St. Luke’s Arboretum & Gardens

St. Luke’s Arboretum & Gardens of St. Luke’s University Health Network was created in 2020 to build relationships between plants, people, and the community. It serves as a tranquil space for patients, visitors, and staff to enjoy nature, relax, and find solace. The arboretum is filled with a diverse collection of trees, plants, walking paths and benches to create a peaceful environment conducive to healing and well-being. St. Luke’s Arboretum blankets approximately 92 acres around St. Luke’s Anderson Campus. 56-acres are designated to seasonal flowers which include cosmos, canola, crimson clover.  The most popular flower field is the 8-acre sunflower field which blooms every late summer.  

Our tree section is showcased in the wooded areas.  It contains plants and trees that are all native to Pennsylvania, including Fringe trees, Native Magnolia, Serviceberry, Hackberry, Black Gum and many naturally growing Sycamore and Oak trees.  The arboretum includes both a Maple and Oak section. Other notable trees include Sagu Kaku Maple, Katsura, Beech, Stewartia and a host of naturally grown Red Cedars. The tree section surrounds the 56 acres of flowers and has sections off the main walking trial where you can venture off into either wooded sections or grass meadows.  The wooded areas contain all native plants and trees to Pennsylvania.  We have planted Fringe trees, Native Magnolia’s, Serviceberry, Hackberry, Black Gum.  The woods are also loaded with many naturally grown Sycamores and Oak trees. The arboretum includes both Maple and Oak sections.  These sections were planted in large circles. In the middle of the tree circles, we grow wildflowers.   The Maple section contains 12 different Maple tree variety’s while the Oak section has 8 different types of Oak trees. Other notable trees include Sagu Kaku Maple, Katsura’s, Beech trees, Stewartia and a host of naturally grown Red Cedars.

In the process of creating the Arboretum we discovered a very old lime kiln and created trials that allow you to view it.  Along the back section of the main walking path you have a very elevated view of the Lehigh River and many wooded areas to view or explore.  Finally, for people to relax and enjoy the view there are Adirondack chairs at many interesting locations and a table we made from giant boulders. The Arboretum has and will continue to provide enjoyment and wellbeing to our community.  It is open to all and there are many people that use it and have voiced their appreciation for our project.

The St. Luke’s Arboretum is open to the public and welcomes everyone to relax and enjoy the view!