captivating landscape.

• Architectural Follies: The property is adorned with unique Arts and Crafts follies, rustic stone summerhouses, and a charming tea house, adding architectural interest and points of discovery throughout the garden.

• Diverse Plantings: Beyond formal elements, the garden includes wildflower meadows, ornamental trees and shrubs, and diverse vegetation, offering something to appreciate even in late autumn.

• Immersive Natural Setting: Surrounded by thousands of acres of preserved parkland within the South Mountain Reservation, Greenwood Gardens provides a deep sense of immersion in nature, despite its developed location.

• Friendly Volunteers: The garden is supported by "friendly volunteers," who add a personal touch to visits, enhancing the overall welcoming atmosphere.

• Recognized Beauty: Voted "the Prettiest Garden in New Jersey" by NJ Family magazine in 2022, underscoring its aesthetic appeal and local recognition.

• Ongoing Restoration and Preservation: The garden is actively engaged in restoration efforts, like the Grand Cascade, demonstrating a commitment to preserving its historical legacy while ensuring its beauty for future generations.

As a non-profit public garden, Greenwood Gardens primarily offers "special offers" in the form of enriching experiences and membership benefits rather than typical commercial discounts. These are designed to encourage engagement and support for the garden's mission.

• Membership Tiers: Becoming a member is perhaps the most significant "special offer." Various membership levels (Individual, Dual, Family, Benefactor, Patron) provide benefits such as:

  • Free general admission on open days for members and accompanying children/caregivers.
  • Advance notice of discounted tickets to programs, workshops, and other events.
  • Reciprocal Membership benefits at over 350 participating gardens and arboreta nationwide through the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Admissions Program.
  • Complimentary guest passes for non-members, depending on the membership level.
  • Exclusive invitations to private off-site trips and tours for higher-tier members.
  • A digital subscription to Better Homes and Gardens.
  • A copy of Greenwood; A Garden Path to Nature and the Past, for certain levels.

• Timed Entry & Advance Registration: While not a discount, the recommendation for "Advance Registration is Strongly Recommended" and "Entry Without Advance Ticket Purchase is Not Guaranteed" implies that securing your visit ahead of time is a beneficial "offer" in itself, guaranteeing access to this popular destination.

• Admission Fee Applies to Membership: A notable "special offer" is that "Same day admission applies toward the cost of Membership." This allows visitors to experience the garden first and then decide to convert their admission fee into a membership, gaining a full year of complimentary access and other benefits.

• Special Events: Greenwood Gardens frequently hosts special events like the "Music in the Garden Concert Series" or "Birder's Walk" programs. While these may have a cost, members often receive discounted tickets, and they represent unique, curated experiences not always available.

• Free for Children Under 3: A practical "offer" for families is that "children under 3" are admitted free of charge.

For the most current information on specific membership benefits, program schedules, and any current "offers," New Jersey residents are strongly encouraged to visit the official Greenwood Gardens website directly.

For direct inquiries regarding Greenwood Gardens, its programs, or to plan your visit, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 274 Old Short Hills Rd, Short Hills, NJ 07078, USA

Phone: (973) 258-4026

Mobile Phone: +1 973-258-4026

When calling, please note that while general inquiries can be made, for urgent matters regarding advance registrations, it is recommended to email visitorservices@greenwoodgardens.org, as phone inquiries may not be returned during weekend operating hours. The official website, greenwoodgardens.org, is the most comprehensive resource for planning your visit, registering for tickets, reviewing hours and admission policies (including recommended advance registration), and learning about current and upcoming events. This direct contact information and website access will ensure New Jersey residents have all the necessary details to experience the beauty and tranquility of Greenwood Gardens.

In conclusion, Greenwood Gardens is exceptionally suitable for New Jersey locals, offering a unique blend of historical significance, horticultural beauty, and a serene natural escape. For those residing in or near Short Hills, this 28-acre public garden provides an easily accessible retreat that feels worlds away from suburban life, thanks to its strategic location surrounded by protected parkland. Its ongoing commitment to restoration, including the grand cascade, ensures that its historic charm is not only preserved but continually enhanced for future generations of visitors.

The garden's diverse features, from iconic water gardens and Arts and Crafts follies to tranquil woodlands and vibrant plant life, provide a rich tapestry for exploration and appreciation. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful outdoor experience, Greenwood Gardens offers something for everyone. Its comprehensive programming, friendly volunteers, and the option to apply admission towards membership further solidify its value as a community asset. For New Jersey residents, Greenwood Gardens is more than just a garden; it's a living legacy, a place for quiet reflection, artistic inspiration, and a deeply rewarding connection with nature, making it a truly indispensable local treasure.

Greenwood Gardens

274 Old Short Hills Rd, Short Hills, NJ 07078, USA