For springtime scenery lovers, here’s the inside scoop on the best fields of flowers and photo ops around New Jersey. As winter’s icy grip melts away and makes way for spring, the Garden State is decorated with an array of colors and scents.
One of the most stunning scenes is at Holland Ridge Farms (HRF) in Cream Ridge. Every April, HRF showcases fields that burst and bloom with millions of rainbow tulips. Visitors can pick their own tulips for $1 each on weekends or for 50 cents on weekdays. With vibrant colors all around, you’ll go home with hand-picked flowers and breathtaking photos. Tickets are available to purchase tickets on their website or pay at the entrance.
Located in Montclair, another comparable floral photo opportunity is Presby Memorial Iris Gardens. Presby depends on donations to fund its operation and suggests a $10 donation per person. This beautiful garden is a sure way to soak in the natural beauty of spring and is open for visiting on weekdays and weekends.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum (RRA) in Summit is filled with gorgeous flowers with golden light filtering through canopy tops. It boasts so much more, too, including hosting retreats and weddings and offering tea in a historical building overlooking the gardens. RRA is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, and has free admission, although they suggest a $5 donation per person.
Branch Brook Park (BBP) in Newark contains more than 4,000 blooming cherry blossom trees for visitors to view. BBP is distinguished for being the first county park to open for public use in the United States and is available to walk, bike, picnic or simply hang out year-round.
Other notable farms to visit are Dalton Farms and Stony Hill Farms. Dalton Farms is located in Swedesboro and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. As the first blooming tulip farm in the northeast, it’s full of colorful tulips and daffodils in the spring and vibrant yellow sunflowers in the fall that can be handpicked for $2 per stem or 10 for $10. Tickets can be bought online on their website for $14 or purchased at the entrance for $20.
At Stony Hill Farms (SHF) in Chester, there are several “u-pick” options. “U-pick” options include lavender, wildflower, strawberry, raspberry and blueberry fields as well as vegetable fields that open in June and July. There is also a winery, farmers’ markets and a public park for kids with other activities and settings to explore.
During the fall months, SHF offers a range of activities, including the vegetable garden, which opens in July and lasts throughout October, a sunflower field with eight different varieties to pick from, apple orchards and pumpkin patches. SHF is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. July through mid-October. Admission tickets are $8 per person if purchased online or can be bought at the gate for $12.
The last place on the list is Pleasant Valley Lavender (PVL) in Morganville. While PVL has yet to post its 2024 dates, it typically hosts multiple events during the late spring and summer months like culinary lavender classes, pick-your-own lavender and flowers, wine and cheese night, wine glass painting, planting workshops and other activities. For more information, sign up for their email subscription via their website.
There are many other floral photo ops throughout New Jersey and New York to take advantage of. Springtime on the East Coast offers a treasure trove of photo opportunities, so go outside, take some photos and embrace the beauty of the Garden State.
krosen@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of John Brandauer, Openverse
