Garden Features Garden Features Image Almost around every corner, visitors will discover unusual gardens and garden areas that are unique to the Morris Arboretum & Gardens. John and Lydia Morris designed many of the garden features themselves (along with the help of some of the finest architects of their time) so that each space reflected their cultural interests.   The Dorrance H. Hamilton Fernery Image Photo: Paul W. Meyer The Dorrance H. Hamilton Fernery is the only remaining freestanding Victorian fernery in North America. Originally built in 1899 under the supervision of John Morris, the fernery stands today as a historical time piece, documenting the British obsession with ferns and glasshouses during the Victorian era. The building was constructed using locally mined stone and utilized cutting edge technology in glass cutting, steam heating, and architectural elements.  Nestled in a curve of land below the Rose Garden, the Fernery has become an iconic part of the Morris Arboretum & Gardens. Its glittering rooftop welcoming visitors into a peaceful space filled with ferns, trickling waterfalls and reflecting pools. A wonderful place to explore in all seasons.  Learn more about the Fernery →  Mercury Loggia Image Photo: Ken Tapp The Mercury Loggia was constructed in 1913 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Compton estate. The Loggia is a small, temple-like structure constructed of Wissahickon schist with an arched plaster roof and mosaic tile floor. Located at the western edge of the English Park, the Loggia captures the feel of a Roman temple with a bronze statue of Mercury, recognizable by his winged sandals, nestled within. The Grotto beneath the Loggia is an artificial cavern created and lined with Wissahickon schist. Historically, grottos similar to this one were designed as wonderful locations for intellectual ponderings. A narrow winding path leads through the grotto and out into the Ravine Garden on the north side of the Loggia. …

Natural Areas Natural Areas Image The Natural Areas offer a wilder side of the gardens where meadows, woodlands, and wetlands create a rich habitat for plants and wildlife. These spaces reveal the Morris at its most expansive and untamed. Wander the trails, listen for birds, and enjoy the feeling of stepping deeper into nature. Image Today, the Morris's Natural Areas in the lower meadows look almost as they did when the property was the Morrises’ estate. In the early 1900s, John Morris drained the area and installed a tile field for grazing cattle. Over the years, sections of the tile field broke down, making the area marshy from underground springs and groundwater. The combination of water and soil types made the location perfect for the development of a wetland. After receiving funds from federal and state agencies, local foundations and generous individuals, restoration of the pre-existing wetland took place in 2002. The new construction included both shallow areas for vegetation as well as several deep holes to accommodate the overwintering of fish and amphibians. To encourage birds, waterfowl and mammals to inhabit the area, bluebird, kestrel, wood duck and bat boxes were installed. The Morris’s wetland is now a thriving example of an ecosystem that supports an abundance of native plant life, as well as year-round and migratory bird populations. Contact Ryan Drake, McCausland Natural Areas Manager at rdrake@upenn.edu . Wonders of the Wetland Take an audio tour using your mobile device on your next visit! This audio tour of the Wallace-Kane Wetland features 10 recordings that dive into the history, ecology, and management of this special place. Take the Audio Tour Wildlife & Bird Checklists Image iNaturalist See the most common wildlife sightings on iNaturalist and add your own.   Learn More Image eBird Hotspot See the most common bird sightings on eBird Hotspot and add your own. Learn More Image Seasonal Birds at Morris  List compiled by Ruth Pfeffer.  Learn …

Audio Tours Audio Tours Image Wonders of the Wetland Audio Tour Image Stop 1: Welcome Welcome to the audio tour of the Wallace-Kane Wetland at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens! This program features 10 recordings that dive into the history, ecology, and management of this special place. Go at your own pace and create your own sequence.  Learn More Image Stop 2: Shady Vista This stop on the audio tour tells the story of the Wetland’s history. What did this site look like in the 1800s, and how did the Morrises work to create the conditions you see today? Learn More Image Stop 3: Buttonbush Learn about this gorgeous native shrub and its pollinator patrons. Learn More Image Stop 4: Sweetgum Sweetgum has a long history in relationship with the Lenape people. The Lenape word for Sweetgum tree is, ‘taxkwahoakaniminshi.’ Learn More Image Stop 5: River Birch In addition to being beautiful, river birch trees have amazing wildlife value. Learn More …

