By Melissa O’Brien 

Spanning 21 acres of stunning green space, PHS Meadowbrook Farm offers a unique and immersive experience for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This historic landmark nestled in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania, was built in 1936 by renowned horticulturist J. Liddon Pennock Jr. and bequeathed to PHS in 2004. 

Today, Meadowbrook Farm is a free public garden, open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October, where visitors can stop by to enjoy a variety of gardens. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoy the charming “garden rooms” around the historic estate.

During a recent interview with Head Gardener Glenn Ashton, we explored the captivating concept of these garden rooms and what makes each one special. If you’re looking for a tranquil retreat brimming with horticultural beauty, Meadowbrook Farm should be at the top of your list. 

A Tapestry of Garden Rooms 

The concept of garden rooms at Meadowbrook Farm is inspired by the historic estate's architecture, which features numerous windows offering stunning views of the various gardens on the property. Each garden room is a distinct space, often enclosed by walls, hedges, or other structures that create an intimate and unique atmosphere. Here are just a few of these unique garden rooms and what you can discover in each. 

Front Courtyard

As you approach the estate, you’ll be greeted by the front courtyard, a charming, enclosed area with stone walls that create a cozy, room-like feel. The Pennock House front courtyard garden features three long rectangular beds planted for seasonal interest. 

The Herb Garden

Located just outside the kitchen, the herb garden is a fragrant oasis surrounded by neatly sheared hedges. This room showcases a variety of herbs, providing both visual and aromatic delight. 

The Queen's Garden

Adjacent to the herb garden, the Queen's Garden basks in full sunlight, making it a vibrant space filled with flowering plants and garden troughs. This area is perfect for those who appreciate the brilliance of sun-loving blooms. 

The Eagle Garden 

One of the standout features of Meadowbrook Farm is the Eagle Garden, dominated by a striking eagle statue. The Eagle Garden features three Magnolia grandiflora specimens and two topiary specimens of Tsuga canadensis American hemlock. 

Seasonal Splendor 

Meadowbrook Farm is blooming spring, summer, and fall -- with each season offering its own unique beauty. This year, Glenn Ashton says “the theme is flower power.” The garden design focuses heavily on blooming plants, flowers that have fragrance, tropical foliage, and pollinators that attract hummingbirds and other wildlife. Here is what you can expect to see when you visit throughout the seasons. 

Spring 

In spring, the gardens come alive with a burst of color from blooming bulbs and cool-season annuals. As the season progresses, a succession of perennials and later-blooming bulbs ensures there's always something new to see. 

Summer 

Summer at Meadowbrook is all about "flower power." The gardens are filled with a diverse array of blooming plants, from flowers that attract hummingbirds to tropical foliage that adds lush textures. The display garden, with its mix of perennials, biennials, annuals, and tropicals, is a must-see. 

Fall 

Autumn brings a stunning display of fall colors and late-blooming perennials. The gardens continue to evolve, offering a rich tapestry of hues and textures as the leaves change and the late-season flowers bloom. 

Highlights for First-Time Visitors 

For those visiting Meadowbrook Farm for the first time (or just the first time this season), Glenn says there are several highlights you won't want to miss: 

• Whiskey Barrel Displays: The visitor center features large tropical plants in half whiskey barrels, creating a striking visual impact as you arrive. 

• Flowering Vines: Look out for beautiful flowering vines, such as Cobaea scandens, adorning the gates at the garden entrances. 

• Cactus and Succulent Garden: For those interested in xeric or drought-tolerant plants, the cactus and succulent garden near the main entrance showcases a variety of species thriving in hot, dry conditions. 

Plan Your Visit 

Meadowbrook Farm is a place to relax and reconnect with nature. With numerous benches and seating areas, we encourage you to bring a book or a coffee and simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.  

New this season, PHS Meadowbrook Farm is offering Garden Tours, an opportunity to experience the gardens from originally designed viewpoints from inside the house. Offered monthly starting in June, tours will evolve with the season, providing new horticultural education each month.