Belvidere

Andrew Bunting purchased Belvidere in 1999. Curator of the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, Andrew unleashes his creativity in this private and personal one-third acre. The garden in front of the house has a cottage-like feel with large masses of Alchemilla mollis, Amsonia hubrictii, Echinacea purpurea, and Rudbeckia maxima while the foundation plantings include unusual shrubs and vines. Around back is a large bluestone patio that runs the length of the house and is a showcase for many ornamental containers. A detached stone garage was converted into a summer house in 2006. Here the front entrance opens into a Mediterranean-like garden moving into more of a tropical feel. Off to the side is a large tropical garden planted with red Abyssinian bananas, bromeliads, and cannas during the summer. Opposing this garden is a long perennial border backed by a hedge of Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’. The farthest end of the property is densely planted as a woodland garden with a pond. Out of view is a utilitarian area with compost bins and a potager that alternates yearly between vegetables and cutting flowers.

 

 

Directions: From I-476 take the Media/Swarthmore exit. Go east (north) to Route 320 and go south. At first traffic light stay straight on Swarthmore Avenue. Go over railroad tracks and take first right at stop light onto Yale Avenue. Go to second intersection and turn left onto Vassar Avenue. Go past first intersection (Drexel Place) and garden is third on right.