Join PHS Vice President of Horticulture, Andrew Bunting, as we tour some of the most iconic tree collections in the area!
The Philadelphia area is extremely rich in arboreta and tree collections, with many world-renowned institutions in our “backyard." Our first stop will be the Morris Arboretum and Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania in Chestnut Hill. This 92-acre site was the original home of siblings John and Lydia Morris, dating back to 1887 before opening to the public in 1933. The Morris Arboretum has a world-class collection of Asian trees, including a massive katsura tree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum.
Before heading to our second stop, we’ll gather for a boxed lunch at Morris Arboretum.
In the afternoon, we will travel to the Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens in Devon. This relatively small Arboretum has steep rolling terrain with native trees that tower over the collections. The Jenkins is noted for its extensive collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, as well as other related plants. A 40-acre botanical gem in Delaware County, Jenkins celebrates their 50th anniversary this year.
We will end the day at the Arboretum at Laurel Hill West in Bala Cynwyd. Between its two properties, Laurel Hill Cemetery boasts over 8,500 tree specimens, with 1,000 unique species and cultivars, including notable state champion trees. The cemetery is a leader in sustainable horticultural practices, including green burials (biodegradable containers, no embalming, hand-dug graves), restoring habitats, removing invasive species, and using solar powered mowers.
A light breakfast and coffee will be served in the McLean Library at PHS prior to departure; guests will enjoy a boxed lunch at midday, 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.
