In the center of Ambler, Pennsylvania, there is a gem called Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. A variety of plants, trees, and wildlife call this 20-acre property home, creating a stunning and relaxing environment for guests to explore and enjoy.
The Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women, which was later acquired by Temple University in 1958, founded the Ambler Arboretum in 1911. Since then, the arboretum has undergone a number of changes to become the vibrant urban oasis it is today. Along with the Widener Pond and the famed Women’s National Farm and Garden Association Sundial, it has a number of gardens, including the Woodland Garden, Perennial Garden, and Rose Garden.
The Ambler Arboretum’s collection of rare and unusual plants is one of its distinctive features. More than 2,000 woody plants, many of which are endemic to the area, are in the arboretum’s collection. These include native species like the Japanese umbrella pine and the paperbark maple as well as exotic ones like the eastern red cedar, flowering dogwood, and black cherry.
One of the highlights of the Ambler Arboretum is the Woodland Garden. Numerous native plants, such as ferns, wildflowers, and trees that thrive in the filtered shade of the forest, can be found in this garden. The garden is especially beautiful in the spring when Virginia bluebells and trilliums are in bloom and cover the woodland floor.
Another highlight of the Ambler Arboretum is the Perennial Garden. This garden has a vibrant collection of perennial flowers that bloom all year long. From spring to fall, visitors can take in a riot of color, with highlights including tulips, daffodils, peonies, and asters.
Another well-liked location in the arboretum is the Rose Garden. More than 200 rose bushes of various sizes and colors can be found in this garden. The fragrant blooms of traditional roses like the “Queen Elizabeth” and the “Peace” rose, as well as more contemporary cultivars like the “Double Delight” and the “Pink Promise,” can be enjoyed by visitors as they stroll through the garden.
Additionally, the Ambler Arboretum has a number of winding walking trails. Visitors have the chance to explore the various gardens and outdoor spaces, as well as to see the wildlife that lives at the arboretum, thanks to these trails. While walking through the woodland paths, visitors might see red foxes, gray squirrels, or white-tailed deer.
Along with its breathtaking natural beauty, the Ambler Arboretum is a significant educational resource for the neighborhood. Workshops, lectures, and tours are just a few of the educational events and programs that the arboretum hosts all year long. These activities aim to instill a love and appreciation for nature among attendees while also educating them on the value of sustainability and conservation.
Additionally actively involved in plant species conservation is the Ambler Arboretum. In order to safeguard local native plant species, the arboretum has collaborated with groups like the Pennsylvania Native Plant Society. The Ambler Arboretum works to ensure that these significant species are protected for future generations by propagating these plants and giving them away to neighborhood nurseries and conservation groups.
Overall, Temple University’s Ambler Arboretum offers a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life and is a hidden gem in the center of Ambler. It is a valuable resource for the neighborhood and a must-visit location for both nature lovers and garden enthusiasts due to its lovely gardens, interesting plant collections, and dedication to education and conservation.