Philp Memorial Garden
The P. Robert Philp Memorial Garden is a beautiful woodland collection of ericaceous plants on our campus that honors the late Percy Robert “Bob” Philp, Sr. Follow the ridge-line as you journey west from our entrance, and you will come upon this sanctuary of stunning blooms. Ericaceous plants are those in the Heather Family (Ericaceae) that thrive in moist, well-drained acidic soils. Rhododendrons (such as azaleas), mountain laurels, and blueberries are some local examples of this beautiful broadleaf family.
The Philp Memorial Garden began its journey in 1982. Landscape architect Thomas Kane helped develop a master plan for the park, which included a woodland area designated for shrubs of the Ericaceae family. Unfortunately, this area was overgrown with invasive species and young trees at the time. Through a massive effort, staff and volunteers began to remove the swathe of honeysuckle, privet, and saplings in 1992. Although the work was slow and tedious, the planting area was revealed bit by bit. Once the grounds were ready, we learned of Olin Holsomback’s dilemma—his lifetime rhododendron garden was about to be displaced by the Chattanooga-Chickamauga Battlefield Bypass! Through his kind heart and donations from Joe Schild, these ericaceous plants found a new home on our property with a temporary stay in Jump Field. Not too long after, the shrubs were relocated into the designated woodland garden for heathers.
Portrait of Bob and Katherine Philp
On April 30th, 1995, the garden was dedicated as the Philp Memorial Garden to honor Percy Robert “Bob” Philp, Sr., a special person from our community. He was a dearly respected citizen of Chattanooga known for his generosity and kind spirit. He was a civic leader, supporter of the arts, and banker. As an avid outdoorsman, Mr. Philp was often seen hiking the trails at Reflection Riding. He lived in Chattanooga for only six years before passing away in June 1993. Katherine Philp and her two children, Bob Philp, Jr. and Clara Philp, dedicated the garden as a family memorial because they believed our campus was the appropriate place.
“I think it is a wonderful tribute to him,” said Bob Philp, Jr. “Reflection Riding was a very special place for him. He ran the trails frequently in that area and really enjoyed that entire part of the mountain.”
Piedmont Azalea (Rhododendron canescens) blooming in the Philp Garden!
Since its dedication, the plants in the Philp Memorial Garden have grown and established with each passing year. The previous groundskeeper of Reflection Riding, Charlie Tucker, explained the garden as a collection of many native ericaceous shrubs found in the Eastern United States. These are the Rhododendron species represented in the Philp Garden: Smooth Azalea (R. arborescens), Florida Azalea (R. austrinum), Flame Azalea (R. calendulaceum), Piedmont Azalea (R. canescens), Catawba Rhododendron (R. catawbiense), Gray Rhododendron (R. chapmanii), Cumberland Azalea (R. cumberlandense), Pinxterbloom Azalea (R. periclymenoides), Rosebay Rhododendron (R. maximum), Carolina Rhododendron (R. minus), and Pinkshell Azalea (R. vaseyi).
On May 12, 2024th, the Philp Memorial Garden was rededicated by Father Perry Scruggs from Sewanee, TN, at our annual Brunch & Blooms event. Through this collaborative effort, we will celebrate the Philp family’s legacy by preserving the garden for many years to come. With the generosity of our donors and supporters, the ericaceous plants will bloom forevermore. If you would like to support our Philp Garden, please donate here and indicate you would like to give towards the garden on the donation form.
The Philp Memorial Garden is meant to be a peaceful sanctuary for reflection and meditation. “My hope is it will be an inspirational place,” said Katherine Philp. We invite you to join us in tranquility and explore the beauty of nature.
