WTGC Visits PHS Meadowbrook Farm

by Lynn Grillo, photos by club members

Our second field trip of the season took us to PHS Meadowbrook Farm in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania, just northwest of Philadelphia, where West Trenton Garden Club members enjoyed a beautiful Saturday morning exploring one of the region's most inspiring public gardens.

With members carpooling in three vehicles, the trip began smoothly thanks to light weekend traffic. Upon arrival, we received an immediate surprise. Before we even reached the entrance, Jeff Tryon guided us to the cactus and succulent garden tucked near the front of the parking lot. It would have been easy to miss this remarkable display on the way to the main grounds. As we explored further, we discovered several additional "island" gardens scattered throughout and around the parking area, each worthy of attention. Highlights included Cane Cholla and Prickly Pear cacti, striking Yucca rostrata, Sea Holly, and colorful groupings of Sempervivum.

The official entrance to Meadowbrook Farm is through a large circular arbor that welcomes visitors into a series of interconnected garden rooms. Beyond the arbor, winding pathways lead through one beautiful setting after another. Every turn revealed something new—lush plantings, creative combinations, unusual specimens, and thoughtful design details that invited visitors to slow down and take it all in. Colorful drifts of larkspur were scattered throughout the gardens, while the historic mansion, fountains, and pool area provided memorable focal points. Members also admired the creative planting of portulaca and succulents woven through a paver walkway flanking a beautifully planted stone wall.

A special highlight of the visit was meeting Head Gardener Glenn Ashton a few times throughout the morning. Energetic and friendly, Glenn generously shared insights about the plants, the staff who care for the gardens, and the artistic vision behind many of the displays. His enthusiasm and encyclopedic knowledge of the gardens added to our experience and made us appreciate the gardeners’ creativity even more. It’s hard to believe that these incredibly beautiful grounds are maintained by such a tiny crew.

PHS Meadowbrook Farm Head Gardener Glenn Ashton shares his insights about the gardens

Mother Nature also played her part. The weather could hardly have been better: sunny and warm, a slight breeze, yet comfortable for walking and exploring. Throughout the gardens, benches were thoughtfully placed in shady nooks and quiet corners, offering welcome opportunities to pause, rest, and enjoy the surroundings.

Meadowbrook Farm delivered a wonderful combination of horticultural excellence, artistic garden design, and welcoming hospitality. Judging by the many photographs captured throughout the morning, the memories of this visit will remain with us for a long time to come.

PHS Meadowbrook Farm is open to the public seasonally from mid-April to mid-October.

1633 Washington Lane, Meadowbrook, PA. Visit https://phsonline.org/locations/phs-meadowbrook-farm for more information.