Travels @ 12: Sauntering Through the South
2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Virtual Webinar
Join Sandra Lopez-Cortez, senior horticulturist, to hear about her family’s road trip to Texas with stops in Memphis, Tennessee, and Raleigh, North Carolina, to see fabulous botanical gardens featuring unique agave and cacti.
Travels @ 12 is an online series for plant enthusiasts to vicariously experience gardens and natural spaces throughout the world.
NEW in 2026: Enjoy these popular virtual programs and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts in person during a weekly Watch Party in the Wister Center. BYO lunch and watch the Zoom presentation on the big screen. Registration is required for each presentation due to limited seating capacity. The Watch Party will be canceled in case of inclement weather.
Virtual Registration
Watch Party Registration
In-person Registration
Program Details

The webinar link will be included in the confirmation email received after registering online.
All registrations include access to the live Zoom webinar and recording links.
In-person registration is limited to 24. Due to limited seating, virtual registrants cannot attend in person.
Registration is free, but required to receive program links.
Virtual participants must download Zoom.
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
Sandra Lopez Cortez grew up in Guanajuato, Mexico and moved to Kennett Square, Pa at the age of 14. She graduated from the Professional Gardener Program at Longwood in 2013 and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture & Natural Resources with a minor in Horticulture at the University of Delaware in 2019.
Sandra became a member of Scott Arboretum & Gardens staff in 2015 where she helps maintain a variety of gardens and coordinates volunteer garden support. Most of her experience involves maintaining ornamental plants, but she is growing a passion for sustainability, the environment, wildlife, and education.

Nature Nook: Winter Session
2026-02-06 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-02-13 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-02-20 10:00 - 10:45, 2026-02-27 10:00 - 10:45 | 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 4 years old with their caregivers.
Registration Cost (includes all 8 sessions):
Members: Free
Non-Members: $40
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.
SOLD OUT
Program Details

Registration is required and includes all 8 sessions.
Class size is limited.
Registration for members includes participation for up to 4 children and their caregivers.
Registration for non-members includes one child and their caregivers.
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 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.

In-person February Highlights Tour
2026-02-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Enjoy plants and landscapes looking their best in February, including winter-blooming bulbs, with a tour led by our horticulture staff. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all levels are welcome.
This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
Register Now
Program Details

Registration is free, but encouraged to receive program updates.
This tour begins in front of the Scott offices (Cunningham House).
The tour will be canceled in case 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

Travels @ 12: A Month of Beautiful British Gardens and Places
2026-02-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Webinar
Bob and Jan Goren are long-time Scott members and volunteers who love to photographically capture their travels and share them. This year they’re excited to share the beauty of the gardens and beautiful places they visited on their month-long visit to England in Spring 2025.
NEW in 2026: Enjoy these popular virtual programs and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts in person during a weekly Watch Party in the Wister Center. BYO lunch and watch the Zoom presentation on the big screen. Registration is required for each presentation due to limited seating capacity. The Watch Party will be canceled in case of inclement weather.
Virtual Registration
Watch Party Registration
Program Details

The webinar link will be included in the confirmation email received after registering online.
All registrations include access to the live Zoom webinar and recording links.
In-person registration is limited to 24. Due to limited seating, virtual registrants cannot attend in person.
Registration is free, but required to receive program links.
Virtual participants must download Zoom.
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
Bob and Jan Goren are proud grandparents and retirees who like to travel to beautiful places. They like to take as many photos as possible of everything they see and experience. Bob and Jan are long-time Scott Associates and volunteers, helping out at events and various activities.

In the Footsteps of Giants: The Women Who Built Garden History Panel & Reception
2026-02-15 14:00 - 16:30 | Science Center 101, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, 19081, United States
Co-Sponsored with
Experience an unforgettable weekend celebration of garden history and design. Begin with free, one-day admission to visit both Chanticleer in the winter and Longwood Gardens. Cap off your weekend with a special speaker panel at Scott Arboretum & Gardens featuring a U.S. appearance of the custodians of three iconic British gardens: Vita Sackville-West’s Long Barn, Beth Chatto’s Plants & Garden, and Gertrude Jekyll’s Hestercombe, moderated by landscape designer Annie Guilfoyle. They will share never-before-told stories, insights into stewardship, and why these garden legacies remain profoundly relevant today. A catered reception with the speakers follows the discussion.
This event is sold out. Walk-ins will not be accepted due to seating limitations.
Registration includes:

Admission to Chanticleer on Saturday, February 14 during their winter open-day.
Admission to Longwood Gardens on February 14 or 15.
Access to the in-person panel discussion.
Access to a catered reception after the panel with speakers. Includes wine and beer.

