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.
With Dave Hall, Naturalist, New Jersey Audubon
Immerse yourself in nature as you venture into the garden with this avian expert. Dave 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..
$15 per person
Open to 15 participants
With Barbara Storms, Marketing and Communications Manager at Greenwood
Join our in-house expert as she reviews a variety of important photography principals. Her photography has been awarded/featured on the Smithsonian, The Nature Conservancy, and The Weather Channel webpages. During an indoor presentation, learn about methods of framing your subject matter to create a balanced and visually pleasing photographic composition, along with the rule of thirds and subject symmetry. You will then head out into the garden to shoot some of Greenwood’s most iconic locations. Please bring your own camera or smartphone with which you are familiar. Special Note: this program will not cover camera settings such as shutter speed, ISO, or f-stops.
$20 members; $25 non-members
Open to 15 participants
With Patti Manzi, Moderator and Greenwood Advisory Board Member
Enjoy a guided discussion of At the Edge of the Orchard, by Tracy Chevalier, a pre-selected 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.
Complimentary and open to 16 members
Whatever your preferred mode of creating art, en plein air artists of all skill levels are invited to practice painting, photography, sketching, and journaling throughout the garden on this day. Use of various media – watercolor, pastel, and pen and ink — are welcome. Our century-old site offers magical views, iconic Arts & Crafts follies, stately fountains, and ample space in which to feel at home. 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, including five slots for oil painters
Enjoy a fun evening on the majestic Main Lawn with your fellow members! Revel in the beauty of the garden, summer breezes, and a cool jazz vibe, courtesy of the Bradford Hayes Quartet. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic supper; we’ll provide complimentary soft drinks. The gates open at 5:45 p.m. Space is limited. Sign up early to secure your spot!
$25 per member and their non-member guests (up to two)
Open to 175 attendees
Take your date on a romantic stroll through this century-old garden with a glass of bubbly and nibbles in hand. Step back in time and imagine how life and nature were celebrated during the 1920’s when the Day family lived on the property and entertained guests. Come dressed up in the style of the day or use our costume props for selfies!
$50 per couple
With Dorothy Kelly, Curator of the Millburn-Short Hills Historical Society Museum
While discussions about Short Hills have primarily focused on Stewart Hartshorn and his suburban ideals, the broader history of the town has been largely overlooked. Join our local expert for an illuminating exploration of Old Short Hills, which examines the strategic significance of the area during the Revolutionary Period, its role as a site for burgeoning industry, and its transformation into a coveted residential locale that attracted notable individuals, including Edward Renwick, John Taylor, and Joseph P. Day, early owner of the property known today as Greenwood Gardens.
$20 members; $25 non-members
Open to 50 attendees
Whatever your preferred mode of creating art, en plein air artists of all skill levels are invited to practice painting, photography, sketching, and journaling throughout the garden on this day. Use of various media – watercolor, pastel, and pen and ink — are welcome. Our century-old site offers magical views, iconic Arts & Crafts follies, stately fountains, and ample space in which to feel at home. 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, including five slots for oil painters
Uncover the stories behind Greenwood’s extensive collection of garden statuary found throughout the property. Learn about the materials used to construct these unique artifacts, their original placement in the garden, and which family owned them. You will learn these facts and more as we ramble through the garden just before twilight. Wine and cheese will be served!
$15 per member
Open to 20 participants
Mari Green presents “Love Letters from the Chairman,” a special performance of some of the most iconic songs from the great American songbook, made popular by legendary crooner Frank Sinatra. Accompanied by esteemed pianist Ted Brancato, Mari’s beautiful warm summer sound and sweeping range promise to uplift you! Attendees are invited to stroll through the garden starting at 5:30 p.m., and then enjoy complimentary wine and cheese on the West Terrace at 6:00 p.m. before the music begins at 6:30 p.m.
$50 members; $55 non-members
Open to 90 attendees
With Kathleen Harte Gilsenan, Artist
Join Kathleen, a former student of our Co-founder, the late Peter P. Blanchard III, as she shares his teachings, along with her own, in this immersive sketching and journaling workshop. Spend the first one and a half hours guided by Kathleen, then feel free to spend the remaining time on your own while you tap into your creativity and imagination. Please bring your own sketch books and sketching implements.
$20 members; $25 non-members
Open to 15 participants
With Stephanie Murphy, Public Engagement Manager at Greenwood
Imagine life in this 1950’s Georgian Revival home as you tour the first floor and hear stories about Peter and Adelaide Blanchard, the couple who built it nearly 75 years ago. Following the tour, enjoy a cup of tea and snacks in the historic dining room with your fellow participants.
$15 members; $20 non-members
Open to 20 participants
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