The Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden is a one-acre garden with about 3,000 roses of 325 different kinds. It is authorized to show AARS award-winning roses one year before they are released to the public as an approved All-America Rose Selections (AARS) display garden. As a homage to his work in creating and expanding the garden, the garden was named after Rudolf W. van der Goot, the Somerset County Park Commission’s first horticulturist.
The garden’s goals are to provide leisure and public education. From late spring through October, the roses are a kaleidoscope of color, shape, and scent. Visitors may see popular contemporary hybrids, species, and old garden rose classifications. Only roses growing in central NJ are preserved in the park, appropriately labeled for easy identification.
The historic Mettler Estate, which was previously a working farm, was home to the Rose Garden and the neighboring Arboretum, which were open to the public. Mettler’s formal garden served as inspiration for the first part of the park. The estate’s flagstone pathways and little stone pool are old. Today, this portion of the garden has a variety of modern hybrid roses and tree roses. The Grandmother’s Garden was initially planted with roses which were popular before World War II.
A trellis frames the second half of the garden, which holds a variety of climbing roses. The most noticeable element of the park is the central walk, which is named for Millicent Fenwick, a former New Jersey congresswoman who served as the United States envoy to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture. Polyanthas line the path, and Old Garden Roses line the garden’s border, regaining appeal among today’s gardeners.
The Dutch Garden’s third component is constructed in the formal Dutch style, with low-growing perennials framing the raised beds. The collection of antique roses, as well as current hybrids, is continuing here.
A visit to the garden is a fantastic way to learn about roses and the available different types. A visitor who wants to add roses to their home landscape may look at each rose variety’s color, size, shape, and quality and choose the best ones for their gardens. It’s also an excellent location for getting away from it all.
It is not permissible to do wedding ceremonies in the backyard. However, authorization is required for any staged photography, whether amateur or professional, for any significant life event, such as birthdays, ceremonies, engagements, family picture sessions, graduations, maternity, proms, and quinceaneras. Don’t hesitate to contact them at 908-722-1200, extension 5721.
