Essex County Rose Garden

Essex County Rose Garden At A Glance...

• Features over 1,500 rose bushes in dozens of varieties.
• Located within the 121-acre Brookdale Park, which was designed by the famed Olmsted Brothers.
• The peak bloom in early to mid-June is a spectacular sight for the eyes and nose.
• A formal layout with a central gazebo makes it an extremely popular spot for photography.
• Completely free and open to the public from dawn to dusk.
• Todays Sunrise: ,   Sunset:  
• New Jersey Gateway Region Essex County
• Essex County Rose Garden is part of  Brookdale Park

• Activities:

  • Walking

  Amenities:

  • Gardens

  Park Type:

  • County Parks
  • Gardens / Arboretum

  Rules/Regulations:

  • Alcohol *NOT Permitted*

Contact / Location

A Brief History

While Brookdale Park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm in the late 1920s and early 1930s, the dedicated rose garden was formally established later, in 1959. It was created to be a showcase of modern roses for the enjoyment of the public. Over the decades, it has evolved with the help of the county and dedicated volunteers from the Brookdale Park Conservancy, who help maintain the beds and ensure the garden remains a premier horticultural destination.

Programs / Education

The Brookdale Park Conservancy occasionally hosts volunteer days, educational events, and fundraisers related to the garden. Visitors should check their website or social media for any upcoming opportunities or guided tours.

Trail & Path Info

The rose garden itself features a network of flat, paved pathways that are easily walkable and wheelchair accessible. These paths meander through the various rose beds and converge on the central gazebo. The garden's paths connect to the larger trail system of Brookdale Park, including the popular 1.6-mile paved loop that circles the park.

Things to See & Do

While the roses are the main event, there are several ways to enjoy your time here.

• Admire the Roses: Take your time walking through the beds to see the different colors, sizes, and types of roses. Look for the labels to identify your favorites.
• Photography: The garden's layout and the beauty of the flowers make it a paradise for photographers, from casual phone snaps to professional portraits.
• Relax: Have a seat on one of the many benches located throughout the garden to simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere and fragrant air.
• Explore Brookdale Park: Extend your visit by exploring the rest of the park, which includes vast lawns, playgrounds, tennis courts, a stadium, and an archery range.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Timing is everything for a rose garden!

• Peak Bloom: The absolute best time to visit is during the first major bloom, which typically occurs from early to mid-June.
• Secondary Bloom: A smaller, second bloom often occurs in the late summer and early fall, offering another chance to see the flowers.
• Off-Season: While the roses are the main draw, the garden's formal layout and the surrounding park are beautiful for a walk at any time of year.

Trip Ideas

Make a full day of your visit to the garden.

• Garden Tour: Pair a visit to the Rose Garden with a trip to the nearby Presby Memorial Iris Gardens (which blooms in May) and the Van Vleck House & Gardens for a trifecta of horticultural beauty.
• Park & Picnic: Spend the morning admiring the roses, then take a walk or bike ride on the Brookdale Park loop before enjoying a picnic lunch on the park's Great Lawn.
• Montclair Exploration: After visiting the garden, head to nearby downtown Montclair for shopping, dining at one of its many acclaimed restaurants, or a visit to the Montclair Art Museum.

Tips and Tricks

A little advice for the best possible visit.

• To avoid crowds, especially during peak bloom, try to visit on a weekday morning or late afternoon.
• The best light for photography is in the "golden hour" of early morning or the hour before sunset.
• Parking lots, especially the one off Watchung Avenue closest to the garden, can fill up quickly on beautiful June weekends. Be prepared to park in other lots and enjoy the walk.

Picnics / Lunches / Eating

While food is not permitted within the formal rose garden itself, the surrounding Brookdale Park is an ideal spot for a picnic. There are no food concessions, so bring your own food and drink.

Facilities

Within the garden, the primary amenities are benches and paved paths. In the greater Brookdale Park, visitors will find restrooms, playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, tennis courts, and a 1.6-mile fitness course.

Parking

Free parking is available in several lots around Brookdale Park. The lots located off of Watchung Avenue in Bloomfield are the closest and most convenient for accessing the rose garden.