Nature Nook: Spring Session

Calling all little nature explorers! Join Celeste Sullivan and Rachel Warren at Scott Arboretum & Gardens for mornings full of singing, stories, crafts, and dancing. Each session is seasonally themed around nature and the garden. This program is designed for children ag......More

Calling all little nature explorers! Join Celeste Sullivan and Rachel Warren at Scott Arboretum & Gardens for mornings full of singing, stories, crafts, and dancing. Each session is seasonally themed around nature and the garden. This program is designed for children ages 2 to 4 years old.  Registration Cost: SOLD OUT Did you know a Family level membership to the Associates of the Scott Arboretum is only $55 and includes benefits for two adults and up to four children? Become a member of the Associates of the Scott Arboretum here.  Program Details Registration is required. Registration includes all 8 sessions. Class size is limited. Registration for members includes participation for up to 4 children and their caregivers.Registration for non-members includes one child and their caregivers. Sessions will start in the Wister Center with a story and craft, followed by a short walk to explore a garden.Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott Arboretum office at 610-328-8025. 

Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Garden Gallivant

Gallivant (verb): to go around from one place to another in the pursuit of pleasure or entertainment Celebrate Delco Gives with our Garden Gallivant fundraiser! Donate $10 or more to Scott Arboretum & Gardens to unlock 5 unique routes to gallivant around the gardens wit......More

Gallivant (verb): to go around from one place to another in the pursuit of pleasure or entertainment Celebrate Delco Gives with our Garden Gallivant fundraiser! Donate $10 or more to Scott Arboretum & Gardens to unlock 5 unique routes to gallivant around the gardens with friends and family. Plus, your donation will be MATCHED dollar for dollar by an anonymous donor, until we reach $2,000. Our walking routes include: The Fun Family StrollThe Accessible AmbleThe Dog-Friendly TourThe Heritage Tree TrekThe 21 Garden ChallengeIn-Person Participants: Drop in to the Wister Center at any time between 9am and noon on Saturday, May 3. Show proof of your $10+ Scott Arboretum & Gardens Delco Gives donation OR make a donation in person at the event. Then, choose one of our five unique walking routes and start gallivanting! In-person participants will also enjoy a fun contest and giveaways. Virtual Participants: Make a $10+ Scott Arboretum & Gardens 2025 Delco Gives donation online to receive an email with a PDF containing five unique walking routes to enjoy the next time you visit the Arboretum. You will also receive access to the extended cut of our 360 degree fall color tour at the Scott Arboretum & Gardens (no special equipment necessary). Donate Now About Delco Gives Day Delco Gives, hosted by The Foundation for Delaware County, is a community-wide celebration to support local nonprofits. In its inaugural year, 2024, the initiative achieved remarkable success—9,600 donors contributed over $1.7 million to nearly 300 nonprofits serving Delaware County. Building on this incredible momentum, we’re excited to make an even greater impact in 2025. Program Details: This event will be held in the Wister Center and surrounding gardens. All children must be accompanied by an adult.Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott office at 610-328-8025

Wister Center, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Tree Peony Tour

One of our first collections after our founding in 1929, tree peonies are gorgeous flowers that are a highlight every May. Enjoy the early evening ambiance while learning about the different types of tree peony hybrids in our collection from our horticulture staff. Gard......More

One of our first collections after our founding in 1929, tree peonies are gorgeous flowers that are a highlight every May. Enjoy the early evening ambiance while learning about the different types of tree peony hybrids in our collection from our horticulture staff. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all levels are welcome.  Register Now Program Details This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.Tours begin in front of the Scott offices (Cunningham House).The tour will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott Arboretum office at 610-328-8025

Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Members' Plant Exchange and Sale

Join us for this unique, fun, and sustainable plant shopping experience by exchanging plants from your garden for new plants brought by fellow members (must be a member of the Scott Associates to participate.) Learn all the details about the exchange and sale here.   Le......More

Join us for this unique, fun, and sustainable plant shopping experience by exchanging plants from your garden for new plants brought by fellow members (must be a member of the Scott Associates to participate.) Learn all the details about the exchange and sale here.   Learn more  

Wister Center, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Excursion: An Urban Garden Adventure: Little Island and The High Line

Enjoy an urban garden adventure to New York City this spring. Your first stop is Little Island , a breathtaking park built on a floating platform above the Hudson River. This green oasis is home to a carefully curated collection of lush gardens, diverse plantings, and v......More

Enjoy an urban garden adventure to New York City this spring. Your first stop is Little Island , a breathtaking park built on a floating platform above the Hudson River. This green oasis is home to a carefully curated collection of lush gardens, diverse plantings, and vibrant flowers. Wander through winding pathways and take in the spectacular views of the river and the city skyline, all while discovering a rich variety of horticulture, from native grasses to colorful blooms. After exploring Little Island, enjoy a leisurely lunch at Pier 57 , a modern waterfront space with diverse dining options offering stunning river views, or visit the bustling Chelsea Market for a delightful selection of artisanal foods and local treats. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and savor some of the best flavors NYC has to offer. After lunch, embark on a private tour of The High Line, an elevated urban park that has transformed a disused railway into a vibrant green space. Here, you’ll explore a blend of native plants, sculptures, and panoramic views of the city. Your expert guide will highlight The High Line’s unique horticulture and innovative design, offering insight into its creation and ecological significance. This day trip combines the best of nature, culture, and cuisine for an unforgettable experience. Travel by coach bus, driver gratuity, tour fees, snacks, and refreshments on the bus are all included in the price of this trip. Lunch will be on your own.  Accessibility: This excursion is wheelchair accessible contact us by April 14 to indicate wheelchair use. Participants must be able to traverse up to 2 miles at a leisurely pace. The bus will drop the group off at Little Island and return at the end of the day for pick up at Hudson Yards. Registration Cost: Members: $160Non-Members: $200 (includes a one-year Individual level membership to the Associates of Scott Arboretum & Gardens) Registration closes Wednesday, April 30. Register Now Become a member of the Associates to attend trips.  Important information about this event. Thank you for reading before registering: This trip is limited to 30 members of the Associates of the Scott Arboretum.Become a member here. Online payment is required to register. No checks or cash will be accepted.

