History of Morris Arboretum & Gardens History of Morris Arboretum & Gardens Image Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania was once the private estate of siblings John (1847-1915) and Lydia Morris (1849-1932), children of a prominent Philadelphia Quaker family. Established in 1887 in Chestnut Hill, the estate was called Compton. The land the Morrises purchased for their estate was initially barren, with neglected soils and steep slopes. With diligent care, John and Lydia improved the land and began filling the property with collections of exotic and native trees and shrubs from across the temperate world. Between 1892 and 1910, the Morrises purchased adjacent parcels of land with the intent of expanding the gardens and features. With the purchase of Bloomfield Farm in 1914, their estate encompassed more than 166 acres in Chestnut Hill and adjacent Flourtown. Through the years, John and Lydia continued enhancing the grounds with architectural and horticultural features, borrowing ideas from the many cities and gardens they visited during their travels to foreign lands. Over time, the Morrises created a unique and eclectic mix of gardens unlike those found elsewhere in the U.S. and other countries by incorporating formal garden elements, open lawns, and European and Japanese influences into the classic English landscape model. John Morris also added several distinctive structures to the grounds, including a greenhouse called a fernery (now the only remaining freestanding Victorian fernery in North America), a log cabin built as a private retreat for Lydia, and the Mercury Loggia, constructed in 1913 to commemorate the Morrises’ 25th anniversary at Compton. John died in 1915, leaving their estate in trust to Lydia, with the understanding that Compton and Bloomfield would eventually become a botanical garden and school for horticulturists. Lydia continued to cultivate the grounds until her death in 1932. The Morrises’ plans to turn their property …

Paul W. Meyer Paul W. Meyer Image Remembering Paul W. Meyer (1952–2023): A Statement From Executive Director Bill Cullina Image With the passing of Paul W. Meyer, the retired F. Otto Haas Executive Director, I would like to celebrate his lasting legacy at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens. It would be no overstatement to say that during Paul’s 43-year tenure at the Morris, 28 years as its leader, he transformed a quiet garden on the edge of the city into a vibrant, world-class public institution that now welcomes more than 170,000 visitors per year.  Paul began his career as the Morris’s curator and director of horticulture, developing a keen understanding of its mission and day-to-day activities while deepening his appreciation of the power of public horticulture. During this time, he oversaw the clearing of overgrown sections of the garden and the renewal of the living collections through expeditions to China and Korea. In 1991 after a nationwide search, Paul was selected to become the Morris’s new director. He was chosen for his vision, talent, leadership, and charisma to inspire staff and donors to raise the Morris Arboretum to the level of beauty and inclusion that its founders, John and Lydia Morris, envisioned. Paul was a keen believer that research and education are foundational elements of the Morris’s mission. Under his direction, the Morris built its botanical staff and its reputation for regional floristic studies. Paul’s love of learning (and travel!) was evident in his 12 expeditions to countries such as China, Korea, Taiwan, Armenia, and the Republic of Georgia, where he collected plants to help increase genetic variety, including plants that will grow in stressful urban conditions. Paul was also passionate about inspiring future generations of public garden leaders. Paul and his wife, Debra (Debbie) Rodgers, personally endowed two funds at the Morris that have been supplemented by contributions from other individuals in his honor: The Paul Meyer and …

Affiliations Affiliations Image University of Pennsylvania One of the oldest universities in America and one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in all the world.  America's Garden Capital A guide to the Philadelphia region's public gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes. American Public Gardens Association The professional association for public gardens in North America, supporting the public horticulture community in its mission to study, display, and conserve plants. Chestnut Hill Business Association Morris Arboretum & Gardens is located in Philadelphia’s northwest neighborhood of Chestnut Hill, a favorite destination for shopping, restaurants, and family fun.  Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) Your travel guide to  Philadelphia and The Countryside® .  Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance leads, strengthens and gives voice to a varied cultural sector that is making Philadelphia a world-class region to live, work and play.  American Association of State and Local History The American Association for State and Local History provides leadership and support for its members who preserve and interpret state and local history in order to make the past more meaningful to all …

Ways to Give Ways to Give Image There are many ways to support Morris Arboretum & Gardens, from membership and annual giving to tribute gifts and long-term contributions. Each option offers a meaningful way to connect with the Morris while helping care for the gardens and support the programs and experiences they make possible. Whether you choose to give, join, or get involved in another way, your support helps ensure that the Morris continues to grow and serve the community for years to come. Image Membership Become a member and receive unlimited general admission and invitations to special programs. Membership office members@morrisarboretum.org 215.247.5777 x205 Join Today! More Ways to Give Image Annual Fund Ensure the Morris has the resources it needs to engage visitors with spectacular landscapes and enriching programs.  Keith Lyons kwlyons@upenn.edu 215.247.5777 x161 Learn More Image Memorials & Tributes Honor a loved one with a gift to the Morris in their name.  Keith Lyons kwlyons@upenn.edu 215.247.5777 x161 Learn More Image The Collectors Circle The Collectors Circle represents the highest levels of annual giving and membership.  Keith Lyons kwlyons@upenn.edu 215.247.5777 x161 Learn More Image Corporate Partnerships There are many ways your business can benefit from a partnership with the Morris.  Leslie Crane  lcrane@upenn.edu  215.247.5777 x152  Learn More Image Moonlight & Roses Join us for cocktails and dinner in the garden at our premier annual fundraising gala, Moonlight & Roses, on the first Friday in June.  Kristen Casalenuovo  kcasal@upenn.edu  215.247.5777 x418  Learn More Image Planned Giving Make a lasting impact by including the Morris in your estate planning.  Mira Zergani  mzergani@upenn.edu  215.247.5777 x102  Learn More Image Special Projects Learn more about supporting a variety of projects and programs.  Alison Thornton  alisonth@upenn.edu  215.247.5777 x105  Learn More Image Other Ways to Give For more information on matching gifts, …