Cape May Designer Show House
May 29-June 14; August 24-September 6; October 11- 31: The historic 1911 John P. Forsythe House is this year’s Cape May Designer Show House. You’re invited to stop by this three-floor oceanfront mansion with it’s three porch areas, a spiral staircase and dry sauna. Self-guided tours daily, 1-4 pm; $15-$30.
Glorious Garden Tour
June 1-2: The Senior Center of the Chathams sponsors this tour of eight lovely, private gardens. The weekend kicks off with a cocktail party at a Chatham Township home on Friday, from 6 to 9 pm. On Saturday, see some pretty petals from 10 am to 4 pm. Cocktail party, $50; Garden tour, $40 in advance, $45 day of; locations revealed at time of purchase.
Keyport Garden Walk
June 2-3: Walk or bike to more than 35 public and private gardens in historic Keyport. Pick up your complimentary garden guide at the Keyport Waterfront Park pavilion before your start. Each morning at 9:30 am, there will be a garden talk with nature experts at Keyport Borough Hall. 11 am-3 pm; free.
Courtesy of the Keyport Gardens Walk
Hoboken Secret Gardens Tour
June 3: Hidden behind the row homes lining Hoboken’s streets are surprisingly lush green spaces. Past tours have included Japanese Zen gardens, English cottage gardens and a Moroccan courtyard. The self-guided tour includes 10 designs by both gardening enthusiasts and professional designers who will offer clever solutions to issues such as shallow soil and deep shade. Garden owners, Hoboken Garden Club members and Hoboken Museum volunteers will greet you at each stop. Pick up a tour booklet at the Hoboken Museum (1301 Hudson) or the Fire Department Museum (213 Bloomfield). Allow two to three hours to visit all stops. Funds raised support the Hoboken Museum. 9 am-4 pm; $25, in advance, $35 day of. Rain date is June 10.
The Women Gardener’s of Ridgewood Secret Gardens Tour
June 3: Visit a variety of public and private gardens in Ridgewood and the historic Cheelcroft section of Ho-Ho-Kus. The self-guided tour of 10 spaces includes the historic James Rose House and Garden. 10 am-5 pm; rain or shine, $35.
Spring Lake Historical House Tour
June 7: Admire the architecture as you step inside the historic Ocean House Inn, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, and five lovely homes featured on the 39th annual Spring Lake Historical House Tour. The Historical Society’s Museum will be open as well. 10 am-3 pm; $35-$40.
401 St. Clair Avenue, one of the stops on this year’s Spring Lake Historical House Tour. Courtesy of Spring Lake Historical Society
History In Bloom Garden Tour
June 23: Stroll through private gardens, parks and historic sites throughout Bordentown City. Enjoy the delicious eateries along Restaurant Row (ticket holders will receive special discounts). There will be musical performers outside the Friends Meeting House. An artist will paint pictures of the gardens and a horticulture expert will be on hand to answer questions. Proceeds benefit the Bordentown Historical Society Museum building and archived materials. Noon-5 pm; $20. Rain date is June 24.