Tucked away on a road in Short Hills, Greenwood Gardens feels like a storybook come to life—the 28-acre garden and private estate is full of winding paths, hidden fountains, and moss-covered statues, making every trip here feel like a mini-adventure. Indeed, the former private estate and garden from the 1920s is a truly dreamy way to spend the day, where you can stroll along and discover something new each time you visit. And with seasonal events like scavenger hunts, forest bathing, and birder walks, there’s plenty for all to enjoy. Scroll down for more about Greenwood Gardens, and how you can live out your fairytale dreams in this special place, one of our favorite gardens in New Jersey. (featured photo credit: Greenwood Gardens)

Greenwood Gardens

Gardens, grottos, and a Georgian Revival home 

Walking through the entrance to Greenwood Gardens is a serene hideaway filled with lush greenery, terraced gardens, fountains, hidden grottoes, and winding paths throughout the grounds. The Georgian Revival home and formal European gardens were constructed by Peter Blanchard, Jr., the third and final owner of the estate. Today, it’s the Welcome Center, as well as home to a gift shop. Beyond it, there are charming cottages, a garage, a tennis pavilion, and a first tee from Joseph P. Day’s former nine-hole golf course. As you enter the gardens, you will find buildings from the original structures of the Victorian era, along with a reflecting pool terrace featuring a D-shaped pool, a croquet lawn, and several ponds. There is also a Teahouse where tea was once prepared using just a sink and a fireplace. Check out the Farm Allee and Barnyard, which are home to farm animals, including chickens, turkeys, geese, and honeybees. Need a meditation break? The Cascade offers a peaceful retreat with the soothing sounds of water flowing through its fountains. Finally, the West Walk, previously used for drying laundry, has been transformed into a vibrant area featuring uncommon shrubs, tropical plants, and colorful annuals and perennials that come alive in the spring. Another highlight is the Garden of the Gods, named for the painted busts of Roman Gods that lined the area during the early 20th century. Today, the busts are gone, but the garden has been restored and features a serene pool and a charming bronze sculpture at its center.

Learn more from a tour of the gardens

The gardens can be explored at your own pace, or you can take a specific tour to enhance your experience. One-hour docent-led guided walking tours are available at Greenwood Gardens, offering an opportunity to learn more about the history, landscaping, and architecture. Want to do it on your own? Try a self-guided tour, which you can download online, and typically takes around 75 minutes. At last, there are Themed Tours such as plant, tree, or bird walk tours. During the season, special tours are also available, including a meditation tour, a birding walk, and house tours. 

There are many picturesque spots throughout the gardens to take photos or sit back and enjoy. Photo Credit: Greenwood Gardens

Paint, hike, or have a date night in the gardens  

Throughout the season, there are a bunch of events to experience the gardens in a fresh way. Like to create? Sign up for En Plein Air painting or a photography class. Or take time for you and your S.O. at the Gatsby Date Night or Adult Scavenger Hunt in the garden. Families can take part in a birding walk, or the Night Hike and Ghost Tour during Halloween, and explore the West Woods of Greenwood Garden.

What to know before you go

Before heading to Greenwood Gardens, make sure to sign up online in advance since you won’t get in without a pre-purchased ticket. You’ll have a 30-minute grace period for timed entries, but keep in mind that the last entry is at 3:30 PM. Sign up for a garden tour by emailing smurphy@greenwoodgardens.org, and every visitor will receive a copy of their Garden Guide, which includes the history of the garden and details about its features. When visiting the garden, arrive by car and proceed through the gate, stopping along the way at the ticket kiosk where you can present a copy of your digital or printed advance registration.  You may also purchase tickets at the ticket kiosk, subject to availability. Parking is on site. Strollers are permitted on the Main Terrace only, and not beyond the first staircase, and you can park your stroller on the East Terrace to enjoy the gardens. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Adelaide’s Pavilion, adjacent to the Welcome Center, has seating for a picnic lunch. Light refreshments are available for purchase at the Welcome Center, and eating is not permitted in other areas of the garden. Blankets, chairs, food, and beverages, except for personal water bottles, are not permitted. Cell phone use is also discouraged while in the gardens. 

To learn more about Greenwood Gardens visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Greenwood Gardens
274 Old Short Hills Rd.
Short Hills, NJ 07078

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