Stoneleigh Natural Lands

I strolled around Stoneleigh, the new garden open to the public in Villanova, this morning.  I'd heard a great deal about the place in part because it's at risk of being seized under imminent domain by the local township.  My expectations were raised and I was prepared for a bit of a treat.  I am disappointed.  It's a great space and may one day be one which is transformed by the gardening staff.  Right now, however, it has great bones, but that's it.  None of the beds are well planted, even the ones beside the house.  The one area that appears to have been given thought and effort is what appears to be the bog garden.  The planting is sparse but I like what they've done with the hard-scaping and the variably mowed grass circles next to the beds with pitcher plants.

The mature trees are magnificent.