Annual Garden
Like that in all the formal gardens at Skylands, the layout of this garden has not been changed from the original design. It is the only garden at Skylands in which the main plantings are annuals. The displays in this garden therefore change not only through the seasons, but also from year to year. Note the small Four Seasons statues in the corners, and the Fawns which anchor the Ovals. Some of the benches here and in other parts of the garden were given by NJBG/Skylands Association.
Perennial Border
NJBG volunteers have restored this area to Mr. Lewis' original design. Here you will see a colorful floral display which changes with the seasons. This garden requires intensive cultivation.
Wildflower Garden
Winding wooded trails, stepping stone bridges and a frog-friendly Bog Pond make this part of the garden a favorite for youngsters. Wildflowers and ferns are found throughout, with a beautiful display of Japanese primroses in late spring.
Lilac Garden
On the East Lawn, immediately adjoining the terraces, is Skylands' extensive lilac collection, It contains over one hundred varieties.
This garden is at its best near the middle of May, although some species will continue their bloom into June. The lilac's genus name, Syringa, is derived from the Greek word syrinx for "pipe," a reference to the hollow shoots. Lilacs belong to the olive family (Oleaceae) and therefore are related to white ash and privet. They are native to Europe and temperate Asia, where they grow as large shrubs or small trees.
Presumably, some lilacs predate Lewis at Skylands. Lilacs have been popular shrubs since Colonial times because of their ease of culture and their fragrant spring flowers. One of the first varieties to be recorded in Mr. Lewis' plant accession books is Syringa x persica, which he procured in 1923. In 1928, the Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata), and the Chinese lilac (Syringa x chinensis) were purchased along with the French hybrids "Edouard Andre´" and "Mme. Abel Chatenay."