Princeton Garden Tour
Saturday, September 13th, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (rain or shine)
Show your support of two beloved institutions celebrated for their historic gardens and resounding impact on the history of Princeton. Enjoy a self-guided experience starting at the Historical Society of Princeton and ending at Morven with stops in between at private gardens around town.
We are deeply grateful to our generous host sites for opening their beautiful gardens to the public, and offer heartfelt thanks to our event chairs—Ashley Formento, David Schure, and Grant Wagner—whose seasoned expertise and unwavering enthusiasm have been instrumental in bringing this inaugural event to life.
This self-guided tour features the following gardens, which may be visited in any order.
The Bouwerie
A translation of the word “farm,” the Bouwerie was named by the Dutch Updyke family who built it sometime in the mid eighteenth century. The formal garden is a knot garden, designed as a modern take on a classic English estate layout, using low Chinese miniature hedges to form clean, geometric patterns with diagonal walking paths. Inspired by traditional parterre gardens, the design is framed by Dwarf Alberta Spruce and brings structure and intrigue to the landscape. At the rear center, an elevated eagle statue acts as the focal point, adding a sculptural element that anchors the space. Set purposefully beyond the pool's infinity edge the garden creates a formal moment within a natural setting — designed to be both eye-catching and elegant.
Johnson Park Garden
Johnson Park Elementary School features a thoughtfully designed rain garden, which is open to the public for viewing. This sustainable landscape serves as both a living classroom and a vibrant example of eco-friendly gardening in action. Located on Rosedale Road, the school offers parking for our tour guests and will serve as a shuttle stop to nearby Rosedale House.
Library Place Garden
The gardens of this 1905 Tudor Revival unfold in quiet splendor: in front, a shade garden rests beneath an old beech while a walled English garden lies tucked behind. From the sidewalk, a reclaimed-stone path draws visitors past Iris, Helleborus, Rhododendron, Chrysanthemum, Holly and native wildflowers - color for any season. In back, a towering ivy-draped wall provides seclusion to a formal rose garden and wild cottage garden bright with imported Dutch tulips and peonies. Over fifty rose varieties, drawn from the world’s finest breeders, flourish here, including four lovingly cultivated by the homeowner’s Scottish forebears. From the stone terrace, the view is framed by a statuesque Japanese maple, flowering dogwoods and two weeping cherry trees.
Maybury Hill
This National Historic Landmark on Snowden Lane was built in 1725 and is best known as the birthplace of Joseph Hewes (1730–1779), signer of the Declaration of Independence. The property boasts a tranquil and historic garden with mature trees, heritage plantings, and a gently sloping lawn echoing the landscape traditions of early Princeton.
Morven Place Garden
This hidden gem invites visitors through its gate and along a path to the serene beauty of a symmetrical English-style garden, framed by formal boxwoods and stately trees. Just steps from downtown Princeton, this tranquil retreat offers timeless charm and quiet sophistication in the heart of the neighborhood.
Prospect Avenue Garden
This sustainable, pesticide-free garden features densely planted beds of shrubs and perennials chosen for year-round interest. A compost system and leaf mulch nourish the soil naturally. The garden attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, while a mixed lawn of grass, clover, and native violets provides habitat for the great spangled fritillary butterfly.
Rosedale House
Built in 1912 by Daisy and Barker Gummere, this distinguished Colonial Revival residence designed by Philadelphia firm McGoodwin and Hawley was originally part of a 57-acre estate. Since 2004, the current owners have expanded and revitalized the gardens—now spanning 6.5 acres—featuring English-style beds, meadows, and an arboretum, with original elements like the 1912 pergola and fountain still intact. Photo credit: Nancy Erickson
Woodrow Wilson House
Explore the gardens of a home designed and built by Woodrow Wilson, the 28th U.S. president, during his tenure as president of Princeton University. The gardens were originally designed by Princeton landscape architect Holly Nelson in 2008, and lovingly refreshed in 2023 with Holly’s expert guidance once again. What began as a much-needed renovation has blossomed into a daily labor of love, sustained by a dedicated village of caretakers. Today, the garden is more vibrant than ever—each path, plant, and bloom a testament to community, collaboration, and joy. You're invited to experience the beauty tended to with such pride.
SPECIAL BONUS! Drumthwacket
Built in 1835, Drumthwacket is the official residence of New Jersey’s governors. Its gardens, inspired by a 1905 Italianate design by landscape architect Daniel Webster Langton, feature parterres, a historic frog pond, rain gardens, and beds maintained by Master Gardeners. Visitors can enjoy accessible paths and view the first-floor rooms of the residence.
Reserve early to guarantee your spot!
$100 per person: All inclusive experience includes morning refreshments at HSP, self guided tour of private house gardens, sustainable gardening discussion with Blue Sky Green Earth and cocktail hour at Morven.
$75 per person: Start or Finish? Enjoy EITHER morning refreshments at HSP OR cocktail hour and gardening discussion at Morven to finish. Please indicate your preference in the comment section at checkout so we can plan accordingly.
Museum access at both properties is included with your ticket.
Your support empowers our institutions to flourish and shape a lasting legacy.
Sponsorship Opportunities and Limited Scholarships for students are available, please feel free to reach out to Megan Shackney and learn more by calling 609.924.8144 at x 101, or email mshackney@morven.org.
