Pennsylvania
Topiaries, Pleasure Gardens and Botanical Gems in Philadelphia and Beyond
Program No. 2196760MEADV-0519
Join local experts to explore Longwood Gardens, the Mount Cuba Center, Ladew Topiary Gardens, Chanticleer, the Barnes Foundation’s Arboretum and more!
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800-454-5768
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6 days
5 nights
11 meals
5B 3L 3D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Philadelphia, PA
2
Bartram's Garden, Longwood Gardens
Philadelphia, PA
3
Wyck, Morris Arboretum
Philadelphia, PA
4
Chanticleer Garden, Free Time
Philadelphia, PA
5
Ladew Topiary Gardens, Mt. Cuba Center
Philadelphia, PA
6
Barnes Foundation Arboretum, Program Concludes
Philadelphia, PA
At a Glance
Philadelphia is a little-known hub for some of the finest botanical gardens on the East Coast. Discover an array of hidden horticultural gems not just in Philadelphia, but also within a short drive of it in Delaware, Maryland and surrounding townships. Join gardening experts for a special exploration of the native plants of the Mount Cuba Center in Delaware, the sculptured greenery of Ladew Topiary Gardens in Maryland, the pleasure gardens of Chanticleer in Pennsylvania, and the beautiful botanical gardens of Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Expert-led field trips to Morris Arboretum and the Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation, among others, offer additional opportunities to thrill in the natural beauty of some of the region’s premier gardens.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking and standing for up to two hours.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore botanical treasures at Chanticleer, a pleasure garden, and Longwood Gardens' Glass Conservatory.
- Hear the story of John Bartram — the father of American botany — at his historic home and gardens.
- Journey to Maryland to explore the Ladew Topiary Gardens, considered the finest topiary garden in the country.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Tish Byrne
An artist and historian, Tish Byrne is passionate about all aspects of her native city and its environment after having lived in and led explorations at the Physick House, which belongs to Philadelphia Landmarks. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts later becoming an administrative assistant to the Director of the school. Presently, she leads excursions for the mural arts program, is a docent at Historic Christ Church and leads explorations of Philadelphia landmarks.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Tish Byrne
View biography
An artist and historian, Tish Byrne is passionate about all aspects of her native city and its environment after having lived in and led explorations at the Physick House, which belongs to Philadelphia Landmarks. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts later becoming an administrative assistant to the Director of the school. Presently, she leads excursions for the mural arts program, is a docent at Historic Christ Church and leads explorations of Philadelphia landmarks.
Jenny Rose Carey
View biography
Jenny Rose is an educator, historian, author and former senior director at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Meadowbrook Farm in Jenkintown. An avid, hands-on gardener who has worked in both England and the United States, she has lectured nationally and internationally for many years. Jenny Rose and her gardens have been featured on the PBS series 'The Victory Garden' and in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Grow magazine and the Pennsylvania Gardener. Her latest book, 'Glorious Shade,' was released in 2017.
Lauren Kain
View biography
Lauren Biddle Kain is the site coordinator for Philadelphia Landmarks Road Scholar. She received her BS/BA from Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. After marriage and transfer to the San Diego area, she began working at EVENT NETWORK, a leading experiental retail operator, on behalf of cultural attractions such as zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, museums, science centers and other cultural attractions. Lauren and her family now reside in the Philadelphia area. She started working with Road Scholar as a junior Group Leader for Grandparent Programs.
Kirk Brown
View biography
Kirk Brown has won landscape design awards from the Perennial Plant Association, Association of Professional Landscape Designers, and Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association. He represented Joanne Kostecky Garden Design as a leader in the design/build industry. He is a past president of www.GardenComm.com and in 2021 was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He worked as Outreach Coordinator for America’s Oldest Ornamental Garden. He has delivered hundreds of keynote addresses, guest lectures, teaching symposiums, and certified instruction over the past quarter century.
