Despite its location just outside Downtown Millburn, Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills remains a secret to many Essex County residents. The 28-acre property, which opened to the public last year, borders Old Short Hills Park and the South Mountain Reservation.
Originally, Greenwood Gardens was the home of New York real estate broker and millionaire Joseph Day, who called the estate 'Pleasant Days'. Day later sold the property to lawyer Peter P. Blanchard, Jr. Years later, Blanchard's son formed a non-profit organization to turn the property into the public garden that it is today.
Visitors to Greenwood Gardens can view the pasture, which is home to a variety of farm birds and goats. There are also various meadows and ponds, in addition to a large formal garden and a tea house. Plus, a sculpture exhibition will be on display at the gardens until November 2. Called "Art in Nature", the exhibition was formed by Greenwood Gardens and Studio Montclair. According to the Greenwood Gardens website, "over 30 pieces (are) on display throughout the garden and...feature the work of internationally and regionally recognized sculptors, William Tucker, Jon Isherwood, and Mia Westerlund Roosen". A free tour of the exhibition will be led by curator Karen Wilkin on Monday, September 29.
General tickets for Greenwood Gardens cost $10, and must be purchased in advance. The gardens are open in Spring, Summer, and Fall on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and select Saturdays.
Greenwood Gardens
274 Old Short Hills Road
Short Hills
(973) 258-4026
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