Saturday, September 13
11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Show your support for two beloved institutions—The Historical Society of Princeton (HSP) and Morven Museum & Garden—both celebrated for their historic natural landscapes, gardens, and lasting impact on Princeton’s story.
Enjoy a self-guided garden experience beginning at HSP and concluding at Morven, with exclusive access to private gardens not typically open to the public. This special opportunity offers a rare glimpse into Princeton’s hidden garden treasures while supporting two pillars of local history and preservation.
$100 per person: All inclusive experience, with morning refreshments at HSP and self-guided tour of private house gardens, finishing the day at Morven with a cocktail hour and sustainable gardening discussion with Blue Sky Green Earth.
$75 per person: Start or Finish, enjoy EITHER morning refreshments at HSP OR cocktail hour and program at Morven at the end of the day.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
The following gardens 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.
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.
Thank you to our Lead Sponsors, David Schure and Grant Wagner of
Additional thanks to: Blue Sky Green Earth and Kiefer Landscaping, LLC
In Partnership with
