Step into the beauty of PHS Meadowbrook Farm, a garden and estate nestled on 25 acres in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. With the green light from the State of Pennsylvania and safety guidelines in place, the gates will open to the public on Wednesday, August 5, by reservation.
“A perfect day trip, or escape from the city, Meadowbrook Farm is a getaway close to home,” says Julie Bare, PHS Meadowbrook Farm Estate Gardener. “Every morning when I park and walk in through the display garden, it’s amazing to see the changes week to week as plants go out of bloom and others come into bloom — it’s wonderful to take in all the colors, the blooms, and the fragrances.”
A Path to Follow
Once you’ve parked, follow the arrows to be guided, one-way, through this magical setting. One of the most beautiful sites you will see is the perennial garden. Tended by Glenn Ashton, PHS Meadowbrook Farm Head Gardener (pictured above), the entrance itself to this garden is a riot of color with Canna ‘Phaison’ and its burgundy and pink striped foliage and orange flowers. Solenostemon (syn. Coleus) ‘Dark Night’ is striking with its purple-black leaves.
Ever-changing with the light of day and soft breezes, the Perennial Garden is filled with a kaleidoscope of colors and blossoms. One of Glenn’s favorites is the old-fashioned balloon flower, Platycodon grandiflora, which has balloon-like buds and soft blue flowers. “They serendipitously seed around in the Perennial Garden,” says Ashton. Bright orange flowers are provided by two zinnia cultivars, ‘Benary Orange’ and ‘Profusion Orange’. A hardy form of the African lily, Agapanthus ‘Headbourne Hybrids’ is also on display.
Learn more about pollinator gardens and get inspired for planting your own at home. Angelica stricta ‘Purpurea’ has striking smokey purple foliage and a collection of button-like flowers which attract a host of pollinators. Like the Agapanthus, Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ is also a South African native that is hardy in the Philadelphia area. Commonly called the pineapple lily, it is primarily grown for its stunning strap-like purple leaves.
Bring Home a Pollinator Plant
Before you leave, be sure to visit the Plant Shop, where Meadowbrook Farm-grown plants are on sale. A large selection of perennial pollinator plants will help you start your own garden at home. Look for several species and cultivars of Begonia, a favorite of Pennock’s, a wonderful selection of bromeliads, and air plants. Shop the curated collection of unusual succulents and cactus. PHS Members receive 10% off purchases. Not a Member? Join today!
