Bender Oak
Native to eastern North America. This magnificent specimen is a natural hybrid between the native scarlet (Q. coccinea) and red oaks (Q. rubra). Although its exact age is unknown, we suspect that it well predates the Morrises and may be up to 250 years old. It anchors the 'top of the hill' of Compton and provides a dramatic gateway to the garden. Look for its wonderful branch structure in winter, lustrous green leaves in summer, and russet red fall color.
Lydia’s Seat (Rose Garden)
In 1910, “Garden Steps, Wall & Seat” were built into the hillside at the north end of the Rose Garden. The seat and stairs were a favorite garden approach from the Compton mansion to the mixed flower, kitchen and herb gardens that preceded the Rose Garden.
Long Fountain
The creation of the Long Fountain was inspired by a trip the Morrises took to the Alhambra in Spain. After the visit, John & Lydia were motivated to install a “Moorish” fountain, which was constructed in 1905.
Blue Atlas Cedar
Horticultural variety, native to western North Africa. As the common name indicates, this tree is native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa and is one of our few representatives from that continent. The large female cones resemble beehives or carved ivory and stand proudly on their stems. Its blue needle color is attractive throughout the year and makes an especially good contrast for fall color in this part of the arboretum.
John & Lydia Statues
More than a hundred years ago, John and his sister Lydia Morris built a summer home and garden in ChestnutHill. To ensure that future generations would enjoy its botanical treasures, they laid the groundwork to establish a public arboretum.
Springhouse
This area of the Arboretum pre-dates the Morrises, when part of the land was used as a dairy farm. Built into a hillside alongside a springfed creek, the Springhouse was used to keep dairy products and other perishables cool. The purpose of the adjacent, larger building located above ground remains a mystery. Its chimney and fireplace have led some to speculate that it may have been used for storage and dairy product preparation, or as a smokehouse. Today, the Springhouse at the Arboretum is one of only a few remaining in Philadelphia.In 2004, this important historical structure at the Arboretum underwent extensive restoration. Today, this hidden treasure features rebuilt stone walls, including a new 38-foot wall with seating, granite steps and brick paving, new wooden beams to suggest a roof, as well as enhancements to the surrounding landscape and new interpretive signage.The renovation of the Springhouse complex was made possible with gifts from several individual and foundation donors. The Springhouse complex offers a tranquil, contemplative resting spot with an open view to the trees above and to the nearby Azalea Meadow, while providing a wonderful opportunity to teach visitors about an earlier era.
Japanese Overlook Garden
Built in 1912, this area is a fine example of an English rock garden and a Japanese garden. John Morris, Frank Gould (who trained at Kew Gardens in England), and the Morris’ Japanese gardener, Mr. Muto, designed this garden. The mountain-like trail with zigzag paths, metal railing and numerous flowering plants are Victorian elements in the garden, The rock work is Japanese along with the Fudo stones, pine trees, moon lanterns and other symbols in stones, tree and water. Fudo means “immovable” in Japanese and is the name of a Buddhist deity. Today mature Japanese maples, conifers, and ericaceous (acid-loving plants) create a beautiful garden experience.
Mercury Loggia & Grotto
The Loggia, built in 1913, is a traditional classically styled garden building opening onto a terrace and providing one of the best views in the Arboretum. It has been described as “a rooted, open gallery with pillars.” Inside is the sculpture of Mercury At Rest which was purchased in Naples in 1914 for $330.The Grotto is an artificial cave and underground passageway highlights the contrast between narrow, dark views and the light, open views of English Park. Grottos were first created in ancient Rome and became popular again in 18th and 19th-century Europe.
Stone Seat Bridge
This medieval style bridge was designed by John Morris in the early 20th century. Made of Wissahickon schist, the stone bridge has seats to encourage people to linger and enjoy the sights and sounds of the stream. In fact, riffles, which are miniature waterfalls, were intentionally built to increase the interplay of sound and light in the stream.Let's see your best shot. Submit a photo of the Stone Seat Bridge during your visit.
Key Fountain
Built circa 1915, the Key Fountain combines design elements from the medieval palaces of Islamic Spain with the Victorian rock gardens of Adirondack America. This adaptive mix of architectural and garden features is typical of eclectic Victorian gardens.Let's see your best shot. Submit a photo of the Key Fountain during your visit.
Log Cabin
Built in 1908, the Log Cabin was used by the Morrises to entertain friends. Lydia spent many hours on the porch contemplating the stream and woodlands. The building was cool in summer and provided the warmth of a fireplace in the winter. Log cabins were featured at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial and soon became popular in American estates. With its river-stone cobble chimney, this cabin was similar to the style often built in the Adirondacks – a vacation spot for the Morrises. Victorians saw log cabins as a symbol of civilization’s mastery over the wilderness. At the time, political candidates were considered more likeable if they lived in a log cabin. The Log Cabin was restored in the 1990s and remains an idyllic spot to enjoy the woodland plants in this area. Particularly interesting are spring bulbs and other ephemera and woody plants that include North American natives and their Asian counterparts.
Fernery
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.In the century following the original construction, the fernery slowly fell into disrepair, with several small renovation projects to protect it from destruction. Finally in 1994 the fernery was fully restored to its original grandeur with a gracious donation from board member Dorrance H. Hamilton and other contributors who responded to a major matching grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This $1.2 million renovation included restoring the roof to the original curvature, replacing and updating the heating and electrical systems, installing an advanced climate control system, and restoring the waterfall, ponds and stone walls. The blue flagstone plaza was also installed during this project to welcome visitors, and provide a shaded relaxing place to stop and enjoy the arboretum.Nestled in a curve of land below the rose garden, the fernery has become an iconic part of the Morris Arboretum. 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.
Widener Visitor Center
The building that now serves as the Arboretum’s Visitor Center first served as the gardener’s cottage, carriage house and stables. Built by Theophilus P. Chandler, Jr. in 1888, it was constructed from the same coursed and rusticated granite, irregular plan and roof style as Compton. In the 1980's this structure was renovated and adaptively re-used as the George D. Widener Education Center. The Shop at Morris Arboretum was added to the front of the structure and a seasonal café (Compton Café) to the rear for visitors’ enjoyment.
