Mission statement: Pursuit of horticultural excellence, historic preservation

“A garden is similar to food in that it is always better when shared. A garden also fosters tranquility, is conducive to creativity, enables imagination, and is food for any soul! We don’t claim that the potential of Soledad would rival other great gardens in the Philadelphia area. But the history and provenance of the ownership, historically registered edifices, and actual history of the land it sits on unquestionably do equal or surpass others. The opportunity to unite, curate, create horticultural artistry, and respect Chester County’s history on this land will not present itself again. We hope to seize the moment and “share this food before it spoils…” – Robert Hollenshead.

Horticultural excellence in a county and area of Pennsylvania that has many highly regarded gardens, some world-renowned. Many are multi-generational, which started at the peak of the Industrial Revolution. The bar is set very high, so the odds that we could be in their category are questionable. However, Soledad Garden started in a very deep hole; the odds were very high against us, as mentioned in the text above. I believe without question or doubt, Mr. Jacobs and family, Mr. Cox (and his father), Mr. Kates (and his granddaughter), Mr. Sneddon (and his granddaughter), and possibly Charles Schreiner I (the founder of CFS 1927) would all stand and cheer, be thrilled to stroll through the restored edifices, and break bread in our gardens. They would all vote to rejoin the properties and set them on a course to a great future. Soledad has been and will continue to be a unique, creative, and experimental oasis.

Over the decades, an endless number of neighbors and trail users comment on how they feel as if it is like Soledad is like “Longwood Gardens North”.

Unifying the space between 901 and 925 geographically and historically creates the unique opportunity to significantly expand the gardens that will rival other recognized gardens. By design, Soledad will remain free and interactive. Curation of the historically significant buildings and gardens (28 years to date) will not accept donations or request financial assistance. It will it never fall into ownership that is unwilling or unable to the provide as with previous owners The Gardens will remain in custodial care with majestic valley vistas, be a habitat for the 88 identified migratorily and permanent bird species, continue to grow the hundreds of varieties of plant materials, tens of thousands of individual plants, annual and perennial, and creating horticultural artistry.

The joint properties will not be sold. They will not be used in commercial endeavors. It will be used for educational purposes approved by the foundation as (i) an “interactive” museum / garden, (ii) an art therapy studio, (iii) for cultural gatherings, and (iv) for Horticultural study / experimentation.

Key aspects of Soledad Gardens Jacobs Properties:

• Environmental stewardship: The gardens have evolved over three decades, which has come at great expense, but was the tuition ending with a degree in “experiential knowledge”. The result is 21 distinct “rooms”, each with a different personality and “360” view. There are 11 fountains. The original design was to create an extension of the architecture to be part of the garden, with unique rooms and unique views from each of the 87 windows. Ongoing study (can be shared with the micro / macro community on deer and pest-resistant material and planting methods. Our 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 bee population collapse we’ve experienced over recent years.

• Soledad will, with the belief that the garden has an impact on the human psyche, provide emotional relief, mental rejuvenation, substitute for psychoanalysis.

• Exaggerate the study of the bird population and ensure migrators’ return, and habits are maintained. We have 187 bird species (verified by the bird scope app), which include regular visitors, wild turkey, blue heron (see pictures).

• Maintain habitats for existing fox, coyote, deer, rabbits, ground hogs, various snake species – northern water snake, copperhead, garter, salamanders, cray fish, frogs (many varieties) – squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons.

• Educational capabilities: The foundation will continue to extend internships and scholarships.

• 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 design, and unique 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 1998to the present, we have documented 202 species of birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. This includes numerous bees, including honeybee populations that have been decimated over the past ten years, 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.

• 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 lawn areas with native trees and periphery with perennial plants wherever possible to ensure small animal habitat is maintained.