Largest public iris garden in the United States set to bloom

Spring has sprung and the irises at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens are budding with excitement! Bloom Season is anticipated to last from May 10 through June 5.

The Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is internationally renowned as the largest public iris garden in the United States, with display beds containing nearly 3,000 iris varieties (around 14,000 plants) that produce over 100,000 blooms. It is a living museum of botanical preservation with some varieties dating back to the 1500s and is listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Sites.

In addition to the iris display, this year the Walther House living room will be host to an art exhibition showcasing works by Contemporary American Impressionist Lisa Palombo. The Bloom Room gift shop will be open with an exciting mix of affordable house, garden and iris-related items. Plus, a variety of fantastic events are planned.

The Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is located at 474 Upper Mountain Ave. in Upper Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey. During bloom season: admission is a suggested $5 donation; the Gardens are open daily from dawn until dusk; the Bloom Room gift shop and Walther House are generally open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.