“garden of ideas”
to sustain the body, enchant the eye, and soothe the spirit

Plan Your Visit

Find directions, information on parking, tours, and view an interactive map.

Creating Beauty through Garden Adversity

Every gardener operates within constraints; poor soil, a steep grade, unfortunate drainage, and unsightly views are just a few factors that may impede the pursuit of a great garden. In this talk, author Nicole Juday will share creative solutions employed by the most talented gardeners in our region, using examples that appear in her book Private Gardens of Philadelphia, with photos by Rob Cardillo.

Take a
Virtual Tour

Explore the gardens before you arrive. Explore by:

  • season
  • collections
  • gardens

Upcoming Events

Find a Plant with the Arboretum Explorer

Locate woody plants (shrubs & trees), dedicated benches, and campus amenities using our interactive map.

Sign Up for the Scott Arboretum Newsletter

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA, 19081, http://www.scottarboretum.org/. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Lunchtime Tour

Take a break and walk the garden grounds to see the Arboretum in bloom during every season.

From the Blog

  • Guest Author: Seamus Lewin, 2024 – 2025 Public Horticulture Intern Hylotelephium (syn. Sedum) telephium (Atropurpu...

    17 October, 2024

  • Melinus nerviglumis ‘Pink Crystals’ (ruby grass) I’m a sucker for any plant with silvery-green foliage and pink flowers,...

    14 October, 2024

  • Guest Author: Seamus Lewin, 2024 – 2025 Public Horticulture Intern Magnolia grandiflora ‘Victoria’ – souther...

    12 October, 2024

Support the Arboretum

Enjoy access to more horticultural lectures, unlimited access to our horticultural library (full of over 1,300 books and thousands of magazines and catalogs), as well as trips to other beautiful gardens across our globe by becoming a Scott Associate.