A THOUSAND WORDS: Wild, Wooded Wonderland

With spring on its way, the University's Morris Arboretum is the perfect spot to admire the season's procession. Formerly a Victorian estate called The Compton,and owned by John and Lydia Morris, the Morris Arboretum in Northwest Philadelphia now provides the perfect setting for March kite flying in Orange Balustrade or English Park, May walks in the Japanese Hill and Rose gardens and quiet chats by the Swan Pond. The first signs of spring have already arrived. The magnolia trees have buds and some of the flowers are rising through the ground. However, still in its winter garb, the arboretum is not in its most ideal form. The Rose Garden, in its winter stage, is expected to come into full bloom by May. With a gazebo nearby and a few benches along the sides of the garden, it is ideal for strolling and talking. Despite the cold weather, many parts of the arboretum are ready for activity. The Swan Pond, with a creek, old stone benches and plenty of lawn space, is a great site for conversation. During the sunset hours, light peers through the woods across the pond and reflects off the water. Adding to this almost-too-perfect scene is a family of swans. Also, visitors to the conservatory can explore the grounds on any of several footpaths. In addition to the estate's 6,800 woody plants, the conservatory takes pride in its lifelike statues and eye-catching fine art displays. George Rickey's "Two Lines" and Robert Engman's "After BKS Lyengar" and "Mercury at Rest" are presented. Also, the arboretum boasts of its architecture. In Chestnut Hill, a neighborhood just two minutes away from the arboretum where the University owns property, there are little boutiques and restaurants. There are clothing stores such as Talbot's, antique shops and cafes such as Slice of Heaven. It also offers non-credit courses on landscape design, botanical illustration, horticulture and other various subjects for a fee. One of the courses offered is a guide-training program which costs $40. The arboretum, which is located on the corner of Northwestern and Germantown avenues provides convenient parking. Tickets for students are $1.50.

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