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PAUL F WESLEY
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By Chrysa Smith
Bring the family. Enjoy the plants. Unplug and stay awhile. That, says Jon Kontz, is what Hortulus is all about. The Executive Director/Landscape Designer and his wife Ariel have created quite a destination on their very private property, tucked far away from the traffic on Durham Road. Just a bit bigger than their name implies, Hortulus, which means ‘Small Garden’ in Greek, has a little something for everyone.
Lindsey Vogel, the Marketing Director, met me in the gravel parking lot and began the tour. There is no better place than the main greenhouse building. It’s got style and grace. It emits an elegance found in upscale boutiques, anchored by a sense of tradition found in antique shops. It’s all these things, as interesting specimens of plants, flowers and herbs reside alongside fine furnishings from Europe—Transylvania, mostly. And it’s all perfectly orchestrated at every angle, with something to catch your eye and investigate, with enough walking around space to do it all. “We are very big on herbs,” Jon says. They’re everywhere, and they’re organic. Sure, you’ll find rosemary, nutmeg, and lemon balm. You can go ahead and touch it. Sniff it. But you’ll also find a little something to use in tinctures, maybe a little specialty geranium leaf for your gin.
It's all very special. And unique. And originally fostered by two renowned guys: Garden Designer and event planner, Renny Reynolds, and author, lecturer Jack Staub. For gardening enthusiasts, you already know the name. Renny, with a degree in landscape architecture, went on to have a flourishing career both in and out of the garden. His keen eye for design led him to NYC, where he opened his first shop. Soon, he had engagements with major fashion names, A-list celebrities, politicians, and brides, and authored a book named ‘The Art of the Party.’ His party-planning even went on to include celebrity events at the iconic Studio 54 in NYC. Enter Jack Staub, also a garden writer, lecturer, and expert in edible gardening. He joined Renny in the establishment of Hortulus and penned multiple gardening books that are highly revered by gardening professionals. Both have received extensive press and accolades throughout their careers. But you might say the love all began back inside the greenhouse.
Today, flanking the special stock that lives inside it are large plants and small trees, terrarium bowls and tables for an interactive experience. Lindsey took me over to a large craft table filled with bird seed. This is where kids get to lose themselves for hours in something more than a video game. They get introduced to nature. And Jon couldn’t be happier about it. The family aspect is part of a ‘new Hortulus,’ John tells me. They do what Hortulus always did—provide quality and unique garden stock to area residents for some thirty years. They provided plant storage for clients in wintertime, plant rental for event venues and consultation for it all. “We loved what they were doing,” Jon says, “What we brought to it is the family aspect.” With three children of their own, Jon and Ariel are big on immersive experiences: not just for kids, but for kids and their adults. Lindsey spoke of one such event-- a plant scavenger hunt, where kids get to roam around and search out plant specimens, then come back in the greenhouse and plant one. Afterward, they can go outside to pet and hold a lamb---all the while, engaging with the natural world alongside their families—and that’s not only a very special thing to behold. That takes us to the new Children’s Botanical Garden.
Now closing in on the groundbreaking stage, the Children’s Botanical Play Garden is taking shape. Ariel, with a background in early childhood development, designed numerous spaces for kids, hitting on all sorts of sensory needs. Utilizing about an acre of land, Jon describes it, “It will be a highly engaging botanical garden with a few obstacle features.” There’s greenery, water, rocks, slides—play stage, tiny village, and children’s garden. The rendering reveals a combination of movement and learning with something called Scramble & Slide. It involves a high climb, a deep dive, and an interactive build. Or the Birds’ Nest Lookout, where kids can exercise and take in a birds-eye-view of the garden. There’s even a parent pavilion for resting after a long day in the garden. Lindsey says, “It’s for kids and the inner child of adults too.!” There is no better combination for kids than to be running and playing, while absorbing the wonder around them. That’s what Jon calls it. “What I’m most excited about, is seeing kids and parents come in sleepy-eyed on a Saturday morning and grab a coffee—like good New York coffee. Kids hang out with the animals. It’s satisfying to see parents engaged with kids. It’s natural. They get to experience the WONDER of nature.” He continues, “There’s such a trend toward agriculture, outside living. Yet it’s inaccessible in many areas due to cost. We thought; how can we make it accessible for every family 10-15 miles from here? A place they could visit every week because they can get everything they need.” And so, Hortulus keeps evolving.
The work Renny and Jack did is still thriving. There remains a stone home and two dairy barns on the 100-acre property; some of which is private. Winter storage of plants was in full force during my visit. Two greenhouses contain the beloved plants and trees of area residents. Five other greenhouses serve as nurseries to plants readying to be sold. In all, there are some of the most unique plant and tree varieties I’ve seen on this side of Longwood. The greenhouses are managed by a grower Lindsey calls the plant doctor. He was busy pruning, as I walked through aisles, noticing spiraling geranium, trumpet flowers and rosemary topiaries. Likewise, the landscaping business is good, as Jon puts his skills to work beautifying the grounds of people and places. It’s a perfect combination for this gentleman---work and nature coming together to create more than a living---but a life.
Hortulus opened their doors for the season in April, to an overflowing crowd of about 5,000 visitors. And they expect another successful turnout for their popular May Peony and Summer Family Festival in late June. Partnering with New Hope Arts has brought additional weekend interest during warm weather, providing enjoyment and entertainment for folks large and small. “We are excited to invest in our community and planet via horticulture,” says Jon, “And in doing so, inspire our neighbors alongside us.”
Please do stop in, pick up a Crackling Rose Polka Dot Begonia, check out the clay pots locally made with on-site clay and admire the wonder of nature around you. Nature. Magic. Wonder. Yep, they’ve got it all covered.
Hortulus is a 501C non-profit organization, with a goal of being passed down in perpetuity for families in the area to enjoy. Most of the profits from the sale of their antiques goes to benefit an orphanage in Transylvania. Hortulus Farm, Garden & Nursery is open Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. It is located at Located at 60 Thompson Mill Road, Newtown, PA. For more information, call 215.598.0550 or visit www.hortulusfarm.com.
Chrysa Smith is a regular contributor who is constantly in awe of the wonders of nature.