Programs
Programs
Each season, Greenwood offers a wide range of on-site programs intended to inform and entertain. You won’t want to miss our special guided tours, engaging lectures, interesting workshops, uplifting musical events, and more.
January 2024
For Members
Member’s Coffee with House Tour and History Presentation
Tuesday, January 23
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Join us for coffee and light refreshments on Tuesday, January 23, along with a preview of Greenwood’s 2024 roster of new programs, a historical slide presentation, and a tour of the first floor of the 1950’s Main House. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more and meet other members!
Two sessions are offered. Each session is free of charge to members and open to 20 people.
Please choose one session by following the links below:
Morning: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
March 2024
Winter Tree Walk
Friday, March 8
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
With Stacie Phelps, Millburn Township Forester
Take an informative walk through the garden with our Township Forester who will identify Greenwood’s specimen trees and collections. Tree care and the best practices for maintaining the health of our leafy friends will also be discussed.
$15 members; $20 non-members
Open to 20 participants
Spring Garden Stroll
Thursday, March 21
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Celebrate the first day of spring at Greenwood! Have you ever imagined what the garden looks like at this time of year? This program offers you the opportunity to see the garden in a new light. Marvel at the scenery and historic viewsheds made visible in the absence of leafed-out trees. Since weather conditions and the state of the grounds will determine if the program can proceed, we will send a confirmation to you the day before.
Free to members; $15 non-members
For Members
The Book Group at Greenwood Gardens
Tuesday, March 26
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
With Patti Manzi, Moderator and Greenwood Advisory Board Member
Enjoy a guided discussion of a preselected book with a theme reflective of one or more aspects of Greenwood’s focus on nature, beauty, and history. Light refreshments will be served. The Book Group at Greenwood Gardens meets quarterly. Book to be determined.
Free to members
Open to 16 members
April 2024
Birder’s Walk
Thursday, April 4
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
With Dave Hall, Naturalist, New Jersey Audubon
Venture into the garden for an immersive experience with this avian expert who will talk about the varied species of birds that visit Greenwood’s peaceful woodlands and the surrounding 2,100 acres of South Mountain Reservation’s protected parkland. End the morning with a trip to the Greenwood gift shop.
$15 per person
Open to 15 participants
Tour of the Historic Main House
Friday, April 12
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
With Stephanie Murphy, Public Engagement Manager
Learn about the Blanchard family—Peter, Jr., Adelaide, and their son, the late Peter P. Blanchard III, our co-founder who grew up in this 1950’s Georgian Revival home. Tour the first floor and hear delightful stories that will take you back in time and leave you with a new appreciation for this exceptional family. This tour includes an in-depth discussion of the main hallway’s Zuber wallpaper, prized for its extensive depictions of European country life.
$15 members; $20 non-members
Open to 20 participants
May 2024
Birder’s Walk
Thursday, May 2
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
With Dave Hall, Naturalist, New Jersey Audubon
Venture into the garden for an immersive experience with this avian expert who will lead a delightful walk in search of the songbirds of spring. Be sure to bring your binoculars to capture sightings along the way! After the walk, stop by the gift shop to peruse our unique collection of offerings in time for Mother’s Day and receive a complimentary gift with your purchase.
$15 per person
Open to 15 participants
For Members
Member’s Opening Day
Thursday, May 2
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
We have reserved a special opening day just for members! You are invited to be among the first of the season to take a self-guided walk through the garden and take in the stunning cherry tree and star magnolia blossoms that herald spring, subject to Mother Nature’s whim, of course! Arrive early to enter a drawing for a free jar of Greenwood honey and sip on a refreshing glass of iced tea at the Teahouse. Our Visitor Services staff and volunteers will be on hand to greet you, offer short tours, and share archival photos that will take you back in time through Greenwood’s history. Enjoy refreshments and peruse the gift shop before you leave. You are invited to bring up to two guests, free of charge.
Free to members
Opening Day 2024
Friday, May 3
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Last entry is at 3:30 p.m.)
Let nature, beauty, and history revitalize all your senses this season! Today marks our opening day when you are invited to explore every nook and cranny of the garden. As the garden comes alive, there is much to take in. Marvel at the early blossoms and linger on a comfortable bench as you relax to the gentle sound of water gurgling in the stately fountains. Stroll down to the farm allée where you can watch our resident geese frolic in the ponds.
Free to members; General Admission applies to non-members
Tai Chi in the Garden
Thursday, May 9
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
With Carl Klemme, Owner, Glow Yoga Center
Lean into the ancient Chinese technique of Tai Chi, a graceful form of exercise, akin to meditation in motion, through which various self-defense forms are strung together in a fluid, slow-motion sequence. The result is a quieter mind, reduced stress, and improved balance,
$15 members; $20 non-members
Open to 15 participants
Twilight Hour
Tuesday, May 14
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Unwind from a long day at work with a glass of wine, wedge of cheese, and a guided ramble through the Main Axis. Stop on the Croquet Terrace where you can kick off your shoes on the plush lawn to experience “grounding,” a technique that electrically reconnects you to the earth. You’ll be sure to heighten your senses and feel ready for the week ahead.
