Here are some pictures from my unplanned visit to Chanticleer Garden Garden in Wayne, PA in last August. I loved the Garden and hope to see it again - hopefully, in May or June and not on such a sunny day.
What do I like about the Garden: its size (not huge, not small; very walkable), enormous variety of plants, lush plantings, interesting and not common plant combinations, beautiful containers, unique furniture and art pieces; the garden is easy to reach and is packed with ideas.
The Chanticleer Foundation (formed in 1990) owns 47 acres (35 acres are open to public).
There are 20 full-time employees (14 of them are gardeners and groundkeepers).
There are seven horticulturists who are responsible for the design, planting and maintenance of an area.
Some chairs in the Garden are painted with the leaves of nearby trees.
The Chanticleer staff is very talented. The talents include wood working, metal working, painting, stone carving, etc.
Chanticleer House Garden - my favorite part of the garden. I felt excited and happy here.
Honestly, I was as happy here as I was while visiting Sissinghurt, Great Dixter, Hidcote Manor and other great European gardens.
Layers...
Cozy place for houseplants
Two copper-roofed corner structures frame the swimming pool (it replaced the old vegetable garden).
Healthy, happy plants
Bulb Meadow
Autumn colchicum and lycoris (naked ladies) bloom here from August through October.
I didn't take many pictures of the Vegetable garden...
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The Ruin Garden:
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The Ruin Garden:
"Table"
Ruin Garden brought to my mind some scenes from "Jumanji" when giant lianas overtook the house...
Marble faces ... yes... but look at the geometrical pattern on the water!
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Gravel Garden made me think about Arizona:
Gravel Garden made me think about Arizona:
Gravel Garden on the slope has both native and Mediterranean plants.
Fine-textured grasses are combined with large-foliage plants.
Some plants spend winters here, and others (ex. Agave americana) are brought here in summer.
Dry and hot...
Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to try how comfortable these stone seats were. Next time!
Yucca rostrata, rare in the Pennsylvania climate, in the background
Some fall colors
Back to the main house with its beautiful terrace:
Chanticleer - a name given to a rooster, especially in fairy tails
I absolutely loved this part of the Garden!
No mulch, no space for weeds...
Agaves are absolutely gorgeous
House is enveloped by plants
I looked through some books about the Garden while taking a break on the terrace.
Those huge leaves...
...and huge containers...
...and beautiful trunks...
Fabulous furniture
One of my favorite pots
Going away from the house:
Elevated walkway with two viewing platforms
Part of the Pond Garden :
Mrs. Perry Slocum, hardy water
lotus
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A pear?
This is where you enter (and exit) the garden:
Near the restrooms entrances... Fabulous...
It's not the first time when I regret not taking my camera to the trip.
IPhone pictures don't do justice to this Garden called the most romantic, imaginative and exciting public garden in America. Bright sun didn't help either.
I hope to return there one day with more time on my hands and a real camera.
