Hortulus Farm, Garden and Nursery, known throughout the area as being a picturesque public garden and purveyor of unique plant specimens for the last 30 years, is celebrating its second season opener under the stewardship of the Kontz family.
Led by local landscape designer and owner of PLANT Design Group, Jon Kontz, along with his wife Ariel and three young children, Hortulus is set to open the doors to the public on April 1, at 10 a.m., with a weekend-long Spring Grand Opening and Handmade Market event.
“As we begin the 2023 season, we are excited to continue our work to honor Hortulus’ horticultural heritage while working to recenter the business around family and community,” said Jon. “It is our mission to create encounters with the beauty in nature and one another through this beloved farm and the experiences we create here.”
Jon and Ariel take their inspiration from their appreciation of European design, their passion for community-centric hospitality and regenerative agriculture.
“The idea of inspiring not only our own three children, Alijah, Wenona and Stonewall, but a whole new generation of gardening enthusiasts energizes us,” said Ariel. “We are excited to invest in our community and planet via horticulture, and in doing so, inspire our neighbors alongside us.”
Hortulus will welcome guests to an immersive springtime experience on April 1-2, filled with color, flowers and plants galore, all nestled inside the property’s heated greenhouse. Visitors can connect with knowledgeable staff and shop for plants and garden goods.
This season, guests can experience a display inspired by English gardening, a peek into the summer season ahead with Mediterranean fruit-bearing trees, artistically-arranged house plants inspired by Japanese botanical arts and more.
The unique assortment of Hortulus topiaries, geraniums, begonias and other specimen plans in Hortulus signature mossy pots will be offered as well. Guests can also expect a greater selection of designer-made planters and centerpieces to purchase for their homes this season.
Hortulus is also excited to announce the Spring Hortulus Handmade Market, Summer Market, Harvest Market and the Hortulus European Christmas Market. These unique Makers Markets feature the best of Bucks County’s curated selections of the area’s top artists and makers selling their handmade goods, vintage finds, fresh flowers, original art and more.
Joining again this season are local favorites Liza Miller Ltd. and Amsterdam Coffee. Interior designer Ann Toll, of Liza Miller Ltd., is setting up a satellite location in the Hortulus greenhouse once again, offering an assortment of imported European antique furniture and home accessories, which will help Hortulus clientele create unique environments of their own. Additionally, Amsterdam Coffee of New Hope will take residence at Hortulus, offering coffee, treats and craft cocktails featuring Hortulus-grown botanicals and more in the Garden Cafe.
Additional programs in the works include a Herstelling and Jacob Lambs experience, open to the public this spring to give kids of all ages a fun farm experience with one of nature’s most entertaining and adorable baby animals. Hortulus has also partnered with New Hope Arts for an Artist in Residence program, where a series of weekend art events featuring a wide variety of talented mixed media and installation artists will take place from opening weekend through the summer.
The first artist in residence, Christine Seo, will paint a scene of the Hortulus baby sheep live throughout the weekend.
Guests will also notice some active construction at the rear of the Greenhouse, which is the future homesite of the Hortulus Botanical Playground, which will display the artistically-curated gardens that Hortulus has long been known for while also existing as a safe place for children to play, explore and let their imaginations grow. The playground will feature an amphitheater and some other special surprises that the Kontz family is excited to announce at a later date.
Other noteworthy dates to mention include Mother’s Day at Hortulus, Peony peak-bloom weekend of May 20, and the Hortulus Handmade Summer Market and first-ever Hortulus Family Festival, June 24-25.
Visit HortulusFarm.com or follow on Instagram @Hortulus.Farm for more information.
If you go: Opening weekend at Hortulus takes place April 1-2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s located at 60 Thompson Mill Road, Wrightstown. Enjoy shopping, dining, live music and children’s activities. Call 215-598-0550 with any questions.
