Program Calendar – October to December

Bee Day

Saturday, October 1
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Children, parents, and grandparents alike will enjoy a day of fun and educational activities that highlight the vital role that the industrious bee plays in our delicate ecosystem.  Take part in interactive games and activities including an art contest, spelling bee, nature journaling, reading circles, a petting zoo, and more!  Make a beeline to sign up early so you and your family experience this special day!

General Admission applies

Activity tickets available for purchase on-site

Register

Movies From a Garden Past:  A Look Back at Greenwood

Tuesday, October 4
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

with Peter P. Blanchard III, Greenwood Co-founder and Naturalist
Join us for a unique opportunity to see firsthand what early- and middle-twentieth century life was really like at Greenwood.  Thanks to a carefully preserved trove of home movies taken by the Day and Blanchard families, some as early as the 1920s, you’ll view family gatherings on the Main Lawn, an Easter egg roll, and costumed children performing near the Reflecting Pool fountain during the Day family era. From the Blanchard era, you’ll see an early ancestor on horseback, Co-founder Peter Blanchard’s father in the allée with his beloved dogs, and historic views of the garden. At movies’ end, enjoy a warm cup of cider and take a stroll through the Main Axis to see the garden dramatically illuminated at night!

Adults only, ages 13 and up; limited to 12 participants 

$15 members; $20 non-members

Register

Interactive Concert: Two to Tango

Friday, October 7
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join us for this engaging music experience at Greenwood!  For over 26 years George Marriner Maull, Artistic Director of The Discovery Orchestra, has made classical music listening more meaningful and transformative through his interactive instruction. This evening’s concert will feature Maestro Maull and The Riverside Guitar Duo exploring Astor Piazzolla’s delightful Tango Suite. Arrive at 5:30 p.m. to stroll through the gardens, then enjoy wine and cheese served under the tent on the West Terrace at 6:00 p.m. The music program starts at 6:30 p.m.

Adults only, ages 13 and up; limited to 70 attendees

$30 members; $35 non-members

Register

Rookwood in the Garden

Tuesday, October 11
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

With one of the largest outdoor collections of antique Rookwood ceramic tiles in the Northeast, Greenwood is delighted to offer this tour that will explore these century-old gems.  As you walk through the garden, you’ll learn fascinating insight into their alluring history. You’ll also be among those given the rare opportunity to view pieces that are kept in year-round storage.  There is a prize in store for the most accurate estimate of the number of Rookwood pieces in our collection!

Adults only, ages 13 and up; limited to 12 participants 

$10 members; $15 non-members

Register

Bird Walk

Thursday, October 13
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

with Dave Hall, New Jersey Audubon Naturalist
Venture into the garden with Dave, well-known naturalist, who will discuss the various species of birds that visit the quiet woodlands of Greenwood and the surrounding 2,100 acres of protected parkland – South Mountain Reservation. Immerse yourself in nature as you walk through this natural habitat that is home to many of our avian friends.

Adults only, ages 13 and up; limited to 12 participants 

$10 members; $15 non-members

Register

Photo: Jack Bulmer

The Gates of Greenwood: Lecture and Tour

Thursday, October 20
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

with Peter McCourt, Architect, and Greenwood Staff
From the end of the 19^th century through the 1940’s, Edward F. Caldwell & Co. was one of the pre-eminent designers and manufacturers of lighting and decorative metalwork. Greenwood is fortunate to be home to an example of the designer’s work, the Bird of Paradise gate situated in our East Pavilion.  Featuring wisteria vines and other flora and fauna, the gate is the source of Greenwood’s logo, a songbird in a leaf rondel. During this session, you will also learn about and view the elaborate gate on our site that was designed by the architects Carrière and Hastings between 1912 and 1914 for the New York City residence of Adelaide Childs Frick Blanchard’s family.

Adults only, ages 13 and up; limited to 45 participants 

$20 members; $25 non-members

Register

Autumn Fest

Saturday, October 22
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Families are invited to enjoy pumpkins, donuts, and cider surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of Greenwood in autumn.  Craft an apple monster, wander the garden in search of hidden pumpkins, and enjoy donuts and cider on a crisp fall day.

Adults and children ages 3 and up

General admission applies

Register

Experience Qigong in the Garden

Thursday, October 28
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

with Carl Klemme, Qigong Practitioner, Glow Yoga Center & PS108 Yoga
Let the peace and beauty of Greenwood Gardens enhance your experience with Qigong. This ancient practice utilizes movement, breathing, and mindfulness to support and enhance health, longevity, and spiritual connectivity. An experienced Qigong instructor, Carl will focus this session on the Eight Pieces of Brocade, a classic series of movements from which anyone can benefit. These movements will be performed in different locations throughout the gardens. Beginners welcome.

Adults only, ages 13 and up; limited to 12 participants 

$15 members; $20 non-members

Register

Closing Day

Saturday, November 5
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy the last public day of the season as we get ready to put the garden to bed for the winter.  Be sure to take a selfie and tag it #HowGreenWasOurGarden for entry into our Instagram photo contest! Stop by the Visitor Center for a special Greenwood gift. We appreciate your patronage.

General admission applies

Members Day

Sunday, November 6
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

We’ve reserved the very last day for our members to take a final spin through the garden.  Enjoy refreshments, guided tours, indoor presentations, and more!  We hope you’ll take this special opportunity to soak up all the best of nature, beauty, and history that Greenwood has to offer.

Free to members

Register

Christmas Bird Count

Saturday, December 17
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Christmas Bird counts have been a holiday tradition for over 100 years, and we are delighted to host one on our site.  Led by Greenwood Trustee Carl Woodward, we will explore the grounds for sightings of the birds that winter here. Our findings will be reported to the National Audubon Society as part of the Watchung Ridges Count which in turn, will be included in the annual report of North American bird sightings. Participants will meet in the parking lot shortly before 12:00 p.m. and then walk the garden as a group. Basic bird identification knowledge is helpful but not necessary.  Cameras welcome.

Special instructions:  dress warmly in layers; wear especially sturdy warm footwear and good gloves.  Bring binoculars, bird guides, and a thermos of something warm to drink if you would like, though hot chocolate will be served.  Count proceeds rain or shine. 

Adults only, ages 13 and up; limited to 25 participants

Free Admission 

Register

Photo: Chris Chow

See additional programs: May | June & July | August & September

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