Presby Iris Gardens can be found within Montclair’s Mountainside Park and boast one of the finest collections of irises. Locals refer to this living museum of botanical preservation as “The Rainbow on the Hill,” featuring around 14,000 blooming irises each spring across flowerbeds – typically peaking between mid-May and early June and drawing visitors from all around. Each spring their Bloom Season draws in visitors from around the globe!
The gardens were established as a memorial to Frank H. Presby, longtime resident of Montclair and founding member of the American Iris Society. At its opening, hundreds of donors donated irises; these have survived untended for decades or centuries — some even centuries — being displayed in a Heirloom Iris Bed (beds 5a & b). Each plant features its own label indicating its name, hybridizer, registration year with AIS.
Today’s Iris Garden is operated by an all-volunteer Citizens Committee and features more than 25 beds of different sizes and conditions for growth. New varieties are added each year through donations from gardeners or commercial vendors and donations help sustain ongoing efforts of Citizens Committee. It is free for visitors to enjoy but donations help support ongoing efforts of this all-volunteer effort.
Visitors to this 6.5-acre garden can stroll the grounds to take in all of the vibrant irises and other flowers growing here, along with an iris-themed gift shop and hive sanctuary that houses 10 active Italian honeybee colonies.
Although maintained by a volunteer citizen group, Essex County government offers support. In 2009, Essex County purchased the Victorian Walther House next to the gardens to provide financial stability for this nonprofit and serve as its headquarters during Bloom Season – giving visitors an additional attraction while exploring these gardens.
At its blooming period, the garden opens from May through June for special events that take place throughout each weekend. An online calendar offers details regarding workshops, lectures and other educational opportunities taking place throughout this period.
Irises are perennial plants that return each year, growing taller and blooming again by late summer. At the garden’s staff use no pesticides on its flowers; additionally rhizomes for purchase can be found at its gift shop.
The Gardens can be easily reached via car, bike, or foot. Parking on Upper Mountain Avenue past its entrance is restricted; thus visitors should plan to park on other streets nearby and walk into the gardens from there.
During blooming season, the Gardens are open Tuesday-Sunday from 11AM-3PM with their gift shop open during this same timeframe. They can be found at 474 Upper Mountain Ave, Montclair NJ 07042. For more information please contact 973-764-7435 or visit their website.
