Scott Arboretum & Gardens

Ohara School of Ikebana Exhibition
2026-09-18 - 2026-09-19 | Wister Center, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
The Delaware Valley Chapter of the Ohara School of Ikebana will present an exhibition in celebration of the changing of the seasons from summer to fall. Ikebana, also known as the “way of flowers,” is the art of Japanese flower arrangement and is subtle, sensitive, sophisticated, and meditative. It utilizes flowers, leaves, and branches, as well as unexpected and/or unconventional materials.
Members of the Ohara School of Ikebana will be available to answer questions about the art form and arrangements displayed throughout the exhibition.
This event is free and open to the public.
More details to come, including tours, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.

Autumn Yoga and Sound Bath
2026-09-26 10:00 - 11:15 (America/Detroit) | Scott Outdoor Amphitheater, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
This program is a partnership with the Park Avenue Community Center to promote health and wellness throughout our community.
Celebrate autumn with a morning of tranquility and renewal in the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater. Join us for a gentle yoga flow beneath the tulip poplar trees as you awaken your senses and align your body with the rhythm of the season.
Following the movement practice, surrender to the soothing vibrations of a live sound bath, featuring crystal singing bowls, gongs, and chimes. Let the harmonious tones guide you into deep relaxation as you soak in the natural beauty of the amphitheater.
Come as you are, bring a mat or blanket, and embrace the magic of autumn in this serene, open-air setting.
Though this event is free, please consider making a donation of $10 while registering to support our educational programs.
Register Here
Program Details

This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
We recommend this event for adults and children ages 10 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
This event will be held in the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater.
This event will move to an indoor location in the event of inclement weather.
Bring a water bottle and yoga mat or towel.
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

Driving/Parking Notes

Navigate to 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081 and follow the event/parking signs to Swarthmore College’s North entrance.
Free parking is available in the Whittier parking lot.
Arboretum directional signs will direct you from the parking lot to the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater.

About the Presenters
Mary Thompson, E-RYT 200, YACEP, first discovered yoga to maintain balance and strength throughout her career in federal law enforcement. As a teacher, Mary creates a nurturing space for students to experience yoga as a gateway for transformation and growth, and as a modality of life-long wellness. Mary is a certified Yoga for Healthy Aging teacher, and the founder of Sanctuary Yoga, a spiritual wellness ministry at Trinity Church, Swarthmore. Mary is also the Director of Adult Programs and Health & Wellness at the Park Avenue Community Center, where she creates programming and offerings to serve and support the health and wellness needs of the Delaware County community. When Mary first moved to Swarthmore, her daily walks through the Arboretum with her family and dogs inspired her to volunteer at Scott Arboretum & Gardens, where she recently served as President of Council to the Scott Associates. Mary deeply appreciates the Scott Arboretum & Gardens as a place for all generations to share, learn and experience year-round horticultural beauty.
Audrey Uchimoto, AKA Sound Baths by Aud, is a passionate sound healer based on the Main Line of Philadelphia. Certified in Sound Healing and Crystal Singing Bowls, Audrey uses the therapeutic application of sound frequencies and vibrations to align individuals’ energetic fields and brain waves into a state of harmony and peace.
Audrey entered the sound healing community in 2017 while living in Los Angeles. Since returning to her East Coast roots, Audrey has been bringing the healing power of sound baths to local yoga and wellness studios and retreats, as well as in her home studio.
Her collection of sound healing instruments allows Audrey to create a mixture of harmonic and binaural tones that give her sound bath attendees a deeply profound, one-of-a-kind experience accessing the inner layers of their subconscious through sound vibrations.

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.

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.
