Little Gems at Rutgers Gardens

It seems like it would be a good idea to begin a series of articles about the “Little Gems” found throughout our region…places where you can enjoy the beauty of nature without requiring a plane trip, long lines, a passport or crowds (and in many cases, fees). There are quite a few fascinating, beautiful, educational and unusual such spots in our region. This will be the first in an ongoing series. 

Last August, I decided to take myself away from my business for a few hours. I was thinking of going to Brigantine again but decided that instead of birds, I might look for Odonata (affectionately known as “odes”)…dragonflies and damselflies. There are two really good locations within just a few minutes’ drive from here, and I chose the one less traveled (by me) so far this year. So I drove to Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick just over the border from East Brunswick. 

This portion of New Brunswick looks as if it more appropriately belongs with the farming areas of East Brunswick. It is found on Ryders Lane, just north of the Lawrence Brook and just south of the intersection with Route 1. 

From wikipedia.com: 

1.  The Gardens were created in 1927. The name of Rutgers Gardens is strongly associated with that of "Doc" Hamilton. In the 1990s, despite strong opposition, Rutgers, the New Jersey State University, planned to sell Rutgers Gardens for urban development; the “Garden State” was about to destroy some of its own most valuable gardens. In 1993, Dr. Bruce Hamilton, a Rutgers professor, accepted responsibility for directing the Gardens’ management and funding. Thanks to his outstanding dedication, to generous supporters and to the work of many volunteers, the Gardens survived for everybody’s enjoyment. Without his efforts, the Gardens, the native forest, the brook near the bamboo forest and many natural features would likely be severely impaired or nonexistent today.

This 50-acre site is an oasis in an increasingly developing suburban environment. If you need your nature, green or outdoors fix and don’t want to travel much, this might be just the place. The gardens are never crowded, and there is plenty of space and variety for everyone. On this trip, in my quest for odes, I concentrated on the Formal Gardens, where there is a water feature. 

Alas, dragonflies were scarce. Not missing, mind you, but in limited numbers and variety on this day. However, this place doesn’t disappoint. If you don’t see one thing, look for others…and they are there in abundance. 

These gardens are a treat to the eyes and senses, and can soothe the soul. The numbers and variety of flowers, maintained by people who know what they’re doing, is wonderful. You can return numerous times during the growing season and be treated to new flower varieties each time. With flowers come birds and other insects (and butterflies in particular), so binoculars are recommended, as is a camera, if you are so inclined. (And, yes, a wide range of birds can be found throughout the property.)

Rutgers Gardens is an excellent place for children, too. The ground is mostly fairly level, and if you don’t make the trip too long, you can keep small ones occupied with the colors, shapes and sizes of flowers, as well as all the flying things you will meet. On this day, there were several parents with small children in tow (or being pushed ahead), and not one was complaining (neither parent nor child). Note: At the Formal Gardens, there is no water and no bathroom facility. 

I should mention that, coincidentally, this was the day (August 23) of the 2011 earthquake in New Jersey. While it was shaking much of the region, I, along with at least 20 others who were walking on turf or mulched paths, didn’t feel the quake at all. And being so close to Ryders Lane and Route 1, no unusual sounds could be discerned above the normal din of traffic. Immediately after it ended, my wife called from East Brunswick, described to me how it felt and sounded at our home, and stated that she knew it was an earthquake (we lived through the Fall 1985 earthquake when we lived in Queens, N.Y.). This was confirmed several minutes later on television news. 

This local treasure can’t disappoint in the warmer months. You just have to look around to be content…and sigh with pleasure at the beauty of the place. Spend some time at Rutgers Gardens, and it will become a regular stop (or perhaps refuge) for you and your family. 

Please help with future Little Gems installments by suggesting your own favorite regional spots. I’d like to pass along what you like to other readers.

Thanks,

Rich

This column also appears regularly in Mr. Wolfert's blog, Nature Notes...a Lifelong Journey.