By: Richard L. Smith
Residents across North Jersey are invited to experience one of Essex County’s most vibrant spring traditions as County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr.joins the Citizens Committee of the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens in hosting the 2026 Essex County Garden Party.
The free community event will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the renowned Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, located at 474 Upper Mountain Avenue in Upper Montclair.
A rain date has been scheduled for Sunday, May 17.
The annual celebration highlights the beauty and preservation of the historic gardens, which date back to 1927 and feature more than 100,000 irises in bloom each spring.
Known as a “living museum,” the site showcases over 10,000 irises spanning approximately 3,200 named varieties, making it the largest public display of irises in the world.
Families attending the Garden Party can enjoy a full day of entertainment, including live performances, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and face painting.
Visitors will also have access to educational exhibits and information from Master Gardeners, along with booths hosted by the Essex County Environmental Center and Turtle Back Zoo. A variety of food trucks will be on-site offering refreshments throughout the event.
The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens were originally created as a tribute to Frank Presby, a prominent local figure and horticulture enthusiast who served on the boards of the Montclair Art Museum and the American Iris Society.
Over the decades, the gardens have evolved into a globally recognized destination, drawing thousands of visitors each May to witness the peak bloom known as the “Rainbow on the Hill.”
In 2009, Essex County preserved the gardens and the adjacent Walther House by incorporating them into the county parks system. 
The Citizens Committee continues to support the site as a nonprofit partner, helping to fund operations and maintain the gardens’ historic legacy.
The gardens and Walther House have been listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places since 1982.
For more information, residents can call 973-735-6229 or visit the official website.