Morris Pond Morris Pond Image Morris Pond is one of the most peaceful spots in the gardens, a place where water, wildlife, and landscape come together in a beautiful balance. Stroll along the edge of the Pond and watch reflections shift with the light or pause on a nearby bench to enjoy the calm. This is a favorite destination for visitors who want a quiet moment surrounded by nature. 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 …

For Penn Students & Staff For Penn Students & Staff Image At Morris Arboretum & Gardens, Penn students and staff have access to a campus resource for learning, exploration, and well-being. With free admission and easy access from campus, the Morris offers a natural extension of the Penn experience. Visit to explore the Garden at your own pace, bring a class or student group, or simply spend time outside. Whether for study, connection, or a break from campus, the Morris provides a place for Penn students and staff to engage with nature in meaningful ways. Image Morris Arboretum & Gardens is your place to escape, explore, and relax... Just 13 miles from the Penn Campus, the Morris is accessible by car, bike, and public transportation.  Admission is free with your PennCard. Student Leaders – Group Visits  Morris Arboretum & Gardens is the perfect place to bring your student group. We are happy to assist student groups with organizing transportation to experience all the beauty and tranquility the Morris has to offer.  To learn more, please contact us .  Guided Group Tours Our guided group tours are available for Penn faculty, staff, and/or students at a discounted rate. Learn about the history of the Morris, view unique and champion trees in the collection, and visit our signature gardens. Please visit Group Tours FAQ  for information on how to book a tour. Directions from Penn   Driving  Arriving by car is the easiest way to get to the Morris. If you don’t have access to your own vehicle, rideshare services regularly bring students and visitors to the Morris.  Biking  Bicycling to the Morris can be a great way to get out in nature, explore Philadelphia and get some exercise.  The 14-mile route to the Morris (see directions here ) is primarily bike and pedestrian only, with limited cycling on roads with vehicles.  Approximately 6 miles of the bike path is on a gravel path in the Wissahickon Park requiring bicycles with tires appropriate for …

What's in Bloom What's in Bloom Image Every visit to Morris Arboretum & Gardens brings something new to discover. What’s in Bloom highlights the flowers, foliage, and seasonal moments that are at their peak across the gardens right now. Use this guide to explore the Morris in the moment and see what’s blooming today. What's in Bloom Image January Learn More Image February Learn More Image March Learn More Image April Learn More Image May Learn More Image June Learn More Image July Learn More Image August Learn More Image September Learn More Image October Learn More Follow us on Instagram to see what else is in bloom! Powered by Curator.io …

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. …

For Professionals For Professionals Image At Morris Arboretum & Gardens, professionals can advance their knowledge and earn credentials through hands-on programs and expert-led instruction. Certificates, CEU-bearing courses, and conferences provide opportunities to stay current and expand your expertise. Focused on practical application and emerging research, these programs connect professionals to new ideas, new skills, and a broader network within the industry. Image Certificate in Ecological Horticulture  The Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ Certificate in Ecological Horticulture will offer the opportunity to gain proficiency in creating and maintaining landscapes that are grounded in ecological principles and practice. Geared towards avid home gardeners and landscape professionals looking to develop a deep understanding of sustainable landscape design and management, this classroom and field-based program is a series of 12 courses that are open to the public. The program is self-paced and can be completed in one year of intensive learning or up to several years at a slower pace. The first four courses in the series will be offered in the fall of 2025.   LEARN MORE Image School of Arboriculture Increase your tree and landscape knowledge! The Morris Arboretum & Garden's Professional Courses offer CEUs for arborists and landscape architects, and keep you at the forefront of your profession. These courses are open to professionals and novices, and are all taught by national leaders in their field of expertise. LEARN MORE Conferences Earn CEUs and hear from professionals Each year the Morris Arboretum & Gardens partners with a variety of organizations to convene conferences for professionals in plant related fields. Our conferences are of interest to professional arborists, landscape architects, professional horticulturists, and avid home gardeners.  Learn …

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 .     Take a self-guided tour of the Wetland. The wetland and its floodplain encompass about 35 acres of the Morris. Find native plants, keep an eye out for belted kingfishers and blue herons, and learn about the history of the wetland dating back to 1717.  Take the …