Hill & Cloud Garden: A Serene and Historic Landscape www.morrisarboretum.org/blog/hill-cloud-garden-serene-and-historic-landscape

Hill & Cloud Garden: A Serene and Historic Landscape On your next visit to Morris Arboretum & Gardens, stroll through our recently renovated Hill & Cloud Garden, which offers a serene, immersive landscape where you can explore the beauty and balance of a thoughtfully designed historic space. Image The restored waterfall and stream that runs through the Hill & Cloud Garden. On your next visit to Morris Arboretum & Gardens, stroll through our recently renovated Hill & Cloud Garden, which offers a serene, immersive landscape where you can explore the beauty and balance of a thoughtfully designed historic space. Wander along reimagined pathways, pause by the newly restored stream and waterfall, and rediscover this lost garden as it comes to life for the season. Originally commissioned in 1905 by John and Lydia Morris, the site was designed by renowned Japanese garden designer Yonehachi Muto, also known for Philadelphia’s Temple Gate Garden in Fairmount Park. Inspired by a deep appreciation for Japanese culture in the style of a traditional Tsukiyama, or Hill Garden, mounds of earth were sculpted to suggest mountains, while rocks and the flowing stream represent rivers and lakes. This landscape continues to honor that vision today, featuring dwarf azaleas, lush ferns, a state champion Japanese torreya ( Torreya nucifera ), and several magnificent Japanese umbrella pines ( Sciadopitys verticillata ) alongside seasonal blooms. Japanese-inspired stone statuary and a thoughtfully revamped water feature enhance the experience, adding sound, motion, and a renewed sense of vitality. Whether visiting during peak bloom or in a quieter moment of the year, the Hill & Cloud Garden offers an experience rooted in history, design, and the enduring beauty of nature. Hill & Cloud Garden Image Image Image Image 1 / PREV NEXT Cynthia Schemmer, Digital Marketing Coordinator Blog Image May 11, …

Events

Moonlight & Roses

Friday, June 5 •

6 PM

Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Tickets are required.

Learn More

SOLD OUT

Moonlight & Roses has been a landmark event in the Philadelphia region for more than four decades. Today, the event provides a beautiful forum in which to recognize excellence and leadership in environmental stewardship. Close to 500 guests attend the gala, with proceeds directly supporting the Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ important role as a premier destination for environmental outreach, education, and research.

See photos from the 2025 gala →

Events

A miniature model train of Thomas the Tank Engine.

Magic Railway Weekend

Saturday, June 13 – Sunday, June 14 •

All Weekend

Garden Railway

Everyone's beloved cartoon train can always be found chugging along in his own section of our Garden Railway, but a few weekends a year he and his friends run free on all the tracks. Join us this weekend to experience the magic! Free with general admission.

Events

A circus-themed model train riding on a wooden track.

Circus Week at the Garden Railway

Friday, June 26 – Sunday, July 5 •

Friday, June 26 – Sunday, July 5

Garden Railway

Listen for the call of the ringmaster as you watch the colorful railroad cars bring the “Big Top” to the garden. Free with general admission.

Events

A small family sitting under a looping blue and red looping sculpture on the grass.

SENSE-sational Friday: Touch

Friday, July 10 •

11 am

Meet at the Morris Cottage

Soft, rough, sharp, or gritty. What do these words have in common? They describe textures! Join us as we touch all kinds of native plants and learn why they feel the way they do. Activities will include crafts you can take home. All ages. Free with general admission.

Events

White and yellow four-petal flowers growing on a dogwood tree.

Native Trees Tour

Saturday, June 13 •

11 am

Meet at the Welcome Center

Join a guided tour of our eclectic collection that sports a wide variety of native tree specimens, from huge tulip poplars to the smaller pitch pine and paw paw. A worldwide interest in native plantings sets the stage to view a selection of trees, native to our area that are well-suited to local growing conditions. Native trees provide vital support — food, shelter, and habitat —for insects and other local wildlife. Free with general admission.

Events

SENSE-sational Friday: Sight

Friday, August 7 •

11 am

Meet at the Morris Cottage

Do you have a favorite color? Maybe you’ll see that color at this SENSE-sational Friday as we explore native plants with bright colors! There will be brightly colored crafts to take home as well! All ages. Free with general admission.

Events

A group of people stand outdoors in a public garden in front of an ice cream truck eating ice cream on a sunny day.

Member Exhibition Night

Wednesday, July 1 •

5 – 8 pm

Advance registration is required. Online registration will close at 1 pm on July 1.

Enjoy the newest exhibition after hours, just for members!

In celebration of Pursuit of Happiness: Finding Joy in Nature, we’re delighted to invite you to our annual Member Exhibition Night on Wednesday, July 1, from 5 – 8 pm. Explore playful and thought-provoking experiences for all ages during this special members-only evening, and enjoy self-guided activities designed just for the night. Lil Pop Shop’s Popalong ice cream truck will be on-site with sweet treats available for purchase in the garden.

Don’t miss the special Premier Member perks available during the event! Premier members receive two complimentary ice cream vouchers per membership at check-in, along with a small gift. If you would like to upgrade your membership, please contact the membership office at members@morrisarboretum.org or 215.247.5777 ext. 205.

All Morris members are welcome. This event takes place rain or shine; in case of severe weather, it will be canceled and registrants will be notified by email.