Tucked into the southwest corner of Essex County's South Mountain Reservation, this historic 28-acre public garden -- with its carefully curated and terraced gardens, fountains, and winding paths -- feels like a trip to another time and place. After spotting a social media post about the garden's Cascade fountain reopening after a 16-month restoration, my walking companion and I decided to check out this hidden gem. Greenwood Gardens was a private family estate until 2003, when it opened to the public under the auspices of a non-profit organization, and you can really feel that rich tapestry of the families' history as you wander through the grounds. The highlight of our visit was the Cascade fountain, which now features water flowing through it for the first time since the early 20th century! If you're looking for a peaceful, historic, and beautiful place to stroll, Greenwood Gardens is absolutely worth the visit. We'll definitely be back! Pro Tip #1: Plan on about 75-90 minutes for a self-guided walking tour, buy tickets online in advance ($15 for adults aged 14 to 64; $10 for Seniors aged 65+; $5 for children aged 5 to 13), and wear weather-appropriate attire/walking shoes. Pro Tip #2: Leave your tripod at home. Casual photos on your phone are welcome, but portrait or staged photography (for events, engagements, graduations, etc.) requires prior permission and special facility booking. read more

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A dreamy, charming little escape with tons of greenery, statues, structures, and fountains. Even on a weekend it wasn't crowded, so my fam could take pictures without cropping out strangers. Really friendly staff gave the kids a scavenger hunt page that turned our visit into part garden tour, part treasure hunt. Between the terraces, tile work, grottoes, and gardens, the whole place blends European formality with a whimsical, art nouveau vibe. Plenty of benches invite you to sit and talk, while fenced-in chickens, geese, and beehives bring the grounds to life. The gardens feel peaceful, playful, and magical all at once. The beauty here is truly un-beleaf-able! NOTES/TIPS: **Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors/students, and $5 for kids, with free parking close by. **Very limited wheelchair-accessibility: okay for the Main Terrace and some flat areas, but most paths are sloped or uneven, so access is limited. **Restrooms near the entrance. read more

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This place is a true paradise garden hidden somewhere in New Jersey !!! The whole place is so beautiful , very serene , easy to navigate and kept very clean and green . It is definitely somewhere to go for a romantic date . The only issue I found with the place is that we couldn't find the gift shop or the little concession stand - coffee and snack . That was disappointing. Also staff is friendly but doesn't seem to be very good at giving directions . Aside from that it is such a beautiful place to visit read more

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5/18/25 (Update) Our second visit to Greenwood Gardens. It's located on 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills, New Jersey. It's actually a short distance from the Papermill Playhouse. It's wonderful to visit the gardens during the changing seasons. The foliage and flowers never disappoint. Entrance to the gardens are by online reservation. Upon entry to the gardens, you'll drive up the hill. There's a parking lot to the right. I think that's for workers. Pull up to the gates next to the first gatehouse. The gates will open after a few minutes. Drive up the hill, you'll see another gatehouse to the left. You can present your reservation. You'll be given were given garden maps. At that time, you see parking lots off to your upper left and right. Upon walk-in entry to the gardens, Docent May Ann greeted us. She gave us a detailed summary on the gardens. There are other Docents throughout the gardens. Presently, the fountain with two stairways leading to it is under restoration. I was informed that handrails will be installed on the stairways. It's expected to be finished In September 2025. In '24, I posted a photo of it and its original decaying condition. It was still beautiful, despite the fact of its poor condition. Greenwood Gardens does have a very lovely garden gift shop. In fact, two beautiful succulent plants came home with me. Restrooms are available on the premises. Best to wear comfortable shoes while touring the gardens. There are some hilly areas. read more

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LOVELY , manicured gardens and property . Well preserved structures . To think people lived here is so amazing . Perfect place to visit in the Fall . The Staff is so knowledgeable about the history of the property , gardens structures and fixtures , type of trees . History of the families that were blessed enough to live there . i so appreciate Susan and Chris for that . So many times i've been to the Turtle Back Zoo and the hospital nearby and never knew this secret garden existed . Thank God for Instagram read more

I accidentally came across a video about Greenwood Gardens. I really liked it and bought tickets there. We liked everything: the architecture of the houses, the fountains, the pond, the landscape design, the park. There is even a small farm here. We walked for 2.5 hours and did not want to leave, because this park is beautiful and peaceful. I would also like to note that the staff here is very good and it was very interesting to talk to them. I hope that we will definitely come back here. read more

