Greenwood Gardens, Public garden in Short Hills, New Jersey.
Greenwood Gardens is a public garden spanning 28 acres with terraced landscapes, water features, grottoes, and stone summerhouses distributed across multiple elevation levels. Tree-lined paths connect open meadows with designed garden rooms, creating a varied landscape experience.
Joseph Day purchased the estate in 1906 and named it Pleasant Days before the property transitioned to a public garden through collaboration with the Garden Conservancy in 2002. This transformation secured the site's future for public enjoyment and conservation.
The gardens host outdoor music performances and workshops where visitors learn photography and gardening techniques in a natural setting. Educational programs and birding walks help people connect with local wildlife and nature.
The garden is open Friday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with advance registration recommended for guaranteed access. Comfortable shoes are helpful since paths traverse multiple elevation changes throughout the grounds.
The site sits within over 2,100 acres of protected parkland in one of the most densely populated regions of the US, making it an unexpected quiet retreat. This location preserves a green oasis amid New Jersey's urban landscape.
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