Van Vleck House & Gardens in Montclair, Essex County New Jersey serves as an educational community resource and features a public botanical garden with mostly ericaceous species cultivated over many generations.
Van Vleck House & Gardens boast a vibrant selection of rhododendrons and azaleas that blossom each spring, popularly seen throughout its gardens.
Visitors to the property can also see a historic mansion built by Joseph Van Vleck Jr in 1916 that dates back to 1916 and features beautiful gardens. Additionally, this Mediterranean villa can be rented by non-profit organizations for various social gatherings.
As you stroll the grounds, you will notice each area is filled with plants with their own individual character. One of the most impressive spots is a terrace where Doric columns wind around two massive Chinese wisterias that were planted by Howard Van Vleck back in 1939.
Hard to miss this beautiful space with its Doric columns and twining Chinese wisterias with purple blossoms cascading down. A breathtaking sight indeed that belies just how close this breathtaking spot is from Upper Mountain Avenue’s bustling activity.
As you wander the gardens during a weekday stroll, it can often feel like you have the place all to yourself as birds sing their melodious song and squirrels scamper across trees rustling through branches – it feels as if this peaceful sanctuary has become your own private paradise! Take refuge here for an afternoon and recharge.
Discover even more magical spots by exploring the “Woodlands,” at the western end of the property, a popular spot for bird watching and picnics.
Van Vleck House & Gardens are open to the public from dawn to dusk every day of the year and provide an ideal setting for outdoor yoga sessions and animal programs hosted on-site for the community.
Van Vleck House & Gardens was donated to The Montclair Foundation in 1993 as an ongoing responsibility, in charge of maintaining it and running all associated activities.
At their heart, these nonprofits work hard to ensure the grounds remain accessible and free for public use, yet maintaining them requires help from all across the community. Volunteering is one way you can contribute.
Sign up as a volunteer with Van Vleck House & Gardens by clicking here, or donate directly by following this link.
The Van Vleck family’s commitment to their community and desire to leave a legacy are what motivate them to preserve this estate and gardens. Through partnerships with local organizations, education programs, and volunteer opportunities; The Van Vleck House & Gardens continue serving the Montclair area.
