Howard Van Vleck Arboretum in New Jersey is a treasure for horticulturists, offering over 140 years of horticultural pleasure in its gardens. Once used as a private home, today this idyllic horticultural paradise boasts hybridized rhododendrons, azaleas, and numerous other ericaceous plants which thrive here.
Upper Mountain Avenue and North Mountain Avenues in Montclair were home to three generations of the Van Vleck family for several generations, starting with Joseph Van Vleck Sr. who settled here from Brooklyn with an idea for creating a landscaped country estate in 1868.
In 1916, Joseph Van Vleck designed and constructed on the grounds a Mediterranean villa known as “Van Vleck House,” later used by Howard Van Vleck who held both an architecture degree as well as an affinity for gardening – like his father before him, Howard Van Vleck dedicated much of his time maintaining the gardens around Van Vleck House.
Van Vleck Gardens were known for the variety of flora they featured, such as several hybrid rhododendron varieties developed specifically by Howard Van Vleck himself. Following his death, his estate gave the property to The Montclair Foundation in 1993.
Since then, the Foundation has transformed the grounds into a center for non-profits. Now known as The Van Vleck House and Gardens, its purpose is to serve the community through local partnerships, educational programs, volunteering opportunities, student activities and student activities.
On a weekday when it’s usually more peaceful, strolling through these gardens can be an absolute pleasure. Enjoying their serenity can bring out bird songs, squirrel rustling through the brush, and yellow azalea blooming will keep your spirit steady while exploring this serene oasis.
While it might take longer than you’d like, Upper Mountain Avenue provides an idyllic getaway where visitors can linger, appreciate nature’s splendor and take in some of New Jersey’s most gorgeous landscaping.
Montclair Park features plenty of benches in both sunny and shady areas for you to relax on while taking in the view. Open year-round without charge, these grounds are the ideal place for peace and quiet in Montclair!
The House and Gardens are overseen by a board of management which oversees its upkeep and conservation, while a full-time Director oversees restoration, volunteer opportunities, education initiatives and more.