$20 members; $25 non-members
Open to 20 participants
PETER P. BLANCHARD III LECTURE SERIES
What’s it Really Worth?
Sunday, May 19
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
With Nick Dawes, Senior Vice President Heritage Auctions, NY Heritage
Join Antiques Roadshow expert appraiser Nick Dawes for an informal and informative appraisal session. Attendees are encouraged to bring two small items that Nick will evaluate during the session. Please note: items NOT to bring include: photographs of objects, gemstone jewelry, rare coins, sports memorabilia, and books. Greenwood is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen items.
$30 members; $35 non-members
Open to 70 participants
GREENWOOD ON THE ROAD – BUS TRIP
Andalusia, Historic House, Garden, and Arboretum
Andalusia, Pennsylvania
Wednesday, May 22
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Just 13 miles upstream from Philadelphia in Bucks County, Andalusia is the ancestral country estate of the Craig and Biddle
families dating back more than 200 years.
Tour through the Greek Revival home with its monumental columned porch and furnished in a variety of American period styles. On the estate grounds, view such features as the Billiard Room, a Gothic grotto, and the Cottage — all circa 1815-1852. Then it will be off to the gardens, with numerous outbuildings and the Walled Garden, where Nicholas Biddle’s graperies long-ago once stood. Lunch and snacks included as well as restroom facilities aboard our luxury bus.
Bus departs promptly at 8:30 a.m.
$165 members; $175 non-members
Open to 37 participants
Spring Plant Walk
Thursday, May 23
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
With Sonia Uyterhoeven, Head of Horticulture
Join this informative tour during which Sonia will review spring gardening chores and the wide variety of the season’s blossoms. Feel free to walk about the garden until noon on your own.
$15 members; $20 non-members
Open to 20 participants
Music Concert and Dance in the Garden Series
AAPI Jazz Collective
Friday, May 24
Rain date, Saturday, May 25
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m
Generously Sponsored by Stone Mountain Properties
The Music and Dance series kicks off with the AAPI Jazz Collective, led by Peter Lin on trombone and featuring vocalist Tammy Huynh, which specializes in performing a classic repertoire from Asian cultures reimagined within a jazz context. Attendees are invited to stroll through the garden starting at 5:30 p.m., and enjoy complimentary wine and cheese served under the tent on the West Terrace at 6:00 p.m. before the music starts at 6:30 p.m. Prepare to be enchanted!
$50 members; $55 non-members
Open to 90 attendees
Creative Arts Day in the Garden
En Plein Air Painting, Sketching, and Photography for Enthusiasts
Wednesday, May 29
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Whatever your preferred mode of creating art, en plein air artists of all skill levels are invited to practice at Greenwood on this day. Use of watercolors, pastels, pen and ink, photography, sketching, and journaling are welcome. There are limited slots for oil painting, due to the sensitive nature of the garden. Our century-old site offers magical views, iconic Arts & Crafts follies, stately fountains, and ample space in which to feel at home. What’s more, you might meet up with a skilled photographer for a mini–workshop, a professional botanic artist who can provide some special tips, or former students of our beloved Co-founder, the late Peter P. Blanchard III, who can share the special methodologies and principals he developed over his lifetime growing up on the estate. Artist easels and tripods are permitted provided they are not placed in the planted beds and pathways are not blocked. Drop cloths required for painting.
$10 members; $15 non-members
Open to 25 participants (includes 5 oil painting slots)
Meditation Walk
Thursday, May 30
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
With Carl Klemme, Owner, Glow Yoga Center
In this session, you will learn and practice meditation and mindfulness, approaches to quieting the mind that can enhance sleep, support heart health, and provide a boost to your immune system. There will be some breathing practices and a practical exploration of the ideal posture for sitting still. We will enjoy our practice of meditation in various beautiful locations in the garden which always enhances the experience of inner stillness. Participants will be provided with take-home resources to support an ongoing practice of meditation. These sessions are perfect for those new to meditation, while more experienced practitioners are bound to learn something new as they enjoy the benefits of sitting with a group.
$15 members; $20 non-members
Open to 15 participants
NEW FOR MEMBERS IN 2024
Member Hours
Thursday, May 30
2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
We have set aside exclusive hours just for members to spend time in the garden. Bring a book, sketch pad, or just yourself! Wander the grounds in search of all that is blooming in the garden throughout the month.
Free to members
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Location
274 Old Short Hills Road
Short Hills, NJ 07078
973-258-4026
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