Reeves-Reed Arboretum | Summit

The Reeves-Reed Arboretum, located at 165 Hobart Avenue in Summit, New Jersey, is a distinguished 13.5-acre historic estate and public garden that functions as Union County’s only arboretum. This nonprofit institution is dedicated to horticultural education, environmental stewardship, and cultural enrichment, serving as a living museum of plants and landscape design that connects visitors to the natural world and the region’s heritage.

Historical Significance and Origins

The grounds of Reeves-Reed Arboretum have a layered history stretching back to the Revolutionary War era, when the land was part of a working farm owned by the Swain family. The site gained prominence in 1889 when John Hornor Wisner, a successful merchant involved in the China trade, acquired the property and constructed a Colonial Revival style home known as “The Clearing.” Wisner collaborated with the eminent landscape architect Calvert Vaux-who co-designed New York City’s Central Park-to shape the estate’s initial landscape. Their work introduced a blend of naturalistic plantings and structured garden spaces, incorporating specimen trees and thoughtfully planned walking paths.

Throughout the early 20th century, the estate passed through several owners, including the Reeves and Reed families, who enriched the gardens further by engaging notable landscape architects Ellen Biddle Shipman and Carl F. Pilat. These additions reflected the Country Place movement, a design philosophy emphasizing harmony between formal garden “rooms” and naturalistic woodland areas. By 1974, responding to a community-driven preservation effort, the City of Summit converted the estate into a public arboretum, ensuring its legacy as a resource for education and conservation.

Landscape and Garden Features

The arboretum’s 13.5 acres are a carefully curated combination of formal and informal gardens, woodlands, and natural habitats that provide visitors with a rich sensory experience across the seasons. Key landscape features include:

Wisner House: The Colonial Revival mansion that anchors the property, providing a historic focal point and space for administration and events.

Gretchen Keller Azalea Garden: Designed by Shipman and Pilat, this garden bursts into vibrant color each May with approximately 850 azalea shrubs and 25 trees, offering an immersive floral display.

Susie Graham Reeves Rose Garden: This classic “circle-in-a-square” rose garden contains nearly 300 rose bushes across over 150 varieties, showcasing a diverse palette of blooms throughout the growing season.

Wesson Nature Grove: A serene woodland area featuring walking trails and a vernal pool, it serves as habitat for local wildlife and a place for quiet nature observation.

Lilac Garden: Home to an array of lilac species that flower in spring, filling the air with fragrance.

Herb Garden: A collection of culinary and medicinal herbs that invites visitors to learn about the practical and historical uses of plants.

Woodland Trails: Paths meander through native trees and shrubs, allowing visitors to engage with local ecosystems in a natural setting.

Educational and Community Programs

Reeves-Reed Arboretum is committed to fostering environmental awareness and horticultural knowledge through a variety of programs tailored to different audiences:

Children’s and Family Programs: Hands-on classes, camps, and seasonal activities are offered for children starting as young as age three, emphasizing exploration, creativity, and connection with nature.

Field Trips: Organized educational visits for schools and scout groups provide interactive learning experiences aligned with curriculum standards in science and environmental studies.

Adult Workshops and Events: The arboretum hosts gardening classes, nature walks, yoga sessions, forest bathing, and art workshops, promoting wellness and lifelong learning.

Seasonal Celebrations: Signature events such as Daffodil Day in spring, Celebrate Fall, and the summer music series “Sounds of a Summer Night” foster community spirit and draw visitors to the grounds for social and cultural engagement.

Visitor Experience and Facilities

The arboretum welcomes visitors daily from dawn until dusk, offering free admission with a suggested donation to support its programs and upkeep. Facilities include a visitor center that provides information, restrooms, and interpretive materials. The grounds are designed for accessibility, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to experience the beauty and tranquility of the gardens and natural areas.

Environmental and Cultural Impact

As Union County’s sole arboretum, Reeves-Reed serves a unique role in promoting the conservation of plant diversity and local ecology. Its blend of historic gardens and native landscapes offers both aesthetic enjoyment and educational value. By preserving this green space amid suburban development, the arboretum contributes to biodiversity, climate resilience, and quality of life in the region.

The institution’s dedication to community involvement, environmental stewardship, and historic preservation ensures that the arboretum remains a vital cultural asset. Volunteers, members, and visitors are encouraged to participate actively in maintaining and enhancing the grounds, making it a shared resource for current and future generations.

Summary

Reeves-Reed Arboretum stands as a remarkable fusion of historic legacy, horticultural artistry, and environmental education. From its origins as a 19th-century estate designed by prominent landscape architects to its present-day role as a public garden and learning center, it offers a richly layered experience. Visitors can enjoy seasonal floral displays, serene woodlands, and a variety of programs that deepen appreciation for nature and history, making the arboretum an indispensable cultural and natural treasure in Summit, New Jersey.