A while back we had the privilege of visiting with Susan Smith at her home in Chestnut Hill. Susan, a past participant in the PHS City Gardens Contest, is dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of her property, which was designed by Frederick Peck. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s something she takes pride in.
Part of the joy—and challenge—of living in an older home is paying tribute to the past. For example, when the original porch collapsed, Susan insisted on rebuilding it and found new purposes for some of the original beams.
Susan has lived on the property for 12 years now, and is only the third person to call it home. Before her arrival, the original acreage was divided into smaller plots, but the design acumen of Frederick Peck remains intact. Peck, a landscape architect known for his many contributions in the Philadelphia area, including the Azalea Garden in Fairmount Park, envisioned the garden as a place for relaxation and reflection. The Chestnut Hill Historical Society celebrated Peck with an exhibition and related programming last year.
In addition to gardening, Susan enjoys volunteering at the Morris Arboretum and is also a budding beekeeper. When it comes to adding new plants to her storied garden, Susan shops at Meadowbrook Farm.
Take a virtual tour of the garden by enjoying the slideshow below.
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Suzette Trimmer
February 17, 2012
Could not get enough of the virtual tour. I was so visually blown away. What a magnificent garden and oasis you have shred with the public .” Thank you!” I am writing to the budding bee keeper in Susan for it has been a long time passion of mine to help conserve our dwelling bee population to the best of my ability. Which as it stands now is, I know nothing and want any one or every body to point me in the right direction, PLEASE. I will help you I will apprentice free for you if someone any one can teach me this long losing art form.
My Name is Suzette Trimmer, and I have been part of PHS for many years and I live in Center City, how do I find out if I even can according to the laws of L&I they can not tell me. Now What? Fell Free to contact me via yourotherhands@verizon.net. Thank you to any one who is interested in helping me.