Travel Log: Lisa Kettell

Subject: Cherry Blossoms, Frelinghuysen Arboretum and Willowwood Arboretums!

The warm weather has started quite early in NJ, actually our whole winter season has been mild with an abundance of warm days throughout January, February and March with early Spring blooms of pinks, purples and greens, it gets any outdoorsy person a burst of excitement.

With the onset of Spring comes all types of events, Lilac Party at Willowwood, Garden Walks through Frelinghuysen, Mansion in May-Morristown and Cherry Blossom tours in Branchbrook Park, just so much going on in the beautiful Garden State, Yes that is NJ, our alter ego.

Driving all over the state brings the joy of flower trees and chirping birds, buzzing bees and lighter days. Just last week I opened the bedroom curtain and grazed my eyes upon the iridescent pink, white and red blooms of the cherry blossoms which line the front of my home, it was a site for the eyes, piercing blue and aqua skies with gorgeous blooming blossoms all around.
What does one do? grab her camera and capture the moment.
These images brought a warmth to my day, and motivated to create something in bloom, over a cup of coffee and red velvet almond muffins. My next mission to find out when my favorite events will start taking place and to locate my photos from my garden explorations at the Frelinghuysen and Willowwood Arboretums, both located within Morris County.

To start Frelinghuysen plays home to the Frelinghuysen Mansion, and various house structures such as the quaint gift shop located near the parking area of the arboretum, its just too cute and surrounded by the best in garden architecture.As you explore the grounds, you'll find hidden gardens, sculptures and paths leading to the next part, allowing you to believe that you are Alice chasing the White Rabbit in Wonderland, after a few times at the Arboretum you will find your favorite hiding spot, I have about 3 or 4. In the summer, you'll grace your eyes upon more flora and fauna, including whimsical butterflies, dragonflies and perhaps a fairy of two.But don't use up all your free time in one spot this coming Spring and Summer, as there is another arboretum waiting your arrival called: Willowwood Arboretum, a hidden gem filled with garden treasures, they also play host to the Annual Lilac Party which benefits the foundation. Its a wonderful event that is hosted every May and will definitely put you in a Spring mood. If you can't attend the party, explore the grounds and take in the breathtaking views surrounding the whole arboretum, its like stepping foot into a magical world somewhere in Europe. The lush golds, greens and hints of color make for a picture perfect opportunity anytime.I have explored various portions of Willowwood and have captured as many magical moments as I could, inspiring me to write several short stories. After leaving Willowwood I head for a cup of coffee and gourmet pastry and reflect on my day.
If you have never been to our beautiful Garden State of New Jersey, please consider it, we have so much to offer and so many places to explore. I'll be back soon to share more garden adventures and stories.

For more info on Frelinghuysen Arboretum and Willowwood Arboretum visit these links:
www.arboretumfriends.org
www.willowwoodarboretum.org

Have a Springy Day,
xo
Lisa

Willowwood Arboretum, Chester Township, NJWe know how much I love gardening, secret gardens, pristine landscape and arboretums, a few posts back I wrote about the Frelinghuysen Arboretum and its lavish landscape, secret gardens and flora/fauna rarities. Today I wanted to share with you another hidden treasure, The Willowwood Arboretum, which like Frelinghuysen is located in Morris County, however Willowwood and its 130 acres can be found in Chester Township.Willowwood Arboretum is an arboretum and public park made up of 130 acres, located at 300 Longview Road, Chester, New Jersey. It is part of the Morris County Park System and is open to the public daily.The location was first cleared for farming in the 1700s, which led to the formation of the meadows that that now exist on the property. It was originally named Paradise Farm before being bought by amateur arborist brothers, Henry and Robert Tubbs, in 1908, who then renamed the property Willowwood after the natural collection of willow trees that exist in the area.They expanded the farmhouse that dates back to 1792 and made it into their family home. The brothers slowly collected and grew many specimens over the next half century, including a vast collection of rare and exotic species, thanks in part to the popular New York horticultural scene at the dawn of the 20th century. Afterward, the property was formed into a private arboretum and run by Rutgers University as a plant and tree research facility. It then became part of the Morris County Park System in 1980.The arboretum consists of both wild forest and tended tree collections, farm land, a residence with two small gardens and a handful of smaller out-buildings. There are about 3,500 types of native and exotic plants, many rare. The historic collections include oak, maple, willow, magnolia, lilac, cherry, fir, pine, a superb specimen of Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia) now more than 98 feet (30 m) tall, masses of ferns and handsome stands of field and forest wild flowers.Both wild and cultivated plantings can be seen on self-guiding tours through informal paths in open areas and woodlands.
-Wikipedia.com

Lilac Party:

Is held with the awakening of the lilac blooms and beautiful spring gardens marking the end of winter. The annual May Lilac Party features food, wine tasting, music and a silent auction. The Lilac Party is ususually held in May.

http://www.morrisparks.net/aspparks/wwmain.asp

A good friend lives nearby, a walking distance away, her home is reminiscent of her British heritage, with English style gardens, architecture and design. Everytime I visit her I find something new to photograph.I took this photo of myself near the century old wisteria, the light seemed so magical, I felt as though I had ventured to a secret fairy garden waiting to be explored.Here I saw a beautiful butterfly waiting to be photographedGolden Treasures filling one area, perhaps they are the entrance to the Queen Bee's Castle or Fairy Queen's Vacation Retreat.Next time you grow a garden, visit an arboretum, a botanical garden or a friend's, perhaps a visit to Copenhagen at Trivoli Gardens, take a camera, a journal, pencils and ink, sit back and envision a secret world filled with fairies and dragonflies, queen bee's and swan boats, waiting for you to explore.