Suggested Reading List
(20 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Topiaries, Pleasure Gardens and Botanical Gems in Philadelphia and Beyond
Program Number: 21967
Founding Gardeners: The Revolutionary Generation, Nature, and the Shaping of the American Nation.
Glorious Shade: Dazzling Plants, Design Ideas, and Proven Techniques for Your Shady Garden Glorious Shade: Dazzling Plants, Design Ideas, and Proven Techniques for Your Shady Garden
The Ultimate Flower Gardener’s Guide: How to Combine Shape, Color, and Texture to Create the Garden of Your Dreams
List of Woody Plant Materials
The Art of Gardening: Design Inspiration and Innovative Planting Techniques from Chanticleer
Discover a world of beauty and creativity! Chanticleer has been called the most romantic, imaginative, and exciting public garden in America. It is a place of pleasure and learning, relaxing yet filled with ideas to take home. And now those lessons are available for everyone in this stunning book! You’ll learn techniques specific to different conditions and plant palettes; how to use hardscape materials in a fresh way; and how to achieve the perfect union between plant and site. And Rob Cardillo’s exquisite photographs of exciting combinations will be sure to stimulate your own creativity. Whether you’re already under Chanticleer’s spell or have yet to visit, The Art of Gardening will enable you to bring the special magic that pervades this most artful of gardens into your own home landscape.
Travels through North South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida.
Restoring American Gardens: An Encyclopedia of Heirloom Ornamental Plants
Native Plants of the Northeast: A Guide for Gardening and Conservation
If you've always wanted to garden with native plants, this book is for you. With entries for nearly 700 species of native trees, shrubs, vines, ferns, grasses, and wildflowers from the northeastern quarter of the U.S. and eastern Canada, its comprehensive horticultural coverage is unsurpassed by any other single volume. The natural ranges of many of the plants discussed extend beyond the Northeast; the information on horticultural uses applies to any garden. Each plant description includes information about cultivation and propagation, ranges, and hardiness. An appendix recommends particular plants for difficult situations, as well as attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and other wildlife. Illustrated throughout with color photographs.
Native Trees for North American Landscapes.
Chanticleer: A Pleasure Garden
Plant Exploration for Longwood Gardens
The Natures of John and William Bartram
John Bartram "Father of American Botony"
Field Guide: 14 Gorgeous Philly-Area Gardens and Arboretums to Visit Now
Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, 10th edition.
Private Gardens of Philadelphia
Mt. Cuba
The Life and Gardens of Harvey Ladew
The Signature of All Things.
Observations on the Inhabitants, Climate, Soil, Rivers, Productions, Animals and other matters worth of Notice.
, A GUIDE TO THE GREAT GARDENS OF THE PHILADELPHIA REGION
Finally, for every resident and visitor to the region, a comprehensive guide to the gardens of eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and northern Delaware. Magnificently illustrated with nearly 200 full color photographs, A GUIDE TO THE GREAT GARDENS OF THE PHILADELPHIA REGION provides essential information on how to locate and enjoy the finest gardens the area has to offer.
As the horticultural epicenter of the United States, Philadelphia and the surrounding towns, suburbs, and countryside are blessed with more public gardens in a concentrated area than almost any other region in the world.a Stretching from Trenton, New Jersey through Philadelphia and down to Newark, Delaware, this area (often called the Delaware Valley) offers more horticultural riches than a visitor can possibly see even in a couple of weeks of hectic garden-hopping.
In A GUIDE TO THE GREAT GARDENS OF THE PHILADELPHIA REGION you will find:
Detailed coverage of almost 100 gardens
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Philadelphia, PA
Program Concludes
Philadelphia, PA
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
11
| 5B |
3L |
3D |
Activity Level
Philadelphia is a little-known hub for some of the finest botanical gardens on the East Coast. Discover an array of hidden horticultural gems not just in Philadelphia, but also within a short drive of it in Delaware, Maryland and surrounding townships. Join gardening experts for a special exploration of the native plants of the Mount Cuba Center in Delaware, the sculptured greenery of Ladew Topiary Gardens in Maryland, the pleasure gardens of Chanticleer in Pennsylvania, and the beautiful botanical gardens of Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Expert-led field trips to Morris Arboretum and the Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation, among others, offer additional opportunities to thrill in the natural beauty of some of the region’s premier gardens.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Explore botanical treasures at Chanticleer, a pleasure garden, and Longwood Gardens' Glass Conservatory.