The Collectors Circle The Collectors Circle Image Join a community of dedicated supporters who help shape the future of the Morris. Collectors Circle members enjoy exclusive experiences while making a meaningful impact on our gardens, programs, and living collections. The Collectors Circle Membership Levels $2,500 - $4,999 (The value of goods and services below is $325) Includes all of the benefits of General Membership, plus: Exclusive events, including behind-the-scenes tours and garden parties at private residences Morris golf cart tour for up to 5 participants (by reservation) One hour consultation of your garden with a Morris horticulture expert Complimentary gift membership to share 2 guest membership cards (each admits up to 2 adults and 4 children) $5,000 - $9,999 (The value of goods and services below is $850) Includes all of the benefits listed at the previous level, plus: Private guided tour with The Gayle E. Maloney Director of Horticulture (by reservation) 20 percent discount on facility rentals Complimentary education course (no limit on value) $10,000 - $24,999 (The value of goods and services below is $1,100) Includes all of the benefits listed at the previous level, plus: Home garden consultation with The Gayle E. Maloney Director of Horticulture (by reservation) $25,000 - $49,999 (The value of goods and services below is $1,180) Includes all of the benefits listed at the previous level, plus: Private dining experience with The F. Otto Hass Executive Director (by reservation) $50,000 & beyond (The value of goods and services below is $1,880) Includes all of the benefits listed at the previous level, plus: Complimentary Out on a Limb evening facility rental For more information please contact: Keith Lyons, Assistant Director, The Annual Fund 215.247.5777 x161 kwlyons@upenn.edu Become a Collectors Circle Member Join a community of dedicated supporters who help shape the future of the Morris. Join …

Tree Canopy Walk Tree Canopy Walk Image Out on a Limb: A Tree Canopy Walk Generously supported by the Jane and Leonard Korman Family Foundation Get a bird’s-eye view of the forest from 50 feet up, perched on the Tree Canopy Walk high above ground level. Or scamper down onto the Squirrel Scramble, a huge hammock-like net where you can look down to the ground far below through the rope netting. Enter the Bird’s Nest and sit on giant robin eggs, just waiting to hatch. It’s all part of Morris Arboretum & Garden’s Out on a Limb exhibit, connecting us to the natural world, and themed to teach us that we need trees and trees need us . Designed by  Metcalfe Architecture & Design , the exhibit is a  fully accessible , fascinating learning experience for both children and adults. Image Image Image Image 1 / PREV NEXT …

Garden Map & Parking Garden Map & Parking Image Get oriented before you arrive. View the Garden map, find parking information, and plan your route to make the most of your visit to the Morris. Image Download the map → Parking & Directions Morris Arboretum & Gardens is easy to reach by car and offers ample free parking on-site. Find directions, parking information, and helpful details below to plan your arrival. Location  100 E Northwestern Avenue  Philadelphia, PA 19118  Directions on Google Maps → …

Apprenticeships Apprenticeships Image Apprenticeship Program  Image Morris Arboretum & Gardens is a historic public garden and research and educational institution. Through education, research, and horticultural display, it inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants, people, and place. The endowed apprenticeship program provides hands-on experience and an education that prepares individuals for careers in public gardens and related fields.     Our apprenticeship program offers hands-on experience across various departments, providing practical work in an arboretum/public garden setting. Apprentices receive training and develop valuable skills for careers in public gardens and related fields. Monthly cohort trips explore plant sciences, including botany, arboriculture, curation, and natural lands management. Candidates must have a high school diploma or higher. The program typically lasts 9 – 12 months, depending on the position and performance.  Open Positions Applications for the following positions and detailed descriptions are currently open! All applications MUST be submitted through the online Careers@Penn system; we are unable to consider candidates who do not submit an online application. Propagation Apprentice Payment  Apprentices are temporary staff members of the University of Pennsylvania, working 40 hours a week at an hourly rate of $16.00+, paid weekly.  More Opportunities to Grow  Apprentices can enroll in Morris classes, some of which are free, and attend Morris-sponsored conferences and symposia to further their professional development.  Image Fieldtrip to Hay Honey Farms, 2025. Image Regional Intern Day at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, 2025. Image Field trip to Ott's Exotic Plants, 2025. Image Botany walk with retired John J. Willaman Director of Plant Science Dr. Timothy Block, 2024. Image Learning about tree care with retired Associate Director of Urban Forestry Jason Lubar, 2024. Image  Laurel Hill interns gathering, …