One of New Jersey’s most admired garden destinations is the formal Italianate gardens at Drumthwacket, the official residence of the Governor in Princeton. The house and garden are open to the public on Wednesdays and will be open for a special garden party on Sunday, June 11.
More than 100 years old, Drumthwacket’s terraced gardens were designed by prominent landscape architect Daniel Webster Langton. Completely renovated in the 1990s, Drumthwacket’s gardens, as well as the stately house built in 1835, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
On June 11, house tour guides and experts from Mercer County Master Gardeners will be on hand to share their knowledge. Music and light refreshments will be provided.
New plantings, especially for the occasion, have been donated by Princeton Nurseries and Pleasant Run Nursery, both of Allentown.
Also open will be Olden House, the 18th century birthplace of Drumthwacket’s original owner, and the site of Drumthwacket’s Gift Shop. Featured will be an author signing of the newly printed second edition of "Drumthwacket: A History of the Governor’s Mansion at Princeton, New Jersey" by historian William K. Selden. Local artist Betty Dickson will be autographing the state symbol ornaments, and beekeeper Patrick Ryan will be sharing his knowledge of New Jersey’s state insect, the honeybee.
Reservations are required and can be made by visiting calling www.drumthwacket.org or calling (609) 683-0057. Space is limited. A $5 donations to the nonprofit Drumthwacket is requested. Parking is on site.
Drumthwacket is located on Route 206, just south of downtown Princeton. For driving directions and a complete garden history, visit www.drumthwacket.org.

