Willowwood Arboretum, Botanical garden in Chester Township, Morris County, New Jersey.
Willowwood Arboretum is a botanical garden spanning about 130 acres with formal gardens, woodland paths, and meadows displaying around 2,100 native and exotic plant species. The grounds feature several distinct areas with different layouts and natural settings.
The land was purchased in 1908 by Henry and Robert Tubbs using a modest inheritance, transforming the country home near Gladstone into a botanical destination. It remains the longest-operating arboretum in New Jersey.
The property reflects a passion for plant collecting that grew through exchanges with botanists like E.H. Wilson, who brought specimens from his expeditions to China. This spirit of exploration and gathering continues to shape how the place looks and what grows there today.
The grounds are open daily from 8 AM until sunset with free admission to all visitors. Self-guided phone tours are available from April through November to help you explore the property at your own pace.
The site holds specialized collections such as the Ornamentals Collection, showcasing plants chosen for their striking winter features like fruit, bark, and branches. This collection reveals overlooked beauty during cold months when many gardens appear dormant.
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