Art in the Garden: Youth and Family Workshop
2026-05-02 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Detroit) | 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.
Register Now
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.

In-Person May Highlights Tour
2026-05-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Take your lunch break and explore the blousy blooms of peonies and other spring beauties throughout the Arboretum & Gardens. A member of our horticulture staff will lead this tour to lend their insights and expertise. 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 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!
This free event is rain or shine.
Featured activities:

Tours of the Dean Bond Rose Garden at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 pm
Rose planting demonstrations at 5:00 and 6:00 pm
Snap a picture with our live floral arbor designed by TissaRose
Taste rose-inspired bites and beverages
Sample floral flavored water ice from Vera’s Water Ice and rosé wine from Chaddsford Winery
Create rose art and get a temporary rose tattoo
Enjoy live music from the Bickel Brothers Band
Purchase dinner from Humpty’s Dumplings or bring your own picnic
Members of Scott Arboretum & Gardens: Pick up your free rose plant!

Program Details:

This event is free and open to all.
The event will be held in and around the Dean Bond Rose Garden at Scott Arboretum & Gardens on the Swarthmore College campus.
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 Information:

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 Dean Bond Rose Garden.

Virtual Lunchtime Tour: From Green Roof to Edible Garden Plants
2026-05-29 12:00 - 12:30 | Virtual Meeting
Take your lunch break virtually and explore the green roof and edible garden plantings around the Dining Center with Garden Supervisor Adam Glas. Tune in on our YouTube channel.

Behind the Scenes Tour: Geoexchange Plant
2026-06-10 14:00 - 15:00 | PA
Take a behind the scenes look at Swarthmore College’s geoexchange plant and learn how it contributes to the goal of carbon neutrality on campus by 2035. This tour is recommended for ages 12 and older.
Register Here
Accessibility

Participants must be able to get to the Dining Center and Community Commons (approximately ⅓ mile from the recommended parking) and be stationary and/or move for 45 minutes during the tour.
Email us at scott@swarthmore.edu if you have other accessibility needs for this program.

Program Details

This tour will depart from the Kemp Family Commons, located in the Dining and Community Commons building
Please park in or near the Wister Center lot and walk to the departure location, following Arboretum logo signs.
For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott office at 610-328-8025

Stamp Your Passport Series: Glen Foerd and Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum
2026-06-11 08:00 - 17:30 | PA
Join Scott Arboretum & Gardens staff for a day-long excursion to two historic garden destinations: Glen Foerd and Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum. Enjoy private guided tours of these beautiful properties, part of the region’s 38 gardens within 30 miles of Philadelphia.
Glen Foerd, set along the Delaware River in Philadelphia, shines in mid‑June with lush perennial borders, flowering shrubs, and expansive lawns framed by mature trees. Its historic estate landscape blends formal design with naturalistic plantings. Expect peak blooms, rich foliage textures, and an intimate look at a culturally layered landscape that feels both grand and welcoming. We will enjoy lunch al fresco (weather permitting, included with trip cost) before continuing to Andalusia.
Up the river, Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum offers a masterclass in classical landscape design and arboretum excellence. June is an especially rewarding time to visit, with long garden vistas fully leafed out, specimen trees at their best, and seasonal blooms accenting one of the region’s finest historic estates.
Together, these two sites offer a richly textured experience—combining garden beauty, horticultural expertise, and riverside tranquility. The day includes transportation to and from Scott Arboretum & Gardens, a relaxing lunch, guided tours of the gardens and houses, and time to explore on your own.
Registration Cost:
Members: $65
Non-Members: $105 (includes a one-year Individual level membership to the Associates of Scott Arboretum & Gardens)
Call 610-328-8025 to register.
Important information about this event:

This trip is limited to 18 members of the Associates of Scott Arboretum & Gardens.
You can become a member here.
Online payment is required to register. No checks or cash will be accepted.
Registration fee includes tour fees and lunch.
Additional information will be emailed to participants two days before the trip.
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

Garden Design Basics Workshop
2026-06-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Wister Center, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Are you ready to turn your yard into a more thoughtful, functional, and beautiful garden? This introductory workshop is designed for gardeners and homeowners who are starting their garden design journey, either with a blank slate or an established garden in need of rejuvenation.
The workshop will begin with a brief presentation covering essential design principles, how to observe and approach a garden space, and how to develop ideas that fit your site, lifestyle, and budget. You’ll also learn what questions to ask when working with a garden designer or contractor, helping you communicate your goals and make informed decisions.
Following the presentation, participants will spend the majority of the class on an inspirational walk through Scott Arboretum & Gardens, using real landscapes to explore design concepts for their own home and spark new ideas. Participants will be encouraged to discuss, ask questions, and take notes for reference. A garden journal and pen will be provided to take home.
No prior design experience is required—just curiosity and a desire to learn how to start your garden design with confidence.
Registration is now closed.
About the Presenter
The workshop will be led by David Mattern, Horticulturist at Chanticleer, where he cares for the Teacup Courtyards and Vegetable Garden. David holds a degree in Landscape Contracting with an emphasis on design and a minor in Horticulture, and is a graduate of the Professional Horticulture Program at Longwood Gardens, where he is also an instructor. His gardening experience includes work in England and South Africa, and he frequently writes, teaches, and lectures on gardening.
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 Roof Tour
2026-06-17 17:00 - 18:00 | 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 tour, sharing their insights and expertise while you explore one of the many green roofs on campus. All participants must be 18 or older.
Register Here
Program Details

This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
Tours begin in front of the Scott Arboretum & Gardens 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 office at 610-328-8025.

