If you’ve ever wondered what lies behind the tall hedges of New Jersey’s most manicured properties, you’ll have the opportunity to see for yourself this spring and summer. The Garden State boasts an abundance of well-kept, “secret” destinations whose homeowners annually unveil their jewel-box grounds to the public through the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program, which announces specific days for members to offer garden tours. Since 1995, the nationwide initiative has welcomed guests to thousands of private gardens. Open Days participants delight in sharing their prized spaces, creative ideas and technical expertise with horticulture enthusiasts and gardening novices alike.
Among New Jersey’s most popular Open Days venues is the casually elegant Jardin de Buis, tucked away in bucolic Califon. Jardin de Buis is designed with 25 acres of formal gardens, accentuated with stunning structures decorated with one-of-a-kind European antiques. Each visit is an intimate experience suggestive of the French countryside. This year, Jardin de Buis will entertain Open Days guests on Saturday, June 14, from 10 am to 4 pm.
The structures at Jardin de Buis are home to one-of-a-kind European antiques. Photo: Courtesy of Christian Torres
The estate, which endeavors to create harmonious balance between architectural features and the natural environment, will also take part in World Topiary Days on Saturday, May 10.
“I participate in Open Days to inspire and also to demonstrate how this property is managed 100 percent organically and sustainably,” says owner Andrea Filippone, president of F2 Environmental Design. Originally an architect and builder, Filippone turned her focus to landscape design after purchasing the undeveloped parcel in 1995.
“I didn’t move to Hunterdon County to surround myself with a fence. I made a conscious decision to enjoy the menagerie of deer, fox, bear, pheasant and turkey that strolls up to my windows,” she says. “About 30 to 40 deer typically wander through the property each day, so I planted what they don’t eat. It was mostly trial and error, but it was a good challenge that limited my palette,” she says.
Visitors to Jardin de Buis are greeted by a view of the classical orangerie. Photo: Courtesy of Christian Torres
Filippone, a former associate professor at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, is passionate about enhancing the health and beauty of the environment. “I teach environmental and organic practices because the design and sustainability aspect is huge for me. Jardin is lush and green, but we use no chemicals or fertilizers. Sure, there are a few weeds here and there, but I don’t overwork the property. I listen to the land and aim for a wild, natural appearance with soft edges.”
The horticulture expert frequently lectures on boxwood and landscape design to institutions such as Metro Hort, a regional horticultural organization; the Frelinghuysen Arboretum; Rutgers Master Gardeners; and garden clubs across the country. She is also president of the American Boxwood Society.
Guests enjoy touring Jardin de Buis’s greenhouse, which has a spacious planting area. Photo: Courtesy of Christian Torres
Over time, Filippone has developed sections of the property to include a chicken coop, duck coop and beekeeping area. The estate is also home to an organic greenhouse. Resident floral designer T.J. McGrath regularly occupies the greenhouse and hosts sustainable floral-art workshops. Jardin relies heavily on its composting and soil-mixing area and maintains its own 5-acre boxwood nursery.
“All of our efforts are intertwined,” Filippone says. “This property enables me to make a long-standing contribution to the world by teaching about soil, sustainability and organic gardening.”
New Jersey Open Days 2025
Open Days hosts agree that the best way to learn about gardens is to experience these sanctuaries in person. For a list of more participating gardens, or to purchase 2025 Open Days tickets, visit the Garden Conservancy’s website.
Anna’s Pollinator Haven in Montclair, open Sunday, June 1, from 10 am to 4 pm, is a peaceful place to watch birds, butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. “My garden is where I learned how to garden. It’s full of mistakes and happy accidents,” says the owner.
The Cottage in Montclair, an L-shaped property with gardens and a sunken side yard, will be open on Sunday, June 1, from 10 am to 4 pm. A wide, grassy path ambles lazily down a shady hillside through century-old oaks and spruces.
The Secret Garden @ 377 in East Orange is something entirely different. Also known as the Gotelli Garden, the 74-year-old formal Italianate venue is open on Sunday, June 1, from 10 am to 4 pm. This unexpected oasis sits atop a parking garage at Harrison Park Towers and is entered through the lobby.
Bird Haven Farm in Califon, the country residence of jewelry designer Janet Mavec, is open Saturday, June 14, from 10 am to 4 pm. The 25-acre parcel is home to hay meadows, fruit trees and gardens. Barns, outbuildings and a 19th-century stone house offer a breathtaking view.
Garden of Federal Twist in Stockton, open on Sunday, June 22, from noon to 6 pm, is a broad landscape garden accessed through a private woodland path and glade. Visitors are treated to multiple intersecting paths, immersive plantings and tall forest trees.
Stonewall Gardens in Boonton, open on Saturday, June 28, from 10 am to 4 pm, features fruit, vegetables, and woodland and shade gardens. The continually busy owner purchases bare root perennials, rails them in a “nursery,” and renovates and opens new gardens. “Now that I think I’m close to done, I’m anxious to share with others,” says the gardener.
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