Visit our “gardens of ideas”
Cultivated to sustain the body, enchant the eye, and soothe the spirit.
hours
Dawn to Dusk, 365 days
Free and Open to the Public
Office Hours
Monday through Friday,
8:30 am to noon and 1:00 to 4:30 pm.
Contact
Visitor Policies
We are delighted to welcome all people to explore and enjoy our grounds and gardens. For the safety of our visitors, as well as to preserve the Scott Arboretum & Gardens, the following policies apply when visiting.
- Picnicking is permitted, but please carry out all trash.
- Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash at all times. (Swarthmore Borough Ordinance: 949.608.02)
- Photography for personal use is encouraged. Photo shoots require permits.
- Do not pick or collect plants, flowers, or labels.
- Please refrain from climbing on trees or shrubs and standing or walking in garden beds.
- Small motorized vehicles are not permitted on campus (e-scooters, hoverboards, & e-skateboards) Electric mobility aids for individuals with disabilities are permitted on campus.
We are delighted to welcome all people to explore and enjoy our grounds and gardens. For the safety of our visitors, as well as to preserve the Scott Arboretum, the following policies apply when visiting.
- Picnicking is permitted, but please carry out all trash.
- Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash at all times. (Swarthmore Borough Ordinance: 949.608.02)
- Photography for personal use is encouraged. Photo shoots require permits.
- Do not pick or collect plants, flowers, or labels.
- Please refrain from climbing on trees or shrubs and standing or walking in garden beds.
- Small motorized vehicles are not permitted on campus (e-scooters, hoverboards, & e-skateboards) Electric mobility aids for individuals with disabilities are permitted on campus.
Directions
Travel by Car
From the Airport
- Take PA-291 W, S Sellers Ave, Morton Ave, and Swarthmore Ave to Elm Ave in Swarthmore
- Continue on Elm Ave. Drive to College Ave
- Find parking near our location: 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081
Public Transit Options
SEPTA Regional Rail
- Take SEPTA‘s Media/Wawa line, Swarthmore station.
- Walk up the hill on the tree-lined Magill Walk
- Turn right in front of Parrish Hall at the top of the hill
- Proceed past the library to the Cunningham House which houses the Scott Arboretum & Gardens offices.
SEPTA Bus Route
- The SEPTA bus route 109, 69th Street Terminal to Chester, has a bus stop at Chester Rd (Route 320) and College Ave.
- After departing from the bus, walk up the hill (College Ave.) to the Scott Arboretum & Gardens office in Cunningham House.
Parking
Parking Lots
Street Parking
- Cedar Lane
- College Avenue
Event Parking
Scott Arboretum & Gardens signage will be posted before the event’s start to direct visitors to the appropriate parking lot; walking signs will direct people to the correct building.
Check out our interactive map - Arboretum Explorer
Pinpoint a dedicated tree, discover another garden, locate your next favorite tree, and find campus amenities–all with Arboretum Explorer!
Take a Virtual Tour of the Scott Arboretum & Gardens
Explore the gardens before you arrive. Explore by:
- season
- collections
- gardens
Guided & Self-guided tours available
The Scott Arboretum & Gardens offers regularly scheduled staff-led tours. Groups of 10+ interested in a guided tour should contact the Offices:
phone: 610-328-8025 |
email: scott@swarthmore.edu
We’re not your garden variety Arboretum
The mission of Scott Arboretum & Gardens is to delight, educate, and inspire visitors to enjoy the many benefits of horticulture. All of our gardens feature plant varieties that grow well in this area and encourage wise stewardship. We want to share our knowledge about:
- sustainable gardening
- best horticulture practices
- creating a garden for everyone to enjoy year-round