With it's 25 gardens, Leaming's Run Gardens is the largest annual garden in the United States. This isn't anything like Longwood Gardens. Leaming's Run sits on 20 acres of land. Ten thousand flowers are planted every year and only 2 people maintain the entire garden!! Gregg Aprill and his wife, Missie, say it's a labor of love. They're proud that Leaming's Run is celebrating it's 30th anniversary this year.
As you wonder over the stream and through the woods there are signs to remind you to "stop hurrying" and look at every angle to enjoy the gardens. The sweet heart garden was once voted the most romantic spot in NJ to share a kiss! Other garden types include the red and blue, English cottage, herb, butterfly, knoll and the signature serpentine garden. The exotic bamboo grove is one of the highlights of the garden.
There's ample opportunity to stop along the way at quiet benches, rockers and gazebos so you can enjoy the simple beauty of nature. The one mile path leads to an old colonial style cabin. Outside animals roam around providing a musical symphony you rarely hear in our busy city and suburbs.
While Dave and I were there, Missie Aprill was dressed in colonial garb cooking lunch at an open hearth. Would you believe she roasted a chicken tied to a string! It took all day to prepare food like that in the 1700's. Dave and I had fun helping her. Click on the video of our morning adventure to see how we faired!
Leaming's Run Gardens will open on Mother's Day. Then, they'll close until the official opening on May 15th through October 10th. The cost is $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children.
They've given us some gardening tips to pass along to you, and you can get them by clicking here
For more information visit their website: leamingsrungardens.com
If you want to comment or ask questions, visit me on the Morning Show Message Board by clicking here!
Hope you enjoy Leaming's Run!! Karen Rogers
