If you’re looking for a beautiful and peaceful way to spend a morning or afternoon near Philadelphia, look no further than the PHS Meadowbrook Farm in Meadowbrook, PA (not far from Huntingdon Valley and Abington).
This home boasts seven acres dedicated to garden spaces and greenhouses, which are FREE to visit. It truly is a hidden gem in Montgomery County.
If this sounds like a place you’d want to visit, the guide below has everything you need to know!
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A Short History of Meadowbrook Farm
J. Liddon Pennock and his wife, Alice Herkness Pennock, built their home in 1936. The property was a gift from Alice’s parents, and originally included 150 acres. It got its name since it was a working farm, with crops, cattle, and even a horse track.
The gardens were planned at the same time as the house’s design, ensuring the ability to have both indoor and outdoor living spaces that blend together.
Now, the property has been reduced to 21 acres (still sizable!), and 7 of those acres are dedicated to the gardens and greenhouses.
Prepare For Your Visit to PHS Meadowbrook Farm
Location
PHS Meadowbrook is located at 1633 Washington Lane in Meadowbrook, PA, right near Jenkintown and Huntingdon Valley.
Parking
There is a small parking lot that holds about 40 cars. The lot is gated and is closed when the garden is closed.
Hours
PHS Meadowbrook is open seasonally, typically from mid-April through mid-October. Their website has the most up-to-date information on when the garden opens and closes for the season.
Visiting hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays. The garden is closed Sundays through Tuesdays.
Admission
PHS Meadowbrook Farm is FREE to visit! However, they do accept donations.
Restrooms
There is a restroom inside the greenhouse/Visitor Center (#7 on the map).
Pets
Dogs are not allowed at PHS Meadowbrook (with the exception made for service animals).
Know the Rules
From the PHS Meadowbrook website:
- Picnicking is not allowed.
- Blankets, chairs, coolers, and cooking are not allowed.
- Please refrain from playing loud music, engaging in cell phone conversations, or shouting.
- Do not bring balloons, scooters, frisbees, drones, remote-controlled toys, sports, or other game equipment.
- No running, walking without shoes, sunbathing, climbing trees or garden walls, walking or standing in flower beds, or climbing into water features.
- The taking of cuttings, seeds, or flowers is prohibited.
- Smoking, e-cigarettes, vaping, alcohol, or illegal substances are prohibited.
- Weapons of any kind, or items that look like weapons, are prohibited.
Exploring the Gardens
By the Parking Lot
There are several gardens right next to the parking area that are beautiful, especially in the late summer. This includes the rain garden, shade walk, pollinator garden, and display garden.
Front Courtyard and Back Courtyard
As you walk to the main entrance of the home, you’ll see several unique trees and plants. Walk under the covered drive to see the stone wall, which features various plants both in and on top of it.
Queen’s Gardens and Herb Garden
Entering from the Back Courtyard brings you past the herb garden to both the Upper and Lower Queen’s Gardens. You’ll find a few benches to sit on to enjoy the garden, plus a beautiful gazebo.
Dipping Pool and Eagle Garden
As you move past the dipping pool, you’ll enter another courtyard with a stone patio. You can enter the small greenhouse room here and peek into the home via the glass sliding doors.
The Circle Garden
My favorite part of the gardens is the Circle Garden, which features a revolving fountain, azalea bushes, and pretty statues. It connects you to the lower terrace and rose gardens, offering a view of the pool garden.
PHS Meadowbrook Farm Wrap-Up
Although it isn’t large, this is a beautiful garden to visit, especially since it is FREE! You can spend a decent amount of time wandering the paths and enjoying the various mix of plants and flowers.
It’s also a great place to get inspiration for your home garden! It’s definitely one of my favorite gardens near Philadelphia.
You can enjoy more outdoor spaces nearby, including the Meadowbrook Bird Sanctuary and access to the Pennypack Trail.
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