Exuberant Tulips: Designing Beds in Shapes of Ferns and Mosses Exuberant Blooms , the Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ annual display featuring eight paisley-shaped beds inspired by Victorian flower bedding, is currently in bloom with tulips that sprawl across the landscape in loops and curls. But there’s more than meets the eye. Exuberant Blooms , the Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ annual display featuring eight paisley-shaped beds inspired by Victorian flower bedding, is currently in bloom with tulips that sprawl across the landscape in loops and curls. But there’s more than meets the eye: When viewed from above, these plantings depict the shapes of ferns, liverworts, and other plants. The European aristocracy of the Victorian era was enamored with unique plants including ferns, which were often the object of collectors’ desire. Now, I could tell you more about how the Victorians inspired me to plant the tulips in these shapes that they would’ve found fashionable in 2025, but really, I just wanted an excuse to show off some underappreciated and often unnoticed Image Exuberant Blooms tulips planted in shapes of other plants: 1 silver moss ( Bryum argenteum ), 2 bug-on-a-stick moss ( Buxbaumia viridis ), 3 resurrection plant ( Selaginella lepidophylla ), 4 umbrella liverwort ( Marchantia polymorpha ), 5 curly grass fern ( Schizaea pusilla ), 6 general fern fronds, 7 handbell moss ( Gemmabryum caespiticium ), 8 stairstep moss ( Hylocomium splendens ). Image Tulipa ‘Lalibela’ in bed 6. Image Tulipa ‘Big Apricot’ in bed 3   In bed 3 (see photo above) you can find a trio of curls representing the unfurling stems of the resurrection plant ( Selaginella lepidophylla ). These fascinating plants can survive near-complete desiccation, going months or even years without any water, only to uncurl after just a few hours of rehydrating. In bed 5, tulips fashion possibly the largest-ever artistic rendering of a curly grass fern ( Schizaea pusilla ). You can search for this rare little …

… Thinking Ahead of Climate Change While the warmer winters in Philadelphia may not be normal in 2023, it could be normalized sooner than we think, and the Arboretum has been actively thinking ahead of climate change for over a decade.  If you've been outside recently, you've most likely noticed that early spring blooms are popping up much earlier than usual. Daffodils, red buds, and even cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom with this year's warm winter weather. Last week, Billy Penn at WHYY published the piece, " Flowers and trees are blooming super early in Philly after a warmer-than-usual winter ," featuring Vince Marrocco, Director of Horticulture at the Morris Arboretum. “It’s normal February activity — if you live in South Carolina,” says Vince in the piece.  Image A newly planted Compton oak. Credit: Bill Cullina,  F. Otto Haas Executive Director While the warmer winters in …

Meetings and Retreats Meetings and Retreats Image Widener Visitor Center The Widener Visitor Center, built in 1888, is in the grey stone building that first served as the gardener’s cottage, carriage house, and stables. Our facility offers several rooms and set-up styles available for meetings and other daytime rentals. For food service you may choose from any of our approved  caterers , who represent a variety of cuisine styles and price ranges. Our events season runs from April 1 through the end of October and dates may be booked up to six months in advance. The building is outfitted with Central Air. Quality audio-visual equipment can be provided for your use in select locations. While Wi-Fi is available in the Center, please refer to this connection guide . Image Meetings    Small meetings for up to 12 may be booked in our McLean Room conference space or up to 20 in our Classroom for durations of as little as two hours or up to 8 hours depending on availability. Tables and chairs are provided for a variety of set up configurations. Larger meetings for up to 50 may be booked in our indoor Upper Gallery space with A/V capabilities and optional access to the McLean Room for catering set up. Spaces may be booked for timeframes of two to eight hours based on availability. Tables and chairs are provided and may be set up in a variety of layouts including boardroom, classroom, lecture, and dining styles.  Outdoor meetings for a range of sizes may be booked in the reception tent which offers flexible layout options and power outlets to set up your own a/v if desired. Meetings may be for up to 50, 50-100 or 101-150 attendees. Tables and chairs are provided and may be set up in a variety of layouts including boardroom, classroom, lecture, and dining styles.  For all meetings, linens and catering may be provided through one of our catering teams.   Image Retreats  Planning a full day off-site with your team? Morris offers retreats for small groups under ten to larger …

… and again thank you for ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING that you offered and how wonderfully helpful you all were this past year. You made the entire evening a dream that I didn't know was possible. We will always have an enormous soft spot in our hearts for the Arboretum and all of you who dedicated your time to make that night unforgettable. We can't wait to visit it again soon.  - Megan and Steven Image What a beautiful venue! We were married at the beginning of May and all of the Magnolias and Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom. Perfect! We opted for the Out On A Limb cocktail hour, where the setting is in the treetops 40 feet above the ground and looking out over the grounds. Amazing! The staff were very responsive and helpful every step of the way. It was a perfect relationship leading to a perfect day! Thank you!  - Vanessa and Mike   1 / PREV NEXT …