Great Trees www.morrisarboretum.org/gardens-trees/great-trees
Great Trees Great Trees Image Image One of the most admired features of the Morris Arboretum & Gardens is its collection of large and beautiful trees. When John and Lydia Morris first purchased the property in 1887, it was virtually devoid of trees. They soon launched into an intense tree-planting program and under careful nurturing, these trees have grown into the beautiful specimens for which the Morris is well known today. Great Trees Highlights Image Dawn-redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides A fast-growing tree with a majestic habit, golden fall color, reddish brown bark – fissured and exfoliating in long narrow strips – and a spectacular buttressing fluted trunk. This beautiful grove, now over 100 feet tall, was planted in ideal conditions – full sun and next to a stream that provides moisture. Once thought to have been extinct, these trees from the end of the dinosaur age were rediscovered in China through the study of fossils in the 1940s. Image Ginkgo, maidenhair-tree Ginkgo biloba One of the world’s oldest tree species, growing on earth for well over 150 million years. With striking gold fall color, this female specimen, planted by the Morrises, has messy and very smelly fruit. Non-fruiting males make excellent city trees. A male specimen is near the Edith Bogue magnolia Image Weeping European beech Fagus sylvatica f. pendula Native to Europe, planted before 1909 by the Morrises. Branches weep down and form roots where they touch the ground. New rings of trees grow outward as the original tree ages and dies. An impressive tree in all seasons with its smooth gray elephant hide-like bark, lustrous green leaves in summer, and red to golden brown fall color. Small holes in trunk are made by sap sucking birds. Image Blue Atlas cedar Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’ The straight species is native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. Layered branches with blue-green needles create a picturesque landscape tree. Small finger-shaped male cones on lower branches …
Friends for Years, Now Volunteers at Garden Railway www.morrisarboretum.org/blog/friends-years-now-volunteers-garden-railway
Friends for Years, Now Volunteers at Garden Railway Longtime friends Jon Perlman and Howard Greenberg volunteer together at the Garden Railway — a joyful extension of decades of friendship, shared hobbies, and gentle ribbing. When longtime friends Jon Perlman and Howard Greenberg put on their matching engineer hats and red bandannas to tend to the miniature marvels of the Morris Arboretum & Gardens' Garden Railway, it’s more than just volunteer work—it’s a joyful extension of decades of friendship, shared hobbies, and gentle ribbing. What started with a nudge from Perlman’s wife has turned into a weekly routine for the two retirees, who now spend one morning a week maintaining the tracks, organizing equipment, and enjoying each other’s company. Image Jon Perlman gently places a train car on the track at the Garden Railway, one of the many jobs of a volunteer. Two years ago, Bette Perlman, a volunteer of nearly three decades at the Morris, saw a notice about a tour of the beloved Garden Railway. “And she says, ‘Jon, you might be interested in that,’” he said. Why did she think he’d be interested? “Because we’ve been married for long enough, so she knows,” he said. This year, Perlman invited his newly retired friend, Howard Greenberg, to join him. “I was looking for something to do,” Greenberg said. “I retired December 31. I've been a lawyer for 51 years, and decided I need to get out of the house. So I did.” “Actually, he didn't decide to get out of the house,” Perlman retorted. “His wife decided he should get out of the house.” Bette and Howard’s wife, Emily, were college roommates, and their husbands have been friends for many years. “When I brought the grandkids here years ago, I thought it was amazing,” Greenberg said. “And now you’re working on it,” I teased. “I’m working on the railroad.” “Not all the live-long day, just in the morning,” Perlman said, referencing the old American folk song . KEEPING BUSY Both men grew up with train sets in their homes. …
Seasons Magazine www.morrisarboretum.org/learn-discover/seasons-magazine
Seasons Magazine Seasons Magazine Image Seasons Spring/Summer 2026 Read the latest issue of Seasons below, or download the PDF . Past Issues of Seasons Spring/Summer 2026 • Fall/Winter 2025 • Spring/Summer 2025 • Fall/Winter 2024 • Spring/Summer 2024 • Fall/Winter 2023 • Spring/Summer 2023 • Fall/Winter 2022 • Spring/Summer 2021 • Fall/Winter 2021 • Spring/Summer 2020 • Fall /Winter 2020 • Fall 2019 • Summer 2019 • Spring/Winter 2019 • Fall 2018 • Summer 2018 • Spring/Winter 2018 • Fall 2018 …
Morris Pond www.morrisarboretum.org/see-do/morris-pond
