An unapologetic plant geek shares advice and opinions on gardening, the contrived and the natural landscape, as well as occasional topics from the other side of the gate.

August 12, 2010

Linden Hill Gardens

While on vacation I managed to visit several gardens and garden centers, which should come to no surprise to anyone who knows me, at least not my family who has learned to put up with me. One of the places we went was Linden Hill Gardens in Ottsville, Pennsylvania, which was only a few minutes from my brother's house. On previous trips I was intrigued by this place because of an extremely well-done border fronting the road, but it was my loss that I never stopped here before. Linden Hill has fantastic display beds (including a deer resistant one), which were full of color, texture and surprises. One of the best things I encountered was friendly, eager and helpful staff, who did not wait for me to approach them before offering assistance. Normally when I visit another garden center I am busy checking out the selection, comparing prices, looking at signage and seeing if I can recognize who they buy from - but this was likely the first time I was too distracted to even notice such things.

Linden Hill Gardens Entrance Border (3)


Linden Hill Gardens Entrance Border (2)


Stone Table


Linden Hill Cottage (3)


Linden Hill Cottage


Kitchen Garden (2)

Rudbeckia laciniata


Barn Allee


Phytolacca americana ‘Silberstein’


Nicotiana


Vine Wall (2)


If you are ever find your self anywhere near Linden Hill Gardens, I recommend stopping. Check out their web site for more information, and if you want to see the rest of my pics from this set, click here.

22 comments:

  1. Great photos, thanks for sharing.

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  2. Beautiful images. That sauce pan with succulents is really fun. Thanks for sharing this remarkable garden with us.

    I didn't know about Linden Hill (or I would have visited), but a couple of years ago our family drove through this part of Pennsylvania and were simply knocked out by the natural beauty of the area. Did you make it to Chanticleer? I LOVE that garden. And doesn't Nan Ondra of Gardening Gone Wild live nearby too? I could go back to the Brandywine Valley and spend a week just visiting all the gardens in the area.

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  3. Les,
    Great post and photos. I am from Chester County, PA originally. I will have to check out Linden Hill Gardens next time I am in the area. They also hve an inviting website. Thanks!

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  4. Beautiful tour Les! I love the lush photo framed in front of the purple and yellow painted door. Great photos as usual. ;>)

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  5. Great shots of a really nice garden - thought only southerners were allowed to have bottle trees - now I've got permission!

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  6. Wow that is one fabulous looking display garden, no wonder you had to stop in. Did you get anything?

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  7. Wow! I'd love a visit after seeing your pictures. Makes me want to go out and revamp my own garden...

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  8. Wow it is beautiful. Just full of textures and colors. Love the bottles!

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  9. So crisp and well maintained! And to find out the staff is helpful too, what a bonus. So...what did you buy?

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  10. Les, lovely garden and beautiful photos as always; that first photo is a showstopper.

    Also thanks for the reference to Benjamin of The Deep Middle; I like his work and have ordered his book. He should think of giving you a commission. ;) Have a wonderful weekend.

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  11. Great photos, I would love to visit there...didn't Nan Ondra work on their original gardens?

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  12. Les, how lovely. No wonder you were blown away. Your photos are fantastic. Was that a Tiger Eye sumac in the third photo on the left? What a nice large plant, and the Hydrangea paniculata in the same photo. Fab. Thanks for the virtual visit and see you for bloom day.~~Dee

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  13. Am feeling validated by the blue bottles on bamboo. Am headed out to place more on last year's miscanthus harvest this weekend.

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  14. That's Craig @ Ellis Hollow. Had a similar mis-stroke as you had with your bloom day post.

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  15. Rene,
    You are quite welcome.

    Pam,
    In front of the sauce pan of succulents, was a muffin pan filled with Hens and Chicks. I did not make to Chanticleer on this trip, but did go a couple of years ago - it is one of the best gardens I have ever been to. The whole area is one of those horticultural epi-centers, like Austin, Raliegh/Durham or Chicagoland.

    Michael,
    Thanks for the compliment, and yes they have a good web site. It is easy to see from it they have a lot going on.

    Carol,
    Thanks, I think that is some sort of Clematis.

    Cyndy,
    I think after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, anyone was allowed to have a blue bottle tree.

    Racquel,
    I am sorry but I did not look at what they had for sale. I was trying to rush through to see as much as possible, since my family was waiting on me. As it was I had them pick me up on the way out.

    Kathleen,
    That is a common response for me as well after seeing a place like Linden Hill.

    Tina,
    They had several bottle trees, all of which blended in well with the gardens.

    Loree,
    Sorry I did not buy a thing, perhaps next time.

    Di,
    Thanks for stopping by. I was pleased with that pic as well.

    Scott,
    After visiting I found out that she was connected with Linden Hill. Thanks for visiting my blog.

    Jove,
    Thanks for stopping by.

    Dee,
    Yes that was Tiger Eyes. Throughout all the beds they repeated certain plants and the Sumac was one of them. Repetition gave the whole place a unity.

    C,
    Go ahead and have as many bottle trees as you can stand. No need for validation.

    Craig,
    Glad I am not the only one.

    Les

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  16. Yes, we wanted to see the rest of the pictures - they were gorgeous! Thanks for the link

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  17. Wonderful photos, Les. What a lush but at the same time manicured garden. Love the green outbuiding with blue trim. And the goat!

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  18. Thanks for the writeup. I have driven very near to Linden Hill many times without knowing about it. I will put it on my visit list.

    I enjoyed your early draft posting for bloom day. :)

    Sometimes the fingers are quicker than the brain...

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  19. i can't believe that's a garden center! fantastic! some great ideas in those borders, too.

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  20. What a treasure trove of ideas, esp. the blue/green/citron color combo on the small building. And thanks for the info on Ringing Rocks, another PA location that is new to me.

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  21. Joan,
    You are quite welcome.

    Denise,
    The goat had company, but I only had the one good shot.

    John,
    And sometimes the brain never catches up.

    Daricia,
    I my steal some of those plant combos.

    Linda,
    That color scheme has me thinking of where I could use it at work.

    Les

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  22. Les,
    We are so glad that you were able to visit us here in Ottsville. I always enjoy seeing photos of Linden Hill Gardens through a plant enthusiast's eyes! I designed the front display garden (21 ft x 350 ft) 8 years ago to draw in people like yourself so I am glad that it enticed you to stop. Two years ago, I had a great time co-designing our Deer Resistant Garden with dear friend and talented horticulturist, Nancy Ondra. The gardens are now planted and meticulously cared for by our team of horticulturists Jessica, Luke and Carol; the same crew who is happy to help people find the rare variety or ideal plant combination when visiting the nursery. Thank you for posting your incredible photos and a note about your visit. Please let me know the next time you plan to be in the area, I would be glad to take you on a tour and chat about our favorite plants and gardens!
    Best,
    Jerry Fritz

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