Montclair is a township steeped in gardening pioneers’ legacy. One hundred years later, its gardens continue to thrive and adapt with changing times, as horticulturists and gardeners work to create sustainable food sources for both people and wildlife alike. Last year, Montclair was designated as a pollinator corridor, with residents working tirelessly towards sustainable organic gardening practices for native plants and monarch butterflies in order to help promote pollinator corridor certification.
Montclair Garden Club has long been at the heart of Montclair Township gardens, inspiring both visitors and members alike. Their efforts were recognized when Avis-Campbell gardens at 60 South Fullerton were named one of America’s best public gardens by Good Plant Care magazine in 2023. Visitors find these beautiful spaces delightful, and its members take great pride in keeping it that way.
Presby Memorial Iris Gardens sit dormant for most of the year at the base of a gentle hill in Upper Montclair, but each spring, its grounds come alive in an explosion of color! Free (with a $5 suggested donation), it welcomes public visitors who marvel at over 75,000 irises including Siberian hybrids as well as Japanese, Louisiana, and those that date back centuries – creating a glorious display.
Joseph Van Vleck first moved to Montclair in the 1860s with a passion for gardening. His son Howard carried on this tradition, designing memorial gardens at South Fullerton Congregational Church and landscaped grounds at Montclair Art Museum as well as hybridized rhododendrons that now grace his former estate, now called Van Vleck Gardens.
Since Van Vleck’s estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, its gardens have continued to evolve. Restored to their original beauty by volunteer gardeners, its former glory has been brought back. A new sprinkler system has been installed for easier watering needs while two beautiful bridges span dry creek beds running through the garden’s center. Furthermore, specimen trees and native grasses have been planted to attract wildlife while further improving aesthetics of this garden.
Jose German-Gomez founded Northeast Earth Coalition (NEEC) just prior to retiring as a corporate accountant in 2016. His inaugural initiative was renovating Crane Park downtown; its gardens now boasting both an official certified Master Gardener program through Rutgers University as well as a community vegetable garden. They partner with local schools, youth with disabilities, adults as well as adults to teach them how to cultivate sustainable vegetables for growing and harvesting purposes.
The Northeast Ecological Center has collaborated with Montclair City Hall to initiate its Montclair Backyard Habitat Project and promote ecological gardening throughout town. Over time, it has promoted organic methods of producing produce and flowers which have proven their beneficial effect on native animal populations. More recently, they have helped homeowners turn their lawns into pollinator habitats by planting native species on them.
