The Gardens

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There are 21 existing pleasure gardens and 11 fountains at Soledad. The gardens have been designed to create a feeling that each garden is an extension of the interior space as a different “room” and associated water feature. From each of the 87 windows of the house, there are unique garden views. With the reunification of historically contiguous land, there will be a joining of an additional 15 specific gardens designed to house visually appropriate sculptures, deer-resistant study areas, pathways, and massing of material designed to have a “timed” continuous explosion of color that exaggerates the view “360”.There are eleven fountains at Soledad, with more planned. This is not accidental but part of the local ecosystem. Each one attracts a variety of birds (including mallard, geese, blue heron), snakes, frogs, salamanders, crayfish, turtles, and fish.

• Horticultural excellence: in a county and area of Pennsylvania that has many highly regarded gardens, some world-renowned and multi-generational started at the peak of the industrial revolution. could be in their category. The garden has been and will continue to be unique, creative, experimental, and horticultural, with board members, gardeners responsible for installation and design as additional extensions become available.

• Educational capabilities: We encourage interactions with gardeners.

• Inspiring knowledge and respect for our local history: through our past and future demonstrated commitment, our community will be inspired by the garden's artistry and unique design and architectural historic treasures.

• Environmental stewardship: The mission includes a focus on its environmental impact of all flora and fauna, with a keen eye for invasive species and current diseases destroying many old-growth species. Bee hives are planned to help fill the current bee population collapse.

• Encouraging biodiversity: From 1998 to the present, we have documented 230 species of birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. This includes numerous bee, moth, and frog species crucial for pollination. Beehives are planned following barn renovation.

• Improving topsoil health: The garden actively works to improve habitat quality and management practices that support these diverse species. Soledad has contracted with local experts to monitor worm population and use products that encourage increased population, which is critical to topsoil health. This practice will be expanded to any additional land.

• Rainwater harvesting: Four cisterns are planned at Soledad’s expansion, including two discreetly located beneath each end of the renovated barn, which will collect tens of thousands of gallons of rainwater to slow and manage

• Practicing sustainable land management: Some of the garden's specific sustainability goals include:

• Increasing its use of electric-powered lawn and garden equipment.

• Not using fossil-fuel-based fertilizer and pesticides.

• Planting most garden areas with native trees and perennial plants to ensure small animal habitat is maintained.