Morris Arboretum

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

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The Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia, formerly the private estate of siblings John and Lydia Morris, began in 1887 as their summer home called Compton, where they transformed barren and steep land into a lush garden with exotic and native trees and shrubs.

Their vision was to create a public botanical garden and horticultural school, which was realized after Lydia bequeathed the estate to the University of Pennsylvania in 1932. The arboretum is home to more than 11,000 labeled plants across 2,500 types, with strong collections from temperate regions of North America, Asia, and Europe, including notable species like azaleas, magnolias, maples, and the rare dawn redwood.

It features significant historic structures such as the fernery, the only standing Victorian fernery in North America, and culturally inspired garden designs blending English, Japanese, and European influences. Now recognized as the official arboretum of Pennsylvania, it serves as a leading center for horticultural research, education, and public enjoyment, celebrating a harmonious blend of science, art, and nature.