This fabulous garden was on the 2025 Members’ Garden Tour in June 2025 and was also a Pop-Up in October 2024. If you missed seeing it on those occasions, or even if you didn’t, you’ll want to visit again to see this Bucks County garden showcasing its spring blooms.

While originally planted with a host of flowering trees, over the years these have been entirely supplanted by conifers. Now, in mid spring the foliage of the Japanese maples and tricolor beeches stand out as the conifer needles await renewal. If the timing is right there will be an abundance of large vibrant tree peonies, many clematis and wisteria vines, as well as hardy and deciduous azaleas in bloom for our visit. However, conifers are king here. When asked for photos that might show some of the spring-blooming plants “with the conifers playing second fiddle,” Michael replied: “Conifers never play second fiddle. At most they may rest for a stanza or two.”

So, more about the conifers! This mature garden, comfortably situated on a one-acre lot in suburban Bucks County, features upwards of 150 conifers representing 14 genera and a wide variety of species/cultivars. All the conifers have been procured, sited, planted, and pruned by the owner and caretaker Michael. Rambling stone paths lead you effortlessly through the collection, providing ready access to all of the plantings.

Conifer highlights include a large coning umbrella pine, a 20-ft. long taxodium tunnel and several large, uniquely trained weeping blue atlas cedars. Amidst the conifers, the majority of which are blue, golden, or variegated, are 40⁺ Japanese maples representing a wide array of leaf colors and habitats. The garden edging is highlighted by approximately 60 tons of colorful river rock which was hand harvested and transported via Subaru and wheelbarrow to their ultimate positions.

There are several comfortable seating spots where, after exploration, one can relax and enjoy the garden in the comfort of sun or shade. The newest garden beds are loaded with miniature conifers sating, for a short while, the gardener’s passion for acquisition in his ever-shrinking canvas. All who understand the passion are graciously welcomed and won't leave disappointed.

This event is for Members only. Registration is required. The cost is $5 per person. Only guests who are on the same membership as the registrant are permitted to attend. Maximum number of guests is 25.

Registration opens March 25^th after 8 pm and closes April 29^th. Click here if you would like to become a member of HPS/MAG before registering for this event.

Please be prompt as Michael would like to introduce you to his garden before you wander on your own. The majority of specimens are labeled; the ones missing were stolen by crows! Michael will also be on hand to answer questions.

Bring an umbrella if there’s light rain. In the event of heavy rain, the pop-up will be held on Tuesday, May 5^th. And please wear sturdy shoes. The property is level, but the paths are uneven due to being laid with rocks of varying sizes.

Address will be sent to all registrants in their confirmation email. There is plenty of street parking available, but carpooling is always encouraged.

Locations of interest nearby:

Restrooms: Northampton Township Park and Rec Center

Russell Gardens Center http://www.russellgardenscenter.net/

Gasper Home and Garden https://www.gasper.net/garden/

Farm and Garden Station https://farmandgardenstation.com/

Tanner Brothers Dairy and Farmers Market is also close by.

Contact: Laura Axel at [email protected]