Leonard J. Buck Garden Hosting Woodland Walking Tours
The public can enjoy walking among woodlands, wildflowers, and more while learning about the surrounding nature from trained staff members. The walking tours will take place at Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road, Far Hills, NJ 07931, at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 21, and 28. The cost is $7 per person.
Participants can expect to see a variety of exotic plants growing among the rock formations and woodlands, as well as magnificent drifts of native wildflowers and spring perennials blooming throughout the garden. Azaleas, dogwoods, and many colorful flowering shrubs and trees are blossoming during the peak season.
As participants walk and watch, they will learn details about the surrounding flora and the history of this incredible garden. Everyone will learn something new.
Walking Tours in May and October
Additional tours will take place on Sundays at 1 p.m. on May 5, 19, and Oct. 27. The cost for the tour is $7 per person.
Private Group Tours
Group tours for garden clubs or other organizations are available. To schedule a private group tour, call 908-722-1200, ext. 5623. Individuals with hearing or speech impairment can call the Relay Service by dialing 711.
To learn about other garden activities sponsored by the Somerset County Park Commission, click here.
The History of Azaleas and Dogwoods in Somerset County
Azaleas bloom in many colorful yellow, pink, red, or white funnel and bell-shaped blooms and are native to the hilly regions of North America and Asia.
In 1944, the New Jersey State Council of Garden Clubs began planting 8,000 dogwoods along a six-mile stretch of Route 22 from North Plainfield to Mountainside. The planting of dogwoods, with the stunning white and pink blooms, began as a beautification project, and then became a memorial to those who served in World War II. Later, through the legislature, the area was named the Blue Star Memorial Drive.
In 1951, the dogwood was adopted as the NJ State Memorial Tree to honor those who served in the armed forces, and to encourage widespread use of the dogwood in parks, parkways, monuments, and building sites.
About Leonard J. Buck Garden
Leonard J. Buck Garden is one of the finest rock gardens in the eastern United States. The garden consists of alpines and woodlands situated in a 33-acre valley. Mr. Leonard J. Buck developed the garden in the 1930s as part of his estate. In 1975, the garden was donated to the Somerset County Park Commission by his wife, Mrs. Helen Buck.