Page 25 - Valley Forge Arts Guide - Spring/Summer 2019
P. 25
For almost 80 years, Stoneleigh in Villanova was the private home of the Haas family, and they had a tradition of opening their grounds to the public.
In honor of that tradition, Natural Lands opened Stoneleigh last year as a free public garden.
The Haas family donated the property to Natural Lands, a
remain green and beautiful forever.
Now, after years of planning and planting, Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden’s 42-acre private estate has become the newest public gem in the Philadelphia region’s crown of more than 30 gardens and arboreta.
“The Haas family wanted a conservation solution, and that’s what we do,” said Mae Axelrod, Media Relations Manager for Natural Lands. “We’re carrying out the parents’ wishes and continuing their tradition of opening up their home.”
Visitors can enjoy winding pathways past stately trees — some of the largest in Pennsylvania — Gothic-style buildings, and lush gardens, including a unique bog garden inspired by the shape of the Haas family pool!
Surrounded by a stone wall, the Circle Garden calls to mind the setting for a re-enactment of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Over time, the garden will bloom proposal, or engagement, and even wedding photos!
“We’ve mostly been focused on infrastructure improvements, but we’re really excited for the potential for a lot of these areas,” said Jason Wirtz, Lead Horticulturalist.
Stoneleigh’s use of native plants is intended to inspire guests to incorporate these low-maintenance, beautiful, will be able to see a lot of wildlife like foxes, birds, and deer, Wirtz said.
Other features include: a new welcome kiosk, bathrooms, repaved pathways with permeable and porous surfaces perfect for wandering, a refreshed pergola, a home for near the Carriage House, and a picnic pavilion.
Visitors’ exploration of Stoneleigh is self-guided, with garden maps available at the welcome kiosk, or groups of 10-20 may request a guided tour for a small fee, which includes the main house interiors.
“We’re delighted at the response we’ve had from visitors so far,” said Axelrod. “The emotional connection Stoneleigh inspires is really special. It’s a place of peace and beauty — something we all can appreciate in our lives!”
Spring & Summer 2019 ARTS Montco Guide • artsmontco.com • #MAKEITMONTCO 25
