Some gardens become sanctuaries through good design and attention to detail, according to Holly Harmon Shimizu, executive director of the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. The Morris Arboretum certainly has both. The Chestnut Hill green space features plenty of rolling hills and wooded walks, meadows and water gardens to provide a respite from the stresses of everyday life.
At this time of year, the Arboretum is especially breathtaking, as leaves drop to the ground in bright hues of yellow, orange and red and trees produce fruit that will last through the darkest days of winter. Youngsters with school projects and leaf collectors are invited to take fallen leaves home with them, preserving a bit of fall brilliance before we settle in for the deep winter freeze.

— H.A.D.

Holly Harmon Shimizu talks about “The Garden as Sanctuary” on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. at Morris Arboretum, 100 East Northwestern Ave. Info: 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org