Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum

The Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum is a large garden space on Georgian Court University grounds containing over 2,200 woody plants representing about 190 different species. The plantings spread across the property and form a diverse collection of trees and shrubs arranged throughout the grounds.

The grounds began as George Jay Gould's winter estate in 1896, with gardens designed by architect Bruce Price. The property later became part of Georgian Court University and was transformed into its current arboretum.

Four garden areas showcase different design approaches, each with its own distinct appearance and atmosphere. Visitors encounter Italian plantings with fountains, Japanese garden spaces with a teahouse, sunken garden sections, and formal layouts, allowing them to experience contrasting styles within the same grounds.

Access to the grounds is available through the security entrance on 9th Street and remains open from morning through dusk daily. Self-guided tours allow visitors to explore the space at their own pace.

The collection includes rare plant species grown in specially transported soil from Monmouth County brought to the site. This particular earth comes from the New Jersey Pine Barrens and allows specimens to thrive that would otherwise be difficult to cultivate.