Solstice Yoga and Sound Bath
2026-06-20 18:00 - 19:15 | 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 the summer solstice with an evening of tranquility and renewal in the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater. As the golden hues of sunset wash over the open sky, join us for a gentle yoga flow designed to 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 summer’s arrival 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.

Virtual Lunchtime Tour: Early Summer-Blooming Perennials
2026-06-26 12:00 - 12:30 | Virtual Meeting
Take your lunch break virtually and explore beautiful summer blooming perennials with our horticulture staff. Tune in on our YouTube channel.

In-Person Highlights Tour
2026-06-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Take your lunch break to explore early summer blooms throughout the Arboretum & Gardens. A member of our horticulture staff will lead this tour, sharing their insights and expertise with attendees.
Register Here
Program Details

This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
Tours begin in front of the Scott Arboretum & Gardens 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 office at 610-328-8025.

Members-Only Experience: Forest Bathing
2026-07-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Scott Outdoor Amphitheater, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Due to the forecast of extreme heat, we are rescheduling this program for September. Details to come! Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe during the heat.
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is a Japanese practice that invites participants to slow down and connect with nature through the senses. Join Campus Engagement Manager Sue MacQueen in the Crum Woods for a guided members-only experience of this calming approach. Over the course of two hours, Sue will lead the group with gentle prompts to notice the sights, sounds, textures, and scents of the forest. The pace is slow, but participants should be able to walk up to 1.5 miles over steep, uneven terrain and sit on the forest floor.
Because of the quiet, reflective nature of the program, this is an adults only event.
Become a member of the Scott Associates to attend this event!
Accessibility

This program is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
Participants must be able to walk on unpaved, hilly surfaces for about 1.5 miles, with exposed roots and rocks.
Participants must also be able to sit on the forest floor.

Program Details

This members-only event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
The tour will depart from the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater.
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.
Please note this hike has a different departure location than other tours.

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 meeting location.

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 30th 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

Green Roof Tour
2026-07-22 09:00 - 10:00 | 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 tour to lend their insights and expertise while you explore one of the many green roofs on campus. All participants must be 18 or older.
We are currently experiencing issues with our online registration system.
To register, call 610-328-8025.
Program Details

This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
Tours begin in front of the Scott Arboretum & Gardens 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 office at 610-328-8025.

In-Person Highlights Tour
2026-07-25 14:30 - 15:30 | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Take a leisurely tour of Scott Arboretum & Gardens to explore flowering highlights and shady areas. After the tour, enjoy the music of the Chester Children’s Chorus at their free summer concert on campus.
We are currently experiencing issues with our online registration system.
To register, call 610-328-8025.
Program Details

This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
Tours begin in front of the Scott Arboretum & Gardens 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 office at 610-328-8025.

Virtual Lunchtime Tour: Patriotic Plants
2026-07-30 12:00 - 12:30 | Virtual Meeting
Celebrate America 250 with this virtual tour!
Take your lunch break virtually to explore plants with patriotic roots throughout Scott Arboretum & Gardens to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial. Tune in on our YouTube channel.

In-Person Highlights Tour
2026-08-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Take a leisurely evening tour of Scott Arboretum & Gardens with a member of our horticulture staff.
Register Here
Program Details

This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
Tours begin in front of the Scott Arboretum & Gardens 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 office at 610-328-8025.

Summer Crum Woods Hike
2026-08-15 09:00 - 10:30 | Scott Outdoor Amphitheater, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Join us for a refreshing summer hike through the beautiful Crum Woods! This guided hike is the perfect opportunity to explore the lush greenery, shaded trails, and scenic views of this hidden gem. Along the way, we’ll discover native plants, listen to birdsong, and maybe even spot some woodland wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time explorer, this is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of August in the woods!
We recommend this hike for adults and children ages 8 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Register Here
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. There is a ~.3 mile walk from the parking area to the departure location.
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 encouraged to receive program updates.
This tour leaves from the base of the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater
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 meeting location.
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.

Virtual Lunchtime Tour: Sun, Shade, and Summer Leaves
2026-08-27 12:00 - 12:30 | Virtual Meeting
Take your lunch break virtually to explore how sun and shade shape late-summer gardens, revealing rich foliage textures, layers, and plant forms across Scott Arboretum & Gardens. Tune in on our YouTube channel.

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.

Hidden Gardens: A Fall Celebration
2026-09-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Martin Hall, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, 19081
Celebrate the beauty of fall at Scott Arboretum & Gardens during this free, family-friendly event. Discover hidden corners of the gardens through a self-guided tour or join a horticulturist for a guided experience. Enjoy seasonal bites, live music, and hands-on nature activities surrounded by vibrant autumn color.

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
