Stoneleigh: a natural garden — Attraction in Lower Merion Township

We like the garden when it was just opened. It was natural and with better airflow on the south side (font-side of the main building). The new developments since then, however, seems directionless and confusing. First, most developments and planting are on south side, which does not get much airflow to begin with, especially in hot and humid days. The new addons block the airflow significantly more. One example is the hedging pines around old swimming pool, which is so thick and block the wind completely. Airflow should be one of top design concerns of any landscape. Secondly, the new modern-look water feature is at odds with the original surrounding's appearance. Also its pump has very loud sound that destroys the tranquility in the area. Less is more. It would be better use of the funding if you extend the garden's free open hours to the public. You currently open at 10 am and closes at 5 pm, and closed on Mondays. This completely excludes working people from enjoying the garden on work days of the week. Jenkins Arboretum opens from 9 am (usefully earlier than 9) to sun down EVERY Day. I hope Stoneleigh adapt the same...

Stoneleigh is absolutely charming. I had the unusual perspective of having known it as a private residence decades ago and wrote a letter in support of its NOT becoming playing fields for the township. The property is absolutely beautiful in all respects. Above all, the scale makes it accessible, fun, easy to navigate, and you could spend an hour or 6 meandering the paths and niches. The plantings and gardens are spectacular, but honestly, it is the mature and varied treescape that frames everything else, and having the beautiful estate home as a backdrop is special. Natural Lands, the current conservator, has done an admirable job of taking what was already a natural oasis and maintaining and simultaneously accentuating and building on its inherent qualities. Parking is convenient, and you cannot beat the price of admission...free. We'll worth a visit and once done, I'd bet that you'll be...

Sam and Michelle knocked this experience out of the park! Wine and Wander, a special event at Stoneleigh, a native public garden, made even more exceptional by these two ladies (an Entomologist/Horticulturalist and Sommelier…what a great combination!). The knowledge and shared information by this team made for a wonderful after hours event. The gardens were glorious and the wine, quite tasty! I hope there is a replay next year! In the meantime checkout Stoneleigh, part of Natural Lands (no dogs at this public garden, it’s not a nature preserve), a gem tucked away in the Main Line. Prettiest parking lot on the planet is just the beginning to the rest of the gardens! Enjoy and...