Photo: Claire Stepleton
Sometimes known as Montclair’s “secret garden,” the beds of the Avis Campbell Gardens are lovingly tended every Tuesday morning (and other days, too) by Members of our Club.
The gardens, recognized as a historic property by the township of Montclair, were planted behind 60 South Fullerton Avenue (next to the library) in 1953, using a plan created by noted landscape architect Avis Campbell.
Her Wheel of Life design from 70 years ago has been maintained until the current day with brick paths radiating out from a central fountain, lining the rich beds of flowers blooming from early spring through the cold days of late November.
The beds themselves are a tribute to the glories of gardening, with more and more native plants increasing a profusion of bees, butterflies, birds, and other happy pollinators.
Come and visit this gentle, hidden jewel of Montclair! Visitors are always welcome, and the cost is free.
Scroll down to see the gardens in full bloom as well as some historical photos from the Smithsonian.
Members should click here for committee roles and responsibilities.​​​
And see, below, three photos from the Smithsonian Institution's Maida Babson Adams American garden collection. Molly (Maida Babson) Adams (1918 - 2003) had a 40+ year career as a nationally recognized free-lance garden and wildlife photographer and conservationist. She took thousands of photos of gardens up and down the east coast of America from the 1950s to the 1990s. Although these particular photos are not dated, the cars suggest they were taken in the late 50s to early 60s, while the beds were still being populated..
Avis Campbell Gardens
