This impressive 3-day, 2-night tour escorted by Brett Isaacson begins with a visit to Pennsylvania Horticulture Society’s (PHS) Meadowbrook Farm. Originally the home of J.Liddon Pennock and Alice Herkness Pennock, the 25-acre property was bequeathed to the PHS in 2004. Visitors can enjoy formal and informal gardens, seasonal plantings and an extremely diverse plant palette. It is rumored that the the Pennocks were known to say, “We didn’t want to have an estate; we wanted a place that our friends could enjoy!”
Thursday will be devoted to Longwood Gardens and begins with a guided history tour of ‘The Longwood Story’ followed by a session with Dr. Peter Zale, Breeder & Curator of Plants and past CT Hort speaker. There will free time on Thursday to view the gardens on your own as well as to enjoy lunch at Longwood. In the evening you’ll return to experience one of the breathtaking Illuminated Fountain Performances at the garden.
The following morning will be enjoyed at Mt. Cuba Center where beauty and purpose intersect. The Center was founded on an understanding of the importance of native plants, natural lands and conservation. The Mt. Cuba mission is to inspire an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a commitment to support the habitats that sustain them. Relax and recharge with a buffet lunch at Mt. Cuba before heading to a private garden in Nutley, New Jersey on the way home.
For the last twenty-three years Richard Hartlage has worked with Silas Mountsier and Graeme Hardie on their garden called Mountsier Garden. The space has deep personal meaning for the three and represents the history of their friendship built in physical space. For visitors, the emotional content is palpable with every detail and vista. Though a strolling garden at its heart, there are spaces to sit, relax and reflect on the vast collection of figurative and modern art interspersed throughout. Graeme has invited us to enjoy our traditional CT Hort Wine & Cheese Party in their garden!
Accommodations have been arranged to stay both nights at the boutique Hotel Warner in West Chester Penn. Once a grand movie house built in 1930, the Hotel Warner is listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Cost: $599 per member for double occupancy, $759 for member single occupancy. Non-members please add $50.
For more details, please download the PDF here.
To reserve your spot or for more information, please call Friendship Tours at (860) 243-1630 / toll-free (800) 243-1630 or visit www.friendshiptours.net and select CHS Tours.