Wister Center, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Green Roof Tour

Learn about the inner workings, benefits, sustainability, and beauty of green roofs at the Arboretum. A member of our horticulture staff will lead this exploration of one of the many green roofs on campus. All participants must be 18 or older. Register Now Program Detai......More

Learn about the inner workings, benefits, sustainability, and beauty of green roofs at the Arboretum. A member of our horticulture staff will lead this exploration of one of the many green roofs on campus. All participants must be 18 or older. Register Now Program Details This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.Tours begin in front of the Scott Arboretum offices (Cunningham House).The tour will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott Arboretum office at 610-328-8025

Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

In-Person Lunchtime Tour: May Highlights

Explore the beautiful blooms of the springtime garden on a tour led by our expert horticulture staff. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all levels are welcome. This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.  Register Now Program Details ......More

Explore the beautiful blooms of the springtime garden on a tour led by our expert horticulture staff. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all levels are welcome. This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.  Register Now Program Details Tours begin in front of the Scott Arboretum offices (Cunningham House).The tour will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott Arboretum office at 610-328-8025

Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Virtual Lunchtime Tour: Cunningham House Gardens

Take your lunch break virtually and explore the beauty of the gardens surrounding the Cunningham House. Explore the Scott Entrance Garden and the Terry Shane Teaching Garden in all its glory this spring with a guided tour from our horticultural staff.  Tune in on our Y......More

Take your lunch break virtually and explore the beauty of the gardens surrounding the Cunningham House. Explore the Scott Entrance Garden and the Terry Shane Teaching Garden in all its glory this spring with a guided tour from our horticultural staff.  Tune in on our YouTube channel.

Virtual Meeting

Peony Palooza

Presented in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Peony Society From big and blousy to delicate and dazzling, explore and appreciate the variety peonies add to spring! Bring the whole family to be inspired by the unique floral show. Children of all ages can create their ow......More

Presented in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Peony Society From big and blousy to delicate and dazzling, explore and appreciate the variety peonies add to spring! Bring the whole family to be inspired by the unique floral show. Children of all ages can create their own arrangement on Tuesday, May 20 from 3 to 6 pm. Enter Your Peonies into the Show! Do you grow your own peonies and want to show them off? Bring your peonies to Peony Palooza at Scott Arboretum & Gardens! There are multiple categories to which the public can submit entries, including cut peonies and floral arranging. Each category has a competitive (judged) and non-competitive (not judged) option.  Download Exhibitor Guide Watch Selecting Peony Blossoms for Competition Event Schedule Tuesday, May 20 1:00 – 7:00 pm Peony Show Open to Public 3:00 – 6:00 pm Make & Take Youth Peony Arranging Wednesday, May 21 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Peony Show Open to Public 3:00 pm Peony Garden Tour   Program Details:  This event is open to the public.Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott Arboretum office at 610-328-8025. 

Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Peony Palooza

Presented in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Peony Society From big and blousy to delicate and dazzling, explore and appreciate the variety peonies add to spring! Bring the whole family to be inspired by the unique floral show. Children of all ages can create their ow......More

Presented in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Peony Society From big and blousy to delicate and dazzling, explore and appreciate the variety peonies add to spring! Bring the whole family to be inspired by the unique floral show. Children of all ages can create their own arrangement on Tuesday, May 20 from 3 to 6 pm. Enter Your Peonies into the Show! Do you grow your own peonies and want to show them off? Bring your peonies to Peony Palooza at Scott Arboretum & Gardens! There are multiple categories to which the public can submit entries, including cut peonies and floral arranging. Each category has a competitive (judged) and non-competitive (not judged) option.  Download Exhibitor Guide Watch Selecting Peony Blossoms for Competition Event Schedule Tuesday, May 20 1:00 – 7:00 pm Peony Show Open to Public 3:00 – 6:00 pm Make & Take Youth Peony Arranging Wednesday, May 21 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Peony Show Open to Public 3:00 pm Peony Garden Tour   Program Details:  This event is open to the public.Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott Arboretum office at 610-328-8025. 

Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

In-Person Peony Tour

Explore Scott Arboretum & Gardens wide variety of peonies on this tour led by an expert horticulturist.  Gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all levels are welcome. Be sure to stop by the Wister Center before or after your tour to experience Peony Palooza [link], a peony......More

Explore Scott Arboretum & Gardens wide variety of peonies on this tour led by an expert horticulturist.  Gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all levels are welcome. Be sure to stop by the Wister Center before or after your tour to experience Peony Palooza [link], a peony flower exhibition presented in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Peony Society.  Register Now Program Details This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.Tours begin in front of the Scott offices (Cunningham House).The tour will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott Arboretum office at 610-328-8025

Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Rose Celebration

Celebrate one of summer’s most prized flowers with a free event for the whole family, including appreciating the beauty of the Dean Bond Rose Garden, learning about roses, enjoying live music, and more! 

Dean Bond Rose Garden, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States