Belvidere

About

Belvidere is the home garden of Andrew Bunting, Vice President of Horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and formerly the Scott Arboretum and Chicago Botanic Garden. Andrew purchased the 1/3rd acre property in Swarthmore in 1999.

At the front of the house is a gravel garden which uses water-wise plantings. Around the foundation are planted unusual shrubs and vines. In the backyard, a large bluestone patio runs the lengths of the back of the house and is a showcase for many ornamental containers.

The detached stone garage was converted into a summer house in 2006. The front entrance to the summer house opens into a Mediterranean-like garden while the entrance has more of a tropical feel. To the back right is a large tropical garden planted with red Abyssinian bananas, bromeliads, and cannas during the summer.

At the back of the property is a densely planted woodland garden with a pond; a utilitarian area with compost bins and a potager that alternates yearly between vegetables and cut flowers.

In 2012, a joint project with his neighbors was completed, which is the addition of the Vassar Farm, a 40’ x 100’ suburban farm created and maintained by Andrew on his neighbor’s property.

This garden's estimated size is 1/3 acre.

This Garden Host reports the following Terrain Notes about the garden: This garden is flat and easily accessible.

2026 Open Day Date: Saturday, July 18

Open Day Hours: 10am–4pm