Background
The arboretum surrounds the Frelinghuysens' Colonial Revival mansion and its formal gardens, and features nature trails with labeled trees and shrubs. The arboretum was established on the site of Whippany Farm, owned by George Griswold Frelinghuysen (1851-1936), son of Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, and a New York City patent attorney and president of Ballantine Brewing Company from 1905 until his retirement, and Sara Ballantine (1858-1940) of Newark, New Jersey, granddaughter of the founder Peter Ballantine of the Ballantine Brewing Company. In 1920, Mrs. Sara Ballantine planted roses, and the rose beds were laid out between the spokes of a Chippendale style brick wall set in a basket weave pattern. In 1964 their daughter, Matilda Frelinghuysen (1887-1969) began plans to turn the estate into an arboretum. Today's Frelinghuysen Arboretum was dedicated in 1971.
Trees in the park include willow, magnolia, bald cypress, beeches, crabapples, and flowering cherries. There are wide swaths of the park which have woods only. The months of September through March are a good time to see the ornamental grasses; in December, hollies are of interest. In January and February, Witch-Hazels and early Flowering Bulbs can be seen. March through April is when Hellebores, Cornelian Cherries, and spring Bulbs are in bloom or of peak interest. In late April through May, see the flowering Cherries, Magnolias, Crabapples, and Spring Bulbs. In May through June, look at the Rhododendrons, Dogwoods, Lilacs, Viburnums, Azaleas, Hostas, and Stewartias. Roses are beautiful from May through October. When the leaves turn color in October, Maple trees are particularly impressive. And conifers are on the property year round.
Today, the Frelinghuysen Arboretum is also a regional center for horticultural activities, including educational programs, special tours, group tours, special events, and a comprehensive collection of botanical literature. The Joseph F. Haggerty Education Center and Home Demonstration Gardens have been designed to expand the Park Commission's services to the gardening public in a barrier-free environment. The Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum Commission was founded in 1972. There is a gift shop and carriage house. The Haggerty Education Center has meeting rooms for meetings. There are several parking lots. To the west there is a meadow and a swamp. The arboretum is bordered by Interstate 287, East Hanover Avenue, and Whippany Road.
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Evergreen conifers abound on the spacious property.
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In summer, this gazebo juts out over a small pond.
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The preserve has a wide variety of trees, plants, and gardens. Young trees are sometimes enclosed with wire fences to prevent deer from eating the leaves.
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The picturesque 127-acre estate was bequeathed to Morris County by Matilda E. Frelinghuysen, who inherited the estate from her parents, in 1969. She participated in plans to convert the property into an arboretum open to the public.
Read more about this topic: Frelinghuysen Arboretum
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