- Hear the story of John Bartram — the father of American botany — at his historic home and gardens.
- Journey to Maryland to explore the Ladew Topiary Gardens, considered the finest topiary garden in the country.
Featured Expert
Tish Byrne
An artist and historian, Tish Byrne is passionate about all aspects of her native city and its environment after having lived in and led explorations at the Physick House, which belongs to Philadelphia Landmarks. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts later becoming an administrative assistant to the Director of the school. Presently, she leads excursions for the mural arts program, is a docent at Historic Christ Church and leads explorations of Philadelphia landmarks.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Jenny Rose Carey
Jenny Rose is an educator, historian, author and former senior director at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Meadowbrook Farm in Jenkintown. An avid, hands-on gardener who has worked in both England and the United States, she has lectured nationally and internationally for many years. Jenny Rose and her gardens have been featured on the PBS series 'The Victory Garden' and in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Grow magazine and the Pennsylvania Gardener. Her latest book, 'Glorious Shade,' was released in 2017.
Lauren Kain
Lauren Biddle Kain is the site coordinator for Philadelphia Landmarks Road Scholar. She received her BS/BA from Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. After marriage and transfer to the San Diego area, she began working at EVENT NETWORK, a leading experiental retail operator, on behalf of cultural attractions such as zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, museums, science centers and other cultural attractions. Lauren and her family now reside in the Philadelphia area. She started working with Road Scholar as a junior Group Leader for Grandparent Programs.
Kirk Brown
Kirk Brown has won landscape design awards from the Perennial Plant Association, Association of Professional Landscape Designers, and Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association. He represented Joanne Kostecky Garden Design as a leader in the design/build industry. He is a past president of www.GardenComm.com and in 2021 was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He worked as Outreach Coordinator for America’s Oldest Ornamental Garden. He has delivered hundreds of keynote addresses, guest lectures, teaching symposiums, and certified instruction over the past quarter century.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking and standing for up to two hours.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(20 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2025
Date
- Apr 20 - Apr 25
- May 04 - May 09
- May 11 - May 16
- Sep 28 - Oct 03
- Oct 19 - Oct 24
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- Apr 20 - Apr 25
- May 04 - May 09
- May 11 - May 16
- Sep 28 - Oct 03
- Oct 19 - Oct 24
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
11 meals | 5B | 3L | 3D |
3 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Meals:
D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, your paperwork will be left at the front desk for your arrival. Pease locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. If you will arrive late please email Lauren Kain. lkain@philalandmarks.org
Evening:
We will be joined by an expert who will explain how Philadelphia became the garden capital of America. Philadelphia's world-class public gardens exist within a 30-mile radius of Philadelphia, more than anywhere else in the country. We’ll hear about their influence on the local economy, as well as some smaller gardens. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Bartram's Garden, Longwood Gardens
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 70 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking about 1 mile at Bartram Gardens (uneven terrain) and 2 miles Longwood Gardens (paved walkways). Extent and duration of walking and other activities during independent exploration according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach and set out on a field trip to Bartram’s Garden on the west bank of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, a short ride from the hotel. The site of this oldest surviving botanic garden in North America was inhabited by Native Americans as early as 3000 BCE. Its current incarnation originated in 1648 as an outpost of the New Sweden colony. John Bartram, a self-taught botanist, purchased 102 acres in 1728 and began gathering what became the most varied collection of plants in North America. He developed a thriving seed and plant trade, had exchanges with botanists across the pond, and in 1765 was appointed “Royal Botanist” to King George III. The renowned Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus called him “the greatest natural botanist in the world.” At home, Bartram and his garden were admired and visited by notables such Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Led by John Bartram, we’ll explore the garden with our historian who will provide an overview of early days in the Colonial era when horticulture was developing, from the John Bartram estate in Philadelphia throughout the Brandywine Valley and Montgomery County — when the sylvan countryside was its own “garden of Eden.”
