Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today we head north of the city to Germantown, a neighborhood of Philadelphia to explore Wyck; a National Historic Landmark house, garden, and farm that served as the ancestral home to one Philadelphia family for nine generations (1690- 1973). We will be guided through one of Philadelphia’s oldest houses, dating to 1690. Wyck is known as an assemblage of structures that evolved over time, but has remained mostly unchanged since renowned Philadelphia architect William Strickland renovated the first-floor interiors in 1824. Wyck's 1820s rose garden is widely recognized as the oldest rose garden in original plan in America, with 50+ cultivators of historic roses. Included in the garden are the original roses from the 19th century design, as well as plants from its earlier iteration as a kitchen garden. Today it stands as an authentic archetype of an early colonial American rose garden. After our tour we will travel by motor coach approximately 20 minutes to Morris Arboretum.
Lunch:
Under the tent at Morris Arboretum.
Afternoon:
It has been described as “a romantic Victorian landscape garden” but the Morris Arboretum is much more. It began in 1887 as the summer home of a wealthy family. Siblings John and Lydia Morris took a barren spot with poor soil and gradually transformed it with landscaping and plants they collected during travels through America, Europe, and Asia. The Morrisses believed in the ideals of beauty, knowledge, education, and stewardship. When the University of Pennsylvania acquired the property in 1932, it became the Morris Arboretum and is the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The arboretum continues to advance the ideals of its progenitors as an interdisciplinary center integrating art, science, and the humanities. The 92 acres of gardens, pathways, and streams encompass thousands of plants including many of Philadelphia’s oldest, rarest, and largest trees. A local expert will point out highlights from all over the world. We will also have an opportunity to view the only remaining freestanding Victorian fernery in North America, built in 1899. Filled with ferns, trickling waterfalls, and reflecting pools, it bears the name of the donor who funded its renovation, Dorrance H. Hamilton. We’ll ride back to the hotel after our field trip.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.