Presby Iris Gardens
If you enjoy seeing irises, a trip to Presby Iris Gardens in Montclair, NJ is in order. The gardens are home to over 14,000 irises from more than 3,000 different varieties. In May, more than 100,000 blooms cover the display beds. The gardens are a living museum of botanical preservation, and some varieties date back as far as the 1500s. While you’re there, be sure to stop by the 1865 Walther House, which is now the headquarters of the Citizens Committee and houses the Bloom Room gift shop. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is listed on the State and County Registers of Historic Sites. It is located at 474 Upper Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043.
The garden was designed by Frank H. Presby, a prominent citizen of Montclair and founding member of the American Iris Society. Upon his death in 1924, Presby expressed a wish to donate his collection to Mountainside Park. The gardens were eventually established under his guidance and care by Barbara Walther, who helped maintain the gardens for 50 years. As part of the gardens’ mission to educate and preserve the history of iris, the Presby Iris Gardens are a wonderful destination for families.
Although the gardens are surrounded by lush gardens, they’re not only beautiful. The gardens are an oasis of botanical preservation. Some of the irises at Presby are as old as the 1500s. The gardens are marked with plaques summarizing the collection they’ve planted. The names of each variety are listed alongside its marker, and the gardens have become known as “Rainbow on the Hill” by locals. There are also seasonal events, and you can purchase items in the gift shop.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to visit an iris garden, visit Presby Iris Gardens in Montclair, NJ. Their map, reviews, and opening hours will guide you to the perfect destination. The gardens are located on 474 Upper Mountain Avenue in Montclair, NJ, and can be reached using the map below. A few weeks from now, you can visit their beautiful flowers! You won’t regret it!
Visitors are welcome to browse the gift shop at the adjacent Walther House and purchase inexpensive items. The store sells local honey and even potted irises. All proceeds from the store go to the garden’s operations. You can also purchase books on irises or learn more about growing and caring for them in your own garden. The museum is open every day of the year from 10am until 8pm, so you can take a stroll in the gardens and enjoy the beautiful flowers. Additional info
The irises at Presby Iris Gardens in Montclair, NJ are a beautiful sight to behold. Their long history goes beyond New Jersey. The Greek goddess Iris was the personification of the rainbow, and her shape was used to make the fleur-de-lis, the symbol of the royal family of France. Iris flowers were also used in white face makeup for geishas, and the flowers of the memorial garden at the Montclair Art Museum are the star of the show. Next blog post
Directions to Edgemont Park Valley Rd, Montclair, NJ to Van Vleck House & Gardens
21 Van Vleck St, Montclair, NJ 07042. Directions: Start out going southwest on Valley Rd. County Hwy-621 toward Hibben Pl. Take the 1st right onto Normal Ave/County Hwy-618. Brainard st. Turn left onto Upper Mountain Ave/County Hwy-620. Continue to follow Upper Mountain Ave. Past Carlisle rd and Highland ave and turn left on Van Vleck st. Just past Alpine st. If you reach Claremont Ave, it’s to far.