Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens—Spring 2024

By FCGN member Jeff Schuetz

Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens was the third of six gardens my wife Nita Beck and I visited during our trip to Philadelphia in the spring of 2024. This was my second time visiting, the prior visit being May 20, 2017. (48 acres; free admission; the Education Center and Garden Shop have more limited hours than the garden as a whole; jenkinsarboretum.org)

Originally the modest home of plant-lovers Elizabeth and Lawrence Jenkins, the property began to be developed into a public park, arboretum, and wildlife sanctuary in Elizabeth’s honor in 1968 upon Lawrence’s death. After several years of development, and after neighbor Louisa P. Browning donated her adjoining 26 acres in 1973, Jenkins opened to the public in 1976. The John H. Willaman Education Center was added in 2009.

Jenkins is primarily a woodland garden that tumbles down the hillside, with well-paved paths through a naturalistic setting and a stunning collection of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, and more under a high canopy of mature trees. Natives have become a focus. The bottom of the hill is more open with a pond and a bog garden. It’s a beautiful, peaceful space.

Our timing was perfect for enjoying the spring blooms. Being able to negotiate the slopes is necessary for immersing oneself in the garden, but the back of the education center has lovely patio seating overlooking the hillside. Native plants are for sale during the education center hours. Definitely worth a visit!