Stop and Smell the Roses! – at Hedgleigh Spring with Charles Cresson
in Swarthmore, PA

Charles Cresson invites us over to stop and smell the roses with him. Roses are another passion of his and we'll see all the companion plants that enhance, and benefit from, them. Charles’ garden contains more than 2,000 plant species and varieties. The highlight of this visit is Hedgleigh’s central garden, with close to a dozen varieties of heirloom climbing roses that date back to the early 20th century. Several of the plants are the original ones planted by Cresson’s grandfather when he created the garden around 1920’s-30’s. Several plants were specifically installed to coincide with their peek bloom like Foxgloves, Campanula, Lychnis, Dianthus and of course Clematis. This casual format will enable us to enjoy an evening stroll through many areas to take in another season of this beautiful garden. Charles will be mingling with us and answering questions; feel free to take notes – or not. Stop over for an hour or stay the whole time. Light refreshments will be provided.

Charles Cresson gardens at Hedgleigh Spring in Swarthmore, PA, a garden that has been lovingly maintained in his family for four generations and is now cared for by one of the country’s leading horticulturists. The garden has been featured in magazines and publications as well as in television programming, notably Monty Don's American Gardens. Charles studied and worked in both the US and Europe, including the Royal Horticultural Society. He is an avid gardener and a professional horticulturist, author, lecturer, and consultant.

Charles is the award-winning author of three books: Charles Cresson on the American Flower Garden, Ornamental Trees, and Rock Gardening. In 2001, Charles was awarded the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Certificate of Merit. And at the HPS/MAG Annual Meeting in December 2023, Charles was honored as the first recipient of the “Jim Bobb Memorial Award,” an award created to recognize members whose outstanding contributions and long-term service have significantly enriched and expanded HPS/MAG.

This is a Members Only event. Registration is required. The cost is $20 per person. Only guests who are on the same membership as the registrant are permitted to attend. The visit is limited to 45 participants. There will be a waitlist if needed.

Click here to register for this event. Registration closes May 27^th. There is no Rain date.Click here if you would like to become a member of HPS/MAG before registering for this event.

Please wear sturdy shoes. If raining lightly, please bring an umbrella. The property is very level and easily navigated.

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

Contact: Laura Axel at [email protected]