New Jersey is home to a significant amount of greenery, from our farm fields to the evergreens in our Pinelands. Perhaps the prettiest greenery of all is the gorgeous gardens that are scattered around our state. We have several stunners but one stands out for its fascinating history…

Deep Cut Gardens is a county park in Middletown, Monmouth County.

Flickr/Jazz Guy

The beautiful garden spans 54 acres and is open daily, year-round.

Flickr/Jazz Guy

Designed to appeal to the home gardener (but incredible whether you garden or not), you’ll find a wide range of plants, flowers, trees and shrubs to serve as inspiration.

Flickr/Jazz Guy

Filled with tropical plants and cacti, the greenhouses are a favorite destination within the park.

Flickr/Shawn Perez

You’ll find over 50 different varieties of roses and more than 180 bushes in its renovated Parterre (a typically symmetrical planned garden with walking paths).

Flickr/Jazz Guy

Monarch Butterflies and honey bees are also big fans of the gardens.

Flickr/Jazz Guy

Visit for a day trip from anywhere in the state. It’s worth the drive and you can spend hours exploring.

Flickr/Jazz Guy

There are plenty of places to sit, think, relax, meditate, or just enjoy the beauty of the gardens. Bring your camera or a sketchbook!

Flickr/Peter Miller

A fun fact about the garden? It’s the former estate of mobster Vito Genovese. There was once a home on the property, but it burned down under mysterious circumstances after he fled to Naples, Italy to avoid criminal charges.

Flickr/Jazz Guy

Today, the gardens are mobster-free and admission-free. Visiting is a budget-friendly adventure and you’ll often find special events and programs.

Flickr/Jazz Guy

Families will love the “Garden Safari Backpacks.” Each includes supplies to help you discover new ways of seeing the living and non-living features of the gardens. They are free to use, you’ll just need to leave your license with the docent. Deep Cut Gardens also has some great events including Bonsai Day in September. Find the gardens at 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown. For more gorgeous New Jersey gardens, click here.

Flickr/Jazz Guy

Flickr/Shawn Perez

Flickr/Peter Miller

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