The unique pleasure of living in Bryn Athyn by Katie Kennedy

I have had the unique pleasure of living in Bryn Athyn, in a home that I have dreamed about since I was a little girl, and  where the grounds remind me of the rolling hills of Great Bardfield, in England where we lived when Daddy was stationed at Wethersfield Air Base.

It is lovely here in all seasons, but the gardens I love best are those that appear in the spring. If you have never been to Bryn Athyn, there are two castles, a cathedral, a private school from pre-k thru college, all on and surrounded by the most wonderful spots to tuck n and read a book or watch the sun go down from the huge stone benches cut into the hill behind the sanctuary.

There is fairy magic in the spring however, when every garden begins to fill in with brilliant color and last years mountain pinks awaken and spill over the stone walls, where the white garden glows in the twilight as if it has been switched on by the ground itself. The story of the plants is my favorite, however. Every Easter, in the Asplundh field house a huge service is held to speak about not just the Christian doctrine, but the awakening of earth. Every family brings to the service a potted flower, barely in bloom but colorful enough to rival the children in their pastel frilly frocks, and bonnets and new patent leather shoes. At the end of the service, the wee ones bring the flower to the front and leave them on the make-shilft alter so that the garden keepers can plant them around the cathedral grounds, in front of the castles and around the campus. I love this small offering, it is sweet and sincere and is then placed quietly in a public place for all to enjoy.

Bryn Athyn is in Montgomery County.  The grounds are open to the public most days so I hope that after this Easter season you get a chance to visit our magical garden.

 

by Katie Kennedy