Scott Arboretum & Gardens

Arbor Day Tree Tour
2026-04-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
To celebrate Arbor Day, join us for an enriching, in-person tree tour led by a member of our horticulture staff. This guided walk will immerse you in the diverse world of trees, showcasing the beauty and unique characteristics of our collection. Whether you’re a tree enthusiast or just looking to learn something new, this tour offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and gain valuable insights from an expert.
Before your tour, stop by the Wister Center for our Arbor Day Celebration!
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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.

Tree Peony Tour
2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
One of our first collections after our founding in 1929 was tree peonies. These gorgeous flowers 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.
If you enjoy peonies, be sure to check out the American Peony Society Convention from May 2 – 5, hosted by the Mid Atlantic People 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.

Nature Nook: Spring Session
2026-05-01 11:00 - 11:45 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Calling all little nature explorers! Join 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 5 years old.

Registration Cost:
Members: Free
Non-Members: $50 for all eight sessions
ACCESS Cardholder: $2; call 610-328-8025 to register.
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.
Register Now
Program Details

Registration is required. Registration includes all eight sessions. Please note: there will be no class on April 24, 2026 in preparation for the Arbor Day Celebration on April 25.
Class size is limited.
Registration for members includes participation for up to four children and their caregivers.
Registration for non-members includes one child and their caregivers.
Siblings under 2 are welcome to attend at no additional charge.
Please list the child’s first name during registration.
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.

Art in the Garden: Youth and Family Workshop
2026-05-02 09:00 - 10:30 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Join Young Rembrandts at Scott Arboretum & Gardens for a fun morning of art and nature—a perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day! Each participant will design a beautiful flower creation using watercolor pencils while being immersed in the springtime garden. The workshop’s step-by-step guided instruction allows participants of all abilities to thrive in a collaborative environment. This program is open to children ages 5 and up with their caregiver.
Registration Cost:
Member: $20
Non-Member: $30
ACCESS Cardholder: $2; call 610-328-8025 to register.
Register Now
Program Details

This workshop is for participants ages 5 and up; no experience needed.
All children must be accompanied by a caregiver.
Registration is required for each child and adult participating.
Please include the first name of all participants during registration.
Registration includes all supplies.
Workshop limited to 24 people.
In case of inclement weather, this workshop will be held in the Wister Center.
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.

About ACCESS
Scott Arboretum & Gardens proudly participates in the Art-Reach ACCESS program. Pennsylvania ACCESS/EBT cardholders, and Art-Reach ACCESS cardholders may receive $2 tickets for the cardholder and up to three guests. This discount may not be valid for special events or sold out events, or combined with other discount offers. Visitors must show their ACCESS card and valid photo ID on the day of the program. For more information about the ACCESS program, please visit art-reach.org/access.

Members’ Plant Exchange and Sale
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
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.

Centre County in Bloom Trip
2026-05-11 - 2026-05-13 | Wister Center, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Discover Centre County’s beauty with the Scott Associates! Explore gardens, peonies, and Penn State’s celebrated Arboretum with Scott Arboretum & Gardens staff.
Check out the complete itinerary here.
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Become a member of the Associates to attend trips.
Important information about this event. Thank you for reading before registering.

Online payment is required to register. No checks or cash will be accepted.
This trip is limited to 30 members of the Associates of the Scott Arboretum.

Become a member here.

Green Roof Tour
2026-05-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
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.

Rose Celebration
2026-05-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Dean Bond Rose Garden, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
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!

Woody Plant Conference
2026-07-17 09:00 - 16:30 | Lang Performing Arts Center, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Mark your calendars for the 28th annual Woody Plant Conference at Scott Arboretum & Gardens. This popular, day-long conference focuses on great woody plants for the Mid-Atlantic region and how to use them in the landscape.
This conference is co-sponsored by Chanticleer, Longwood Gardens, the Morris Arboretum & Gardens, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and the Scott Arboretum & Gardens.
The conference is ideal for professionals in the horticulture and landscape field, and avid gardeners.
Learn More
