Fresh air, open space, trees, flora and fauna abound around
Philly. If you live in the city or
suburbs your are not far from a number of spectacular Arboretums. In the dictionary an arboretum is defined as a
place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific
and educational purposes. Thus visiting
an arboretum is more than a stroll through a well manicured and maintained
acreage, it is a lesson that you don’t even realize that you are learning. It is a valuable experience for children of
all ages. Education, plants sales,
inspirations, cultural events often are scheduled throughout the year allowing
visitors to enrich their knowledge and experience in the natural world. All Arboretums have memberships available to
help fund these events, internships, and educational programs. The memberships
are minimal compared to the benefits of the experience within.
 |
| Images via Instagram (Swarthmore College and Haverford College) |
I have been privileged to live near one of Philadelphia’s
premiere arboretums, The Morris
Arboretum. When my kids were little
is was a wonderful world for them to explore and experience nature. They chose special places in the arboretum
where they would visit and claim year after year. The garden Railway and the Fernery were
always coveted attractions that my kids would spend endless hours exploring. New
installations lure us back and we are never disappointed. The beauty of this gem is that it is affiliated
with University of Pennsylvania and offers extensive educational courses that
further its’ value to the public. It is
a never ending wealth of knowledge and I guarantee the landscape will amaze you
all year long. The next event scheduled
at The Morris Arboretum is the Japanese
Cherry Blossom Festival allowing visitors a Japanese inspired cultural
experience complete with Taiko drumming, Tea demonstration and a Japanese
elements tour throughout the grounds.
 |
| Images via Instagram of The Morris Arboretum |
I encourage everyone to visit and join an Arboretum, through
your membership you become a steward and a student. Your blood pressure will lower, your senses
will heighten, and you can only benefit from a healthy stroll around the property. It’s no wonder that three of our local
colleges have realized the physical and mental benefits of incorporating an
arboretum within their campuses, Temple
University (Ambler Campus), Swarthmore
and Haverford Colleges all
are open to visitors, check them out. One thing that I love most about
arboretums is that they join people of all ages together, they strengthen communities
with programming, and protect valuable green space for future generations. And I would venture to say that the real
estate values surrounding these properties is increased immensely.
Perfect for spring birthdays, anniversary presents, mother’s
and father’s day outings – you guessed it, a membership to an Arboretum! I have listed a couple more around town-get
out there and enjpy!
No comments:
Post a Comment