We invite you to
Visit the rainbow on the hill
The iris gardens contain over 14,000 irises of approximately 3,000 varieties and produce over 100,000 blooms over the course of the season
Visit the Gardens
Everyone is welcome to visit Presby and enjoy our unique iris collection during the annual spring Bloom Season. Opening May 2024, May 11th – June 2nd. A suggested donation of $10.00 per person helps keep this garden beautiful. Come celebrate our 95th year of blooming.
Explore the Gift Shop
The Bloom Room Gift Shop is located inside the 1851 Historic Walther House. Open’s Saturday May 11th, 11:00-3:00, 2024.. The Bloom Room will be open Wednesday-Sunday and closed on Mondays & Tuesdays throughout Bloom Season. Access is limited entrance has a seven step wooden staircase with a handrail.
Volunteer or Donate
Presby Memorial Iris Gardens came in at number 191 on Good Plant Care’s list of the 200 “Best Public Gardens in America” for 2023.
Our History
The Gardens were started in 1927 as a memorial to Frank H. Presby, one of the founders of the American Iris Society and a leading citizen of Montclair. Frank Presby was an iris hybridizer and owned a fine iris collection. It was his expressed wish to give a collection of his favorite flower, the iris, to Montclair’s newly acquired Mountainside Park.
Upcoming Events
Gardens Aglow
Friday, October 20, 2023
6pm - 9pm
View the gardens at dusk as they come to life with artfully carved jack-o-lanterns. Enjoy a glass of cider at sunset while watching the gardens glow! Activities, entertainment and refreshments will be on-going throughout the event.
Essex County Family Garden Party 2024
Saturday, May 18th, 11:00- 3:00
Fun for the entire family!
Live Music in the Gardens 2024
Sunday, May 12th 1:00-3:00
Sunday, May 19th 1:00-3:00
Sunday, May 26th 1:00-3:00
Sunday, June 2nd 1:00-3:00
We are thrilled to announce the release of our latest book, Iridescence! Learn more about the beauty of Irises. Contact us at Presbyiris@verizon.net to purchase. shipping $10.00
Discover Beauty
Garden Gallery
Explore our vast collection of beatiful flowers.
