Morris Arboretum—Spring 2024

By FCGN member Jeff Schuetz

Morris Arboretum was the fourth of six gardens my wife Nita Beck and I visited during our trip to Philadelphia in the spring of 2024. (92 acres; paid admission; morrisarboretum.org)

The arboretum originated in 1877 as the private estate of siblings John and Lydia Morris. Having traveled widely, they incorporated formal, European, and Japanese garden influences into the arboretum. It was bequeathed to the University of Pennsylvania as a public garden and education center and opened to the public in 1933.

Today the Morris Arboretum offers a wide variety of experiences including a well-labeled woodland garden near the visitor center, a fascinating tree-top walkway and platform area, one of the only remaining ferneries (greenhouses focused on ferns) in the U.S., water features, a redwood grove, sculpture, Japanese gardens, outstanding tree specimens, and more.

There is also a strong horticultural program open to the public. The more developed areas are concentrated closer to the visitor center, but the more relaxed and open areas further out are worth the effort. A rewarding experience overall.

Photos © 2024 Jeff Schuetz