What began as a private estate for the Van Vleck family has grown into an incredible community asset. Donated to The Montclair Foundation in 1993, this property features an expansive public botanical garden filled with rhododendrons and azaleas that have been carefully nurtured over multiple generations.
The Montclair Foundation and many volunteers make these gardens free to the public every day of the year, thanks to their generosity. If you would like to contribute towards keeping these tranquil spaces open for future generations, join their Friends Program or make a donation today.
Montclair’s Hidden Gem: Visit this charming oasis with your friends and loved ones for a relaxing, enjoyable visit. They offer tours that highlight the history of the gardens as well as their main features. Additionally, there are some special areas not included in the tour but definitely worth checking out, like a fairy garden!
On your way home from work or when you just need some relaxing time, this is a great stop to make. It’s not too crowded and there’s plenty of parking available, plus there are some beautiful spots in the gardens for photos.
Bring your picnic and enjoy the views! Just remember to take your trash with you when you are finished.
With so many unique plants and flowers here, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by their beauty. To ensure you don’t miss anything important, bring a map along for reference.
One of my favorite places in the gardens is a terrace where Doric columns support two towering Chinese wisterias that have bloomed for over 100 years. It looks like something out of a fairy tale as these bloom.
The garden is a tranquil, picturesque haven that evokes the charm of a Mediterranean villa. Here, you’ll feel miles away from Upper Mountain Avenue’s busy streets.
Van Vleck House & Gardens stands out among other local gardens and arboretums by being completely free to the public. If you are new to the Montclair area, you should definitely check it out as it is one of the Guru’s favorite spaces. If you would like to support this beautiful space, consider volunteering or joining the Friends of Van Vleck House & Gardens.
Van Vleck House & Gardens are hosting several events to commemorate their centennial year, including a photo/artifact exhibition that will run until mid-October.
A self-guided tour is available that takes you around the garden’s main attractions – plus, you can purchase a pocket map to take along for your journey!
Spend an enchanting afternoon here! The wisterias offer a tranquil environment and the scents of lavender, orange blossoms and even just the flowers themselves are simply divine!
Here, you’ll find an array of stunning trees, shrubs and flowers as well as a magical fairy garden. There are also plenty of benches and walkways to relax on while taking a break from the outside world. It truly is an idyllic haven!
