As the first days of spring reach northern New Jersey, what better place to find inspiration for your garden than right here in Bergen County? Visiting public gardens is a great way to generate new ideas for your property and see unfamiliar plants, flowers, and trees in a wild setting. So grab the kids, load up the car, and spend the day at one of these local landscaping treasures discovering something new for the upcoming planting and gardening season.
The James A. McFaul Environmental Center, located right in Wyckoff, overlooks a giant waterfowl pond that is bordered with all sorts of native and ornamental plant specimens. Inside the main building there is an auditorium and a browsing library with nature exhibits to teach children about the wildlife that they alone could find in their own back yard. If you and the kids are feeling a bit more active, a walk through a winding path will take you through stunning woodland gardens.
What’s more? The gardens at the McFaul Center change with the seasons. Rhododendrons are in full bloom in the spring, while ornamental grasses and the herb garden are ravaging in the summer. In early spring, grab a good book, find a spot in the middle of daffodil hill, and take in the smell of the many flowers around you.
Located in Ringwood, Skylands is a place of beauty that is enjoyed year-round by those who take advantage of the miles of marked trails. Whether or not you are a plant lover, there is nothing more relaxing or romantic than taking a walk through the delicate shades of wildflowers into massed annual plantings. With so many unusual plant species from around the world, there are so many things for the avid gardener to see at Skylands. Their perennial borders are full of incredible color and change throughout the seasons. If you have a love for Magnolias (and how could you not?) then their sweet bay magnolia walk are a must-see. The fragrant smell of the sweet bays, as well as the scented viburnums, honeysuckle, and other blooming perennials will lift your spirits from the depths of the winter doldrums.
For a more extended outing, take a ride along the Bike Path of Bergen County, which runs through the towns of Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Fair Lawn, Paramus, Saddle Brook and Rochelle Park. On the path, you will experience a full array of native and regional plant specimens that grow in a variety of different environments. A highlight of the trip is the scenic view of the waterfall at Dunkerhook Park. The grounds of this large, open park are beautiful, and are a great spot to take break from a long day of cycling.
Bergen County is filled with beautiful public gardens and parks that feature a variety of plants, flowers, and landscape feature. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to find inspiration for your own garden and spend time with your family in one of the scenic environments!
About the Blogger: A lifelong love of flowers ultimately led Jessica Orellano to a career in landscape design. Jessica's understanding of sustainable landscape practices enables her to apply a fresh perspective when transforming an outdoor living space. Her exceptional knowledge of plant material provides for creative and functional design solutions.