Our Mission

Freeman Gardens Association (FGA) is a 501(c)(3) formed to assist in the development, growth and maintenance of the public Freeman Gardens located in Glen Ridge, NJ, a suburban community located about 10 miles west of NYC.

Caption

Freeman Gardens sign on the corner of Hawthorne and Maolis Avenues

The primary purpose of FGA is assuring that the gardens contribute to the cultural growth of the Borough of Glen Ridge. The corporation shall maintain the gardens as a municipal park, for nature lovers, recreation, and other activities by all Borough organizations and residents.

History

Freeman Gardens was designed by prominent landscape architect Ethelbert E. Furlong, a Glen Ridge resident, for Clayton and Winifred Freeman in 1935. The Freeman children annexed the garden to the Borough of Glen Ridge in 1967 following the death of their parents and in 1968, the gardens were deeded to the Borough.

Caption

Photo of Ethelbert E. Furlong around 1990, sitting in his Glen Ridge garden. Image by M. Lucinda Furlong

So as not to be a tax burden for the town, the gardens have been maintained and financially supported by volunteers since then. It was the desire of the Freemans for the gardens to be open to all and to be a place for silent contemplation, community gatherings, bird watching, and garden education.

Caption

Historic photo of a trellis surrounded by dense flora in the garden

Today, the gardens continue to make good on that promise, while also serving as the home to a number of local events, enrichment programs, and private gatherings. Freeman Gardens is one of the last fully intact projects of Furlong, who designed more than 1600 gardens over the course of his prolific career. 

Freeman Gardens has evolved from a family cow pasture to a beautiful community garden, with much of its original footprint remaining as a reminder of a bygone era.

Caption

Historic photo of a sculpture on a brick patio in the garden

The chicken coop acts as an office, equipment storage area, growing station, and small natural museum featuring a collection of artifacts such as wasp and bird nests, feathers, and snake skins unearthed on the grounds.

Caption

Aerial photograph of the chicken coop in Freeman Gardens

The wrought iron fence lining the east side of the garden represents another piece of local history. The fence – from an estate that is now the town’s high school – had been saved for 40 years prior to finding a permanent home at Freeman Gardens.

Caption

Repurposed wrought iron fence lining the garden

In recent years, many other locally salvaged and reclaimed materials have found a home in the garden – a part of a broader commitment to sustainability that includes the addition of bee colonies, rainwater collection, and composting practices.