Blooming Treasures: Exploring the Great Gardens of the Garden State

New Jersey proudly bears the nickname “The Garden State,” and for good reason. From the rolling landscapes of historic estates to the carefully curated collections of botanical gardens and arboreta, the state offers a stunning diversity of cultivated beauty. Across New Jersey, public gardens preserve native plants, celebrate horticultural artistry, and provide peaceful retreats for residents and visitors alike.

Join Dr. Michael Gross for a captivating one-hour presentation that takes you on a virtual tour of 29 exceptional public gardens that are members of the Garden State Gardens Consortium. Through vivid imagery and engaging storytelling, Dr. Gross highlights the history, design, and distinctive features of each garden—some world-famous, others hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Dr. Gross holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and accounting from Lebanon Valley College and a Ph.D. in Marine Studies from the University of Delaware. He has been Director of the Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum at Georgian Court University since 2001, where he has also served as a professor of biology since 1992. He is currently the secretary of the Garden State Gardens Consortium.

This program is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.