Location Details

This program will be held in Chang Hou Hall (Science Center Room 101) in the Science Center at Swarthmore College.
Parking is available in Whittier Parking Lot.
Follow green and white Scott Arboretum & Gardens directional signs to parking and event location.

Program Details

This presentation will be recorded. The recording link will be sent after the program is complete.
In case of inclement weather, the program will take place via Zoom webinar. Details will be emailed to participants.
Your registration confirmation email will serve as entry to both Chanticleer and Longwood Gardens.
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 Panel
Three of the most influential gardens in the United Kingdom were shaped by extraordinary women whose ideas continue to inform how we design, plant, and experience gardens today.
This panel discussion will explore the lives, work, and lasting influence of three towering figures in garden history. Bringing the stories to life are the current custodians of these iconic gardens, who share personal perspectives on the challenges, rewards, and responsibilities of caring for these living legacies. Expect rarely shared insights, newly revealed details, and a rich collection of moving, surprising, and entertaining stories from the gardens themselves. The panelists include:

Rebecca Lemonius, Custodian of Vita Sackville-West’s Long Barn in Kent; horticulturist and student of Great Dixter. Long Barn is the formative garden that preceded Sissinghurst, where Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson honed their early horticultural vision.
Julia Boulton, Chair of Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens in Essex; granddaughter of Beth Chatto. Beth Chatto was a pioneer of the “right plant, right place” philosophy, whose approach remains foundational to contemporary planting design.

Claire Greenslade, Former Head Gardener at Gertrude Jekyll’s Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset; currently developing a historic walled garden on a private estate. Hestercombe was created in collaboration with architect Edwin Lutyens and stands as a masterwork of design, craftsmanship, and artistic partnership.

Moderated by renowned landscape designer Annie Guilfoyle, the panel delves into why these women were so instrumental in shaping horticulture and garden design—and why their ideas remain powerfully relevant today.

School’s Out: Winter Wonderland
2026-02-16 09:30 - 12:00 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Drop by Scott Arboretum & Gardens on your day off from school to learn about the wonders of the winter gardens. Complete a winter-themed nature craft and go on a scavenger hunt throughout the gardens. 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. It is designed for children ages 3 to 12 with a caregiver.
Event Schedule:
9:30 am – 12:00 pm: Winter Nature Crafts and Scavenger Hunt
10:30 – 11:00 am: Family-Friendly Tour of the Arboretum & Gardens

Program Details:

This event will be held in 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 office at 610-328-8025

Travels @ 12: Seoulful Gardens and More in South Korea
2026-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Webinar
For the first time ever, the International Congress on Education at Botanic Gardens was held in Asia. Hundreds of delegates from around the world descended upon Seoul to enjoy the culture and learn from each other. Take a trip to the other side of the world with Mackenzie Knight-Fochs, Education Programs Manager, and Bryan Thompsonowak, Director of Education at Morris Arboretum & Gardens, to see some of Seoul and its gardens, the Korea National Arboretum, and other South Korean horticultural delights.
Travels @ 12 is an online series for plant enthusiasts to vicariously experience gardens and natural spaces throughout the world.
NEW in 2026: Enjoy these popular virtual programs and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts in person during a weekly Watch Party in the Wister Center. BYO lunch and watch the Zoom presentation on the big screen. Registration is required for each presentation due to limited seating capacity. The Watch Party will be canceled in case of inclement weather.
Virtual Registration
Watch Party Registration
Program Details

The webinar link will be included in the confirmation email received after registering online.
All registrations include access to the live Zoom webinar and recording links.
In-person registration is limited to 24. Due to limited seating, virtual registrants cannot attend in person.
Registration is free, but required to receive program links.
Virtual participants must download Zoom.
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 Presenters
Mackenzie Knight-Fochs returned to the Arboretum in 2022 as the Education Programs Manager. She previously served as the Education Intern from 2012 to 2014. She completed the Longwood Graduate Program in Public Horticulture in 2016, receiving her Master’s in Public Horticulture. Prior to returning to the Arboretum, she worked for the Friends of Laurel Hill and at the Delaware Center for Horticulture. Mackenzie has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and life sciences communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Bryan Thompsonowak is the Director of Education at the Morris Arboretum. He completed the Longwood Graduate Program in 2015, receiving his Master’s in Public Horticulture. He has experience as an environmental educator at Bartram’s Garden and an arborist at Wells Tree Service. He studied environmental science at Albright College. Bryan also serves on the Woody Plant Conference Committee.

