In 1908, when two brothers acquired the property Willowwood Arboretum in Far Hills, NJ, no one dreamed it would be the longest-running arboretum in New Jersey. Yet over a century later, it’s still 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, connecting 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: The Longest Running Arboretum In NJ
Wander the grounds
Begin your visit to Willowwood 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 historic collections of trees featuring 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.
FAQs
When can I visit Willowwood Arboretum?
Willowwood Arboretum is open daily from 8 AM to dusk, regardless of the weather.
What can I do at the gardens?
There are walking/hiking trails in addition to the gardens. The Tubbs House is only open during special events. From April to October, you can take a Cell Phone Tour; there are two options, and the tour takes about an hour.
How much does it cost to enter?
There is typically no fee to enter the gardens, except for special events such as the Autumn Open House and Sounds for Sculpture.
Where do I park?
Parking is available in the main parking area, and for larger events, guests will be directed to the field parking area.
Is food available?
You can bring a picnic and food, but you must take your trash with you and dispose of it off the property.
Can I bring a stroller?
There are some rolling hills and meadows with hiking paths and open grassy fields. The parking lot is gravel, and there is a stone-and-macadam walking path from the parking lot, past the Stone Barn, the Greenhouse, and the entrance to the Cottage Garden (which contains uneven stone pathways amid the beds), towards the Tubbs House. Paths vary from grass to gravel, and there is a slight incline at the rear of the barn. Walking or using a stroller in some areas may prove challenging.
To learn more about Willowwood Arboretum, visit their website and Instagram.
Willowwood Arboretum
300 Longview Road
Far Hills, NJ 07931
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