Leonard J. Buck Garden at the Peak of Fall Color

One of New Jersey’s most visited public gardens, the Somerset County Park Commission Leonard J. Buck Garden at 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, New Jersey, is at its peak of color in the fall and in the spring.

One of the premier rock gardens in the eastern United States, Buck Garden has reached a breathtaking point of maturity with its series of alpine and woodland gardens situated in a 33-acre wooded stream valley.

The naturalistic garden incorporates several large natural rock outcroppings that are now surrounded by plants and trees at their peak of fall color. Tucked among the rocks are rare and exotic rock garden plants. Wooded trails connect the outcroppings and natural wooden bridges allow visitors to pass over the many ponds on the property.

Among the features at the Garden are the flowering dogwood with leaves in shades of red and purple; the bright yellow blooms of the common witch hazel; the light gray shaggy bark and the golden yellow leaves of the shagbark hickory; the Virginia sweetspire, a native shrub prized for its glowing red leaf and stem autumn color; the rich burgundy leaves of the oak leaf hydrangea; and the autumn colors of the star-shaped leaves of the sweet gum tree.

The Visitors' Center, a former carriage house, houses administrative offices, a meeting room, and restroom facilities.

Leonard J. Buck Garden winter hours are weekdays 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M; Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; and Sunday 12:00 Noon to 5:00 P.M. The garden is closed on weekends and major holidays from December through March.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.