A Guide to the Gardens of Montclair + When to See Blooms
Spring is here, and there's no better way to celebrate than by making plans to get outside and appreciate all that the season has provided. Montclair is a garden-rich town with some world-class landscapes that can’t be found anywhere else. Read on for a detailed list of our beautiful gardens in Montclair, when you should visit, and the major highlights for each green space.
Avis-Campbell Gardens | 60 South Fullerton Avenue Suite 106
Around the corner from the Public Library and tucked behind a medical building is Montclair’s own secret garden. Maintained by The Garden Club of Montclair, this “hidden jewel” is so concealed that you might be a life-long resident and never have been there before. From the early-blooming hellebores to the climbing hydrangeas, there are colorful flowers to enjoy in every season. Native plants and edibles border the geometric walkways leading to a small water fountain. There is also a mini rose garden and a selection of spectacular peony bushes. The sheer variety of plants and the density with which they are planted not only showcases the excellent work of the Garden Club but also proves what is possible even in a smaller space. Avis-Campbell is the type of garden that inspires writers, artists, and others passionate about nature. There’s also a thoughtful memorial to those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. MG suggests a visit to this garden as a place to enjoy lunch or have a peaceful stroll.
Peak viewing: Late spring, early summer.
Don’t Miss: The garden in early summer when it’s at its peak.
Read More: Must-Visit Garden + Plant Shops in North Jersey
Presby Iris Garden | 474 Upper Mountain Avenue
Dedicated in 1927, the Presby Iris Gardens is one of, if not the most unique gardens in Essex County. Frank H. Presby was a Montclair resident who was mad about irises. He was an enthusiastic hybridizer, a passionate iris collector, and a founder of the American Iris Society. When he passed, it was his wish that his collection of iris specimens be planted into a garden for the public to enjoy.
Presby is a must-visit each spring around Memorial Day. Iris is the Greek word for rainbow, and once you’ve seen a full bloom of these incredible flowers, you’ll understand why. From the darkest purples to the sheerest whites, the irises at Presby capture the full spectrum of tones. There are over 14,000 irises in 3,000 varieties, culminating in more than 100,000 blooms over an entire season. Visitors should look for tiger-striped petals, velvety reds and pinks, and every color of yellow you could imagine! Bloom times, length, and coverage vary depending on the season’s conditions, so be sure to drive by or check the garden’s Facebook page for updates on when to visit. Volunteers and donations are always welcome.
Peak viewing: Depends on the conditions, but usually 1-2 weeks before or after Memorial Day Weekend (May 23rd to June 13).
Don’t Miss: The peonies blooming in front of The Bloom Room.
Van Vleck House + Gardens | 21 Van Vleck Street
Gated away in one of the bustling parts of Montclair, Van Vleck House + Gardens is a spectacular example of a historic estate with several distinct garden styles. Originally a 12-acre private sanctuary, the house and property were donated by the family in 1993 to The Montclair Foundation with the intention of it being used as a public space that supports nonprofits. Azaleas and rhododendrons are the highlights of these gardens, including varieties that were hybridized by one of the previous owners, Howard Van Vleck. Locals favor the Wisteria Courtyard, where vines weave around the property’s open-air atrium and balcony in a romantic, Romeo + Juliet kind of way. When in bloom, the purple flowers cascade over the whole back facade, framing the views of the gardens. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through woodland areas, visit the Kitchen Garden, sit for tranquil views over the Tennis Court Garden, peek in on the greenhouse and Children’s Butterfly Garden, and enjoy the symmetry of the Formal Garden. Numerous pergolas and benches make stopping for a rest all the more pleasant. For kids, there is even a Fairy Garden Trail!
While this spot is popular for photography, please keep in mind that permits are required for formal shoots.
Van Vleck is always looking for volunteers to participate in maintaining the property. There are many events on the grounds like the annual plant sale on May 12th, weekly yoga classes, and learning and craft workshops for children.
Peak Viewing: spring to fall.
Don’t Miss: The wisteria blooms in mid-May + June.
Crane House Herb Garden | 110 Orange Road
Behind the Israel Crane House on Orange Road, the Montclair Historic Society maintains a small, seasonal herb garden. This edible, historically accurate garden functions off the kitchen of the house to show how the Crane family might have used their property. Herbal plants during the 1800s functioned as more than just food or flavoring, they were used for their medicinal properties, crushed for seasonings, and even fragrant decoration in the form of dried blooms. The Crane House Herb Garden is a nice reminder that gardens are meant to be beautiful but also serve a purpose.
Peak Viewing: spring to summer.
Don’t Miss: A demonstration at the nearby kitchen of historic cooking.
See More: The Best New Jersey Gardens to Visit This Summer
Bonus
Brookdale Park Rose Garden | Watchung Avenue, Bloomfield
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Most know Brookdale Park as a recreational lawn for kid’s soccer games and the occasional art fair. But there is a world-class rose garden atop the highest hill in the western area of the park, and it is not to be missed. Established in 1959 by the Essex County Parks Department and the New Jersey Rose Society, the Rose Garden is a floral oasis. Consisting of over 500 varieties of roses in 25 separate beds, the garden is lovingly tended by volunteers of Master Gardeners of Essex County, the Brookdale Park Conservancy, and members of the general public. The roses are beautiful for photographing, to use as a setting for a family picnic, or simply to enjoy. MG encourages readers to stop for a smell because each species has a distinct fragrance.
Peak viewing: June + September.
Don’t Miss: A uniquely blood-red rose called Dark Desire.
