The Garden Lover’s Guide to Chestnut Hill

The moment you step foot in Chestnut Hill, you know you’re in Philadelphia’s Garden District. The urban enclave is an oasis of green, with pocket parks throughout the historic shopping district. All around you’ll discover colorful blooms and home gardens with mega curb appeal – and did we mention the Hill is home to the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, filled with acres of rare and beautiful trees?

There’s no doubt you’ll be inspired to update your own home hideaway from the indoors out. Lucky for you, Chestnut Hill’s main street has an abundance of shops that offer all the makings of your dream house, from the front porch to the back patio.

Plant Happy

Mark your calendar for the annual Chestnut Hill Home & Garden Festival on May 3 (rain date: May 17) when more than 150 home and garden vendors line historic Germantown Avenue. This springtime tradition is your ultimate opportunity to browse and buy flowering baskets, heirloom vegetables, handmade furniture and home design essentials. Throughout the growing season, head to Laurel Hill Gardens for plants aplenty, from annual and perennial flowers to tropicals and indoor succulents. If you don’t have a green thumb, pick from the garden center’s gorgeous pre-planted containers.

For fresh-cut flowers year-round, visit co-op food market Weavers Way, which also sells bulbs and plants to spring-start your garden. While strolling the Avenue, make sure to stop in old-fashioned corner store Kilian Hardware. This neighborhood staple has every homeware and tool you could ever need, including gardening gloves for you to wear while you dig into your outdoor projects!

Patio Paradise

Look to Tallulah & Bird Interior Design for beautiful yet functional exterior design and landscaping. Whether you have a small urban space or a big lawn with a pool, the studio’s innovative team will help you turn your yard into your happy place.

The perfect patio calls for stylish (and comfortable) outdoor furniture – and the new Summer Classics in Chestnut Hill is just the place to find it. The store is known for luxury furnishings, with styles ranging from vintage rattan to contemporary coastal. When your space is ready for outdoor entertaining, a trip to Kitchen Kapers is a must. Choose patterned serving bowls, pick out a durable grill apron and tongs, or buy a new baking dish for your fresh berry pie.

Home Makeover

The Hill is also a hot spot for indoor design and décor. HOST Interiors caters to all tastes, modern or traditional, with custom upholstery and furnishings designed to reflect your personal style. Designers on staff guide you through the process of choosing colors and fabrics that will make you feel at home. To make old furniture new again, make an appointment at nearby business The Perfect Stitch, which has been doing premium custom upholstery for more than 45 years!

Whether finishing your master suite or updating your kitchen, let Glenna Stone Interior Design take the lead on re-envisioning your room. The full-service firm has a knack for crafting spaces that are inviting, polished and perfect for each customer. Put the finishing touches on your abode with accents from Tailored Home, including rugs and tapestries, designer dishware and the luxurious bedding you’ve always wanted.

Explore more businesses on the Hill (including the top spots for arts and antiques) with all of our Insider’s Guides.