Magical Bucks County Garden Sanctuary Closes In Solebury

SOLEBURY TOWNSHIP, PA — Paxson Hill Farm Nursery and Gardens, one of the most unique, magical, and beautiful places to visit in Bucks County, has closed its doors ending decades of operation on Comfort Road.

In a Facebook posting earlier this month, the executors of the property posted, "We are closed and will post the dates of our estate sale, which will be at the beginning of March when they're confirmed.”

Nestled in scenic Solebury Township, the country estate was owned by David McShane who served as president of the garden and landscaping business. He passed away in June 2023 at the age of 82.

The garden property, also known as “never, never land,” was implemented and designed by Bruce Gangawer and includes 30-acres of imaginative landscapes. Its numerous gardens are full of rare and unusual perennials, annuals, shrubs, dwarf and miniature conifers and trees, streams, elaborate ponds, a large hedge maze, and even a Hobbit House.

The closure announcement generated more than 250 comments on the farm's social media page with some reminiscing about past trips to the garden and others wanting to help save it.

“I am so sad to see this,” wrote one fan of the garden. “Paxson Hill was one of my favorite places to visit in the area. I loved the magical gardens, seeing how they bloomed and changed throughout the year. The art collection was great and whimsical. And the variety of plants at the nursery was amazing. Many were hard to find elsewhere. I'm sorry the business could not continue.”

“This is heartbreaking,” wrote another. “My family loves your garden so much and it’s been a special part of my kids’ childhoods. Will the animals still have a home — do they have anywhere to go? And all the beautiful plants and art and design!!”

(Paxson Hill Farm Nursery and Gardens)

Another wrote, “This is terrible news. Your property was a sanctuary of good vibes and beautiful nature. Thank you for sharing your beauty with so many.”

One poster asked, “What can we do as a community do to help??? Go fund me? Protest? Petition? There are so many of us that love you. We are behind you. Please let us know.”

The executors wrote back, “It's not up for sale yet. What happens to it will depend on who buys it … We need a buyer who's willing to keep it as a public garden.”