Programs

Programs

Each season we offer a variety of on-site programs at Greenwood Gardens for members and visitors to enjoy. You won’t want to miss our special guided tours, engaging lectures, interesting workshops, musical events, and more.

For Members

Member Coffee and Tour of the 1950s Main House

Thursday, January 26
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Mingle with your fellow members over coffee while learning about the exciting 2023 programs, tours, and events that will be offered during Greenwood’s 20th anniversary year. Then follow Stephanie Murphy, Public Engagement Manager, on a “look back in time” tour of the first floor of the 1950s Main House. Take a self-guided tour through the garden, weather permitting.

Open to 20 members per session.
Free to members.

Celebrating Twenty Years of Nature, Beauty, and History: The Creation of Greenwood Gardens

Thursday, March 16
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Enjoy tea and biscuits as you are transported back to the origins of Greenwood Gardens from 2003 until today, the result of one family’s efforts and many supporters to create a sustainable public garden. Learn about the founders’ compelling vision along with insights into the unique challenges and necessary renovations required to turn dreams of an enchanted 28-acre historic oasis into reality. Slide presentation by Abby O’Neill, Executive Director, followed by Q & A.

$15 members; $20 non-members.
Open to 30 participants.

Register

For Members

The Book Group at Greenwood Gardens

Tuesday, March 21
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Enjoy a guided discussion of The Overstory by Richard Powers led by Greenwood Advisory Board member and Short Hills resident, Patti Manzi. Light refreshments will be served. The Book Group at Greenwood Gardens meets quarterly.

Open to 16 members.
Free to members.

Register

Birder’s Walk

Thursday, April 6
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Be sure to have your binoculars ready! In the first of five birders’ walks offered this season, New Jersey Audubon Naturalist Dave Hall will guide you through Greenwood’s meandering paths in search of our avian friends during the intense migration they undertake every April.  Stop by the gift shop before you leave for a sneak peek at this year’s unique spring items and receive a complimentary gift with your purchase.

Open to 15 participants;
$15 per person.

Register

For Members

Member’s Opening Day

Sunday, April 30
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The 20th Anniversary of the founding of Greenwood Gardens is a time for celebration!  All members are invited to help us mark this special occasion by stopping in for a self-guided walk between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to take in the stunning blossoms of our cherry trees and star magnolias (if Mother Nature allows)!  Our Visitor Services staff and volunteers will be on hand to greet you, offer short tours, and share photos from Greenwood’s history. Enjoy refreshments and peruse the gift shop before you leave.

Reservations are required.
Free to Members.

Register

Peter P. Blanchard III Lecture Series

The Gates of Greenwood

Sunday, April 30
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Join historian Peter McCourt for an in-depth exploration of the two important historic iron gates situated at Greenwood Gardens. Peter will begin with a slide presentation about the intricately crafted Bird of Paradise Gate, the work of Edward F. Caldwell & Co., a pre-eminent designer and manufacturer of lighting fixtures and decorative metalwork from the end of the 19th century through the 1940s, and one of the only artifacts remaining from the Day’s 1920s Italianate mansion. We will then venture down to Greenwood’s ponds to view and learn about the elaborate gate that was designed by the architects Carrière and Hastings between 1914 and 1915 for the New York City residence of Adelaide Childs Frick Blanchard’s family.

Open to 50 participants. 
$20 members; $25 non-members.

Register

Birder’s Walk

Thursday, May 4
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Expert New Jersey Audubon Naturalist Dave Hall will lead a delightful walk to seek out the songbirds of spring.  Be sure to bring your binoculars to view 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.

Open to 15 participants;
$15 per person.

Register

Opening Day 2023 

Friday, May 5
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 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 the water gurgling in the stately fountains. Stroll down to the farm allée where you can observe our resident geese frolic on the ponds. Special surprises throughout the season on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through November 4.

Free to members.
General Admission applies.

Register

Celebrating the Beauty of Bulbs on National Public Gardens Day

Friday, May 12
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Colorful, exuberant bulbs herald the arrival of spring, a perfect way to mark National Public Gardens Day!  Join Head of Horticulture, Sonia Uyterhoeven, who will lead you through the gardens and highlight some of Greenwood’s favorite spring bulbs as well as provide maintenance tips along the way.

Open to 15 participants;
$10 members; $15 non-members.

Register

Peter P. Blanchard III Lecture Series

The Gilded Age

Thursday, May 18
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

with Dr. Gary Darden, Associate Professor of History, Fairleigh Dickinson University
The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic change, when huge fortunes were made and spent.  Wealthy families like the Vanderbilts owned country estates where they could decamp in the spring and fall from the rigors of New York City life.  Dr. Darden will provide fascinating insight into the lives of the Vanderbilt-Twombly family and their New Jersey country estate, located not far from Greenwood in Morris County.

Open to 50 attendees.
$20 members; $25 non-members.

Register

Peter P. Blanchard III Lecture Series

Rookwood Art Pottery at Greenwood

Sunday, May 21
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Greenwood Gardens’ extensive collection of classic 1920s Arts and Crafts style Rookwood tiles are the subject of this enchanting presentation by the Cincinnati-based ceramic company’s Brand Ambassador, George Hibben.  George will provide fascinating details about the history of this century-old company and the significance of the pieces that grace structures throughout our garden.  Following the presentation, you will have the opportunity to view Rookwood pieces in our collection not ordinarily seen by the public, as well as to stroll through the garden to view these fanciful tiles in situ.  The program ends with light refreshments and a discussion with George.

Open to 50 attendees.
$20 members; $25 non-members.

Register

Experience Tai Chi in the Garden

Thursday, May 25
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

with Carl Klemme, QiGong Practitioner, 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, posture, and strength. Surrounded by the beauty of Greenwood Gardens, Carl an experienced instructor, will demonstrate a variety of short Tai Chi flows that you can enjoy practicing at home.

Open to 15 participants.
$15 members; $20 non-members.

Register

Music in the Garden Concert Series

Broadway Classics

Friday, May 26
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Stone Mountain Properties

Join us for the first in a series of three intimate outdoor concerts featuring music through the ages including tonight’s special focus on Broadway Classics.  Enjoy the vocal stylings of four Broadway veterans: Carolyn Montgomery, T. Oliver Reid, Tracy Stark, and Karen Mason. Arrive at 5:30 p.m. to stroll through the garden before the concert begins at 6:30 p.m. Wine and cheese will be served under the tent on the West Terrace starting at 6:00 p.m. Get ready to tap your toes!

Open to 90 attendees.
$30 members; $35 non-members.

Register

Creative Arts Day in the Garden

En Plein Air Painting, Sketching, and Photography for Enthusiasts

Wednesday, May 31
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 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. Watercolors, pastels, pen and ink, photography, sketching, and journaling are welcome. 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.

Register

See additional programs: June & July | August & September | October – December

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