Morris Pond Morris Pond Image Image An Update on the Swan Pond For many years, sister swans Flora and Fauna were beloved presences at our Swan Pond. Following the recent loss of Fauna, and after careful consideration and consultation with animal care professionals, we made the tough decision to rehome Flora to a place where she will receive dedicated care in a secure environment. This decision was made solely for Flora’s safety. In recent months, she had been increasingly targeted by Morris’s native wildlife, and with the loss of her companion, conditions no longer allowed us to ensure her well-being on site. Rehoming offers her a protected setting better suited to her long-term health and safety and reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship, animal welfare, and the health of our living collections. While no swans will be in our pond for the foreseeable future, it will remain welcoming to koi, wild ducks, and other native wildlife species. As part of this transition, the Swan Pond will be renamed the Morris Pond . We appreciate our visitors’ understanding as we make this necessary change. Image History of the Morris Pond In 1905 John and Lydia Morris commissioned the creation of a large pond on their estate by damming the East Brook, which naturally flows through the Morris property. The pond was likely inspired by the 18th-century English Romantic landscape design movement that emphasized picturesque scenery and often featured a pond or lake paired with classical architecture. In keeping with that tradition, a white marble classical temple was constructed at the water’s edge the following year. The small circular temple with six columns was designed by Ernesto Gazzeri of Rome, based on the principles of Vitruvius, an Augustan-era architect whose writings have influenced architecture from the Renaissance on. Historical records show that the Morrises purchased a pair of swans the same year the pond was created, giving rise to the original name, …
Events
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Member Plant Giveaway
Saturday, May 16
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Sunday, May 17
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9 am – 1 pm
Bloomfield Farm
All Members
Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17 • 9 am – 1 pm
Find joy in what you grow! The annual Member Plant Giveaway returns this spring, and this year’s selection is all about finding joy in nature. From plants that delight the senses with texture, fragrance, and color to varieties that inspire feelings of calm, wonder, and whimsy, there’s something to make every gardener smile. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or planting your very first sprout, Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ knowledgeable staff will be on site to share tips, ideas, and plenty of encouragement to help you dig in and grow something wonderful.
Early Access Friday for Upper-Level Members
Friday, May 15 • 4 – 6 pm
Collectors Circle, Benefactor, Patron, and Supporter members see it first!
Premier members are invited to explore the plant selection a day early and enjoy complimentary treats from a fun-filled ice cream truck parked right at the farm! Advance registration is required.
Not a premier member? Consider upgrading today!
Advance registration is required. Registration is open to all members on April 2. Online registration will close on Friday, May 15 at 1 pm. All members are welcome to attend the Member Plant Giveaway on May 16 or May 17. Bloomfield Farm is located opposite our main entrance on Northwestern Avenue.
Did you know that the legacy of Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ plant distribution tradition started nearly 100 years ago in the will of Lydia Morris? In addition to distributing plants to other public gardens, the Morris has maintained Lydia’s wish of sharing plants with members, continuing again this May with you!
Events
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Cherry Blossom Appreciation: Sake and Sakura Sip and Stroll
Thursday, April 2
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5 pm
SOLD OUT
Members: $35 • Non-members: $40
Join this early evening walk to explore our flowering cherry (sakura) collection. If you look forward to our cherry blossoms each spring, what better way to enjoy them than during the quiet evening hours? Each participant will receive a self-guided tour upon arrival, setting you up on a stroll through the garden in which you will learn about the many types of cherry species here at the Morris and what makes each of them unique. Your walking tour will lead you to a table set up underneath one of our most majestic flowering cherry trees, where you’ll be able to sample several types of sake in celebration of two great Japanese traditions in one night! 21+ only, please.
Hours & Pricing www.morrisarboretum.org/visit/hours-pricing
Hours & Pricing Hours & Pricing Image Open Daily Weekdays: 10 am – 5 pm Weekends: 9 am – 5 pm Last entry is 4 pm Seasonal Hours November - March: Daily 10 am - 4 pm April - October: Weekdays 10 am - 5 pm • Weekends 9 am - 5 pm Holiday Closings The Morris is closed for the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day Garden Railway Hours The Garden Railway is currently closed for the season and will reopen in May 2026. Admission Purchase your general admission tickets online to save $2 per ticket! Get Tickets → Adults (Ages 18+) : $22 Senior (Ages 65+): $20 Youth (Ages 3–17): $12* Child (Ages 2 and under): Free PennCard (must present ID): Free Students (must present ID): $12 ACCESS Adults (must present ID): $2 ACCESS Youth (Ages 3–17): $2 ACCESS Child (Ages 2 and under): Free Retired Military and Veteran (must have ID): $12 Active Military and Five Family Members supported by Wawa (must have ID): Free Walk In or Bike In: $12 (Kids $6)** Morris Arboretum & Gardens has received a grant from the William Penn Foundation to support the ACCESS Program, a region-wide initiative that enables affordable entry to cultural sites for individuals receiving public assistance for food or medical benefits. *Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. **Not available for online purchase. Not a member? Join Today! Save time by joining online! When you purchase your membership online, you can begin using your member benefits right away, including FREE unlimited admission for an entire year. Join …