Brothers Robert and Henry Tuss always had a love for plants, trees, and nature, but they never expected to create the longest-running arboretum in New Jersey, now called Willowwood Arboretum in the bucolic area of Far Hills, NJ. Today, it’s a peaceful spot with 130 acres of beautiful farmland, home to over 2,000 native and exotic plants, including an impressive Dawn Redwood that’s over 100 feet tall. Spend some time here, convening with nature, and be sure to check out the historical features, planting, and structures at this very special spot. Read on for what you can expect and check out our guide to other NJ gardens, too. (featured photo credit: istock/july7th)

Willowwood Arboretum

Wander the grounds

Begin your visit to Willoweed Arboretum by downloading a trail map and exploring the interactive garden map. As you wander on the informal trails that wind through the property, be sure to check out the Bee Meadow, Long Meadow, or Monarda Meadow. The colorful Cottage Garden is another highlight with its vibrant blooms and arbor for some time in the shade. Other areas to spend time among the flowering trees and plants are Cypress Pool, Hacklebarney Field, Orchard, and Hillside Pasture. Pan’s Garden is particularly special, featuring a design inspired by a Persian rug, and it even has a bust of the Greek god Pan keeping watch. Make sure to stroll through the Woodwalk and the Winter Garden, where you’ll find fruits hanging from trees and daffodils popping up in early spring. The Rockery and Chive Walk are worth a visit too, especially the Rosarie. It’s not your typical rose garden—it’s a Mediterranean-style garden with vibrant colors and bold foliage, and it looks amazing when in bloom. Finally, don’t miss the Lilac Collection, which presents a stunning display of fragrant lavender blooms that open up in late April and early May.

Trees to see

Alongside the formal gardens by the house, there are some historic tree collections that feature oak, maple, willow, magnolia, lilac, cherry, fir, and pine. One standout is the NJ and National Champion Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia) at the corner of the Stone Cottage. It boasts a trunk circumference of 212 inches and reaches a height of 112 feet, earning it the title of both New Jersey State Champion and the newly crowned National Champion. This impressive tree was planted back in 1950 by Henry Tubbs and Dr. Benjamin Blackburn, who got the seedlings from Princeton University, where they were grown from seeds collected by Chinese foresters.

What to know before you go

Willowwood Arboretum is open 8 AM to dusk daily. There are walking/hiking trails in addition to the gardens. The Tubbs House is only open during special events. There is typically no fee to get into the gardens, except for special events. Parking is available in the main parking area. You can bring a picnic and food, but you must take your trash with you and dispose of it off the property. From April to October, you can take a Cell Phone Tour; there are two options, and the tour takes about an hour. 

To learn more about Willowwood Arboretum, visit their website and Instagra.m

Willowwood Arboretum
300 Longview Rd.
Far Hills, NJ 07931

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