Late Summer Reeves-Reed Arboretum’s Best-Kept Secret
Late summer at Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit offers a different kind of beauty – one that’s a little quieter, a little slower, and well worth discovering.
Across the gardens, hydrangeas continue to put on a spectacular display while native perennials, colorful annuals, and pollinator-friendly flowers provide a feast for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Morning walks are filled with birdsong, shady woodland paths offer a welcome escape from the summer heat, and every visit brings something new to discover.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll, inspiration for your own garden, or a meaningful way to spend time outdoors with family and friends, August invites visitors to experience the gardens at a gentler pace. The Arboretum’s new Path for All, a continuous accessible pathway designed to provide greater access throughout the property, makes it easier than ever for visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy everything the Arboretum has to offer.
When people think of gardens, spring often steals the spotlight with its colorful blooms and fresh beginnings. But ask any gardener, and they’ll tell you August has a magic all its own.
Families with young children can get their hands dirty during Wednesday morning Let’s Get Growing workshops, where budding gardeners explore plants, insects, and hands-on nature activities.
Adults and teens looking to recharge can embrace wellness in the gardens with unique experiences throughout the month. Stretch and unwind during Goat Yoga on August 8, immerse yourself in the calming practice of Forest Bathing on August 9, or tap into your creativity during the Tend to Your Light Botanical Workshop on August 13.
As summer evenings begin to cool, the Arboretum’s Sounds of a Summer Night concert series concludes with local New Jersey band Sound Bite on August 26. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic, relax on the lawn, and enjoy an evening of live music surrounded by the beauty of the gardens.
For those who enjoy learning more about the Arboretum’s rich history and horticultural collections, free guided garden tours are offered every Saturday at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, weather permitting. Led by knowledgeable volunteers, these tours highlight seasonal blooms, historic landscapes, and fascinating stories from throughout the property.
Visitors can also experience Féminin Pluriel, an inspiring art exhibition by Pascale Bouchard, on view Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. The exhibit’s contemporary works create a beautiful dialogue between art and nature, adding another dimension to a late-summer visit.
So, whether you are coming for a family program, a wellness experience, a concert, guided tour, or simply a peaceful walk through the gardens, August offers countless reasons to slow down and reconnect with nature. With fewer crowds and the landscape beginning its subtle transition toward autumn, it’s one of the most rewarding times of year to explore Reeves-Reed Arboretum.
To learn more about August programs and events or to plan your visit, visit reeves-reedarboretum.org.