2026-01-29 11:34:10
New Jersey earns its nickname with hidden, historic and unexpected green spaces.
Sure, New Jersey has its signature showstoppers—sweeping botanical gardens, tree-filled arboretums and Colonial estates with centuries-old landscapes. But the real magic lies in the unexpected. Think secret gardens in Hoboken and Lambertville, a Dutch-style windmill rising over Holland Farms, a sensory garden tucked into Laurelwood, a Japanese tea house in Bordentown, Versailles-inspired bronzes at Georgian Court University, an ever-changing corn maze theme at Stony Hill Farms... the list goes on. Across the state, garden museums, groves, vineyards and family orchards invite you to roam, reflect and reconnect with nature.
Explore a Victorian-inspired herb garden at The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus, where aromatic and edible herbs flourish behind a historic Gothic-Revival house.
Fans of wildflowers to Italianate gardens find plenty to admire at Ringwood’s New Jersey Botanical Garden, surrounded by 1,000 woodland acres.
Soak in the harmonious melding of nature and architecture among the terraced gardens and stone-laid pathways of Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills.
See weeping cherry trees, draping wisteria and azaleas in bloom at Van Vleck House & Gardens in Montclair, then wander the Fairy Garden Trail.
Discover Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton, where a former governor’s mansion rests amid manicured gardens that blend Colonial heritage with rotating exhibitions.
Stroll Rowan University’s Arboretum on its Glassboro campus—a globally accredited “living laboratory” boasting stately pines, majestic oaks and maples, and a beloved ginkgo biloba.
Roam beneath pergolas dripping with heirloom and modern hybrid roses at Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden in Somerset, home to over 3,000 blooms.
Blossoming trees and flowers abound at Bernardsville’s Cross Estate Gardens, which features a stunning wisteria-covered pergola.
Enjoy a picnic on the Great Lawn, shoot memorable photographs, take a gardening class or join a tour at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown.
Farmers markets, interactive tours and seasonal tastings strengthen the connection and community throughout New Jersey’s peak growing seasons.
The state’s oldest pick-your-own, Battleview Orchards in Freehold, boasts fresh-pressed cider available hot or as a slushy, plus a country store and bakery filled with apple cider donuts.
Four generations of farmers can be found at Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, specializing in small-batch, estate-grown wine. Head to the tasting room or outside for a Sunday picnic with lawn games.
Plan your visit around peak harvests at Hallock’s U-Pick Farm & Greenhouse in New Egypt, where seasonal fruits and veggies are primed for picking.
Oasis Family Farm in Robbinsville focuses on “agri-tainment” for the whole family, including pumpkin-picking, a living beehive, egg hunts and a market stocked with healthy treats.
A tranquil vibe permeates Field & Flock Lavender Farm in Woodstown, where fragrant handmade products, adorable farm animals and lavender tastings await.
Daily tastings of hard apple cider and award-winning wines distinguish Hawk Haven Vineyards, located on a sprawling 100-plus acres with perfect growing conditions in Cape May Wine Country.
At Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge, wander through millions of u-pick tulips bursting in spring and golden sunflowers in fall, plus soak up scenic photo spots, pony rides and Dutch-style festivals.
Find a kids’ paradise of activities with farm animals, u-pick summer produce or Harvest Moon hayrides in the fall at Alstede Farms in Chester.
In Asbury, sip farm-centric wines and hard ciders at The Ciderhouse at Ironbound Farm, a rustic-chic spot rooted in regenerative farming and sustainability.
Discover fields of blooms, shop soothing essential oils or take an alpaca for a walk at Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm in Skillman.
Did you know New Jersey is home to nearly 10,000 farms covering 750,000 acres? With numbers like that—and a strong growing environment for crops to flourish—the Garden State remains among the nation’s leaders in agricultural production, with farmers producing more than 100 different kinds of fruits and vegetables. Nationally, New Jersey is one of the top 10 producers of cranberries, peaches, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, apples, squash and spinach. Oh, and Hammonton is known as the “Blueberry Capital of the World.”
EXPLORE MORE GARDEN STATE GARDENS
Befitting of the Garden State nickname, New Jersey blossoms with acres of fragrant flowers, offering a variety of blooms year-round, while fresh fruits and vegetables show up in demand spring through fall. Our state may be small in size, but our natural bounty is robust, which means you can gather a seasonal supply of bouquets, herbs and produce just about anywhere.
Fall
Sunflowers
Squash
Apples
Pumpkin
Cauliflower
Cranberries
Winter
Witch Hazel
Snowdrop
Hellebore
Violets
Blue Speedwell
Winter Jasmine
Holly
Spring
Tulips
Cherry Blossoms
Daffodils
Lavender
Mint & Parsley
Asparagus
Spinach
Strawberries
Summer
Zinnia
Dahlias
Wildflowers
Honey (20,000
bee colonies)
Blueberries &
Blackberries
Basil, Rosemary & Thyme
Tomatoes
Peppers
Sweet Corn
Watermelon
Pears, Plums & Peaches
Eggplant
Cucumbers
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