The Bower will be opening May 11, 2024 for Go Public Garden Day. For this Saturday event we will host four visit times (9am, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm) throughout the day. Each 1.5 hour time slot will include 20 tickets, good for one car each (1-4 people approximately). Schedule a visit via the link below:
Our ticketing calendar for the remainder of May can be accessed via the link below. These time slots are similar to past years and include a single group ticket for up to 18 cars, our parking limit. These tickets can be used for groups from 1 to as many as you can fit in those cars.
When you select your date and time, your free “ticket” includes everyone in your group, whether it be one person or more. Our only restriction is no more than 18 cars in your group, the fewer the better.
A schedule of appointments for each successive month will be posted 1 month in advance (eg June appointment calendar is available May 1). See General Information below to plan your visit.
PLEASE NOTE THAT GPS CAN BE A BIT INACCURATE. LOOK FOR 1190 ON THE MAILBOX TO FIND THE RIGHT DRIVEWAY
Visitors begin with a meadow walk which takes them through the planted gardens, the six-acre meadow, along the woods edge or savanna, and the rain filled “pools”. Curated sculptures are carefully sited into the environment to enhance the visitor’s experience. The walk can be extended with a one mile trail through the forest and, if desired, to the top of Little Mountain. Walking sticks are highly recommended for this rocky path. Our visitor center provides information on native plants and the sculptures.
We planted extensive garden areas and drifts of plants into existing meadow in November 2020, and have added to these each fall and spring. We are excited to see our fourth year plantings emerge and thrive.
Visitors are encouraged to enjoy The Bower throughout the seasons. Early Spring brings on flowering trees, shrubs, and ephemerals, signaling what is to come. An array of color in Summer permeates the gardens and meadows as native flora bloom in their successive turns amidst waving meadow grasses. Fall leaf color highlights the sculptures, surrounding them with rich autumnal colors. Winter is the time for seed heads and trees and sculptures wrapped in shining ice or snowy blankets.
Please scroll below through each section to learn more about a visit and what you need to know prior to your trip to The Bower. Plan to take your time on your visit; relax and enjoy the natural world. The natural setting is sloped, so expect to do some walking up and down the trails. If you are not able to walk on rough and sometimes steep terrain, please make sure to discuss with us before your visit. Please let us know if you must cancel your visit, so that we can open up the time for others. Follow us on Instagram @gardenbower to keep up with The Bower.
We are an easy day trip in the region: Harrisburg 30 min; Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, and Carlisle 25 min; Lancaster, York, Lewisburg, and Gettysburg 1 hour; Baltimore, MD, Huntingdon or State College, PA 1 1/2 hours; Washington D.C., and Philadelphia 2 1/2 hours.
You will be outside, so dress appropriately.
Layers are good in cooler weather.
Sturdy, closed toe shoes are a must.
A hat and perhaps some bug spray are recommended in summer months.
A hiking pole or stick will be useful for upland walks though the rocky Appalachian Mountain terrain.
Birds and butterflies abound at The Bower; you may want to bring binoculars.
This is a very rural area so you may want to bring snacks and a picnic lunch.
Plan to pack your paper and plastic waste to take home with you.
Bring a water bottle to quench your thirst.
We have no food or beverage facilities on site.
We have no public rest room facilities on site at this time. A portable toilet is available May-October only.
We want you to have the freedom to enjoy our art installations and the expansive property’s features. We do have a few simple guidelines that we ask you to follow to preserve the area and provide an enjoyable experience for all.
If you live in an area with Spotted Lantern Fly, please check your vehicle and remove (and destroy) any uninvited pests before leaving home.
The entire property is a no smoking area
Take care of the plants by looking and not picking/stepping into the garden bed
Walk gently across moss and ferns, but only as necessary
Stay on the paths to avoid critters and observe wildlife from a distance
Quiet voices in the woods will enhance your chances of seeing wildlife
bower (noun) 1. a pleasant shady place; 2. a retreat or sanctuary