The William H. Sayre Horticultural Center

The William H. Sayre Horticultural Center is another unique dimension of Cathedral Village which contributes to our national recognition as a progressive leader in retirement living.

The state-of-the art greenhouse, with two climate zones, and the purposefully large headhouse facilitate an extensive Horticultural Program developed by our full-time Director, a professional horticulturist and educator.

The Horticultural Center offers residents many opportunities:       

• Weekly classes and workshops on seasonal topics.       
• Preparing for Spring and Winter Plant Sales - two popular opportunities to purchase the hardy flowers and plants raised by “The Greenhouse Growers.”       
• The Cathedral Village Flower Show – an annual Juried Show to compete for ribbons.       
• Preparing Cathedral Village’s entries to the Philadelphia International Flower Show.       
• Since first being invited to enter in 2002, Cathedral Village has won numerous ribbons, including many blues each year.       
• Residents who enter individually have won blue ribbons in many categories.       
• Plotter’s Field, an area set aside for personal vegetable and summer flower gardens (a tradition since Spring of 1980, six months after Cathedral Village opened).       
• Use of the horticultural reference library, free potting soils and use of pruning tools. (Reference books are not loaned out.)       
• Advice from the Director on patio and balcony gardens and “house calls” by appointment.

Horticultural Therapy

Our Director teaches Horticultural Therapy in which plants and activities involving plant materials are used to improve social interaction, physical dexterity and psychological interaction. It has been proven to enhance mind, body and spirit. She has developed an intricate program of Horticultural Therapy for residents of Bishop White Lodge. Most come to the Greenhouse to take part in the sessions. When residents are not physically able to be brought to the greenhouse, the Therapy program is brought to them directly in the resident lounge areas of the Lodge.

Gardens

On the northwest side, a healing garden separates the greenhouse and Bishop White Lodge. It was designed by one of the nation’s leading architects in horticulture. He and our Director were interviewed there in 2005 by Suzanne Roberts for a segment of her television show. Gardens on the southeast side inspire relaxation and contemplation with a Zen garden, butterfly gardens, a soothing rock waterfall and a large pergola shaded with colorful foliage.

Putting Green

Our professionally designed Putting Green rivals any country club green in the area. It is there for residents and guests to practice their putting skills at any time and they are welcome to join the early Tuesday morning “putters” who compete in friendly competition. Winners acquire bragging rights and publication of their name in the “Bellringer” weekly newsletter.