Hear Early Morning Bird Songs, Relax at Dusk at Buck Garden

Starting this month, the Somerset County Park Commission is extending hours for garden admission at the Leonard J. Buck Garden off Layton Road in Far Hills to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through the summer.

The county park and rock garden, located at 11 Layton Road in Far Hills not far from the crowded Hills section of Bernards Township and a short distance from the commercial centers of Bedminster and Far Hills along Route 202, provides a unique setting of woods, stream and rock outcroppings.

Garden visitors will have more time to take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days to hear the chorus of early morning birds as they defend their territories, or make the most of taking photographs in the sun’s natural light.

The garden also is a good location to view some of the May flowers that are on display at this time of the year.

Garden lovers can explore and discover the extensive plant collections, many tucked in between the rocks, with plentiful labeling. The Visitor Center and restroom facilities will be closed during the extended hours.

The extended hours will continue through to Wednesday, August 28.

Leonard J. Buck Garden is considered one of the premier rock gardens in the eastern United States, consisting of a series of alpine and woodland garden areas situated in a 29-acre wooded stream valley, according to the county park commission.
 
Buck Garden is a naturalistic setting incorporating large rock outcroppings with varying exposures and microclimates that enable different plant associations to thrive, according to the park commission. Tucked among the rocks are rare and exotic rock garden plants. The wooded trails connecting the outcroppings are lined with wildflowers that have flourished and multiplied through the years. Numerous types of ferms grow throughout the garden.
 
For more information call 908-234-2677 or visit the Somerset County Park Commission website.