Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden—Spring 2024

By FCGN member Jeff Schuetz

Stoneleigh was the first of six gardens my wife Nita Beck and I visited during our trip to Philadelphia in the spring of 2024. (42 acres; free admission; natlands.org/visit/stoneleigh/)

Stoneleigh was originally a private estate built in 1877. More recent owners had a strong interest in the landscape, planting many trees unusual for the time. In 2016, the Haas family home was bequeathed to Natural Lands, which “cares for a network of 40+ nature preserves in the Philadelphia area.” Filled with gorgeous mature specimens, Stoneleigh opened to the public in 2018 with a new emphasis on native plantings. We found it charming, friendly, and naturalistic. Some dead trees have been left standing, both for their sculptural qualities and to benefit biodiversity, indicative of the gardeners’ thoughtful approach.

We lucked out, unknowingly arriving on the one day of their annual native plant sale. (Of course, I had to support the cause.) Stoneleigh has an unusual support group of only a handful of paid staff but a platoon of over 100 volunteers. Everyone was friendly and informative, and the spirit of the place is great. Highly recommend a visit. And you can’t beat the price!