Van Vleck House & Gardens of Montclair are an invaluable non-profit community resource, boasting an ericaceous botanical garden featuring special attention paid to rhododendrons and azaleas. Open from dawn to dusk all year, these gardens can also host fundraisers, seminars or meetings by non-profit groups.
Joseph Van Vleck Sr. first constructed this property as a Tudor style home in 1868; however, his family later opted for a Mediterranean mansion and expanded the grounds into an estate that resembles European villas.
Howard Van Vleck planted Chinese wisteria vines on his terrace with Doric columns back in 1939 to provide shade to the upper bedrooms of the house, but their lifespan has far outlived expectations.
As they explore the gardens, visitors will come across numerous benches for sitting and taking in the lush surroundings. A fairy trail provides children with an exciting way to connect with nature while sparking their imagination – these trails feature natural materials like branches, pinecones and bark in order to encourage this type of interaction between themselves and nature.
The Garden is open from dawn to dusk and admission is free; group tours can be arranged upon request and the facility may also be booked for private events. In addition, its staff provides classes and workshops about gardening as well as other topics, which are open to the public as well.
Not only is the site home to beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees, but there is also an ornate fountain and two historic railroad train cars from Montclair Transportation Museum on display – these trains were once used to transport freight between New York City and Montclair’s Westfield train station – then known as Valley Junction – with passengers.
Summer evenings find the grounds hosting live performances such as opera and musicals in their gardens. Additionally, this location has become a popular location for photographers and wedding ceremonies alike.
Van Vleck Foundation maintains the gardens, raising money through fundraising and donations. Volunteers are always welcome; free entry for everyone is offered at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair.
Hotwire car rental can make visiting Van Vleck House & Gardens simple and economical. Offering vehicles for every budget, Hotwire allows travelers to select the one that meets their individual needs best; group travel may benefit from opting for roomy SUV or luxury sedan models to maximize space and comfort, making exploring Montclair much simpler and relaxing!
