There’s no better way to shake off the proverbial cobwebs than by breathing in fresh oxygen from some green and blooming beauties. Even if it’s not gardening season, we recommend finding all the verdant life your heart desires in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania at Ott’s Exotic Plants. Why not make a day of it and enjoy a refreshing meal at the Lederach Tea Room? Here’s what our dream “let’s flood our brains with nature-inspired serotonin” adventure looks like:
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Whether you’ve been going to Ott’s since you were a wee one or you’ve never heard of this perfect plant land, if you enjoy a day spent among nature’s bounty, this place is a must. It’s like visiting a fancy botanical garden with all of the beauty and no admission fee. You’ll find a vast variety of plants and flowers at this century-old spot, without any of the extraneous artifice you may find at the usual high-end plant purveyor.
Open every day but Christmas, this garden wonderland is owned and operated by Godfrey Ott and his family. The greenhouse and attached gingerbread-like stone building were built in 1964 when Ott’s Exotic Plants opened as a retail business. You’ll even find a giant conservatory reaching a towering 50 feet on the Ott property.
On site, make your first stop the enormous greenhouse and feel the cathartic power of the humid air. You’ll be greeted by big green hanging ferns and giant, beautiful potted plants. Travel into the back room where, from afar, it may look like your usual garden center with ready-to-purchase plants in nice rows. But, take a step closer and examine all of the different and unique textures and shapes of these plants. They’re well taken care of, and they’re just so, so green.
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You’ll want to spend some time among all of the exotic plants Ott’s has to offer, like banana plants, citrus plants and loads of succulent varieties. Take your time! You’ve carved out the whole day, right?
Then, head toward the conservatory, which houses a waterfall with a walkway above it, a fish pond, full grown palm trees, and even more stunning ferns.
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Experience the beauty of the pond from above, as you explore higher into the conservatory along the elevated walkway. You’ll also be able to get up close and personal with those palm trees’ leaves.
Godfrey, his family and their team are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. After just one conversation, you can tell they love what they do. The Ott family is friendly and eager to help you find just what you’re looking for.
There is a truly unique beauty at Ott’s that just can’t be described.
Ott’s is not just an attraction, but also a place to get all of your gardening needs, like pots and soil, with acres of additional greenhouses filled with annuals, perennials, herbs, bonsai and more.
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And, if you visit in the spring and summer, we encourage you to go back to Ott’s again in the fall to experience “Mum Mountain,” an incredible display of color made entirely of mums. You can even walk to the top of the mountain for a beautiful photo opp and to see the entire Ott property. It just screams Instagram!
Once you have your fill of fun at Ott’s, make your way to the Lederach Tea Room, a quick three miles down the road. And, surprise: It’s much more than just tea!
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From eggs, omelets and fritattas, to sandwiches, grinders and burgers, Lederach has something for everyone in your day-trip crew. We can’t stop thinking about the pressed and grilled Cuban with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and mayo.
Yes, the Lederach Tea Room does have tea, too. And, in addition to the long list of teas, it also has an impressive list of handcrafted beverages like the Pineapple Bay Breeze — tangy orange juice with a splash of cranberry and pineapple juices and a hint of coconut — or a traditional Arnold Palmer made with unsweetened iced tea and fresh lemonade.
Before you stop in, check the hours, as Lederach Tea Room isn’t open every day or for long hours.
- Tuesday through Saturday: 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Breakfast served until 11 a.m.
- Lunch served 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Sunday 7 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Breakfast served all day
Plan your trip and spend the day in Schwenksville to witness the beauty of Ott’s and to taste the simple deliciousness of Lederach Tea Room.
Ott’s Exotic Plants is located at 861 Gravel Pike in Schwenksville; phone: (610) 287-7878.
Lederach Tea Room is located at 701 Cross Rd. in Lederach; phone: (215) 256-9161.
- Feature Image: Pexels
