Leaming's Run a Perfect Day Trip Destination

If it’s May, it must be flowers. And if it’s flowers, it must be Leaming's Run Gardens.

And the hour drive from Collingswood is worth every minute.

In 1706, New England whaler Thomas Leaming built a house of stout timbers on the land. It became the oldest structure in Cape May County. The house is listed on both the state and national registers of historic places.

A visitor today discovers a colonial-era farm as it was in the early 1700s with animals and authentic plants of the period. It will remind some who visit of the historic Williamsburg, VA.

However, that’s just one feature at Leaming's Run Gardens. Opened to the public in 1977 by Jack and Emily Aprill, you’ll discover 25 themed gardens, a shady bamboo grove, a fernery and a gift shop with books, seeds, great garden planning ideas, dried flower arrangements and more.

The largest annuals garden in the United States and spread over 30 acres, Leaming's Run Gardens changes its appearance with new blooms throughout the growing season, so a visit in May will differ from a visit in June, July or August. Visitors are advised to allow enough time for their visit. This isn’t an experience one should rush through.

The names of the individually designed and meticulously crafted gardens are as colorful and inviting as the gardens themselves: Blue and White, Yellow, Pink, Sweetheart, Serpentine, Reflection, Shades of Rose, and many, many more. You’ll enjoy their ponds with fish, eels, frogs and turtles, bridges, nooks and beauty as you stroll through garden after garden, each one different from all the rest.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds make Leaming's Run Gardens a stop on their annual southern migration each year during August, and they often linger until mid-September, when they continue their journey.

The restrooms and gardens are wheelchair and stroller accessible. No food is sold on site but there is a picnic area available for those who would like to bring along a lunch. Bring your camera because photography is encouraged, and your sunscreen, binoculars and insect repellent, too. Wear comfortable shoes and season-appropriate clothing, and check the weather forecast before your visit to plan a wonderful day.

Leaming's Run Gardens closes in October for the fall and winter, but they have two special events prior to Halloween. The “Screamings Run” haunted walk is for children and adults, and the new “Asylum” is for teens and adults. They’ve been scaring folks for fun since 2001. Call for more details, or ask about the scary fun when you visit this year.

Here are the details:

Leaming's Run Gardens, 1845 Route 9, North Cape May Court House

Phone: 609-465-5871

Website: leamingsrungardens.com

Admission: Adult: $8; Children,7-14: $4; 6-and-under: free

Annual ticket (unlimited visits): $25

Special group rates available for 20 or more people. Large groups please call at least two days in advance. No pets permitted.

Leaming's Run Gardens is now open for the 2011 season, through Oct. 10, 2011, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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