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Spring into Happiness

The arrival of spring brings with it an explosion of color and new life, making it the perfect time to visit gardens and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Whether you are an avid gardener or enjoy the serenity of a tranquil outdoor setting, spending time in gardens during this season can have numerous benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Let’s explore the many advantages of embracing nature and visiting gardens this spring, from relieving stress to boosting creativity.

First and foremost, being out in nature and visiting gardens provides an excellent opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the demands of work, technology, and social obligations.

Gardens offer a peaceful retreat where you can disconnect from the constant noise and reconnect with the natural world. The serene ambiance and gentle sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling can instantly calm your mind and provide a much-needed respite from stress.

Benefits of Visiting a Garden

Spending time in gardens can have a positive impact on your physical health. Walking through a park, exploring its paths, and admiring the various plants and flowers can be great exercise. It promotes cardiovascular health, improves flexibility, and helps to strengthen muscles. Moreover, exposure to natural sunlight in gardens can boost your vitamin D levels, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and a strong immune system.

Scents to Boost Your Mood 

Gardens are a feast for the senses, scents, colors, and textures that can invigorate and uplift your mood. The vibrant hues of blooming flowers, the delicate petals, and the intoxicating fragrances all contribute to a sensory experience that is both visually and emotionally rewarding.

Studies have shown that exposure to natural environments triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, leading to improved mood and overall well-being. Visiting a garden can be a powerful antidote for those experiencing anxiety, depression, or simply a case of the blues.

Gardens can also be a source of inspiration and creativity. So many artists, writers, and thinkers throughout history have found solace and stimulation in the natural world. The peaceful surroundings and the harmonious balance of colors and shapes can ignite your imagination and unlock your creative potential. So whether you’re a professional artist seeking inspiration or simply looking for a fresh perspective, gardens can provide the perfect setting to let your creativity soar.

Nature Conservation

• New Jersey Botanical Garden Ringwood, NJ http://www.njbg.org/
• Van Vleck House & Gardens Montclair, NJ https://vanvleck.org/
• Laurelwood Arboretum Wayne, NJ http://www.laurelwoodarboretum.org/
• Rutgers Gardens North Brunswick, NJ http://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/
• New York Botanical Garden Bronx, NY https://www.nybg.org/

Leonard J Buck Garden

Leonard Buck Garden is located at 11 Layton Rd. Far Hills, NJ. We enjoyed exploring the grounds. The flowers and plants are labeled. Some paths will take you on a loop adventure.

I felt like I was in a jungle, walking steps into a treehouse. Great place for capturing beautiful photos, taking a short walk, or sitting to listen to the sounds of nature. https://www.somersetcountyparks.org/parksfacilities/buck/LJBuck.html

Greenwood Gardens

Greenwood Gardens is at 274 Old Short Hills Rd., Short Hills, NJ 07078. http://greenwoodgardens.org/

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Frelinghuysen Arboretum

353 Hanover Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960. The Arboretum is open daily from 8:00 am to dusk and free of charge to the public. We went during Cherry Blossom season, and the trees were filled with beautiful pink blossoms. The tulips were full-bloomed with red, yellow, orange, and white colors that filled the charming landscape.

Frelinghuysen Arboretum offers many different plant life around the grounds. In addition, there are other trails for hiking and biking. The Arboretum provides several programs for all ages. Check the website and enjoy your visit.
https://www.arboretumfriends.org

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Freeman Gardens

644 Hawthorne Ave. Glen Ridge, NJ 07028. The garden is a great place to view the roses or relax to take in the many species of birds and plants. I was honored to witness the wedding of my brother and sister-in-law. If you’re looking to hold a small intimate outdoor event, Freeman Garden is a perfect place. Entry to the Garden is free. To have a private event, you must call for further information.

The Grounds for Sculpture

181 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton. NJ 08619. We spent two hours during my visit and still missed many sculptures. This is a day trip where you can spend hours looking at the fantastic sculptures. There are over 270 sculptures on 42 acres. This is truly a garden with many wildflowers and trees with gigantic artwork surrounding them.

You don’t need to leave the grounds to go and eat; Rat’s Restaurant offers a variety of food on the menu. We enjoyed the beautiful peacocks that roamed around unbothered by the guests. Tickets are required, so reserve a spot online in advance.

Tickets are timed; please visit the site for further information. 

Free | Members (Reservations required on weekends + holidays)

$25 | Adult (18+)

$18 | Senior (65+)

$18 | Active Military / Veteran (ID Required)

$18 | Healthcare Worker (ID Required)

$12 | Student (6-17 or student ID)

Free | Children (5 & Under)

As always, check their website or Groupon for discounts or become a member. Once you come here, you will be back. Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to be amazed at the beautiful art; you will spend a few hours here and still may not see all the sculptures. Events are held regularly with new exhibits. Check the website before you go! Enjoy.
http://www.groundsforsculpture.org

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Cross Estate Gardens

Check out my blog on Cross Estate Gardens. https://thetravelingaquarian.com/2019/08/13/cross-estate-gardens/

DUKE FARMS

I enjoyed a wonderful visit to Duke Farms. Check out my blog! https://thetravelingaquarian.com/2019/10/01/duke-farms/

Willowwood Arboretum

Willowwood Arboretum is at 300 Longview Rd., Far Hills, NJ 07931. The property is open from 8 am-8 pm Monday-Sunday. Entrance and parking are free. It is 13 acres of farmland and has 2,100 native and exotic plants.

The grounds were cleared for farming in the 18th century. The original name was Paradise Farm and was renamed Willowwood once the brothers Henry and Robert Tubbs brought the property in 1908. They expanded the farmhouse that dated back to 1792, and made it their family home.

LONGWOOD GARDENS

Longwood Gardens was a great road trip that I took with my son. The forecast stated rain for the day, but we went anyway. I am so happy that we didn’t cancel our trip. Longwood is great to visit all year round. They have beautiful displays during all seasons and hold many events. Finally, the rain cleared up, and the sun was shining.

Japanese Contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama has a fantastic exhibit. Visit the NYBG and experience this wonderful art capturing Kusama’s concepts of her childhood that she spent in greenhouses and the fields. The colors, patterns, and life cycles of plants and flowers are breathtaking. I enjoyed the vast and colorful statues. I felt like Alice in Wonderland stepping into a garden fantasy dream. The New York Botanical Garden is located at 2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10458, and its hours of operation are Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am-6 pm. 

 

 

 

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