Virtual Lunchtime Tour: Winter Interest
2026-02-27 12:00 - 12:30 | Virtual Webinar
Take your lunch break virtually to explore the garden during winter. Tune in to this tour on our YouTube channel.

Nature Nook: Spring Session
2026-03-06 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-03-13 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-03-20 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-03-27 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-04-03 11:00 - 11:45, 2026-04-10 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.

Members-Only Tour: ‘Witch’ One Wins
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Explore the best witchhazels in bloom on this members-only tour, where you’ll rank each variety based on flower and fragrance. Along the way, enjoy expert commentary and discover the subtle differences that set these winter wonders apart.
Become a member of the Scott Associates to attend this tour!
Register Now
Program Details

This members-only event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
The tour will depart from the Scott Arboretum & Gardens office (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

Specialty Pruning Workshop: Hydrangeas & Roses
2026-03-14 09:30 - 12:00 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Learn the essential techniques for pruning roses and hydrangeas in this focused, hands-on workshop. Designed for home gardeners of any experience level, this class demystifies when, why, and how to prune each plant for healthier growth and better blooms.
Horticulture Supervisor Adam Glas and Senior Horticulturist Andrew DeGothseir will cover pruning techniques specific to different types of roses and the major hydrangea groups, explaining the key differences between old-wood and new-wood bloomers. You’ll learn how to identify growth patterns, make clean and effective cuts, shape shrubs for long-term structure, and avoid the common mistakes that lead to poor flowering.
Participants leave with practical, seasonally-timed guidance and the confidence to maintain beautiful, productive plants year after year.
Registration Cost:
Members: $35
Non-Members: $45
ACCESS Cardholder: $2; call 610-328-8025 to register.
Limited seats remain. Call 610-328-8024 to register.
Program Details

Registration is required.
Class size limited to 18.
The inclement weather day will be March 21, 2025 from 9:30 am – 12 pm. Please reserve this on your calendar, as refunds will not be given if you cannot attend the inclement weather date.
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 the Presenters
Senior Horticulturist Andrew DeGothseir joined the staff in 2019. He holds a B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture and Environmental Design from Delaware Valley University. Before joining the horticulture staff, he worked at Haverford College, Westtown School, Henry Schmieder Arboretum, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, and Germantown Friends School where he was instrumental in creating the Betty Cary Arboretum.
Horticulture Supervisor Adam Glas joined the Scott Arboretum & Gardens staff in 2012. Before that, he worked as Nursery Manager at Terrain (Styer’s) Nursery in Glen Mills. He was accepted into the Longwood Gardens Professional Gardener (PG) Training Program, completing that program in 2006. He served as president for the PG Alumni Association and vice president of the board of managers at Chenoa Manor. He studied Horticulture and Landscape Design at University of Wisconsin River Falls.
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.

Crum Woods Winter Hike
2026-03-14 14:00 - 15:30 | Matchbox, 500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA, 19081
Due to unsafe trail conditions, this hike has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 14 from 2 to 3:30 pm.
Come experience all the Crum Woods has to offer in the winter. Delight in the colors of the holly berries, listen to the babbling creek, and take a deep breath as you enjoy a meditative moment in the woods. This hike will be led by a member of our horticulture staff.
We recommend this hike for adults and children ages 8 and up. 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. There is a brief, uphill 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.

This event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.
Register Now
Program Details

This tour will depart from the front of the Matchbox building [link: https://map.concept3d.com/?id=713#!m/87181?share].
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.
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 Workshop: Gardening for Life
2026-03-19 13:30 - 15:30 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Learn tips and tricks for gardening throughout your lifespan during this members-only workshop. In partnership with Widener University’s Institute of Occupational Therapy, occupational therapy student Casey Orange will share practical guidance on safe gardening techniques, adaptive tools, fall prevention, energy conservation, and pain management. This workshop includes opportunities to try adaptive gardening tools and movement strategies.

