Cathedral Village set new standards with the development of the William H. Sayre Horticultural Center that includes both a greenhouse and head house.  It is the center of our extensive Horticultural Program that benefits both apartment residents and residents of Bishop White Lodge, our Skilled Nursing Facility.  This program is another unique dimension of our community, which is nationally recognized as a progressive leader in retirement living. 

The Director of our Greenhouse, a professional Horticulturist, works full-time with our residents teaching weekly classes on various subjects and also holds workshops that cover seasonal topics while sharing some “tricks of the trade” in horticulture.  She also conducts weekly horticultural therapy sessions for the residents of Bishop White Lodge.  She is available by appointment to make “house calls” and help our interested residents on an individual basis. 

Our Greenhouse also hosts a Spring Plant Sale and a Holiday Plant Sale in the winter, using only flowers and plants grown within our community.  We offer all residents a chance to compete in our annual “Cathedral Village Flower Show”, which is a chance for them to show off their “green thumbs” and take pride in their gardening abilities.  Our Greenhouse Director also organizes trips to places of horticultural interest such as the Philadelphia Flower Show, Longwood Gardens, and the Morris Arboretum, etc. 

Adjacent to our greenhouse is a large outdoor garden that is divided into separate “plots” where residents nurture and grow summer flowers and vegetables.  This garden, named “Plotter’s Field”, has been a Cathedral Village tradition since our first full summer in 1980.

Surrounding the greenhouse is a variety of gardens and attractions for our residents to enjoy.  We have a Healing Garden complete with a gazebo; a Zen Garden that inspires relaxation and contemplation; a Butterfly Garden that includes a beautiful rock waterfall; and two spectacular Pergolas. 

Since 2002, the Cathedral Village Greenhouse has submitted entries to the annual Philadelphia Flower Show.  Our entries have won numerous ribbons, including many blues.  Residents who have entered their own personal projects have also won multiple ribbons.