Scott Arboretum & Gardens

Fungi Fest: Entangled Life: A Conversation with Merlin Sheldrake
2026-10-01 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Science Center 101, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, 19081, United States
Join Scott Arboretum & Gardens and Swarthmore College for an engaging conversation between mycologist and author Merlin Sheldrake and Pennsylvania State Conservation Mycologist Hannah Huber, as they explore the hidden world of fungi and their essential roles in ecosystems, from shaping soil health and plant communities to forming vast, interconnected mycelial networks beneath our feet. Drawing on themes from Sheldrake’s book Entangled Life, the discussion will weave together cutting-edge mycology, conservation perspectives, and the surprising ways fungi influence biodiversity, resilience, and climate systems. The program will conclude with a live audience Q&A, offering the opportunity for deeper conversation with the speakers.
This talk is part of the Cooper Series at Swarthmore College, a curated program of public events funded by the William J. Cooper Foundation to bring world-renowned artists, scholars and leaders from various fields to campus to engage with students and the broader community.
Before the talk, explore the fascinating world of fungi at a discovery table in the SCI 101 Lobby, hosted by the Philadelphia Mycology Club. Copies of Entangled Life will also be available for purchase through the Campus & Community Store from 5–6 PM.
The evening will conclude with a dessert reception.
No registration is required for this event.
Program Details

This event is free.
This event will take place in Science Center 101. From 500 College Ave, follow the Scott Arboretum logo signs to the Whittier parking lot.
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

Nature Nook Fall Session
2026-10-02 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-10-09 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-10-23 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-10-30 10:00 - 10:45 | Wister Center, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Calling all little nature explorers! Join us 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 with a caregiver.
Registration Cost:
Members: Free
Non-Members: $55
ACCESS Cardholder: $2; call 610-328-8025 to register.
The registration cost for non-members includes a one-year family membership to the Associates of Scott Arboretum & Gardens. Learn about membership here.
SOLD OUT
Program Details

Registration is required and includes all 6 sessions.
Class size is limited.
Please note there is no class on 9/18 or 10/16, but families are still welcome to come explore the Arboretum.
Registration includes participation for up to 4 children and up to 2 caregivers.
Sessions will start in the Wister Center with a story and craft, followed by a short walk to explore a garden.
Scholarships funded by The Abby Outdoor Initiative, Inc., a Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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.

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 3 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-Only Tour: Patriotic Plants
2026-10-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Join us for an exclusive members-only tour exploring plants with patriotic roots with one of our horticulturists. Celebrate America’s semiquincentennial by learning about these unique plants that have shaped our landscape for decades.
Celebrate America 250 with this special members-only tour.
Become a member of the Scott Associates to attend this tour!
Register Here
Program Details

This members-only event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
The tour will depart from the Cunningham House.
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

Scott Associates’ Garden Day
2026-10-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Drive on Your Own
See glorious gardens created and maintained by gardeners like you at the Scott Associates’ Garden Day. Stroll through gardens in Media to be inspired, learn about plant combinations, and get gardening tips. This is a great opportunity to see firsthand how gardens grow in the greater Philadelphia area. Admission is free for members of the Associates of the Scott Arboretum & Gardens.
Scott Associates will be mailed the Garden Day booklet in September with complete details.
This program is part of the Delco ARTS Week celebration. A celebration of gardening as art.
Program Details

Admission is free for members; non-members can purchase tickets for $25 for adults and $15 for children.
Tickets and Garden Day booklets are available during the event at each garden and 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 Arboretum office at 610-328-8025.

2026 Quaker Roots: Horticultural Connections with the Friends Tour
2026-10-14 12:00 - 13:00 | McCabe Library, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, 19081
Stewardship of the earth is a core tenet of Quakerism, which has led to many local and global connections between the Arboretum’s plant collection and Quakers. Join Jordan Landes, Curator of the Friends Historical Library at Swarthmore College and Tony Aiello, Associate Director, Horticulture to explore the stories of horticulturists, gardens, and plant specimens through the lens of the Friends.
Celebrate America 250 with this special Quaker roots tour.
Register Here
Program Details

This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
This tour will begin in front of McCabe Library.
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

Perennial Plant Conference
2026-10-16 09:00 - 16:00 | Lang Performing Arts Center, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
The Perennial Plant Conference was started in 1983 to bring together locally, nationally, and internationally recognized experts on perennials for a day-long conference with an educational focus. This year’s conference features presentations about deer-resistant design, super tough native plants, design process and challenges, cut-flower perennials, gardens as social infrastructure, and the design of herbaceous plantings.
This conference is co-sponsored by Chanticleer, Longwood Gardens, Hardy Plant Society/Mid-Atlantic Group, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and Scott Arboretum & Gardens.
Visit www.perennialplantconference.org to learn about the topics, presenters, and to register.
Learn More

