Garden Spotlight: Greenwood Gardens

Website: https://greenwoodgardens.org
Directions: 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills, NJ 07078

Greeted by this butterfly upon entering the formal gardens.

Colonial style estate created by the Blanchard family.

Greenwood Gardens' history goes back to the early 1900s, under the ownership of prominent real estate auctioneer Joseph P. Day. In 1906, he purchased the 28-acre estate as a retreat from hectic New York City life. The estate featured a traditional wood-frame Victorian home, which unfortunately caught on fire, prompting the need for architect and landscaper designer William Whetten Renwick to step in and rebuild the property. Renwick's influence spans across the entire estate, including the grounds.

The garden would eventually be sold again in 1949 to Peter P. Blanchard Jr. and Dr. Adelaide Childs Frick Blanchard. Replacing the original structure, the Blanchard's rendition of the Colonial Revival mansion still stands today. The estate would also be renamed "The Greenwoods" in reference to Peter's ancestors' and their efforts during the Civil War. Unfortunately, Adelaide passed away only a few years after they had occupied the estate. As a result, Peter devoted more time to tending to the landscape adding garden sculptures, planting ornamental trees and shrubs, and re-configuring the gardens to evoke a more European ambiance and feeling. When Peter passed away in 2000, it was his wish that Greenwood Gardens become a public garden.

Reflecting Pool Terrace

Photo of the Reflecting Pool Terrace with the Main House aligned with it.

As you walk behind the Main House, you are greeted by this extravagant staircase with two obelisks carried by elephants carved in stone. The pool is a shaped like a semi-circle, enveloped in plants of varying height. Ornamental dolphins spouting water inside the pools make this space feel leisurely and carefree.  

Elephants carved in stone. Notice the cartoonish, playful eyes.

There are colorful, glazed Rockwood ceramics embedded into the walls depicting seashells and plant life. These ceramics were created and sourced by the Rookwood Pottery Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, harkening back to the Arts and Crafts Movement of things being handmade instead of mass produced. The Rookwood Pottery Company was founded by Maria Longworth-Nichols, who was the first woman in America who own a manufacturing company.

---

Garden of The Gods

Boy with Waterfowl by Emilio Angela sits in the center of the pool.

Light blue, lattice fencing borders around a circular pool. There are angelic, cherub statues tucked away throughout the space holding bouquets of flowers, almost as an offering. Benches for sitting are also delicately placed so that you can enjoy the sound of the fountain in the center. There are a variety of textures of greenery surrounding the pool. The space evokes a sense of peace and tranquility. 

---

Fairytale Structures

The Summerhouse. The four chestnut trees shading the house are over 100 years old.

As you leave the Summerhouse, you are met with moss covered statues with smug expressions, bidding you farewell on your journey forward. They're whimsical and light-hearted, capturing your attention with their storybook faces. One statue looks more at ease than the other. 

As you continue your adventure through the guiding path, you are led to this simple, cobblestone structure known as the Summerhouse. The space acts as a transition from the grand, European style gardens, to the fairytale world that awaits. There is nothing inside of the house, but cutouts for windows and colorful tiles on the floor. 

One of the statues that you will see as you leave the Summerhouse.

---

The Teahouse.

The lower level has a sink and fireplace which was once used for preparing the tea. 

A granite frog from the early 1900s.

The Teahouse, in comparison to the Summerhouse, is a much larger structure with even more ornamental statues and a winding staircase leading to the top. The blue  faces bordering the top of the house, coupled with the plethora of granite frogs sitting in front of it make this space feel like a storybook castle. 

View from the Teahouse.

---

Greenwood Gardens is reminiscent of a European fairytale. Not only does it evoke a sense of peace, but it also evokes a sense of wonder and imagination. Gardens are more than just places where you grow things; they can transport you to different realms and states of being. There is a playfulness at Greenwood Gardens that was very refreshing, with an almost like an Alice in Wonderland sort of energy surrounding it. Whether it's the sound of roosters crowing in the background, the odd glimpses of colorful ceramic tile, or the cartoon-like statues, this place is really special and deserves to be enjoyed.

Some friends we made along the way.