Nestled in the heart of New Jersey is a beautiful little place. Leonard J Buck Garden. It is a lovely garden, filled with paths, ponds, streams and tiny, adorable bridges. At the end of October we made a plan to visit it together with friends.
The garden is slightly over 30 acres filled with wonderful trees, flowers, plants, butterflies and more. Nature in it’s full glory! It was really enjoyable to walk through. Don’t let the amount of acres fool you though, it did not take long. We spend about an hour and a half walking through it. It was just the right amount to enjoy a sunny October afternoon.
The walk itself was fairly easy on a nice and even path, with steps here and there, filled with delightful scenery. I have seen many families with very young kids running through and having a great time. My kids are now a bit older, but they still enjoyed this place very much.
Let me mention two things you need to know before visiting this spot. Check their hours!!! Check them! Don’t skip this very important step! On the Sunday of our visit, the garden opened at noon. I didn’t check when making the plan, and one of our friends actually had to turn around and go home. Here is why. We planned on meeting at 11. Of course, I just didn’t know we would be an hour early, because I didn’t check. Turns out that when they say the garden is closed, they mean a big and beautiful iron gate shall be locked with a big and impressive lock, forbidding entry to anyone.
There are no spots to park, and nothing to explore in the vicinity of the garden. We wound up just taking a ride through the neighborhood and coming back right before the opening time. We stood in the garden driveway for about 15 minutes when someone opened the gates.
While you are waiting, you can enjoy the view of the garden from behind the gates. It is beautiful!
Another thing to know is that the parking lots (there are two) are very small. I imagine that on a weekday this is not an issue that comes up at all. However, we were there on a Sunday afternoon, on a gorgeous autumn day. The parking lots filled up. Quickly.
There is also an interpretive center on site, and a building with restrooms.
It is a beautiful place, where you can take a walk, enjoy nature and forget your everyday worries, even if just for a little bit.
The garden entry is free, which is always great. Our visit to Leonard J Bucks garden turned into a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Here is their WEBSITE for hours, and other information.