Peony Dig & Divide Event
2026-10-18 12:00 - 16:00 | Wister Center, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Learn from Mid-Atlantic Peony Society members during this peony care demonstration, sale, auction, and reception. The demonstration will include information about how to site, plant, dig, and divide peonies at this time of year for best results. Tree, herbaceous, and Itoh hybrid peonies will be discussed. Stay after the demonstration to enjoy a peony sale, auction, and reception presented by the Mid-Atlantic Peony Society. Open to all with an interest in peonies!
This event is free and open to the public. No registration required.
Program Details

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.

School’s Out: An Autumn Adventure
2026-11-03 09:30 - 12:00 | Cherry Border, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, 19081, United States
Drop by Scott Arboretum & Gardens for a day of outdoor adventure and creativity! Children ages 3 – 12 can enjoy a nature-themed craft and go on a scavenger hunt throughout our gardens.
Bring a picnic and enjoy spending the day outside! Join us at 10:30 am for a free, family-friendly tour of the Arboretum & Gardens.
This is a free, drop-in program and no registration is required. Scott Saplings, this is a great opportunity to stamp your code catcher and pick up your fall prize!
Event Schedule:
9:30 am – 12:00 pm: Nature Crafts, Scavenger Hunts, and More!
10:30 am – 11 am: Family-Friendly Tour of Scott Arboretum & Gardens
Program Details:

This event will be held in the Cherry Border. In case of inclement weather, we will move inside to the Wister Center.
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 Arboretum office at 610-328-8025.

Dog-Friendly Autumn Crum Woods Hike
2026-11-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Matchbox, 500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA, 19081
Join us for a dog-friendly guided hike through the beautiful Crum Woods! Enjoy the crisp autumn air and scenic trails as we explore this hidden gem together. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time explorer, this is a great way to connect with nature and experience the magic of fall in our local forest.
We recommend this hike for adults and children ages 5 and up with their friendly leashed dogs. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Accessibility:

This program is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
Participants must be able to hike on unpaved, hilly surfaces for about 2 miles, with exposed roots and rocks.
Pets must be on a leash at all times to be in compliance with Swarthmore Ordinance 949.608.02.
Email us if you have other accessibility needs for this program.
Please note this tour has a different departure location than other tours.

Register Here
Program Details

This event is free, but registration is required to receive program updates.
This tour will depart from the front of the Matchbox building.
Please park in the Field House Parking Lot and walk to the departure location, following Arboretum logo signs.
The tour will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott office at 610-328-8025

Bulb Lasagna Workshop: Layering for Spring
2026-11-10 13:30 - 15:30 | Wister Center, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Join us for a hands-on fall planting workshop exploring the artful technique of “bulb lasagna”, a layered approach to planting spring-blooming bulbs for continuous color and extended seasonal interest. Participants will learn how to thoughtfully combine bulbs such as muscari, iris, crocus, tulips, alliums and daffodils, all with different bloom times and planting depths to create a succession of flowers that emerges beautifully from early to late spring.
Guided by Senior Horticulturist Sam Greenberg, this workshop will cover bulb selection, design principles, and planting techniques you can replicate at home. You’ll leave with a planted container of over 80 unique bulbs not easily found at local nurseries and a deeper understanding of how fall planting shapes the spring garden.
Registration Cost:
Members: $60
Non-Members: $70
ACCESS Cardholder: $2; call 610-328-8025 to register.
Become a member of the Scott Associates here.
Register Here
Program Details

Registration is required.
Registration closes November 3
Class is limited to 18 participants.
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 the Presenter
When Sam Greenberg, senior horticulturist, joined the staff in 2025, he brought a wide range of horticultural experience to the team. Sam spent seven and a half years at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. His work there focused on the Visitor Center parking lot and the Oak and Dwarf Conifer Knoll sections, and he also oversaw the storage, maintenance, and distribution of Longwood’s annual Christmas light display. From 2015 to 2018, Sam worked at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia, as the Native Plants Gardener, where he specialized in plants native to the Piedmont region. He also completed an extended internship at Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, gaining experience in plant records and estate maintenance. Sam earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Horticulture from Virginia Tech. While in school, he worked and volunteered in the University’s Hahn Horticulture Gardens.
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 3 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.

