Princeton Garden Tour
Saturday, September 13th, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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. Join us!
This self-guided tour features the following gardens, which may be visited in any order.
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.
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
Originally designed by Princeton landscape architect Holly Nelson in 2008, this garden was 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—this event is sure to be a sellout!
$100 per person: All inclusive experience, with continental breakfast at HSP and self guided tour of private house gardens, finishing the day at Morven with a sustainable gardening discussion with Blue Sky Green Earth and cocktail hour.
$75 per person: Start or Finish? Enjoy EITHER breakfast at HSP OR cocktail hour and informational program at Morven to finish. Please indicate your preference in the comment section at checkout so we can plan accordingly.
Your support empowers our institutions to flourish and shape a lasting legacy.
Sponsorship Opportunities 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.
