The Barden

 The Botanical Garden of Herrontown Woods

The creation of the Princeton Botanical Art Garden (Barden for short) began in 2018 as a small loop trail through a former pine grove decimated by windstorms. As invasive species took hold among the fallen trees, the FOHW saw the opportunity to create a rare habitat—a sunny forest opening. We removed rampant invasive growth and planted sun-loving native wildflowers and shrubs to create a space where people could come to learn about native flora. The Barden then evolved into much more.

At the Barden, we have discovered the pleasures and ecological benefits of going beyond preservation and passive appreciation to create an in-between space—part nature, part culture—where human imagination and resourcefulness can collaborate with nature’s unparalleled creativity and generosity. By locating ourselves within nature, learning from it and giving back, we can begin not only to heal nature, but also heal ourselves.