by Rita Manno for The Central Record, Thursday April 3, 2014.
Manno’s article which can be read online is reproduced here.
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There is no question, the beauty is incomparable. The trees. The plants of so many species. The quiet you feel. And the peace.
The more than 200 acres of the Medford and Lumberton campuses of Medford Leas are officially designated as The Barton Arboretum & Nature Preserve. It is a unique blend of public gardens, collections and preserved natural areas set amidst private residential space.
The grounds offer the more than 600 residents a joyful environment that supports their health and their psychological well-being and provides hours of gazing and hiking. Medford Leas is anxious to share this treasure with the public through tours and programs.
The arboretum promotes horticultural knowledge and integrates nature into people’s living, working and recreational environments. In addition, it models good land stewardship and ecological responsibility through its bio-diverse and sustainable practices.
This spring, through its Pathways To Learning Program, Medford Leas offers several events on both campuses to highlight the grounds of the arboretum and the gardens. There are also lectures on renowned gardens in the region and guided tours.
An outline of upcoming events is listed below. More information and registration materials can be found at www.medfordleas.org. All programs are free unless otherwise noted.
n An Insider’s Look at Chanticleer: Join the garden’s executive director and head gardener R. William Thomas for a visual tour and behind-the-scenes look at Chanticleer, 35 acres of gardens in suburban Philadelphia. 11 a.m., April 5, Medford Campus Theater. Light lunch included.
n Daffodil Daze Walks: Enjoy the beauty of thousands of daffodils, part of a collection first brought to Medford Leas in 1978 by Marjorie Ilgenfritz. Hours are 10 a.m.-noon April 9 and April 16, Medford Nature Center.
n Medford Campus Nature Trail Walk: Tour the extensive nature trail system developed and maintained by the Medford Leas Residents’ Woodlands/Trails Group. 9:30 a.m. April 12, Medford Campus Nature Center.
n Lumberton Campus Nature Trail Walk: Approximately 40 acres of this 88-acre campus are preserved to be enjoyed by foot on its trail system. 9:30 a.m. May 3.
n Visit to Northview, Jenny Rose Carey’s Private Garden: Carey, director of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, guides a tour through more than 4 acres of gardens in Amber, Pa.. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 12, rain or shine, departing from Medford Leas Community Building. Cost: $75, includes transportation and boxed lunch. Register by May 5 at www.medfordleas.org.
