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.
“Not only is Presby beloved as The Rainbow on the Hill, it is also a vital component to the botanical community. Over the past seven years, the Citizens Committee has been replacing lost cultivars of educational and historic value and has focused efforts to reflect the top award winners as designated by the American Iris Society—creating an Iris Hall of Fame Collection,” says Linda Sercus, Executive Director of the Citizens Committee of the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens. These efforts have been recognized this year by generous Iris Bed Sponsors: CobraHead, Dewberry, and HackensackUMC Mountainside Hospital.
“In 2009, Essex County led a unique partnership between government and community volunteers to preserve and protect the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, which are recognized internationally for their horticultural uniqueness, historical significance and natural beauty. We invite the public to come out and enjoy the dazzling display of colors on ‘The Rainbow on the Hill,’ marvel at their magnificence and support the Citizens Committee’s work to maintain this valuable resource,” Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. said.
SPECIAL EVENTS
National Public Gardens Day
Friday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This kick-off to Bloom Season includes an Iris Plant Sale featuring named plants from Presby’s collection, a performance by the Opera Theatre of Montclair, a presentation by artist Lisa Palombo on Women and Impressionism, plus a variety of horticultural talks. Light refreshments will be provided. Please visit www.presbyirisgardens.org for a detailed schedule. Admission is free. Generous thanks to our sponsors: Investors Bank and Sotheby’s International Realty.
Friday, May 10 & Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Potted irises from Presby’s named collection will be available for purchase. Known as a wonderful “Pass-Along Plant,” the iris you buy will multiply through the years for you to share with your family and friends.
Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This free mini-festival is hosted by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs with live music, kids crafts, and more. Vendors such as the Essex County Beekeepers Association, Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and Essex County Master Gardeners will be on site. Plus, a Student Art Show showcasing works from Montclair schools will be displayed. Rain date is Sunday, May 19.
Sunday, May 19 (please check website for time) Behold a traditional Japanese drumming show! Originating in China, Taiko were brought to Japan where they were used in temples and traditional Japanese theater before being played in the relatively recent art form of
ensemble.
Saturday, May 25 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Contemporary American Impressionist Lisa Palombo produces magical florals, still lifes and landscapes in a unique style that is unmistakable in her expressive brushwork and fearless use of color. She is considered a master of color and the natural form. Her work has been featured on more than 40 book covers, including several New York Times bestsellers as well as showcased in Art & Antiques Magazine, Southern Living, The Artist’s Magazine, and American Art Review. An exhibition featuring her work is on view in the Walther
House for the duration of Bloom Season. Meet Lisa, purchase her artwork, and enter a raffle!
Saturday, May 25 and Saturday, June 1 from 2pm to 3pm
Enjoy a free performance by a local jazz duo while strolling through the Gardens during peak season.
Friday, May 31 at 9pm
Relax under the stars and watch a family-friendly movie on the hill. Come early, bring a blanket or lawn chair, and some snacks. Please check Presby’s website for the movie announcement. Hosted by the Montclair Film Festival and Essex County Park System.
The Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is located at 474 Upper Mountain Ave. in Upper Montclair, 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.
For up-to-the-minute information about the 2013 bloom season:
Phone: (973) 783-5974
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.presbyirisgardens.org
Facebook: The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
Twitter: @PresbyIrises
