Meadow Garden at Morris Arboretum
100 E. Northwestern Ave.
Getting There: Take the Chestnut Hill West train to the end of the line and walk the remaining three blocks up Germantown Avenue-—or take a Penn shuttle
Built in 1887 and spanning 90 acres, the arboretum has no shortage of flowers to sniff or trees to climb if you feel so inclined. Skip over to the Meadow Garden, a vibrantly colorful prairie with masses of native grasses and perennial flowers. The garden is especially known for daffodil blooms, trailed by blue and lavender baptisia and iris flowers. With a simple train ride, you can abandon the urban noise and your exam worries to become one with nature.
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Lansdowne Dr. & Horticultural Dr.
Getting There: Take the 40 bus west and get off at Parkside & Belmont; walk two blocks north
This 17th century example of Japanese garden design was originally exhibited in the courtyard of the MoMA. Transplanted in Philly in 1954, the house was a gift from Japan to America symbolizing post–war harmony. Each element of the design reflects the peaceful order: the garden showcases over eighty ancient stones from an original Japanese holy temple, an abundance of moss and luscious shrubbery among ponds. Bonus: Shofuso also houses 20 waterfall murals by internationally acclaimed artist Hiroshi Senju. You can’t find anything more calming than that.
54th St. & Lindbergh Blvd.
Getting There: Take the 36 trolley to 54th & Grays; walk one block east to Lindbergh
This 45–acre oasis contains reclaimed meadows that will blow you away with their fresh beauty. Boasting a collection of species acquired, grown and studied by the Bartram family from 1728 to 1850, this garden celebrates eastern North American blooms. You’ll find plenty of the little white flowers called Franklinia alatamaha, named after our very own Benjamin Franklin, a close friend of the Bartram family. You’ll also be greeted by the orange blossoms of the Prickly Pair, Turks Cap Lily flower, and powder–pink Damask Rose.
The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
500 College Ave., Swarthmore
Getting There: Take the Media/Elywn line to Swarthmore; walk several blocks northwest
It's a space described as “a garden of ideas and suggestions,” so you wouldn’t be surprised to discover that this garden belongs within the intellectual, leafy confines of Swarthmore College. Covering more than 300 acres and exhibiting over 4,000 kinds of ornamental plants, the arboretum might inspire the million–dollar idea for your novel or startup while you meander the trails of flower–laden paths. With just a little wind, you might feel like you can overcome the world, Mulan–style, as pink cherry blossoms rain from the magnolia trees.
1 Awbury Rd.
Getting There: Take the Chestnut Hill East line to Chelten, then the 26 bus to Chew Street; walk several blocks northwest
This 55–acre former estate was designed by William Saunders, the mind behind the Capitol grounds in Washington, D.C. The landscape encourages getting lost in the open meadows, symmetrical ponds and rolling hills that no golf course could emulate. With visuals reminiscent of the Victorian kitchen garden, you will encounter a great variety of trees hundreds of years old. Perfect for a romantic stroll in the sun, look out for the early spring roses that will remind you of summer.
