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.
February 2025
For Members
Zoom Presentation
Exploring Greenwood: The Garden and Its Plants
Monday, February 24
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
With Sonia Uyterhoeven, Head of Horticulture at Greenwood
In the past five years, Greenwood Gardens has transformed into one of New Jersey’s premier public gardens. It has become a destination which pays tribute to its past while embracing its future as an oasis that serves as a respite from the busy world and, also, stimulates the senses and the curiosity of gardeners and enthusiasts alike. This Zoom lecture, specially designed for members, will begin with a discussion of garden design planning and then delve into many of the expressive planting palettes and plant choices that define the Greenwood’s landscape.
Zoom link to be sent in advance of presentation.
Complimentary to members
March 2025
THE PETER P. BLANCHARD III LECTURE SERIES
The Art, History, and Restoration of Scenic Wallpaper
Thursday, March 13
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
With Jim Francis and John Nalewaja, Co-owners, Scenic Wallpapers
Against the backdrop of Greenwood Gardens’ Zuber wallpaper masterpiece, “Views of Switzerland,” the co-owners of Scenic Wallpaper, a 30-year-old company specializing in the installation and preservation of the world’s finest new and antique hand-blocked scenic wallpapers, will present a fascinating talk on this art form’s artistry and history, as well as insight into how these stunning papers are produced and restored.
$20 members; $25 non-members
Open to 30 attendees
For Members
The Book Group at Greenwood Gardens
Tuesday, March 18
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
With Patti Manzi, Moderator and Greenwood Advisory Board Member
Take part with fellow members in a group discussion about a pre-selected book that reflects one or more aspects of Greenwood’s focus on nature, beauty, and history. Come away with new and enlightening insights! The book(s) selection for this meeting are “The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness” by Sy Montgomery and/or “Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.” Feel free to read one or both and join us for light refreshments and discussion.
Complimentary and open to 16 members
April 2025
Birder’s Walk
Thursday, April 3
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
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
For Members
House Tour with Member Orientation
Friday, April 11
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
With Stephanie Murphy, Public Engagement Manager
Whether you are a new or long-time member, take time to learn about all the benefits that accrue to you through your Greenwood Membership. You will also have the chance to tour the first floor of the 1950s Georgian Revival Main House while meeting other members of the garden.
Complimentary and open to 20 members
Discovering Trees Through Their Bark
Tuesday, April 22
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
With Stacie Phelps, Millburn Short Hills Township Forester
On Earth Day, take an educational walk with our highly knowledgeable Township Forester to learn how to identify trees by their unique bark patterns, textures, and colors. Understanding these differences is key to recognizing the diverse species around us, making this a great way to connect with the natural world this season!
$15 members; $20 non-members
Open to 15 participants
May 2025
Birder’s Walk
Thursday, May 1
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
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
NEW! Sensory Experience Series
The Art, Science, and Mystery of Seeing
Thursday, May 1
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
With Carl Klemme, Co-owner, Glow Yoga Center
Join Carl on a sensorial inquiry into the art and science of seeing, deep listening, and simply being present. This 90-minute experiential program will make use of the beauty of Greenwood as a springboard into moments of “replicable uplift.” Participants will learn simple techniques for calling on their innate intuitive capacities and reawakening the child within. Come away, perhaps, with the ability to see the world through “new eyes.”
$15 members; $20 non-members
Open to 18 participants
Opening Day
Friday, May 2
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Last entry is at 3:30 p.m.)
Our Opening Day coincides with National Public Gardens Day when you are invited to leisurely explore this historic property, voted “Prettiest Garden in New Jersey” by New Jersey Family magazine. Marvel at the early spring blossoms and linger on a comfortable bench while relaxing to the sound of water flowing through the stately fountains. Take a stroll down to the farm allée where you can watch our resident geese frolic on the ponds. This season, let nature, beauty, and history revitalize all your senses!
Free to members; General Admission applies to non-members
For Members
Member’s Opening Day Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Friday, May 2
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Register for a special Behind-the-Scenes Tour on opening day!
Limited to 15 members for each tour
For Members
Spring Twilight Tour
Thursday, May 8
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Unwind from a long day at work with wine, cheese, and a leisurely walk through the Main Axis, stopping to smell the roses, hear the relaxing flow of water in our stately fountains, and marvel at the beauty of this 1920s era garden. You’ll be sure to heighten your senses and feel ready for the week ahead!
$15 per member
Open to 20 participants
En Plein Air Arts Day
En Plein Air Painting, Sketching, and Photography for Enthusiasts
Wednesday, May 14
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 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.
Spring Plant Walk
Friday, May 16
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
With Sonia Uyterhoeven, Head of Horticulture at Greenwood
Out in the garden, find unusual spring plantings to help you inspire your own plantings. On this walk with our Head of Horticulture, learn about the tried-and-true varieties, those that are shade loving and draught resistant, native plants, and how to maximize your garden with perennials.
$15 members; $20 non-members
Open to 15 participants for each session; choose one session when registering.
THE PETER P. BLANCHARD III LECTURE SERIES
The Artist in Residence: Interpreting a Multi-layered Garden Oasis
Sunday, May 18
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
With Pat Brentano Bramnick, Artist and Environmentalist
From preliminary black and white photos and pencil drawings for composition, to small watercolors establishing her color palette, to larger finished paintings, accomplished artist Pat Brentano Bramnick will share the process she undertook to interpret the complex synergy between nature, architecture, and the antique garden ornaments found throughout Greenwood’s historic site. Her stunning two dimensional paintings bring nature alive on her canvases. Enjoy iced tea and cookies following the presentation while lingering over an exhibit of Pat’s completed work.
$20 members; $25 non-members
Open to 50 attendees
NEW! Sensory Experience Series
Sensory Walk and Plant Wave
Thursday, May 22
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
With Stephanie Murphy, Public Engagement Manager at Greenwood
Stimulate all your senses in this immersive spring garden experience. Heighten awareness of your surroundings by focusing on the riot of colors, textures, sounds, and scents in the garden. Listen to musical pieces that have been created through the conversion of plant energy. Wear comfortable shoes that can be easily removed so you can delight in the sensorial feeling of walking barefoot through the grass on the majestic Croquet Lawn.
$15 members; $20 non-members
Open to 15 participants
Music in the Garden Concert Series
The Three Generations of Jazz Quintet
Friday, May 23
Rain date, Saturday, May 24
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m
Generously Sponsored by Stone Mountain Properties
The great bandleader Art Blakey once said, “Music washes away the dust of everyday life,” and The Three Generations of Jazz Quintet, featuring Tomoko Ohno on Piano, does just that! Strongly influenced by the celebrated quintets of Miles Davis, The Jazz Messengers, Clifford Brown, and others, Three Generations swings hard and brings life to brand new compositions, as well as classic jazz masterpieces. 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
For Members
Members Coffee with House Tour and History Presentation
Wednesday, May 28
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
With Stephanie Murphy, Public Engagement Manager at Greenwood
Join us for coffee and light refreshments, a historical slide show presentation, and tour of the first floor of the 1950’s Georgian Revival Main House. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Greenwood and meet other members. Choose one of two sessions when registering.
Complimentary and open to 20 members
Meditation Walk
Thursday, May 29
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 exercises and an exploration of the ideal posture for sitting still. We will enjoy our practice of meditation in various beautiful locations in the garden which always deepens 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 18 participants
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Location
274 Old Short Hills Road
Short Hills, NJ 07078
973-258-4026
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