It’s spring in New Jersey and flowers are blooming across the state. Our parks and gardens are closed for public safety and we’re not supposed to take leisurely drives. So, a garden road trip is out of the question…unless it’s virtual. Why not try an online tour of some of the Garden State’s most beautiful places?
Step one, get in the car! Which do you choose?
(Joenomias) Menno de Jong/Pixabay
Our first stop is the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood.
Bob F/TripAdvisor
It’s one of the largest Victorian-style gardens within 100 feet of the ocean on the East Coast.
Jim, The Photographer/Flickr
You’ll find crocus, hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils in the spring. In the summer, enjoy over 200 plant varieties in the butterfly garden, herb garden, shade garden, or seashore garden.
Clip1789/Flickr
Now, let’s head up to Hamilton and visit Grounds For Sculpture.
Grounds For Sculpture/Facebook
The 42-acre garden seamlessly blends art and nature.
Peter Miller/Flickr
You’ll find over 270 sculptures, exotic trees, wildflowers, ponds, pathways, bridges, alcoves, lakes, bamboo, and much more. You can even take a special tree tour - there are 78 different types.
Jen G/Flickr
Stop three - Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown.
HypnoticaStudiosInfinite/Flickr
The former estate of mobster Vito Genovese, this Monmouth County park has plenty to offer.
Flickr/Peter Miller
There are trees, plants, and flowers everywhere - indoors and out. Enjoy a rose parterre with 52 varieties of roses, Japanese-themed garden, bonsai display, pond, pergola, and more.
Jazz Guy/Flickr
Onward to Duke Farms in Hillsborough!
Duke Farms/Facebook
At over 1,000 acres, Duke Farms is a nature lover’s paradise, and it’s always free to visit.
Duke Farms/Facebook
There are hiking and biking trails, lakes, and waterfalls to enjoy, but my personal favorite is the Orchid Range.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
Stop five is the Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills.
Tony Simoes/Google
One of the nation’s premier rock gardens, you’ll find rock outcroppings with unique ecosystems.
Tony Simoes/Google
There are also wildflowers, alpines, and azaleas to enjoy!
Neogejo/Flickr
We’ve reached our final stop, the New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands in Ringwood.
NJ State Botanical Garden/Facebook
It’s home to cherry blossom trees, lilacs, rhododendrons, an Italianate garden…
NJ State Botanical Garden At Skylands/Facebook
And plenty of wildflowers!
NJ State Botanical Garden At Skylands/Facebook
Don’t get out of the car yet, because we’re going to time travel a bit… It may be spring now, but the gardens are also gorgeous in the fall!
Stanley Zimny/Flickr
That 4-hour drive sure went fast. (Wink!) What’s your favorite garden in New Jersey? To check out a few others, including Willowwood Arboretum and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, click here. When this is over, we’re certainly going to be visiting them all!
(Joenomias) Menno de Jong/Pixabay
Bob F/TripAdvisor
Jim, The Photographer/Flickr
Clip1789/Flickr
Grounds For Sculpture/Facebook
Peter Miller/Flickr
Jen G/Flickr
HypnoticaStudiosInfinite/Flickr
Flickr/Peter Miller
Jazz Guy/Flickr
Duke Farms/Facebook
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
Tony Simoes/Google
Neogejo/Flickr
NJ State Botanical Garden/Facebook
NJ State Botanical Garden At Skylands/Facebook
Stanley Zimny/Flickr
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Address: Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, 111 N Central Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260, USAAddress: Grounds For Sculpture, 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619, USAAddress: Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844, USAAddress: Leonard J Buck Garden, 11 Layton Rd, Far Hills, NJ 07931, USAAddress: Deep Cut Gardens, 152 Red Hill Rd, Middletown Township, NJ 07748, USAAddress: New Jersey Botanical Garden, 2 Morris Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456, USA