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Enchanted public garden in Short Hills, NJ. Beautiful walking trails, gardens, flowers, fountains! You need to purchase admission ticket. May 5 - Nov 4, 2023 Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Last entry 3:30 p.m. Amazing views while you stroll and explore! There are guides available to share the garden estate history. Parking on site. Highly recommend! read more

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Beautiful garden! A hidden gem. Under construction at present, but still totally worth a visit. read more

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Absolutely stunning place!!! I was looking for outing near NYC when I saw this place online. It's perfect for a relaxing morning or afternoon as you walk the garden. I love nature and this was such a breath of fresh air from the busy city life. Come here to enjoy the beautiful cut grass, small sculptures, trails, cottages and farm animals. They don't allow food on the garden but they do have a designated spot for you to eat if you take food with you. The staff are very sweet and friendly. They have tea and cookies to great the guest. read more

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This space is really beautiful. I came here with the intent of taking some photos with my professional camera but was turned away from that idea when I met the director in the parking lot. I went ahead with my phone instead and took a bunch of decent pictures. I would consider the space as medium-sized for a garden. I came here in late July/early August so there wasn't many flowers. The whole thing is easily walkable in a leisurely 1-1.5hr if taking pictures (45 mins if just walking through). They have a few beautiful fountains and a great hydrangea bush section and beautiful magnolia trees on the side of the house/office entrance. As you walk through you can see beautiful stone statues sprinkled through out and amazing tall trees. The space is really reminiscent of "Alice in wonderland" or "the secret garden." It's really quite beautiful! There are so many beautiful hidden gems here! On my stroll I encountered a lot of underutilized parts of the garden. They also have a few goats and have a section for bee-hive harvesting to help populate the flowers. The bee-hive and goat section are enclosed and totally safe so you have no greater danger of getting stung than you would find walking in any garden. One thing that really surprised me is that they don't do private events here!!! This space is sooo lovely, romantic, and beautiful, that it's a shame that they don't hold events (not even weddings) here. They have the option to take professional photos here but it's only during special times during the year and only a small number of ppl are allowed. It's really a shame as I think they would benefit so much more by having events here even with all the costs that would be associated. I really loved this garden but was disappointed that I could bring my professional camera in to take the pictures that I wanted. read more

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After driving past this place for 30 years, finally went in. Beautiful Gardens behind a long treed driveway. Several sections to view. Good for about 90 mins. We then had a picnic lunch on the terrace. You have to bring your own food. Clean bathrooms read more

What a treasure to have this in my hometown! Serene, enchanting, well restored-with many wonderful Arts and Craft period influences. A must see if you're nearby-or not! read more

Never knew this place was here until I was curious and decided to go in. Beautiful, quiet place with a lot of hidden architecture and sculptures. A lot of people don't know about this place, and I had the entire gardens to myself when I went. read more

Greenwood Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Short Hills, New Jersey

My experience has to do more with the staff I encountered. The place was beautiful and all. However, prior to reserving my ticket to go to this place I had called to make sure I was allowed to come in my costume which was not a full-blown costume just an outfit (skirt & top), wings, and a hallow. On the phone call, I was told that I was not allowed to take posed photography, meaning if it is profited off of then it was not allowed. I am a college student, I was doing this for my own PERSONAL use. My friend came with me to take photos of me on my PHONE. The woman who ALLOWED us into the Garden, stated to act normally, and not to walk on the flower beds, etc. At this point, if my costume was such a problem they should have not let us walk in. It wasn't until we started walking to the Garden, two women started following us, we were being mindful of the areas and were abiding by their rules. Naturally, no one is going to feel comfortable having people following you and watching you. We decided to go to a nearby cottage to start taking photos. Again, not bothering anyone, respecting the Garden space. Not even 5 minutes a lady comes to us and askes us who gave us the information that I was allowed to take photos in a costume trying to pinpoint a person for giving misleading information. Honestly, that is not my problem, my issue was that I felt like I was harassed, misled, and wasted my time. I understand that they have a rule about POSED photography but the lady insisted that because of my outfit I taking posed photography when I told her it was for personal use. IF other people are able to take pictures in their regular clothes what makes it different coming in a costume, that looks like normal clothing however with wings and a hallow. There were other people in the garden taking photos as well. Honestly, this place needs to do better! I was offered a refund after I suggested a solution to them because all they wanted to do was find the person at fault, which is unfair because the WHOLE place is at fault! read more

This place is absolutely gorgeous and I highly recommend you visit if your in the area. Our docent Joan was so knowledgeable and friendly. It's worth the visit. read more

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Beautiful hidden treasure of NJ. We visit this garden on Saturday and had a wonderful time. Definitely will be back watching fall colors!

