Back in August, PHS president Drew Becher received a call from Michael Callahan, executive editor of Philadelphia magazine. Michael needed new venues to shoot some of the magazine’s beautiful spreads and figured (correctly) that Drew could offer some promising leads.
Without hesitation, Drew listed a dozen or so locations—Philadelphia is the cradle of horticulture, after all. Before the conversation ended Drew even agreed to personally show Michael the gorgeous grounds of Chanticleer Pleasure Garden in Wayne, PA.
When the day arrived, the duo was joined by David Fierabend of Groundswell Design Group and Matthew Rodrigues, on-air entertainment and travel personality. Chanticleer’s Jonathan Wright and Bill Thomas agreed to give a guided tour.
As they traversed Bell’s Run Creek and the Teacup Garden, Michael was aghast that he’d never been to Chanticleer and regretted lost years of potential visits. Even Drew, a Chanticleer regular, was treated to something new: a woodland area with a bridge that resembles a fallen tree. “It was the first time I really explored that area,” Drew said. “It’s overgrown with towering trees—very cool.”
Despite the new experience, Drew’s favorite element of the 35-acre garden remains the terrace alongside the Chanticleer house. From there, one has a sweeping view leading to large pond. As Drew says, “It is picture perfect.”
Of course Michael took many pictures to share with his colleagues back at the office. So the next time Philadelphia magazine shows up in your mailbox, don’t be surprised to see Chanticleer! And if you want to see the pleasure garden for yourself, sign up for one of the many PHS-sponsored evening lectures and tours. Click here to learn more.
Suzette Trimmer
October 4, 2012
Have they or will they ever consider the PHILADELPHIA HORTICULTURAL CENTER IN FAIRMOUNT PARK? Mr. Michael O’Brien runs an exquisite tourist destination and one of Philly’s best kept secret. It is a Paradise. Beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. So elegant yet exotic, something wonderful to see no matter where you look. A gem this city should be so PROUD of!!!