In the early evening of September 1, 2021, Temple University’s Ambler Campus was irrevocably altered when the remnants of a EF2-level tornado ripped through its center—uprooting and destroying hundreds of trees from the Old Growth Forest and Arboretum and damaging numerous buildings.
Founded in 1911 by the Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women and acquired by Temple in 1958, the Ambler Arboretum was cherished not just by faculty and students, but by the entire community, who enjoyed free access to its sweeping canopy and green spaces. For Landscape Architecture and Horticulture (LAHORT) students, the Arboretum has served as a living classroom and home for a significant garden feature designed by iconic landscape architect Beatrix Farrand.
Faced with the daunting task of rebuilding, Arboretum Director, Kathleen Salisbury, needed to partner with an experienced landscape design team that would be respectful of the site’s historical significance, yet forward thinking in creating an adaptable space for future generations to experience.
“We determined that Donald Pell Gardens offered a combination of shared environmental philosophies, horticultural knowledge, design expertise and value, as well as a team that includes alum from the LAHORT program who fully understand the importance of this space as an outdoor classroom and living laboratory,” says Salisbury.
Donald Pell Gardens (DPG) will provide conceptual designs for a master plan of five garden spaces surrounding the arboretum, which include a woodland, wetland, and Heritage, memorial and climate-resilient gardens. Designs will focus on developing a framework of connectivity throughout the space that fosters educational opportunities as revealed by the cultural landscape.
“The emphasis is to restore the campus to a place of beauty that inspires us to explore and learn, and that allows for student experimentation while maintaining clarity in the landscape. The program will be as much about people as it is about pollinators,” says Donald Pell.
Landscape Architect Jessica Wolff from DPG will manage a series of collaborative meetings with stakeholders, from faculty and staff to students, to ensure their investment in and connection to the landscape. Donald Pell Gardens has been transforming landscapes in the Mid-Atlantic region for 30 years. Known for his artistry, Pell’s focus is to develop meticulously designed naturalistic gardens that harmonize with the surrounding landscape to create healthy, beautiful habitats for pollinators, wildlife and people.
For more information on the Ambler Arboretum garden restoration, contact Jessica Wolff at Jessica@donaldpell.com. Find more examples of Don’s award-winning work on social media: @donaldpellgardens, or online at donaldpell.com.
Photo courtesy of Donald Pell Gardens Facebook page