The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, also known as the Magic Gardens, is a stunning horticultural display located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Spanning over 92 acres, this enchanting garden showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the world. With its origins dating back to the late 19th century, the Magic Gardens have evolved into a premier destination for nature lovers, botanists, and art enthusiasts alike. The arboretum offers visitors a unique experience, combining the beauty of nature with artistic displays and sculptures. One of the highlights of the Magic Gardens is the stunning Japanese Tea House and Garden. This tranquil oasis features a traditional tea house surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens, complete with ponds, bridges, and moss-covered paths.
Every guest's wristband will also include a "unique identifier" to provide event staff with the guest's emergency contact information, said Engineering and Wharton junior EJ Murphy, who directs LW Productions' Partnerships and Talent Team.
Beyond the fact that some of the members of the team, myself included, are Psi Upsilon brothers, there is no affiliation between the event and Psi Upsilon, said Hammond, who is the LW Productions director. After a public outcry that resulted in an outpouring of community support and donations, the nonprofit organization Philadelphia s Magic Gardens was formed to purchase and maintain the grounds.
This tranquil oasis features a traditional tea house surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens, complete with ponds, bridges, and moss-covered paths. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere while learning about the ancient art of tea ceremonies. Another must-see attraction at the Magic Gardens is the Out on a Limb exhibit.
Flaming marshmallow lawsuit dropped against Castle, prompts Magic Gardens event to return
Psi Upsilon, also known as Castle, is located on 36th and Locust Streets.
A negligence lawsuit suing Penn's chapter of Psi Upsilon, commonly known as Castle, has been dropped after a Penn alumna alleged that she was severely burned by a large, flaming marshmallow at a 2017 Halloween party. The party, known as Magic Gardens, will return in April after operations were suspended because of the suit.
2018 Nursing graduate Jessica Davis sued Castle for negligence in September 2018 after she was allegedly severely harmed at the "Magic Gardens Halloween" party on Oct. 27, 2017 at an off-campus venue at 5126 Warren St.
Three Penn students and fraternity members were named in the suit, including 2018 College and Engineering graduate Vadim Ordovsky-Tanaevsky, Wharton senior Patrick Lobo, and Engineering junior Edmund Hammond. Penn's Psi Upsilon chapter, the Psi Upsilon national office, and the landlord of the party venue were also listed as co-defendants.
Davis, the complaint states, was standing near an unmonitored fire pit wearing a shirt with an open back. A party guest, who was drunk, was roasting a marshmallow and shook the stick, causing the marshmallow to adhere to Davis's back.
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The incident, Davis claimed, resulted in permanent scarring. She contended that her injury could have been prevented if the fraternity provided adequate supervision to protect the approximately 1,000 students partying and drinking near open flames.
The lawsuit was dismissed soon after it was filed, Thomas Fox, executive director of Psi Upsilon's international office, wrote in an email to The Daily Pennsylvanian. After the lawsuit was filed on Sept. 19, 2018, Davis' lawyer submitted a request to dismiss the lawsuit on Sept. 28, 2018.
Davis and her lawyer, Kevin Clancy Boylan, who works for the personal injury firm Morgan & Morgan, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Hammond said he has not been contacted by the parties who filed the lawsuit since its dismissal and the fraternity was not given a reason why the case was dropped.
This semester, Magic Gardens will be hosted by LW Productions, a Penn student-run LLC composed of Castle members and non-affiliated students, on April 12 during the week of Spring Fling, Hammond said. It will be the first Magic Gardens event held since the 2017 Spring Fling party and will be hosted separately from the fraternity. The Magic Gardens party had been held consecutively since Spring Fling 2016.
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"Beyond the fact that some of the members of the team, myself included, are Psi Upsilon brothers, there is no affiliation between the event and Psi Upsilon," said Hammond, who is the LW Productions director. "Since reviving the event from last year, I have made sure that the two entities are completely separate. We run Magic Gardens as a professional event separate from any one particular fraternity."
The planners will also be taking more precautions this semester to ensure the safety of attendees, Hammond said, adding that the party will have an EMT stationed at the venue and increased security.
Every guest's wristband will also include a "unique identifier" to provide event staff with the guest's emergency contact information, said Engineering and Wharton junior EJ Murphy, who directs LW Productions' Partnerships and Talent Team.
Psi Upsilon, also known as Castle, is located on 36th and Locust Streets.
This elevated walkway takes visitors on a journey through the treetops, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding gardens. It's an excellent opportunity to observe the diverse array of plant life and wildlife that call the arboretum home. In addition to its natural beauty, the Magic Gardens also serve as a hub for arts and cultural events. The arboretum hosts various art exhibitions, workshops, and concerts throughout the year, allowing visitors to engage with both nature and the arts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, a place to admire stunning horticulture, or an opportunity to connect with the arts, the Magic Gardens at the University of Pennsylvania offer a truly magical experience. It's a place where nature and creativity come together to create a unique and enchanting atmosphere..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Beauty of UPenn's Magical Gardens"
- John - 2/5 stars - The Magic Gardens in Upenn is a disappointment. The entrance fee is ridiculously high for what it offers. The garden is not well-maintained, and the walls are crumbling apart. It looks like a construction site rather than a magical garden. The art installations are chaotic and confusing, with no clear theme or meaning. Overall, it is not worth the hype and the money.
- Sarah - 1/5 stars - I had high expectations for the Magic Gardens at Upenn, but I left feeling utterly disappointed. The entire place was extremely crowded, and there were long queues everywhere. The gardens themselves lacked coherence and seemed like a random mishmash of broken glass and trash. The artwork was difficult to appreciate due to the large crowds and the cramped spaces. Additionally, the entry fee was exorbitant for what you get. I would not recommend wasting your time and money on this so-called "magic" garden.
- Mark - 2/5 stars - The Magic Gardens at Upenn were not as magical as I had hoped. The whole place felt overcrowded and chaotic. The walls were covered in graffiti, and it seemed more like a garbage dump than a garden. The art installations were haphazardly placed and lacked any real artistic value. It is clear that the overall maintenance of the place is severely lacking. I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a serene and peaceful garden experience.