Register Now

Program Details

This members-only event is free, but registration is encouraged to receive program updates.

Become a member here.

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: First Day of Spring
2026-03-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Take your lunch break on the first day of spring to witness wonderful bulbs blooming in the garden along with other late-March garden highlights. Horticulture staff will guide you through the gardens on this tour. 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

Winter Celebration: “A Garden Inferior to Few…” The Williamsburg Garden of John Custis IV
2026-03-22 15:00 - 17:00 | The Inn at Swarthmore, 10 South Chester Rd, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Due to expected inclement weather affecting speaker travel, Winter Celebration has been rescheduled to Sunday, March 22.
Celebrate America 250 with an exploration of sophisticated garden that is globally influenced but American in execution.
John Custis IV is one of Williamsburg, Virginia’s more colorful historic residents. In addition to being an influential member of the political elite, a wealthy plantation owner, and eventually the first father-in-law of Martha Washington, Custis was the creator of one of the most renowned colonial gardens of the early 18th century. Custis’ indulgence in ornamental garden design resulted in the creation of a pleasure garden said to rival that of the Royal Governor. Known as Custis Square, the four-acre garden was said to contain gravel paths, topiary, hundreds of native and imported plant varieties, and even statues. Friendships with gardening luminaries such as John Bartram and Peter Collinson opened up Custis to a global palette of plants and the correspondence between these “brothers of the spade” has revealed much about the plants within the garden. However, the actual appearance and layout has remained a mystery… until now. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has just concluded a five-year archaeological excavation to uncover this important lost landscape.
We will explore the evidence gathered through excavation and specialized environmental analysis to discover the design for the garden, revealing a truly baroque layout. From the locations of individual fruit trees to the evidence for large-scale earthmoving to create vistas, the results of this research have provided details recorded nowhere else. Developed at a time of transformation in European garden fashions, studying Custis’ garden provides an opportunity to better understand how elite Americans translated new landscape conventions into a different cultural and environmental setting. The result is a sophisticated garden that is globally influenced but American in execution.
Event schedule:
3:00 pm – Lecture
4:00 pm – Reception with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar
After the lecture, mix and mingle with the speaker during the reception.
For an easy dinner, make a reservation at the Broad Table Tavern. Members of the Scott Associates receive a 15% discount at the Broad Table Tavern (discount not valid on alcoholic beverages).
Advance registration for this event is closed. Walk-in registrations will be accepted. Bring exact cash ($25), check, or card for payment. Call 610-328-8024 with questions.
Program Details

Advance registration is required.
Limited to 150 people.
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
Jack Gary is the associate vice president for historic resources for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. He leads a team of archaeologists, curators, architects, and scholars to reveal the hidden stories of Williamsburg’s past. He is currently directing the archaeological research for the restoration of the garden of John Custis IV as well as the research into Williamsburg’s First Baptist Church, the oldest Black Church in the United States. Jack oversees a collection of over 60 million artifacts and the development and construction of the new Campbell Archaeology Center, which will open in 2026 as the country’s premier archaeology museum. He is the former director of archaeology and landscapes for Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, where he directed the archaeological research that led to the Garden Club of Virginia’s restoration of the ornamental landscape surrounding Jefferson’s villa retreat.
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.

Virtual Lunchtime Tour: Spring Ephemerals
2026-03-26 12:00 - 12:30 | Virtual Meeting
Take your lunch break virtually and indulge in the enchanting spring ephemerals around Scott Arboretum & Gardens. Tune in on our YouTube channel.

