Gardens on Parade 2026
The Nottingham Garden Club welcomes you to our 2026 Garden Tour in photos. Enjoy the beauty, inspiration and love that created the 10 following gardens.
These primarily backyard gardens are much more than backyards, and even gardens. They transform space into oases, Edens, veritable Shangri-las, and respites from the hub bub of life. They are true lifestyles created by the gardeners. We hope these gardens encourage you to challenge your imagination in your own gardens. The photos are a small sampling of each garden.
Our deep thanks to the dedicated gardeners for sharing their labors of love and to the Nottingham Garden Club Garden Tour Committee for helping make it possible: Committee chair Jay and committee members Eileen G., Leah, Maureen, Esther W., Jane, Kelly, Stacy and Patrish.
Thanks as well to Gardens on Parade booklet editors Jay and Kelly for creating an outstanding publication that showcases the gardens and ensures visitors have the best experience they can.
Sayen Gardens
Sayen Gardens is our local garden gem. It is open to the public and was once the summer home of the Sayen family. During their world travels, the Sayens collected a wide variety of azaleas, rhododendron, and trees, many of which still flourish. The home was donated to the township and today is used for a variety of events.
Magnolia Villa
"Aptly named Magnolia Villa, our garden features many varieties of peonies, hydrangeas, and lilies. This time of year, along with these beautiful perennials and annuals, you will discover arbors, statues, and other art forms throughout."
Thank you, Suzanne and Richard.
Rock-Edged Perennial Garden
"Our gardens are rock-edged perennial beds anchored by hydrangeas. Our property sits on a lake with a sloped yard and nearly constant breezes. The backyard due to the slope may be difficult to navigate for those with disabilities."
Thank you, Kristine and Ron.
Blue Star Memorial Garden
The Blue Star Memorial on Rt. 33 in Hamilton Township honors the men and women, past and present, who served our country. The Blue Star is maintained by Nottingham Garden Club, which received an $800 grant to refurbish it. Go online to learn more about this memorial which is found in all 50 states! New Jersey alone has 39 markers!
Converted-Pool Garden
"My garden was developed from the in-ground pool that the family grew up with. After purchasing the family home in 2022, I converted it into a garden in memory of my parents." A family member stands in for her.
Thank you, Dr. Wanda.
John Abbott House
And Herb Garden
The Abbott II House & Herb Garden dates to the Revolutionary War. Dr. Abbott used herbs as medicinals to cure illness. NGC maintains the Herb Garden and the Historical Society maintains the Abbott House. Go online to get more information on this site. Reservations are required to tour the Abbott House.
Forest and Garden
"We have owned our home for five years. When we moved in the previous owner removed all trees. We’ve spent the last five years re-planting 30 trees and several gardens, which continue to expand!"
Thank you, Susan and Russell.
Garden Oasis
"Our property features both front and backyard gardens with a mix of native New Jersey plants, flowering annuals, perennials, shrubs that provide color and texture from spring through fall. The backyard garden surrounds our pool and patio creating a space that is both scenic and functional for relaxing and entertaining."
Thank you, Kelly and Stacy.
Built-from-Scratch Garden
"Joe and I have been gardeners since childhood, beginning with a true blank slate we designed the orchard and arboretum first so they can begin to mature. Then the meandering flower beds were designed with a variety of perennials, many of which have personal stories to share. "
Thank you, Kevin and Joseph.
Soul-Warming Garden
"Our garden has the aroma of mint and the sound of chimes that linger in the air. The mixture of perennials of multiple colors makes it pleasing to the eye and warms the soul. We have callas, hibiscus, tiger lilies, phlox, hydrangea, peonies, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans to name a few."
Thank you, John and Beulah.
