Program Calendar – August & September

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.

Download the 2026 Program Flyer

August 2026

For Members

POND WALK & FARM ALLEES

EXPLORATION

Tuesday, August 4
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a guided walk through this serene and rustic area of the garden. Explore the lower ponds, take in the view of the historic Frick Gate at the terminus, and meander over to the Farm Allée, lined with majestic London plane trees. Along the way, visit with our colorful resident turkeys, all the while learning about the history of this peaceful corner of the property. Bring a snack to enjoy on a bench by the pond slope where you can soak in the tranquility of a time gone by.

Complimentary and open to 15 members

Register

ROMANTIC TWILIGHT DATE NIGHT

Thursday, August 13
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Unwind after a long day with a glass of wine, a selection of cheeses, and a peaceful stroll through Greenwood’s historic Main Axis. Pause to “smell the roses,” listen to the soothing sounds of our stately fountains, and take in the serene beauty of this 1920s Gatsbyesque garden as it transitions into fall. Wander down to the Cascade and marvel at the water as it moves through the seven-tiered Cascade fountain. This gentle, sensory-rich evening is the perfect way for couples to relax, recharge, and find inspiration for the days ahead.

$50 per couple

Open to 25 Couples

Register

For Members

WALKING HISTORY TOUR

Sunday, August 23
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

This one-hour, docent-led walking tour highlights the history, landscape, horticulture, and architecture of Greenwood.

Complimentary and open to 15 members

Register

THE GREENWOOD EXPERIENCE

Tuesday, August 25
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Start the morning with coffee and a presentation, From Pleasant Days to Greenwood: A Century of Change in the Garden, given by our Executive Director, Abby O’Neill, as she explores Greenwood’s rich history and its transformation into a public garden. Then, enjoy a private guided tour of the first floor of the elegant 1950 Georgian Revival home with Stephanie Murphy, Public Engagement Manager. The experience continues with a one-hour walking tour of the 28-acre grounds, highlighting the site’s landscape design, horticulture, art, and architecture, along with interesting stories about the site’s former owners, the Day and Blanchard families. The visit concludes with a relaxing lunch.

Lunch options to be shared in advance.

$45 per person

Open to 15 participants

Register

September 2026

Birder’s Walk

Thursday, September 3
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

With Dave Hall, Naturalist, New Jersey Audubon 

Immerse yourself in nature on a guided walk through the garden with avian expert Dave Hall. Discover the diverse bird species that frequent Greenwood’s tranquil woodlands and the surrounding 2,100 acres of protected parkland in South Mountain Reservation. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or simply curious, this is a unique opportunity to learn more about the feathered visitors that call this area home. Photo credit: Chris Neff, NJ Audubon

$15 per person

Open to 15 participants

Register

En Plein Air Arts Day

PAINTING, SKETCHING & PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE GARDEN

Wednesday, September 9
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join fellow artists for a day of creativity in the open air! Whether you paint, sketch, photograph, or journal, all en plein air enthusiasts – beginner to experienced – are welcome to explore and capture the beauty of Greenwood’s historic gardens. Bring your preferred media – watercolor, pastel, pen and ink, or camera – and find inspiration in our century-old landscape, complete with enchanting views, Arts & Crafts follies, and elegant fountains.

Please note:
* Easels and tripods are permitted (please avoid placing them in planted beds or blocking pathways)

* Drop cloths are required for painting

$10 members; $15 non-members

Open to 25 participants, including five dedicated spots for oil painters

Register

For Members

Art in the Garden Series

THE PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP ~ EARLY EVENING LIGHT IN THE GARDEN

Wednesday, September 9
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

With Barbara Storms, Marketing and Communications Manager, Greenwood Gardens

Join our in-house expert on a walk through the garden to capture some of Greenwood’s most iconic scenes during the early evening hours. Barbara’s award-winning photography has been featured on the web pages of The Smithsonian, The Nature Conservancy, and The Weather Channel. 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.

Complementary and open to 16 members

Register

For Members

WALKING HISTORY TOUR

Sunday, September 13

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

This one-hour, docent-led guided walking tour highlights the history, landscape, horticulture, and architecture of Greenwood.

Complimentary and open to 15 members

Register

For Members

The Book Group at Greenwood Gardens

Tuesday, September 15
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

With Patti Manzi, Moderator and Greenwood Advisory Board Member

Enjoy a guided discussion of 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

Register

Music and Dance in the Garden Series

Lyrica Chamber Music
An Evening of String Trios

Featuring cellist Ani Kalayjian

Friday, September 18
Rain date, Saturday, September 19

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Generously sponsored by Stone Mountain Properties

 

Since 1987, Lyrica has been bringing world-class musicians to perform in community settings and Greenwood is proud to be the presenter for this special evening of string trios, featuring cellist Ani Kalayjian, Lyrica’s Co-Artistic Director. 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 p.m. before the music begins at 6:30 p.m. You won’t forget this magical program for years to come.

$50 members; $55 non-members

Open to 90 attendees

Register

Art in the Garden Series

PAINTING WORKSHOP ~ AN INTRODUCTION TO THE VISUAL LANGUAGE OF WATERCOLOR

Tuesday, September 22
10 a.m. – 12 :30 p.m.

With Pat Brentano Bramnick, Professional Artist and Educator

In this workshop, you will create four compositions from a still life that Pat has created. You will explore composition, shape, value, negative and positive space, and color temperature. All levels are welcome.

Suggested supply list will be shared upon registration.

$30 members; $35 non-members

Open to 12 participants

Register

TAI CHI WALK

Thursday, September 24
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

With Carl Klemme, Owner, Glow Yoga

Join this 30-year plus expert in yoga and meditation as he leads participants through gentle movement and mindful practices to cultivate balance, energy, and inner calm. Be immersed in the sight and sound of our newly restored Cascade fountain. Beginner to advanced welcome. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking and meditating in the garden.

$15 members; $20 non-members

Open to 18 participants

Register

AUTUMN TEA TASTING IN THE GARDEN

Tuesday, September 29
4 pm. – 6 p.m.

With Vicki Davitashvili, Owner, Stille Essence Tea

Explore the rich flavors and wellness benefits of loose-leaf teas, earthy oolongs, chai, and spiced blends reflecting fall foliage. These selected blends emphasize unique properties and health benefits, education, mindfulness, and sensory enjoyment, creating a memorable and meaningful connection for all participants.

$35 per person

Open to 25 participants

Register

Follow us on Instagram @greenwoodgardensnj

Use #greenwoodgardens for a chance to be featured