A Mid-Century Bungalow with History and

Its Garden with Rocks

This postwar home was purchased in 2015 and refurbished to honor its design roots, inspired by the 20th Century European International School. It was built in 1948 as part of a cluster of affordable and attractive suburban homes for returning veterans and young families. The development has survived. This house has its original flat roof, casement windows and clean lines lovingly preserved.

The landscape’s general layout has also been preserved, with connections to the neighborhood and surrounding natural areas. Landscape goals include showcasing the striking architecture of the house, creating a welcoming south vista that unites to the entrance (with more privacy in the back of the house), providing a natural haven with native plants, managing stormwater runoff and erosion, as well as controlling deer.

And rocks! Adding many tons of rocks to the landscape has brought structure, provided pathways and a sculptural dimension to the gardens.

In the words of the homeowners:

While we started with more conventional gardening goals of collecting plants and making a plan, over time we have changed. We now realize that the garden is about relationships:

- of the plants to each other;

- of the plants to the rocks;

- of the rocks to each other;

- of the gardens to the house; and

- our relationships with each other, neighbors and visitors.

More and more, we step back to observe what works and what does not, what plants come, what has to be taken out, how to control deer, what invites people in.

One measure of success is when people stop, love what they see and believe that it has always been there. Another measure of success is creating an environment where we feel at peace and others feel welcome.

This event is Members Only. Registration is required.  Click here if you would like to become a member of HPS/MAG before registering for this event. The cost is $5. Maximum number of guests is 15. 

This event will be held in Wyndmoor, PA 19038. Tour is full, contact Laura Axel at [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.

Bring an umbrella if there’s light rain. In the event of heavy rain, the pop-up will be held on Monday, September 25^th.

Note: The pathway around the house is laid out with large stepping stones for the main gardens. If you wish to go through the natural areas on the slope, there are stone steps. This is a small property and easily experienced.

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

HPS/MAG COVID-19 PRACTICES AND POLICIES: All HPS/MAG In-Person Events shall be subject to all COVID-related requirements imposed by any state, local and/or federal agency. Guests and invitees should apprise themselves of any such requirements prior to attendance. All HPS/MAG In-Person Events shall also be subject to the COVID-related requirements, if any, of the garden host. All attendees must bring a mask for every In-Person Event, in case it is required.

Contact: Laura Axel at [email protected]