Greenwood Gardens Reopening In Short Hills This September
Short Hills, NJ — Greenwood Gardens, the non-profit 28-acre historic site and public garden in Short Hills, New Jersey, is proud to announce its re-opening following the completion of extensive renovations. A far cry from crowds and a peaceful oasis, Greenwood invites the public to take self-guided tours of this graceful property with terraced gardens, woodlands, grottoes, fountains, Arts and Crafts follies, winding paths, sculptures, urns and gates that date back to the early 20th century.
Greenwood Gardens opens to the public Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from September 13 through November 8, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Entry is by advanced timed ticket registration.
“We look forward to offering the public a safe, beautiful haven in which to connect with nature and feel revitalized, especially during this challenging time,” said Abby O’Neill, Greenwood’s Executive Director. “Greenwood’s last owner, Peter P. Blanchard, Jr., intended the site to serve as a community resource in perpetuity, and there is no better time than now to fulfill his vision.” Open to the public since 2013, Greenwood closed last summer for major renovations which include a revised entry plan and ticket kiosk, expanded parking, new rain garden, renovated Main Axis with working fountains, new landscaping, and restored historic views. Newly donated teak benches are located throughout the garden where visitors can linger and absorb the sights, sounds, and scents of this enchanted hideaway.
A visit to Greenwood offers insight into the lives of two very different families that previously called it home. In the early decades of the last century, self-made multi-millionaire Joseph P. Day established the gardens as a private pleasure garden, a retreat from the hectic pace and sizzling heat of the big city. Much later in 1950, the property was sold to Peter P. Blanchard Jr., a lawyer and gentleman farmer, and his wife Adelaide Childs Frick Blanchard, who added an evergreen formality to the garden. In 2003, following his father’s wishes, Peter P. Blanchard III and his wife, Sofia, began the process of creating a nonprofit conservation organization, The Greenwood Gardens. After a major renovation and initial access by guided tours, the garden opened fully to the public in 2013.
Since then, Greenwood has welcomed thousands of visitors for guided group tours, on-site programming in nature, art, history, and conservation, as well as special events. A membership program offers special discounts and programs and along with donations from the public, helps support operations. An active volunteer organization provides tours and assists the horticulture staff in maintaining the garden. In 2018, the “Green Team” received the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award for Public Service, considered America’s highest honor for public service and volunteerism. Mark and Katie Bliss, two members of the Green Team, also received the award in 2019.
Entry to the garden is free to members and children under 12 and $10 for non-members, $5 for seniors and students with ID. Advanced timed ticket registration can be purchased at greenwoodgardens.org/tickets, along with a complimentary downloadable guide to the garden and its history. A special membership offer provides a complimentary three-month extension for those joining by October 31. The garden will adhere to state and municipal guidelines governing visitation during the COVID-19 public health situation. Please refer to our website prior to your visit for the latest visitation guidelines and information.
