The Annual Cherry Hill Garden Tour in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, offers an exceptional blend of community spirit and the quiet thrill of discovery for garden enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Spanning several distinct private and public gardens across the township, this event invites visitors to engage with a steadily unfurling landscape that challenges you to observe closely and appreciate nature’s unfolding personality.

The tour covers roughly 3 miles of pedestrian-friendly paths through gardens varying in style from meticulous English-style beds to wilder native plant sanctuaries. Elevation changes are modest, typical of South Jersey’s flat terrain, but the terrain encourages mindful walking on garden paths, gravel, and occasional grass. The experience relies less on physical challenge and more on attentiveness and immersion. Trees seem to lean in to share their secrets, while winding streams murmur encouragements and coyly suggest hidden spots waiting just beyond the next turn.

Set primarily in residential neighborhoods with garden plots spilling over fences and curling around patios, the Garden Tour is accessible by foot with clear markers and helpful volunteers stationed throughout. For many, the real adventure is in the details—the carefully tended perennials, bursts of unexpected color, and the craft behind water features that seem to invite passersby to pause and reflect.

Water is a subtle yet commanding presence on the tour. Garden ponds and trickling fountains accelerate or soothe the pace, guiding visitors forward or providing moments of respite. Pollinators and songbirds participate in the event, offering vibrant life and sound that animate each stop with lively interaction.

Planning your visit requires a sensible approach: sturdy walking shoes are recommended, and bringing water is essential during warmer days since hydration stations are limited. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light and cooler temperatures. The tour usually runs for six hours, allowing a thoughtful exploration pace without rush.

The Annual Cherry Hill Garden Tour is an open invitation—to see nature fiercely herself, shaped by human hands but never tamed. Here, gardens act less as a background and more as active companions, shaping the journey one path and petal at a time.