Delight in the Summer Beauty of Designer Lucille’s Garden
in Bala Cynwyd, PA

We last visited Lucille’s garden in 2019 and are excited that she has invited us to visit again this year. Lucille is a Barnes graduate, Master Gardener, and Landscape Designer in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Within the confines of her suburban property, she has created multiple landscapes that are well worth a visit.

As you walk down the driveway, you’ll experience a scene from Italy: a riot of yellow trumpet vines along the fence reaching out, meeting a lovely three-story Magnolia Grandiflora “Edith Bogue” and forming a natural shaded archway at the entrance to the house. Further down the driveway, you will find interesting planted containers, window boxes with vintage garden sprinklers, and bird feeders on a pulley system.

Across a short wooden bridge is a naturalized shade garden with a flagstone walk and terrace. Here you will see the pond, an interesting variety of plant material, and the garden shed where recovered rainwater is used at the potting table. To the left of the pond, across a small stone bridge is a majestic river birch, a prominent feature in this section of the garden, with what appears to be a spring-fed stream working its way around it. An interesting variety of shade/sun perennials surround the pond.

Be sure to continue up the steps through the gate and take the wooden steps to the deck. Enjoy this lovely overlook on to the garden – and enjoy some light refreshments. 

From the deck in the back, a woodchip path leads to steppers of tumbled Pennsylvania blue stone which form the self-supporting steps to the formal terrace. From the terrace, you can view the vegetable garden and fig tree below. On the terrace there is a period park fountain surrounded by iron fencing, dating to the Civil War period. An Antique Rose ‘Veilchenblau’ is on the newly designed arbor and fan trellis.

Off the terrace is a new garden path and berm which came about due to a plumbing exigency. The berm has a mix of sun and shade-loving perennials and flowering shrubs. In season, it is full of Tomasina crocus, daffodils, tulips, and anemones. 

Members and non-members are welcome. Registration is required. Members visit for free; cost for non-members is $5.

Registration opens June 15th. Registration closes July 25. Click here if you would like to become a member of HPS/MAG before registering for this event.

Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. If raining lightly, please bring an umbrella. Rain date is Saturday, August 3. The property has some narrow paths and there is a gentle incline to navigate.

Address and parking directions will be sent to all registrants in their confirmation email.

Contact: Laura Axel at [email protected]