Garden Visit
PHS McLean Library
members only
David will be your host as you tour and explore Brandywine Cottage and Bondsville Mill Park and Gardens.
Our first stop will include an in-depth tour from David Culp of his masterpiece, Brandywine Cottage Garden. Brandywine Cottage is David Culp’s beloved 2-acre garden, where he mastered the design technique of layering. Brandwine Cottage Garden is described as a nonstop parade of color, and is not to be missed.
Next, we’ll explore the enchanting Bondsville Mill Park and Gardens, a 47-acre site where nature, history, and restoration are coming together in powerful ways. David’s journey with Bondsville began with a simple question about a one-acre cement pad in front of the historic ruins. Today, that space has blossomed into a vibrant two-acre meadow of his own design. This garden is especially meaningful to David, and it’s the first he has ever given his name to. He lovingly also calls it “the people’s garden.”
David will lead us on an intimate tour of the gardens, offering insights into its past, present, and future. It promises to be a deeply moving and inspiring experience!
A light breakfast and coffee will be served in the McLean Library at PHS prior to departure, boxed lunch will be served at Bondsville Mill Park, and snacks and beverages will be available on the shuttle both to and from PHS. The shuttle for the tour will depart from and return to PHS at 100 N. 20th Street in Philadelphia.
Don’t miss this chance to visit these incredible gardens!
David Culp is the creator of the gardens at Brandywine Cottage in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and the garden at Bondsville Mill Park. David has been lecturing about gardens nationwide for more than 25 years. Articles on David have appeared in Gardens Illustrated, Horticulture Magazine, and numerous other publications. He is the Principle of David L. Culp Designs and Owner of Brandywine Snowdrops. David is a former contributing editor to Horticulture magazine and served as chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Hardy Plant Society. David is now Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Cavano’s Perennials Inc. in Kingsville, MD. He is author of the book The Layered Garden published by Timber Press. David is also an herbaceous perennials instructor at Longwood Gardens.
Become a PHS Member today to get access to free lectures and events year-round.
*Photo by Rob Cardillo for David L. Culp
September 25, 2025
$150.00
More information will be provided upon registration.