Beloved Campus Spot Renamed the Marshall Garden Grotto
By Katie DuBoff
On October 8, 2024, Rosemont students, faculty, staff, and friends celebrated the dedication of the revitalized garden grotto adjacent to the Kistler Memorial Library during the College’s annual Heritage Week. Thanks to the generosity of alumna and former Board of Trustees member, Ann Marshall ’66, the beloved garden has been beautifully restored after a year-long renovation. The space has been renamed the Marshall Garden Grotto in her honor, recognizing her pivotal role in its transformation.
New Marshall Garden Grotto
The Marshall Garden Grotto is now a serene space for reflection, thanks to extensive renovations that included removing invasive plant species, introducing native flora, repairing walkways, and installing new handrails.
Ann Marshall, a landscape designer with an Associate of Science degree in Landscape Design from Temple University, spearheaded the revitalization project. With over 10 years of experience running her own business, Ann Marshall Landscape Designs, Marshall’s expertise was central to reclaiming the overgrown garden and restoring it to its former glory.
“When Jim [Cawley, President of Rosemont College] asked me last summer if I would be interested in reclaiming the Grotto from the weeds and vines that had totally obscured it, I said, ‘I thought you’d never ask!’ said Marshall. “The area was so overwhelmingly overgrown that there was little sunlight, and much poison ivy. Many younger Board members, alumni, and students had no idea this space even existed.”
Grotto Comes Alive
The restoration began in September of 2023 with clearing out harmful Ampelopsis vines (Porcelain Berry), which Lower Merion Township requires to be removed because of their classification as noxious weeds. Alongside a professional landscaping team, Marshall removed the invasive plants, cut down dying trees, and introduced more sunlight to the garden.
Marshall and her team also salvaged many of the garden’s original Rhododendrons and Azaleas. From spring to early summer 2024, they planted native species and removed stumps obstructing the garden. Marshall also hired a mason to replace cracked walkways and a metalsmith to install new handrails, ensuring the space is accessible and safe for visitors.
“In all this time spent working on the garden, I’ve had the privilege of seeing students drawn to this space—singing quietly with a guitar, studying with professors, and even taking naps on the benches,” Marshall added, who served on Rosemont’s Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2023. “This grotto has returned to what so many of us remember—a protected shelter where one can commune with nature.”
A Serene Sanctuary
Rosemont College President Jim Cawley expressed his gratitude for Marshall’s contributions.
“On behalf of the entire Rosemont community, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Ann Marshall for her incredible generosity in restoring the beautiful Grotto Garden. This revitalized space will serve as a place of reflection, connection, and inspiration for our students, faculty, and staff for years to come. Ann’s gift not only honors the legacy of Rosemont but also enhances the spirit of community that makes our campus so special.”
The Marshall Garden Grotto is now a testament to the enduring sense of community and dedication that defines Rosemont College. As a peaceful retreat in the heart of campus, the space will continue to foster connection and reflection for generations to come.
