Top botanical gardens
Botanical GardenDrew University
Botanical GardenWillowwood Arboretum
Botanical GardenHerrontown Woods Arboretum
Botanical GardenDuke Gardens
Botanical GardenSkylands
Botanical GardenBamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center
Botanical GardenFrelinghuysen Arboretum
Botanical GardenVan Vleck House and Gardens
Botanical GardenReeves-Reed Arboretum
Botanical GardenRutgers Gardens
Botanical GardenSayen Park Botanical Garden
Botanical GardenColonial Park Arboretum and Gardens
Botanical Gardens by county
All botanical gardens (20)
| Name | County | Elevation | Nearest town | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drew University | Morris County | — | Madison | 8 |
| Willowwood Arboretum | Morris County | 117 m | Gladstone | 6 |
| Herrontown Woods Arboretum | Mercer County | 79 m | Kingston | 7 |
| Duke Gardens | Somerset County | — | Raritan | 8 |
| Skylands | Passaic County | — | Ringwood | 7 |
| Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center | Hunterdon County | — | Gladstone | 6 |
| Frelinghuysen Arboretum | Morris County | — | Cedar Knolls | 8 |
| Van Vleck House and Gardens | Essex County | — | Montclair | 9 |
| Reeves-Reed Arboretum | Essex County | — | Summit | 9 |
| Rutgers Gardens | Middlesex County | — | Highland Park | 9 |
| Sayen Park Botanical Garden | Mercer County | — | Hamilton Square | 7 |
| Colonial Park Arboretum and Gardens | Somerset County | — | Weston | 7 |
| Leaming's Run Gardens | Cape May County | — | Avalon | 4 |
| Lewis W. Barton Arboretum | Burlington County | — | Medford Lakes | 7 |
| Meadowburn Farm | Sussex County | — | Vernon Valley | 6 |
| Holmdel Arboretum | Monmouth County | — | Lincroft | 7 |
| Presby Memorial Iris Gardens | Essex County | — | Upper Montclair | 9 |
| Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum | Ocean County | — | Lakewood | 7 |
| Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary | Essex County | — | Millburn | 9 |
| Leonard J. Buck Garden | Somerset County | — | Bedminster | 7 |
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph botanical gardens
Gardens are best on bright overcast days or early mornings when dew is fresh and the wind is calm.
- A macro lens or close-up filter opens a world of detail — try a shallow aperture against a soft background.
- Many gardens restrict tripods or charge for photography; check the rules before you go.
- Backlit petals glow; position yourself so the sun is behind the flower.
- Seasonal exhibits (orchids, tulips, cherry blossoms) draw crowds — arrive at opening.
- Kaleidoscopic and abstract images are great for flower close-ups — try the online kaleidoscope tool.
Season: Spring bulbs and blossoms, summer perennials and autumn color; glasshouses offer winter subjects.