Did you know that one of the world’s most complex and acclaimed greenhouses was located here in West Philly?

Come tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m. to the Woodlands Cemetery (4000 Woodland Ave.) for the unveiling and discussion of archeological findings by Sarah Chesney, a PhD candidate at The College of William and Mary who specializes in early American greenhouses. Since 2009 Chesney has been exploring the site of a carriage shed that was once the location of William Hamilton’s prized greenhouse and hothouse complex.

Hamilton (1745-1813) was a botanist and an avid collector of exotic plants who brought many species of trees, including the gingko, to America. His greenhouse complex is said to have contained over 10,000 rare and exotic plants and attracted visitors from all over the world.

Chesney and her team will be showing some interesting items that they discovered during their research, including a previously-unknown brick cistern, a large midden (trash pit), and a partial brick foundation.

The event is free and open to the public. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the talk. There will also be an opportunity for self guided tour of the cemetery. For more information contact The Woodlands at: info [at] woodlandsphila.org or call 215-386-2181.