Reeves-Reed Arboretum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Reeves-Reed Arboretum
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Garden view, 2007
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 Location in Union County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Summit, NJ |
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| Area | 13.5 acres (5.5 ha) |
| Built | 1889-1925 |
| Architect | Calvert Vaux, Ellen Biddle Shipman and Carl F. Pilat |
| NRHP reference No. | 93000233 |
| Added to NRHP | 1993 |
The Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a special garden and nature center in Summit, New Jersey. It covers about 13.5 acres (5.5 hectares) and is the only arboretum in Union County, New Jersey. An arboretum is like a living museum for trees and plants.
This beautiful place is open every day from morning until evening, and it's free to visit. It's a great spot to explore nature and learn about different plants.
Contents
A Look at the Arboretum's History
The land where the arboretum now sits has a long history. Long ago, Lenni Lenape Native Americans traveled through this area. They used paths that crossed the property on their journeys.
Early Owners and Garden Designers
In 1889, a merchant named John Hornor Wisner bought the land. He and his wife, Isabelle, hired famous architects to build their home. They called their new country estate "The Clearing."
The Wisners worked with a well-known landscape architect, Calvert Vaux. Together, they planted many unique trees and created lovely flower beds. They also designed winding paths for walking around the property.
In 1916, Richard and Susie Reeves bought the estate. Susie Reeves loved to expand the gardens. She got help from two important landscape architects: Ellen Biddle Shipman and Carl F. Pilat. In 1925, Susie added a beautiful rose garden.
The last private owners were the Charles L. Reed family, who bought the estate in 1968. They added a special herb garden. In 1974, the City of Summit decided to protect the estate. They turned it into a public arboretum for everyone to enjoy.
Exploring the Specialty Gardens
The gardens at Reeves-Reed Arboretum show a wonderful example of early 20th-century garden design. This style is sometimes called the "Country Place Era." The gardens are designed in a balanced way, with formal "rooms" that branch off from a main path near the house.
The Gretchen Keller Azalea Garden
This garden was designed by Shipman and Pilat. It has about 850 shrubs and 25 trees. It's especially colorful in May when the dogwoods, azaleas, lilacs, and crabapples are all blooming.
The Susie Graham Reeves Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is home to 286 rose bushes. These bushes represent over 150 different kinds of roses! You can see many types, including floribundas and hybrid teas. The garden has a traditional circle-in-a-square shape. In the center, there's a cherub fountain from the Reeves family's time.
Fun Programs and Events
The arboretum hosts many exciting events throughout the year. These events help people connect with nature and learn new things.
Daffodil Day Celebration
Every April, over 30,000 daffodils bloom in a natural bowl-shaped area. This amazing display is celebrated with an annual "Daffodil Day" event. Susie Graham Reeves first planted these flowers in the 1920s. Since 2014, the arboretum has even used Nubian goats to help clear weeds!
Celebrate Fall Event
Each autumn, the arboretum holds a "Celebrate Fall" event. Visitors can enjoy activities like making cider and watching cooking demonstrations. There are also fun pumpkin carving activities.
Other Exciting Events
Other events held at the arboretum have included a Maple Sugar Fest and a Great American Backyard Campout. They also host a Holiday House Tour and "Sounds of a Summer Night" concerts.
Square Foot Gardening for Kids
In 2018, a special program called "Square Foot Gardening" started. This program helps children learn about nature by growing organic vegetables. It's a hands-on way for kids to connect with the earth.
Educational Programs and Camps
Many school groups visit the arboretum for field trips. They learn about science topics in a fun outdoor setting. Scout groups can also earn badges through special programs here.
In the summer, kids can attend various nature-themed camps. These weekly camps are organized by age. Adults can also take classes, like "Gardening 101" or "Backyard Bird Feeding tips." The arboretum also works with arts groups for special events.
Images for kids
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Garden view, 2007