It is an average of 3 stars. 5 stars for the actual garden and the beauty of the grounds and 2 stars for the people that work there. This place is just fascinating and has so much history I imagine but no one was really available to share anything interesting. Mostly young people looking ready to leave for the day. I tried googling online also and found bits of information. I wanted to look into the book written by Blanchard the 2nd owner who designated the gardens to be a nonprofit organization after his death but it was not available. We are so fortunate to visit Greenwood Gardens and see the beauty and relive the splendor.. It would be great if the people were trained to share more knowledge/ history about the house and the grounds. :(( read more

This is a hidden gem right under our noses in the Garden State! We found this lovely place quite by accident and by Karma, I think. This lovely garden is in the process of being restored, a process that will no doubt take years and after our first visit, it will be interesting to see how it evolves. You can read all about its history and current events on line. It was such a delight to stroll through the artful maze of paths and grassy areas, come upon little surprises around every bend. Not all areas in the house and outdoors are accessible or open, the maps clearly point them out. You cannot bring food to picnic in the park proper but there is a sun-drenched terrace right off the old dining room of the house, where you can enjoy a bite and a drink. No worries if you didn't bring anything, there are cookies, water and tea in the beautiful pavilion, next to a gorgeous wrought-iron gate. By all means, go. Good parking and senior discounts. A shout-out to Chris, who explained to our small group all there was about the house and grounds, answered questions and pointed out special points of interest. read more

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What a surprise an absolute oasis in north Jersey. Just a magnificent property and gardens. Have lived here all my life and just saw an advertisement for this garden and enjoyed every moment in the gardens. Extremely well kept and because very few people even know about the gardens, you have peace and tranquility as you walk through the gardens. Enjoy! read more

Beautiful garden tucked away in a private area. Its a shame they don't allow weddings or private events.

This is a garden in a state of gradual restoration and that is part of what makes it so wonderful. Parts of it feel new and fresh (like the best public restrooms you will ever see anywhere or a beautiful potted agave collection) and parts of it are not yet restored. The parts that are not yet restored and look just a hair untamed are still so cool. The gardens are all designed with such symmetry and formality that seeing moss on the statuary and a slightly rambly allee makes it all feel more modern and fun. Some of the fountains, which will look incredible when they are operational, also look incredible as planting areas. So Greenwood Gardens feels in part like a visit to somewhere in Europe with it's formal design and in other parts like you are kid who stumbled out of the woods to discover a forgotten setting of a Jay Gatsby party. It took us about two hours and it was so worth the trip. What a hidden gem. Make sure you get to see it before the whole restoration is complete so you get a taste of both versions of the gardens. read more

Amazing gardens-and excellent volunteer docents who bring it to life. The site is fantastic in the spring but even this week, when the downstairs of the home was open and decorated for the holidays was worth a visit. Would be an amazing party/wedding venue. read more

Beautiful spot. Worth a trip to walk around and enjoy the gardens. It does have a small fee. A nice day in a nice park

such a beautiful garden. so big! i was able to see it all i think lol. i always passed by and never went in. i'm glad i did. its also cool that they renovated a bunch of stuff. friendly staff as well. read more

Yesterday, I and my friends drove to this Greenwood Garden in New Jersey. We initially planned to take some pictures with our digital cameras. But we were told that only point and shoot cameras and cell phones were allowed to be used. We tried to explain that the pictures were for personal use, not commercial use. I told the staffs that it was a very strange rule and I asked her the difference between using a point and shoot cameras and cell phones and digital cameras to take pictures. She replied that digital camera was professional and the Greenwood Garden is trademarked. I told her that that point and shoot cameras and cell phones could take crispy clear pictures too. This rule doesn't make any sense at all. Beside this ridiculous rule, we found the garden is not well maintained, small and not attractive at all. It was the first time and absolutely the last time for us to visit this so-called garden. read more