We recently wrote about 10 amazing gardens in Philadelphia, and given how well the article was received, and the many arboretums in the area, we decided to write this companion article on our top 10 (ten) local arboretums (a garden of trees).
- Morris Arboretum
Owned by the University of Pennsylvania (though not located on Campus), Morris Arboretum near the Chestnut Hill neighborhood is a great spot to escape the bustle of city life with its beautiful sculpture gardens, train display, and rare plants and trees sitting proudly over 92 acres. Tickets required in advance.
2. Awbury Arboretum
Awbury Arboretum is a 55-acre landscape featuring ponds, woods, rolling hills and open meadows and is the largest open space in Germantown. Here, you will find clusters of trees delivering an array of picturesque contrasts.
3. Tyler Arboretum
Located in Media, PA (near-by to Philly), near Ridley Creek State Park, this is one of the biggest and oldest public gardens, Tyler Arboretum features over 17 miles of trails with 80-feet tulip trees, wildflowers, butterfly gardens and so much more for nature lovers of all age groups to enjoy.
- Curtis Arboretum
Curtis Arboretum is a 45-acre landscape located in the Cheltenham Township in the Wyncote, PA. Presenting a stunning backdrop for weddings and other special events, there is plenty of love with its rolling hills, ponds and over 50 varieties of trees peppered throughout.
“Jenkins.Abr” by Aaron Haber is licensed with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/
- Jenkins Arboretum
Jenkins Arboretum is a non-profit garden situated in Devon, PA. It is open to the public every day and offers free admission. From spring blooms to architectural marvels, there is plenty to discover and enjoy during a visit here.
- American College Arboretum
American College Arboretum is a 35 acre campus on South Bryn Mawr Avenue which was started in 1959 as a way to preserve trees. Today, it boasts over 600 trees of diverse varieties and is home to a number of educational programs and walking trails to discover. It is open daily without charge. Temporarily closed.
- Welkinweir Arboretum
The Welkinweir is set over 197 acres that includes a mansion, garden and conservation in Pottstown, PA. The arboretum is 55 acres and is open daily without charge. The property is used to study sustainability and ecological issues.
- Centennial Arboretum
Centennial Arboretum in Fairmount Park is spread over 27 acres with a unique collection of horticulture samples from many parts of the world. Here, you will find everything from manicured paths to water features to sculptures to unique plants and so much more.
- The Barnes Arboretum
The Barnes Arboretum at Saint Joseph’s University is a 12-acre space with over 2,500 varieties of herbaceous and woody plants, many of which are extremely rare.
- Bowmans Hill Wildlife Preserve
Located in Bucks County, Bowmans Hill Wildlife Preserve is set over 134 acres with over 700 native Pennsylvania plants growing here. With a dramatic landscape that promotes plant diversity, this is the perfect spot for people who love exploring nature in more detail.
