Cross Estate Gardens

Cross Estate Gardens The Cross Estate Gardens, a project of the NJ Historical Garden Foundation - free to the general public. Parking and entry is free.

The Cross Gardens are located in a section of Morristown National Historical Park near Jockey Hollow. The NJ Brigade camped nearby during the winter of 1779-80. The gardens were primarily developed in the 1930's by Julia Newbold Cross, along with landscape architect Clarence Fowler. They include a formal walled perennial garden and several natural gardens, a wisteria-covered pergola, and a mounta

in laurel allee. The gardens are open during daylight hours, which change with the seasons. The National Park Service is responsible for all regulations, including special use permits. Leashed pets are allowed, but our gardeners ask that they be walked outside the deer fencing to preserve our plants. None of the area buildings are open to the public. Check the Morristown National Park Service website or Visitor Center with any questions. The gardens are maintained by volunteers of the NJ Historical Garden Foundation, every Wednesday morning from 9:00 to lNoon, weather permitting, from April to November. New volunteers are always welcome! The Cross Estate Gardens are located at 61 Jockey Hollow Rd, Bernardsville, NJ.

Today's the day! Please bring your friends & share this post.We have a great selection. See you soon!
05/02/2026

Today's the day! Please bring your friends & share this post.
We have a great selection. See you soon!

Help support the Cross Estate Gardens, while adding to your own!

Support our hardworking Cross Estate Gardens volunteers and add our beautiful plants to your home garden at the Spring P...
04/23/2026

Support our hardworking Cross Estate Gardens volunteers and add our beautiful plants to your home garden at the Spring Plant Sale, Sat.May 2. (details below.)

Help support the Cross Estate Gardens, while adding to your own!
04/18/2026

Help support the Cross Estate Gardens, while adding to your own!

Many of our early spring flowers are blooming.  While we are still awaiting the repair of the stonework & arbor (due to ...
04/09/2026

Many of our early spring flowers are blooming. While we are still awaiting the repair of the stonework & arbor (due to a fallen tree) all gardens are open. Come visit soon!

Partial Reopening:  The Cross Estate gardens have reopened. However, a portion of the trellis area remains closed due to...
09/16/2025

Partial Reopening: The Cross Estate gardens have reopened. However, a portion of the trellis area remains closed due to storm damage and ongoing safety concerns. Please do not enter the roped-off section until repairs are complete. (from NPS website alert 8/4/25 - check for updates at https://www.nps.gov/morr/planyourvisit/hours.htm )
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The massive silver maple that stood above the pergola for decades collapsed, and took down about a third of the wisteria-covered support and several of the stone pillars. National Park staff have been working toward removing what's left of the tree. They are hoping to replace the damaged pillars with some that will match those remaining. Historic structures require extra study & approval.
Except for under & around the damaged area that is marked & barricaded off, all gardens are open. All access to the Walled Garden is through the Natural/ Wild Garden.

07/20/2025

GARDENS TEMPORARILY CLOSED.

From the National Park Service this morning:

We’re writing to inform you that the Cross Estate Gardens are temporarily closed due to a significant storm-related incident on July 19. A large tree fell in the garden while visitors were present—thankfully, no injuries occurred.
However, the tree caused substantial damage to the wooden trellises, masonry pillars, and stonework within the garden. Additionally, there are hazard trees still present that pose a risk to anyone entering the area.

For your safety, please do not report to the garden site until further notice. Park staff will be enforcing the closure on-site, and access will not be permitted until the hazards are addressed and the area is stabilized.

We appreciate your continued support and understanding. We will keep you updated as we assess the damage and determine next steps for cleanup and restoration.

Some of our beauties in the Walled Garden today.
06/05/2025

Some of our beauties in the Walled Garden today.

Save the date!
04/04/2025

Save the date!

Why do people think they have the Right to move the furniture? This is a historic national park ,not your  living room! ...
11/06/2024

Why do people think they have the Right to move the furniture? This is a historic national park ,not your living room!
Please be respectful !

"Autumn Crocus" (Colchium autumnale) are now in bloom in the lower walled garden. This is also known as the Water Lily C...
09/23/2024

"Autumn Crocus" (Colchium autumnale) are now in bloom in the lower walled garden. This is also known as the Water Lily Colchium.
This is not a true crocus, but is a fall-flowering bulb in the lily family. Deer & rabbits will not bother it. Note that it is very toxic to humans.
Do not confuse this with the saffron crocus (Crocus sativa) which also blooms in the fall. The saffron crocus, has typical crocus leaves, thin grass-like blades of bright green. Colchium arise on a white stem, with no leaves.
(Photo Credit: Deborah Schmidt)

Address

61 Jockey Hollow Rd/PO Box 712
Bernardsville, NJ
07924

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