Charming Outdoor Features Seen In New Jersey Homes

When you think of New Jersey, your mind might jump to iconic diners, bustling highways, or perhaps even a certain “what exit?” joke.

But put those preconceptions aside for a moment, because there’s a whole other side to the Garden State that’s truly blooming – right in people’s backyards! From the leafy suburbs of Bergen County to the picturesque landscapes near the Delaware River, New Jersey homeowners are masters of creating their own private oases.

1. Wraparound Porches With Ocean Views

Shore homes along the Atlantic coast feature expansive wraparound porches that serve as natural extensions of indoor living spaces. They provide the perfect vantage point for watching dramatic sunrises.

Homeowners often customize these porches with weather-resistant furnishings, hanging swing beds, and potted hydrangeas that thrive in the coastal climate. The classic white railings and blue ceiling paint create a distinctly nautical feel.

Many Jersey Shore porches incorporate built-in storage for beach gear and outdoor showers nearby for rinsing off sand before entering the home. This practical yet beautiful feature embodies the relaxed coastal lifestyle.

2. Bluestone Patios Under Mature Oak Trees

Rural properties throughout Morris and Hunterdon counties showcase stunning bluestone patios nestled beneath century-old oak trees. This locally quarried stone creates a seamless connection between cultivated gardens and the surrounding woodland landscape.

The natural cooling effect of these massive tree canopies makes outdoor entertaining possible even during July and August heat waves. Homeowners arrange conversation areas around outdoor fireplaces or fire pits, extending the usability of these spaces well into New Jersey’s crisp autumn evenings.

Local landscape architects often incorporate native ferns and shade-loving hostas around the perimeter, softening the transition between hardscape and forest. The distinctive blue-gray coloration of the stone complements both traditional Colonial and contemporary home styles.

3. Boardwalk-Inspired Backyard Decks

Many suburban New Jersey homes feature elevated wooden decks with distinctive boardwalk styling. Structures typically use pressure-treated cedar or composite materials arranged in herringbone or diagonal patterns reminiscent of shore promenades.

Families install built-in benches, string lights, and even small outdoor kitchens to create versatile entertainment zones. The raised elevation provides better views of landscaped yards while creating useful storage.

Unlike traditional decks, boardwalk-inspired versions often incorporate nautical elements like ship’s rope railings or porthole windows in privacy screens. This nostalgic touch helps suburbanites maintain their connection to New Jersey’s beloved coastal heritage.

4. Historic Stone Walls With Native Plantings

Revolutionary War-era stone walls crisscross many northern New Jersey properties. Homeowners preserve these historical boundaries, incorporating them into contemporary landscape designs with native wildflower plantings that cascade over and between the stones.

Black-eyed Susans, purple coneflowers, and New Jersey tea plants create stunning seasonal displays while providing habitat for local pollinators. The juxtaposition of centuries-old stonework with flowering plants creates a uniquely Garden State aesthetic.

Local historians note that many of these walls date back to the 1700s when Dutch and English settlers first cleared the land for farming. Modern homeowners take pride in maintaining these structures.

5. Vegetable Gardens With Italian Influences

Family vegetable gardens flourish behind many homes in Essex, Union, and Passaic counties, reflecting the strong Italian-American heritage in these areas. They feature neat rows of tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and herbs arranged with practical efficiency.

Handmade trellises support climbing plants like pole beans and cucumbers, while grapevines often frame the perimeter. Many gardens incorporate fig trees carefully wrapped in burlap each winter.

Garden sheds painted in warm Mediterranean colors house vintage tools passed down through families. Weekend gatherings center around these gardens during harvest season, with multiple generations working together to preserve the bounty.

6. Converted Barn Entertainment Spaces

Throughout rural Hunterdon, Warren, and Sussex counties, historic barns have been imaginatively repurposed into stunning outdoor entertainment spaces. These agricultural structures, many dating back to the 19th century, maintain their authentic timber frames.

Families install sliding glass doors that preserve the original openings while allowing year-round use. The soaring interior spaces accommodate gathering areas with comfortable seating and sometimes even indoor-outdoor kitchens or pizza ovens.

Original hay lofts transform into cozy reading nooks or overflow sleeping quarters for guests. The agricultural heritage remains visible through preserved elements like feed troughs repurposed as planters or antique farm implements displayed as wall art.

7. Natural Swimming Ponds With Native Landscaping

Environmentally conscious homeowners in the Princeton area have embraced natural swimming ponds as alternatives to traditional chlorinated pools. These water features use aquatic plants and beneficial bacteria instead of chemicals.

A typical design includes a swimming zone with a liner and natural stone edging. All surrounded by shallower planted areas filled with water lilies, pickerelweed, and other native aquatic species.

Frogs, dragonflies, and other beneficial wildlife quickly colonize these ponds, adding to their natural charm. Local landscape architects often incorporate adjacent rain gardens that filter runoff before it enters the pond system.

8. Saltbox Greenhouse Attachments

Colonial-style homes throughout New Jersey’s historic districts often feature attached saltbox greenhouses. They extend the growing season while honoring traditional architecture.

Charming structures typically connect to the south-facing side of the home with a sloped glass roof. It maximizes winter sun exposure. Inside, stone floors and brick walls store solar heat during the day and release it slowly overnight.

Homeowners use these spaces for starting seedlings in late winter. During summer months when extra growing space isn’t needed, these greenhouse rooms transform into bright breakfast nooks or reading retreats.

9. Cobblestone Driveways With Perennial Borders

Historic properties in Princeton, Morristown, and Haddonfield showcase distinctive cobblestone driveways edged with lush perennial borders. Textured surfaces add instant character while managing rainfall more effectively than asphalt.

Homeowners plant native perennials like black-eyed Susans, Joe-Pye weed, and butterfly weed. The uneven surface naturally slows vehicles approaching the home.

Many properties incorporate antique hitching posts or carriage steps as decorative elements that reference New Jersey’s transportation history. During winter, snow melts more quickly between the stones than on solid surfaces, reducing ice buildup.