Arboretum Named 'Best Public Garden'

Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township has been named the best public garden and arboretum in the state. The following announcement was released by the Morris County Park Commission:

 The jewel of Morris County, The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township was recently voted by New Jerseyan’s and awarded by New Jersey Monthly, the Best Public Garden and Arboretum in New Jersey. The voters’ award was not surprising with up to 500,000 visitors annually to this splendid and magnificent site who enjoy the year-round programs and who marvel at its exquisite beauty.

According to Dr. Lesley Parness, Superintendent of Horticultural Education at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, “This award is so meaningful and important to us because it comes directly from citizens of New Jersey, the Garden State.  We strive to provide all visitors with a rewarding experience by offering a myriad of in-depth educational and interpretive programming.” 

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum was once the country home of George Griswold Frelinghuysen and his wife, Sara Ballantine Frelinghuysen, and was called Whippany Farm.  The mansion, built in 1891, is a fine example of colonial revival architecture, and the 127–acre property was designed in the style of an English Country estate. The Frelinghuysen’s spent 40 summers at Whippany Farm, and it was bequeathed by their daughter, Matilda E. Frelinghuysen to Morris County Park Commission in 1969. This magnificent Arboretum is on the State and National Register of Historic Places, and the Mansion is now serving as the headquarters for the Morris County Park Commission.

Today, The Frelinghuysen Arboretum gardens feature annuals, perennials, and tropical plant displays, as well as vegetables, roses, ferns, and native plants.  In addition, there are fine collections of magnolias, cherries, crabapples, conifers, and ornamental grasses.  Overall, more than 2000 different kinds of plants are grown, and it serves as a regional center for horticulture offering programs for adults and children alike.  As Dr. Parness adds, “We work hard to exhibit horticultural excellence and to interpret it for our visitors here at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum.  Whether you are a child, following our Nature Scavenger Hunt,  a family using a Discovery Backpack, a hobbyist attending one of many free flower and plants shows, or an expert using our library for research, this facility provides a continuum of horticultural education and experience for the young and old.”

At the Arboretum, visitors may obtain a map with suggested walks and self-guided tours, a list of currently blooming plants and their locations, enjoy a cell phone tour, participate in seasonal programs, or simply enjoy the peace and solitude of one of the many gardens and natural areas on the property. Visitors can also participate in a scheduled guided tour of the gardens by a horticultural specialist.

FREE, open to the public, and attended by thousands are monthly shows including the Daffodil Show in April, The Friends Plant Sale in May, Bonsai Society Show in June, Iris Show in July, Dahlia Society Show in August, Mushroom Fest in September, Gesneriad Society, and Chrysanthemum Society Show in October. 

In addition to the free shows, the ever popular Gingerbread Wonderland Exhibit in December is enjoyed annually by families and school groups with over 15,000 visitors to this holiday world of enchantment.  There are a plethora of educational programs and classes sponsored by the Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, such as selection of appropriate plants to enhance your garden, preserving and propagating plants, and making holiday wreaths.  

After being successful at growing your fruits and vegetables, cooking classes can help extend these seasonal delights. Learn how to grow, select, prepare, and serve tomatoes, mushrooms, and more in the demonstration kitchens at the Haggerty Education Center.  Try a yoga class or two among the splendid flowing trees and shrubs. Bring a picnic lunch and book to enjoy on the Great Lawn.

New this summer is a concert series including, Beetle Mania, A Family Concert with a Little Bit of Science, on Sunday, July 24 featuring The Beatles’ music and learning about four garden variety of beetles.  Enjoy the splendor of fall foliage along with world-class musical entertainment at September Serenade on Sunday, September 18 where specially selected music will be featured in various gardens along with matching wines and hors d’oeuvres.

For those who have fallen in love with the gardens, outdoor ceremonies and photography sessions can be arranged for private parties surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens.  New is a tented facility available for special occasions, such as weddings, special events and social gatherings.

Exhibiting horticultural excellence and offering, quality seasonal programming for an array of interests, The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is indeed the Best Public Garden & Arboretum in this Garden State. For more information, please visitwww.morrisparks.net or www.arboretumfriends.org.