Fifty years ago, a quiet corner of Devon, Pennsylvania began its transformation into one of the region’s most beloved gardens. What began as a bequest from H. Lawrence Jenkins – a man inspired by his late wife Elisabeth Phillippe Jenkins’ love for nature and beauty – has flourished into a thriving hub of conservation, education, and community connection.
From the beginning, the Jenkins’ land was entrusted with a clear purpose: to preserve its natural beauty, promote environmental education, and showcase a spectacular collection of North American native plants, along with our signature collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. Over the decades, we have remained true to this mission, growing from a fledgling idea into a vibrant, 48-acre garden that welcomes more than 90,000 annual visitors with no cost of admission.
Today, our conservation work encompasses habitat restoration, sustainable land management, and partnerships with local and national organizations. Our horticulturists and volunteers work diligently to ensure that Jenkins is not only a place of beauty, but also a stronghold for biodiversity and ecological resilience.
As we mark this golden anniversary, we honor the vision and values that have guided Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens for half a century and turn our gaze to our next five decades of service. In the coming years, we will take bold steps to further our mission and serve an even wider audience. Plans are underway that will renew and expand key areas of the gardens, enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the natural beauty at the heart of Jenkins.
We look forward to growing in the next fifty years and beyond, while remaining rooted in the community that helped us flourish. Here’s to the past, the present, and the beautiful, sustainable future we are building together.
Get involved!
Saturday, May 16th: Attend our Spring Blooms: 50th Anniversary Celebration as we recognize five decades of community, nature, and achievement. Buy tickets today.
Thursday, May 21st: Tune in with Tom Smarr, Jenkins’ Executive Director, for a journey through the gardens’ history and a peak at what’s to come. Event is free; register today.
