The bamboo grove is one of the most prominent features of the gardens, consisting of Phyllostachys species that can grow several inches in a single day during peak season.
The gardens host an annual plant sale that is a significant regional event for local gardeners and horticulturalists.
The property contains a 'rain garden' designed specifically to demonstrate how residential landscapes can mitigate stormwater runoff.
The gardens serve as a trial site for the All-America Selections, where new plant varieties are tested for regional performance.
The Log Cabin, located on the property, was reconstructed using materials from the 1930s and serves as a historic focal point.
Rutgers Gardens is a 180-acre botanical garden managed by Rutgers University, serving as both a public green space and a horticultural research site. The grounds feature diverse thematic collections, including the Donald B. Lacey Display Garden, an herb garden, and a distinctive bamboo grove. It operates as a living laboratory for the university's School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The site encompasses varied terrains, from formal ornamental flower beds to natural woodlands. Visitors can access multiple walking trails that wind through both maintained gardens and semi-wild areas. The gardens function independently of the main Rutgers University campus, maintained largely through membership support and public donations. It is an arboretum that showcases plants suited to the Mid-Atlantic climate.
The interior of the bamboo forest provides a unique, high-contrast vertical photo opportunity.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the terrain transitions from paved paths to mulched and dirt woodland trails.
Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as the shaded woodland areas and bamboo groves attract mosquitoes.
Check the official website for seasonal events, as some areas of the garden are occasionally reserved for university research or private events.
Do not attempt to collect plant cuttings or seeds, as the site is an active botanical research facility.
Closed on certain holidays; check the website for seasonal closures during extreme weather events.
Stay on marked trails to protect research plots; dogs must be leashed at all times.