In-Person Highlights Tour
2026-11-15 12:30 - 13:30 | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Enjoy a lunchtime stroll through the gardens to experience the beauty of the fall garden with a tour led by our horticulture staff. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all levels are welcome.
After this tour, join us for a free presentation: When Trees Testify: Living With and Learning From Trees with Beronda Montgomery.
Register Here
Program Details

This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
This tour will depart from the 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 office at 610-328-8025

Lecture: When Trees Testify: Living With and Learning From Trees
2026-11-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Chang Hou Hall, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, 19081, United States
Co-Sponsored with:

Join us for a compelling talk with biologist and author Beronda L. Montgomery as she discusses her new book, When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History and America’s Black Botanical Legacy. Drawing from science, ecology, and lived experience, Montgomery invites us to reconsider trees not simply as background elements of the landscape, but as dynamic, communicative beings that offer insight into resilience, interdependence, and adaptation.
In this thoughtful presentation, she explores how trees “testify” through their growth patterns, responses to stress, and relationships with surrounding ecosystems—revealing lessons that extend beyond the natural world into how we understand community, care, and survival. Blending scientific research with reflective storytelling, Montgomery encourages audiences to slow down, observe more deeply, and reconsider what it means to learn from the living world.
A reception with the opportunity to purchase When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History and America’s Black Botanical Legacy and book signing will follow the lecture.
Join us before the event for an in-person tour of Scott Arboretum & Gardens.
Early access registration opens on September 14 for members of the sponsoring organizations.
Members of the Scott Arboretum & Gardens will receive an email with registration details.
Registration will open to the public on September 28.
Program Details

Due to limited seating, only in-person registrants can attend the live event.
There will be no live stream available, but those registered will receive access to the recording.
Registration is free.
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 the Presenter
Beronda L. Montgomery, PhD, is a writer, science communicator, and professor. Her research group investigates how photosynthetic organisms adapt to changes in their external environment. Her scholarship extends beyond biology and into studying mentorship and faculty development to develop evidence-based strategies to foster equity and inclusion in academia. In 2020, Montgomery was one of the co-founders and co-organizers of the first Black Botanists Week. A Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, she was named one of Cell’s 100 Inspiring Black Scientists in America.

Green Wreath Workshop: Session A
2026-12-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Wister Center, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Create a unique and festive wreath with a variety of freshly-cut greens and natural materials from Scott Arboretum & Gardens. Our pre-wrapped, moss-filled frames allow for long-lasting decorations for your home and also make wonderful holiday gifts. Scott Arboretum & Gardens staff will provide a demonstration and be on hand to guide your creativity.
Registration Cost:
Members: $60
Non-Members: $70
ACCESS Cardholder: $2; call 610-328-8025 to register.
Become a member of the Associates of Scott Arboretum & Gardens here.
Register Here
Program Details

Registration is required.
Please bring pruners; registration includes all other materials.
Class limited to 18.
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.
If you’ve kept your wreath frames from previous years, you can bring them back to donate to the Holiday Sale.

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 3 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.

Green Wreath Workshop: Session B
2026-12-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Wister Center, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States

Green Wreath Workshop: Session C
2026-12-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Wister Center, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States

Green Wreath Workshop: Session D
2026-12-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Wister Center, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States

Holiday Sale
2026-12-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Wister Center, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Gorgeous greens, holiday accents, long-lasting wreaths, and free fun for the whole family! In-person shopping will be offered in the Wister Center Parking Lot with limited availability of pre-made wreaths, swags, and specialty bundles. Pre-sale opens in November.
Schedule of the Day:
9 am to 11 am – Pick-up for all pre-orders. Complete pick-up details will be emailed the week of the sale.
10 to 11 am – Members-only in-person shopping
10 am to 1 pm – Nature Craft Tent is open (10 to 11 am members only)
11 am to 1 pm – Public in-person shopping

Family Snow Globe Workshop A / B
2026-12-10 16:00 - 19:30 | Wister Center, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Celebrate the season with a magical evening at the Arboretum! Families with children ages 3 and up are invited to create a one-of-a-kind snow globe using natural materials inspired by our gardens while enjoying a pizza dinner together.
Choose from one of two workshop sessions: (A) 4:00–5:30 pm or (B) 6:00–7:30 pm. During this guided program, participants will craft a unique holiday keepsake, connect with nature, and make lasting memories with family and friends.
Please register for only one session. Registration is required for every attendee ages 3 and up, including both children and adults. Each registration includes pizza dinner and materials to create one snow globe. All children must be accompanied by at least one registered adult.
Register – Session A
Register – Session B
Registration Cost:
Members: $20 (adults and children)
Non-Members: $30 (adults and children)
ACCESS Cardholder: $2
