Gardens Membership

Rutgers Gardens members form a special community of supporters who are passionate about the plant collections, display gardens, natural areas, and unique features found within these 180 acres. Whether you’re a Rutgers alum with treasured memories of reading a book in the Evergreen Garden between classes, a local resident who enjoys the winding trails of Helyar Woods on a crisp day, a longtime visitor who knows every secret nook of the Rhododendron Garden, or a new friend who is eager to see the trees and blooms change each season, we appreciate your willingness to become a Rutgers Gardens member.

Members make an impact with their gift by strengthening our efforts to care for the thousands of specimens in our plant collections in ecologically sound ways. Memberships help support the Rutgers Gardens Student Internship Program and experiential learning opportunities that further a deeper knowledge of horticulture and sustainable agriculture, both by the university community and the public.

Thank you to all 2026 members for your support! 

Membership registrations for this year are now closed. 

Current members will receive a renewal notice. New and returning members are invited to join our community for benefits active from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027. Stay tuned for more information about next year's membership program and how to register. Sign up for the Friends of Rutgers Gardens e-newsletter to receive updates or follow Rutgers Gardens on Instagram. 

Membership Benefits

2026 memberships must be renewed annually, are non-transferable, and are active through December 31, 2026. 

2026 Rutgers Gardens members have been enjoying:

• Invitations to special members-only programs hosted by Rutgers Gardens throughout the year.
• Special admission privileges and discounts at over 380 public gardens in the American Horticultural Society Garden Network.
• Rutgers Gardens members may rent space in select garden areas as well as the Log Cabin and Alumni Pavilion for private events. Only Rutgers Gardens members and Rutgers university departments are offered this privilege.
• Through July, members received a voucher for the 2026 Rutgers Gardens “Plant of the Year” (one plant per household). This year’s plant is the Northern Blue Flag Iris, or Iris versicolor.
• The entire membership fee is tax deductible.