A Visit to Michael & Fran’s Conifer Garden
in Ivyland, PA

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 50⁺ 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 is a member’s only event, but registration is required. $5 per attendee. Maximum number of guests is 25 per session.

Registration opens August 25, 2024.

Click here to register for the 10 AM – 12 Noon tour,

or

Click here to register for the 1 PM – 3 PM tour.

Registration closes October 5^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, October 15^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.

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]