Alison Butcher The best memories are made during the first spring outing after a harsh winter. The Garden State is, fittingly, home to some great spots for nature lovers, from restored wetlands teeming with wildlife to sustainable community gardens. Bergen County is particularly rich in parks, arboretums, and gardens, and it’s thanks to all the locals with green thumbs. We’ve compiled a list of gardens in Bergen County that are perfect for your spring bucket list. Read on for a list of 11 gardens to visit in Bergen County.
Bogota Community Garden | 246 River Road, Bogota
The Bogota Community Garden was established in 2016 and is a great spot for the community to hone their gardening skills. The garden provides plots for rent, $50 each or a maximum of two for $75. The garden is maintained using organic growing practices and offers rain barrels and a compost bin for sustainability. Benches allow for relaxation and enjoyment of the garden.
Davies Arboretum & Wildlife Preserve | 35 Anderson Avenue, Demarest
Davies Arboretum & Wildlife Preserve, established in 1977, spans 18 acres in the heart of Demarest and is free to visit. Nature paths and gardens with a variety of flowers, plants, and trees occupy the preserve. A main attraction is the holly grove, which gives the gardens color in winter. There are pergolas and benches scattered throughout, which are great for reading or birdwatching.
Davis Johnson Park + Gardens | 137 Engle Street, Tenafly
Davis Johnson Park & Gardens in Tenafly, established in the 1960’s, is open 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily with free admission. The park spans seven acres, is abundant in gardens and paths, and includes the popular redesigned rose garden, a gazebo, a greenhouse, and a patio guarded by lion statues. The park is dog-friendly and may be reserved for wedding photos and ceremonies.
Read More: The Best Places to Go For a Walk in Bergen County
Dumont Shade Tree Arboretum | West Shore Avenue, Dumont
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Dumont Shade Tree Arboretum, established on Arbor Day in 2009, is maintained by the nonprofit charity organization Friends of the Shade Tree. It is home to over 11 garden beds and a variety of butterfly and wildlife-friendly plants. The community comes together to enjoy the arboretum’s gazebo and “Take a Book, Leave a Book” display.
Garden Club of Teaneck | 300 Lindbergh Boulevard, Teaneck
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The Garden Club of Teaneck maintains a community greenhouse, open to volunteers, that donates its fresh produce to food pantries. The greenhouse also hosts several gardening and civic programs, particularly for students. The Garden Club of Teaneck also established the Grace B. Kriegel Memorial Herb Garden, located between Teaneck Road and the back of the library.
J. A. McFaul Environmental Center | 150 Crescent Avenue, Wyckoff
J. A. McFaul Environmental Center in Wyckoff, established in 1967, is open 8:00 AM to 5:15 PM on weekdays and 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM on weekends + holidays. It is an 81-acre wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve, including a pond, nature trails, gardens, and picnic sites. The environmental center often hosts events and has built educational science exhibits throughout the park. There are public restrooms available to visitors.
Rutherford Community Garden Park | 280 West Erie Avenue, Rutherford
The Rutherford Community Garden Park, established in 2010, offers garden plot rentals for $30. The park has been created and maintained using sustainable recycling and water management practices. Paths lined with flowers, plants, and trees weave through the park. It offers 15 planting areas (including senior and handicap accessible) and a compost pile, green roof, rain garden, tree nursery, community shed, and two learning areas.
Teaneck Creek Conservancy | 20 Puffin Way, Teaneck
Teaneck Creek Conservancy, established in 2001, is open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, with free parking and admission. The park spans 46 acres of restored wetland and includes 1.3 miles of nature trails, ecological art exhibits, and an “outdoor classroom.” It also hosts nature-focused education and volunteering events. The park is dog-friendly, though they must be leashed, and there are no public restrooms, so plan accordingly.
The Gardens of Wyckoff | 150 Crescent Avenue, Wyckoff
The Gardens of Wyckoff, established around 1994, is open 8:00 AM to 6:15 PM daily in spring and summer, with free admission. Spanning 12.8 acres, the park includes nature walkways, gardens, a pond, a brook, and a variety of flowers, plants, and trees. It also includes a patio with a pergola and benches, perfect for reading or taking photos.
Thielke Arboretum | 460 Doremus Avenue, Glen Rock
Thielke Arboretum in Glen Rock, established in 1954, is open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily with free admission. The arboretum spans a 16-acre oasis and is home to over 250 species of trees and woody plants. Throughout the arboretum are nature trails, a pond, a stream, picnic tables, an antique gazebo, a playground, and educational displays. Many beneficial insects, butterflies, birds, turtles, and more can be found in the park. The arboretum also hosts nature-focused and kid-friendly events. It is dog-friendly and offers public restrooms.
Woodcliff Lake Community Garden | 63 Werimus Road, Woodcliff Lake
Woodcliff Lake Community Garden, open to volunteers and gardeners of all experience levels, offers 10 garden boxes for rent. In the garden are lots of newly planted saplings, as well as picnic tables for relaxing.
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