Lunch:
En route to Longwood, we’ll have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
Back aboard the motorcoach, we’ll ride to Longwood Gardens for exploration with a staff member. Longwood comprises more than 1,000 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows with 4,600 varieties of plants and trees; we will also have an opportunity to see fountains. The garden had its genesis in the 1800s as the Peirce family’s arboretum on their farm. Businessman Pierre S. du Pont rescued the arboretum from being cut down by purchasing the farm in 1906; by the 1920s, he had expanded the farm into a display garden that continues to be open to the public, although he at first only wished to entertain friends. We’ll also have some time for independent exploration.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Wyck, Morris Arboretum
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 41 miles total, approximately 2 hours riding time. At Wyck, walking approximately 1 mile fairly even terrain along pebble paths. At Morris Arboretum, walking up to 2 miles including moderate slopes with uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today we head north of the city to Germantown, a neighborhood of Philadelphia to explore Wyck; a National Historic Landmark house, garden, and farm that served as the ancestral home to one Philadelphia family for nine generations (1690- 1973). We will be guided through one of Philadelphia’s oldest houses, dating to 1690. Wyck is known as an assemblage of structures that evolved over time, but has remained mostly unchanged since renowned Philadelphia architect William Strickland renovated the first-floor interiors in 1824. Wyck's 1820s rose garden is widely recognized as the oldest rose garden in original plan in America, with 50+ cultivators of historic roses. Included in the garden are the original roses from the 19th century design, as well as plants from its earlier iteration as a kitchen garden. Today it stands as an authentic archetype of an early colonial American rose garden. After our tour we will travel by motor coach approximately 20 minutes to Morris Arboretum.
Lunch:
Under the tent at Morris Arboretum.
Afternoon:
It has been described as “a romantic Victorian landscape garden” but the Morris Arboretum is much more. It began in 1887 as the summer home of a wealthy family. Siblings John and Lydia Morris took a barren spot with poor soil and gradually transformed it with landscaping and plants they collected during travels through America, Europe, and Asia. The Morrisses believed in the ideals of beauty, knowledge, education, and stewardship. When the University of Pennsylvania acquired the property in 1932, it became the Morris Arboretum and is the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The arboretum continues to advance the ideals of its progenitors as an interdisciplinary center integrating art, science, and the humanities. The 92 acres of gardens, pathways, and streams encompass thousands of plants including many of Philadelphia’s oldest, rarest, and largest trees. A local expert will point out highlights from all over the world. We will also have an opportunity to view the only remaining freestanding Victorian fernery in North America, built in 1899. Filled with ferns, trickling waterfalls, and reflecting pools, it bears the name of the donor who funded its renovation, Dorrance H. Hamilton. We’ll ride back to the hotel after our field trip.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Chanticleer Garden, Free Time
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Meals:
B
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles (distances determined by how much you choose to see), standing up to 2 hours; pathways, hilly terrain, some places to sit.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out on a field trip to Chanticleer, just west of the city. This is another great public garden that began as the summer estate of a wealthy family, the Rosengartens, whose pharmaceutical firm became part of Merck. The home they commissioned in 1913 was enhanced by the landscape designs of architect Thomas Sears. After the death of the owner in 1990, the expanses of trees and lawns began to be enhanced by flowers and gardens developed by Chanticleer staff and other horticultural professionals. The result is a palette of colors and textures changing from season to season, year to year. Opened to the public in 1993, Chanticleer has been called the most romantic and imaginative public garden in America. Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the day will be free.