Scott Medal & Award Presentation
2026-03-29 16:30 - 18:45 | Lang Performing Arts Center, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Please join us in honoring Paul Redman, President & CEO of Longwood Gardens, as the recipient of the 2026 Scott Garden & Horticulture Medal and Award.
In-person registration includes attendance at the award presentation and reception at the Lang Performing Arts Center on the campus of Swarthmore College.
Advance in-person registration is now closed. Walk-ins welcome. Virtual registration will remain open through the event.
Virtual Registration
Paul B. Redman – 2026 Award Recipient
Scott Arboretum & Gardens proudly announces Paul B. Redman as the recipient of the 2026 Scott Garden & Horticulture Award, recognizing a career that has profoundly shaped the art, science, and public experience of horticulture.
Since assuming the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Longwood Gardens during its centennial year in 2006, Redman has led one of the most ambitious transformations in the history of American public gardens. Guided by a visionary 40-year master plan, his leadership has positioned Longwood as a premier horticultural and educational institution of the 21st century—one dedicated to its enduring mission to bring joy to all people through the beauty of nature.
Under his tenure, Longwood has more than doubled its annual attendance to 1.8 million visitors, expanded membership nearly fivefold, and become the most visited paid public garden in North America.
Redman’s impact is evident across Longwood’s landscape including the East Conservatory Plaza and its landmark green wall, the expansive Meadow Garden, and the revitalized Main Fountain Garden. Most recently, he oversaw the breathtaking 2024 reimagination of seventeen acres featuring a floating all-glass conservatory, new garden spaces for bonsai and the Cascade Garden, and expanded facilities for dining, events, and education.
Plantsman Richard W. Lighty observed, “Behind the scenes at Longwood, Paul has led the revitalization and modernization of horticultural research and technology… It is his policy to share all these progressive techniques with the wider public garden world.”
Beyond physical transformation, Redman’s legacy is defined by education, collaboration, and stewardship. He has expanded horticultural conservation through Longwood at Granogue, championed workforce development through internships and professional programs, and helped found Seed Your Future, a national initiative advancing horticulture awareness and careers.
2014 Scott Medal & Award Winner Jane G. Pepper noted, “Paul’s leadership extends beyond Longwood’s grounds… fostering design, research, conservation, and the professional development of future horticulturists.”
Through more than three decades in public horticulture, Paul B. Redman has made an indelible mark—cultivating landscapes, institutions, and generations of leaders. Scott Arboretum & Gardens is honored to recognize his extraordinary contributions with the 2026 Scott Medal and Award.
THE SCOTT GARDEN AND HORTCULTURE AWARD was established in 1929 to recognize individuals who, in the opinion of the selection committee, have made outstanding national contributions to the science and art of gardening. The 2026 award of the medal, together with $20,000, is given as an acknowledgement of “. . . achievement of great merit, recognition of work in creating and developing a wider interest in gardening.”
THE SCOTT MEDAL, designed by American sculptor Walker Hancock, represents man cultivating the ground, lifting his arms high above him as if to call down inspiration to mingle with the water that pours from the vase. The water falls on two motifs, the tree peony and the iris. The reverse side shows the tree of life.
ARTHUR HOYT SCOTT (1873-1927), an 1895 graduate of Swarthmore College and a successful manufacturer, maintained an abiding love of beautiful gardens throughout his busy life. He was at one time treasurer of the American Peony Society, a founder and treasurer of the American Iris Society, and a breeder of irises and peonies. Scott Arboretum & Gardens, through its educational programs and displays of plants, continues Arthur Hoyt Scott’s vision.
Program Details

All registrations include access to the virtual live stream.
In-person registration is limited to 600. Due to limited seating, virtual registrants cannot attend in person.
Registration is free and encouraged.
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: Spring Blooms
2026-04-01 09:30 - 12:00 | Cherry Border, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, 19081, United States
Drop by Scott Arboretum & Gardens this April Fools’ Day for some outdoor adventure, trickery, and creativity! Children ages 3-12 with a caregiver can enjoy a nature-themed craft, learn about plants that play tricks in nature, and go on a scavenger hunt throughout our gardens. Bring a picnic and enjoy the day outside!
Join us at 10:00am for a special read aloud with local author and horticulturist, Gregg Tepper. Gregg recently wrote the book “Mirabelle Visits a Garden: A Native Plant Garden Adventure“. After the read aloud, the book will be available for purchase and signing.
Stay for a free, family-friendly tour of the Arboretum & Gardens at 10:30 am.
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 spring prize!

Schedule:

9:30 am – 12:00 pm: Crafts, Bookwalk, Scavenger Hunt, Plant Trickery and more!

10:00 am – 10:30 am: Special Read Aloud with Gregg Tepper, Author of Mirabelle Visits a Garden

10:30 am – 11 am: Family – Friendly Tour

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.

