The Reading Public Museum Arboretum
The Reading Public Museum Arboretum covers 25 acres of carefully maintained natural beauty. The Arboretum is an accredited station for the United States Bureau of Plant Industry. Many of the 65 distinctive specimens in the park today are from the original planting in the late 1920s.
The Wyomissing Creek flows through the arboretum providing a peaceful ambiance for walking along the many paths in this park.
To ensure that future generations can enjoy the RPM arboretum, take only photos and leave nothing but footprints during your visit!
A self-guided tour map, highlighted with special areas to visit, will be available to aid in your enjoyment of the Arboretum.
 
The Garden Club of Reading Friendship Garden and Garden of Remembrance
located at the Reading Public Museum Arboretum, across Wyomissing Creek, these perennial gardens were created by The Garden Club of Reading beginning in 1983 on the site of a former peony garden. The original 50' x 75' Friendship Garden was completed in 1984 and features a wide variety of perennials for season-long bloom. In 1996, a second garden—the Garden of Remembrance—was added above the original, funded in part by a memorial donation and enhanced with stone seating.
Over the years, members have maintained the gardens through irrigation challenges, storm and accident damage, and ongoing improvements. These gardens are enjoyed by museum visitors, walkers, hospital visitors, and those celebrating special life events. The club has received numerous state and national awards for its work. Founded in 1965, The Garden Club of Reading promotes gardening, conservation, and community enrichment. During the garden tour, our members will be happy to answer your questions about the gardens and the perennial plants. Our Botanical Arts and Crafts Group will have handmade botanical items for sale—please visit our pop-up tent.
 
Stacey Brown & Amy Kline
Tucked into a suburban neighborhood, explore a unique landscape where boulders, water features, lush ferns, native plants, and a beautiful Magnolia tree set the scene. Wander through the sensory garden, enjoy whimsical art, and discover raised vegetable beds and iris patches planted in memory of loved ones. Pause at the side deck for a panoramic view, but please be mindful of elevation changes as you stroll. Rest in the gazebo by the swim spa and take the time to read the poetry created among the pebbles. If you feel inspired, leave behind your own tangle of words. The pockets of vegetation and artwork extend from boulder walls to the end of the wooden rails - inviting you to experience every corner. Today you can also enjoy several local artisans displaying their creations. Items will be on sale, cash or check only.
 
Laura and Gary Seibert
Laura and Gary moved to Rimby Way 11 years ago and the property was overgrown with trees. The one third acre lot has been constantly undergoing changes and growth since then. This garden is Laura’s labor of love. In 2021 it was featured in Berks County Living Magazine as a Backyard Oasis. Laura’s friends agree with that and visit often! It has been designed to be a place to work, a place to entertain, and a place to rest. The area is broken into many different environments, not only for people but for pets and nature as well. There are ponds, waterfalls, decks, firepits, raised beds, and even a greenhouse. Laura loves vegetable gardening and practices succession planting. There is always something ready to be picked in the raised beds. Though Laura is the gardener, her husband Gary is the architect. His eye for design has created so much interest. They look forward to your visit on this tour. 

Jean Seelig and Diane Vottero
Over the 12 years that Jean & Diane have cared for this property, they have become devoted gardeners, learning the processes necessary to create a healthy flourishing environment. They practice thoughtful gardening techniques, suited to each plant species, while exploring design ideas and creative plant combinations, with an increasing focus on selecting native species. In late spring of 2025, a professional native garden designer was engaged to transform a grassy plot along the north side of the building. Be sure to walk through what was once an essentially barren area, now evolved into a small but diverse native garden sanctuary. As you wander through the garden, markers will help you locate features such as the forest garden, the hosta bed interplanted with a grid of Pennsylvania Bluestone, Lucy's Garden (dedicated to a dear friend), and the miniature plant bed beneath the native dogwood tree. Numerous plant tags are provided to help you identify individual plant species around the garden. Jean & Diane will be available to answer any questions you may have. Please relax and enjoy the ambience of the gardens. You're also welcome to enter the interior foyer at the front of the house to take a peek at the atrium and their Foo Dog, a Chinese symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Maria and Dennis DiCecco
Maria and Dennis welcome you to their outdoor living space where the sights, sounds and fragrances allow one to relax and separate from the stress of the world around us and to enjoy nature’s beauty. Stroll the curved walks and pathways, both in sun and shade, to view the tapestry of natural beauties. This includes trees, perennials, and annuals which are intertwined with handcrafted artisan works inspired by the natural features of the landscape. Observe the collage of colors of green, burgundy, yellow, and blue, along with leaf variegation and the variety of textures as they all pull together. Enjoy the view of the verdant green against the azure sky as your eyes follow the natural tree canopies over the deck. Relax in the gazebo's quiet atmosphere, gentle breeze, and background music. Inhale the fragrances of the blooming florals while listening to the soothing sounds of our wildlife residents. Maria and Dennis hope their garden inspires you. Thanks for visiting!

Esbenshades Garden Center and Greenhouse, Mohnton
Esbenshade’s is your full-service garden center offering professional gardening advice and information, as well as new, unusual and hard-to-find plants every season of every year. Here at Esbenshade's, we grow our own, so you know you're getting the best quality and selection at the best price! Starting in the glorious days of spring, our greenhouses are filled with over 500 varieties of beautiful annuals and over 2,000 varieties of perennials, herbs and vegetables. Our fully stocked greenhouses and nurseries have a large selection of annuals, perennials, hanging plants, vegetables, trees, and shrubs. We carry houseplants, succulents, and a wide variety of products to help you get started with container gardening. If there's something you can't find or maybe you have a question on planting, just ask. We're here to help you make your gardening project a success. Visit us online at www.esbenshades.com