Stand Atop The Ramapo Mountains To Find 96 Acres Of Secret Gardens In Ringwood

Picture standing atop the Ramapo Mountains, where 96 acres of meticulously designed gardens unfold before you like pages from a storybook, each one revealing botanical treasures collected from around the world.

The New Jersey Botanical Garden at Skylands isn’t your typical manicured park—it’s a living museum of horticultural history spanning nearly a century.

What began in the 1920s as the private estate of investment banker Clarence McKenzie Lewis has transformed into the state’s official botanical garden.

Lewis was passionate about plants, employing 60 gardeners and traveling far and wide to collect exotic specimens alongside humble roadside wildflowers.

His vision created what feels like an encyclopedic collection of flora, all nestled within Ringwood State Park and surrounded by 1,000 acres of pristine woodland.

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Gardens Worth Exploring

The Lilac Garden: This showstopper features over 100 varieties of lilacs planted in 13 beds during the 1920s.

When these fragrant beauties bloom in late April through mid-May (peak time is around Mother’s Day), the air fills with an intoxicating sweetness that draws visitors back year after year. The grove creates a sensory experience you won’t find anywhere else in New Jersey.

Crabapple Vista: Stretching nearly half a mile with 166 crabapple trees lining the path, this spectacular allée explodes in pink blossoms each early May. Walking through feels like stepping into a painting, with petals floating through the air like confetti. It’s absolutely breathtaking and a photographer’s dream.

The Azalea Garden: Spring brings rhododendrons, azaleas, and daffodils that frame a stunning reflecting pool. Come summer, that same pool transforms with gorgeous pink-flowering lotus and water lilies creating mirror-perfect reflections. The Japanese maple steals the show in autumn with fiery foliage.

Wildflower Garden: Winding woodland trails lead you through stepping stone bridges over the Bog Pond, where you’ll discover Marsh Marigold, Japanese Primrose, and native flame azaleas.

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Kids absolutely love hopping across those stepping stones, and the shaded paths provide a peaceful retreat during April and May when blooms are at their best.

The Winter Garden: Designed specifically to offer greenery views from Skylands Manor during colder months, this garden showcases New Jersey’s largest Jeffrey pine, a century-old weeping beech, and distinctive Japanese umbrella pines. Even when flowers aren’t blooming, the architectural beauty of these massive trees commands attention.

The Perennial Garden: An explosion of color and fragrance awaits as you stroll between two rows bursting with hardy perennials of all sizes, textures, and forms. From spring through autumn, there’s always something new blooming here.

The Manor & Historic Charm

Skylands Manor: The centerpiece 44-room Tudor Revival mansion, designed by renowned architect John Russell Pope (who also created the Jefferson Memorial), was built in the 1920s using stone quarried directly from the property.

The manor features antique paneling and stained glass dating back to the 16th century. Guided tours run select Sundays, lasting about 45 minutes to an hour.

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Historic Statues: Down past the crabapple vista, you’ll encounter four life-size limestone statues representing the continents—Asia, Africa, America, and Europe. Time has weathered them beautifully, giving these centuries-old pieces an ethereal, mysterious quality.

The Solar System Walk: A scale-model solar system on the Great Lawn offers a fun, educational element perfect for kids ages 8-12. Pick up a brochure at the Carriage House to make the most of this interactive feature.

Atmosphere & Setting

Natural Beauty Year-Round: Unlike formal botanical gardens with fences and strict boundaries, this feels wonderfully relaxed and organic. Wild animals wander freely, and the transition between manicured gardens and natural woodland creates an enchanting, fairy tale-like atmosphere.

Peaceful & Uncrowded: You’ll find this mountaintop retreat blissfully quiet, even on nice days. The expansive grounds mean you can always find a secluded spot to sit on one of many benches and simply absorb the beauty around you.

Stroller-Friendly Paths: Paved roads wind through the gardens, making them accessible for families with young children. The terrain is manageable, though you’ll want to plan about 3 hours to truly experience everything.

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Practical Details

Admission Pricing: The gardens themselves are always free to explore. However, there’s a state parking fee on summer Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day—$5 for NJ-registered vehicles and $7 for out-of-state cars. Weekday visits are completely free. This incredible value makes it accessible for everyone.

When to Visit: Each season offers something special. Mid-May showcases lilacs in full glory, early May brings the crabapple blossoms, August features water lilies, and early spring bursts with cherry blossoms and bright colors. Even winter has its charm with evergreens and dramatic tree silhouettes.

Important Notes: No picnicking, barbecues, or lawn games are allowed within the botanical garden section (head to nearby Shepherd Lake for those activities). Dogs on leashes are welcome. Bug spray is recommended, especially during gnat season in early summer.

Getting Around: Grab a map from the Carriage House (near the restrooms) when you arrive. The grounds are extensive but not overwhelming—everything connects logically, and you won’t feel lost.