In-Person Highlights Tour: Flowering Cherries
2026-04-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Explore flowering cherries at Scott Arboretum & Gardens with our new Associate Director, Horticulture, Tony Aiello. Tony is a renowned plant expert with a special interest in flowering cherries. 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.

Gardens & Galleries: A Spring Day in Brooklyn
2026-04-09 07:00 - 19:00 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Join fellow Scott Associates for a delightful day exploring one of Brooklyn’s most beautiful cultural and green spaces. This enriching bus trip combines world-class gardens, inspiring art, and vibrant neighborhood attractions.
Our day begins with a tour of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG). Founded more than a century ago, BBG is internationally celebrated for its exceptional urban horticulture and thoughtfully designed landscapes. Highlights include the serene Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the charming Shakespeare Garden, and the lush Steinhardt Conservatory. At this special time of year, we hope to enjoy the Garden’s spectacular cherry trees in full bloom, a truly unforgettable sight. Check out what else is blooming in April on BBG’s website.
Following the tour, enjoy free time to explore the Garden at your own pace or venture into the surrounding area before our afternoon departure. Lunch is on your own, with excellent options nearby, including BBG’s Yellow Magnolia Café, the Brooklyn Museum Café, and a variety of highly regarded local restaurants—several recognized with Michelin stars.
Just steps from BBG is the Brooklyn Museum, one of New York City’s premier cultural institutions. Its impressive collections span Asian and Islamic art, Egyptian antiquities, European and American masterpieces, as well as contemporary and decorative arts. Guests are welcome to stroll the galleries at leisure and draw inspiration from this neighborhood treasure.
Also adjacent to the Botanic Garden is Prospect Park, designed by the same visionaries behind Central Park. This 526-acre oasis is beloved for its scenic landscapes, winding waterways, and rich natural beauty. Within the park you’ll find a zoo, the nation’s first urban Audubon Center, an ice rink, band shell, carousel, and numerous recreational facilities—making it a dynamic and inviting destination for visitors and locals alike.
This thoughtfully curated day promises beauty, culture, and relaxation—an ideal springtime escape with Scott Associates.
Travel by coach bus, driver gratuity, admission fees to Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Brooklyn Museum, snacks, and refreshments on the bus are all included in the price of this trip. Lunch will be on your own.
Accessibility: This excursion is wheelchair accessible; contact us by March 19 to indicate wheelchair use. Participants must be able to traverse up to 2 miles at a leisurely pace. The bus will drop the group off at Brooklyn Botanic Garden and return at the end of the day for pick up.
Registration Cost:
Members: $165
Non-Members: $205 (includes a one-year Individual level membership to the Associates of Scott Arboretum & Gardens)
Registration closes Thursday, April 2.
Call to register 610-328-8025.
Become a member of the Associates to attend trips.
Important information about this event. Thank you for reading before registering:

This trip is limited to 30 members of the Associates of the Scott Arboretum.

Become a member here.

Online payment is required to register. No checks or cash will be accepted.

Dogwood Doggie Day Out
2026-04-11 09:30 - 12:00 | Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States
Bring the pups to Scott Arboretum and Gardens’ inaugural Dogwood Doggie Day Out! This casual, drop-in event is for people and their leashed pets to explore the blooms of spring, including our flowering dogwood trees.
Activities will include a dog-friendly guided walking tour of the dogwoods, self-guided stroll, and interactive activities to learn about dogwood trees. Meet adoptable dogs from a local shelter and stop by the membership table for a special dog-themed giveaway. A limited number of dogwood trees and doggie goodies will be available, while supplies last.
Events Schedule:
9:30 am – 12 pm:

Dogwood activity station
Scott Arboretum & Gardens member doggie swag giveaway (one per membership, while supplies last)
Visit with adoptable dogs from a local shelter
Dogwood tree giveaway
Self-guided tour

10 – 11 am: Dog-Friendly Dogwood Tour
Program Details:

This event will be held in the Wister Center Parking Lot.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside the Wister Center.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Pets must be on a leash at all times to be in compliance with Swarthmore Ordinance 949.608.02.
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 Walking Tour
2026-04-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States
Bring your favorite leashed pup(s) for a dog-friendly walk led by our horticulture staff. This tour will feature blooming dogwoods, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed, leashed stroll perfect for enjoying springtime with your furry friends.
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.
Pets must be on a leash at all times to be in compliance with Swarthmore Ordinance 949.608.02.
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.
