From Revolutionary War encampments to Gilded Age estates, Somerset County’s history is deeply rooted – quite literally! in the landscapes that have shaped it. Known for its rolling hills, rich soil, and generations of preservation-minded residents, Somerset County has become one of New Jersey’s premier destinations for historic gardens, public parks, and horticultural inspiration.
Whether you’re a visitor seeking peaceful trails or a history lover tracing the footsteps of the nation’s earliest residents, Somerset County offers gardens where the past and present grow beautifully together.
Colonial Gardens: Where History Takes Root
In the 1700s, gardens were essential to daily life. Early Somerset County homesteads cultivated vegetables, medicinal herbs, and orchards to support families and, later, soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
Historic sites such as the Abraham Staats House and the Ross Farm still reflect this tradition with period-appropriate plantings that hint at what life looked like during America’s earliest chapters.
These living landscapes provide an authentic window into the self-sustaining lifestyle that shaped the region long before Somerset became known for its grand estates and public parks.
Gilded Age Grandeur: Estates that Shaped the Landscape
By the late 19th century, Somerset County blossomed into a retreat for wealthy families who built sprawling estates with formal gardens, greenhouses, and scenic carriage roads.
One of the most iconic is Natirar, the former Ladd family estate. Its carefully crafted lawns, wooded ridges, and riverside paths reflect a style of landscape architecture designed for leisure, beauty, and carriage rides with sweeping views.
Nearby, the Cross Estate Gardens offer visitors a glimpse into early 20th-century gardening elegance. The walled garden, mountain laurel walkway, and restored mansion grounds combine history with horticultural charm — all just steps from the New Jersey Brigade Encampment, where Continental Army troops wintered during the Revolution.
Duke Farms: A Legacy of Innovation and Nature
No garden story in Somerset County is complete without Duke Farms, one of New Jersey’s most extraordinary natural landscapes. Created by tobacco magnate James Buchanan Duke and shaped with influence from the Olmsted Brothers, Duke Farms blends formal design with ecological mindfulness.
Visitors can explore miles of walking paths, lakes, sculptures, meadows, orchid collections, and the iconic Coach Barn and Hay Barn ruins. Always evolving, Duke Farms remains an inspiring example of how history, horticulture, and conservation can come together on one remarkable property.
The Gardens of Colonial Park: Beauty for Every Season
Colonial Park in Franklin Township is home to several of Somerset County’s most beloved public gardens:
- Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden – Over 3,000 roses of 325 varieties
- Perennial Garden – Colorful plantings that bloom from spring through fall
- Fragrance & Sensory Garden – Designed for accessibility and multi-sensory experience
- Arboretum & Tree Collection – A quiet oasis for shade and seasonal foliage
- Shakespeare Garden – A literary-inspired garden filled with plants mentioned in the Bard’s works
This collection of gardens makes Colonial Park a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy horticulture at its finest.
Leonard J. Buck Garden: A Natural Masterpiece
Hidden in the wooded hills of Far Hills lies the Leonard J. Buck Garden, one of the premier alpine and rock gardens in the eastern United States. Developed in the 1930s–40s, the garden uses natural rock outcroppings, winding paths, and strategically placed plantings to create a serene, almost sculptural landscape.
It’s an especially gorgeous spot in spring and early summer but has something in bloom every season.
Where History and Gardens Grow Together
From colonial kitchen plots to sweeping estate gardens and innovative conservation landscapes, Somerset County’s horticultural history is as diverse as it is inspiring. Visitors can walk the same paths early settlers tended, explore the estates of American industrialists, or enjoy public gardens designed for beauty, education, and ecological care.
No matter the season, Somerset County’s gardens tell a story — one rooted in history, preserved with care, and blooming for all to enjoy.