Lunch:
On your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy the local fare of your choice.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Ladew Topiary Gardens, Mt. Cuba Center
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 200 miles throughout the day, approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking up to 3 miles indoors and out, standing up to 2 hours indoors and out; generally even terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll begin the morning with a field trip via motorcoach to the award-winning Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton, Maryland. In the 1930s and 1940s, Harvey S. Ladew (1887-1976) created 15 thematic “garden rooms” on 22 acres he carved out of fields. Born into wealth and privilege, he did all the planning and landscaping himself without any formal training. The Garden Club of America awarded Mr. Ladew its Distinguished Achievement Award for “the most outstanding topiary garden in the country.” He did have expert help turning a rustic farmhouse into a luxurious country home. Our exploration — led by an educator from the organization — will include both the manor house and gardens as well as a sit-down presentation on aspects of horticulture.
Lunch:
At Ladew Gardens, we’ll have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
Our field trip this afternoon is to the Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware, outside Wilmington. It was once the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland, who shared a passionate interest in gardening, flowers, and plants, especially native varieties. The formal gardens and terraces surrounding their stately manor house were designed by noted Philadelphia landscape architect Thomas W. Sears. Following Mrs. Copeland’s death in 2001, the Mt. Cuba Center transitioned from a private to public botanic garden. We will have an expert-led exploration through some of the display gardens covering more than 50 acres bordered by natural lands of more than 500 acres.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure tomorrow.
Day
6
Barnes Foundation Arboretum, Program Concludes
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. At the Barnes Arboretum, walking up to a mile. Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll check out of the hotel, board the motorcoach, and take a short ride to Merion, Pennsylvania, where the Barnes Foundation campus features the former home of Dr. Albert C. and Mrs. Laura Barnes, surrounded by a 12-acre arboretum. They purchased the property in 1922 from Joseph Lapsley Wilson, who had spent the previous 40 years planting specimen trees. Mrs. Barnes added thousands of rare plant specimens and established an extensive horticultural library. Today, the arboretum contains more than 3,000 species of rare and unusual plants including 31 state champion trees as well as collections of hardy ferns, hostas, peonies, roses, and medicinal plants. With our educator, we’ll explore the arboretum’s vast collection and attend a presentation in the mansion’s library on Mrs. Barnes and her horticultural interests and achievements. We will return to the hotel around noon and say our goodbyes. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Lunch:
Lunch is not included today to enable you to make travel plans back to your cities. We should arrive back from our field trip at NOON This concludes our program We hope you enjoy all your Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. We encourage you to join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
11 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
- Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
- May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025
- May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025
- Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
- Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 21 Reviews
Sort By:
The trip was excellent -- the leader and the docents were exceptionally knowledgable.
My one biggest disappointment was that I wished more time had been allocated at the Morris Arboretum, Chanticleer, or Mt. Cuba locations to "sit a spell" or wander about after the guided tour. I would have rather returned later in the afternoon for dinner time and had more time at these gardens to explore.
— Review left May 20, 2024
We are not gardeners, but were looking for a program to fit a hole in our road trip itinerary. We saw the email on this program and thought it would be a way to spend a few days in Philadelphia. We thoroughly enjoyed the program! We visited a wide array of gardens with diverse histories, gardening philosophies, and resources. We were afraid that we wouldn’t fit-in with a group of self-described “gardening nerds,” but that was not the case—participants had a wide range of gardening expertise. The program was a great combination of horticultural and cultural history. The guides at each garden were, of course, excellent, and we learned a lot from the other participants. The program has motivated us to spend more time in our home garden and return to Philadelphia.
— Review left May 11, 2024
This tour is an opportunity to compare various Philly area "gardens", including significant trees and woody plants.
— Review left April 27, 2024
This was an amazing Fall tour of the most beautiful, creative and historical gardens/arboretums on the East Coast. The knowledge provided by our tour guide, Tish, and garden/arboretum guides was absolutely excellent. I wouldn't hesitate to repeat this tour to enjoy the gardens in the Spring.
— Review left September 19, 2023
This is a great program for gardeners of all experience levels. Just be aware that the US Agriculture zone of Philadelphia may be different than where you live so the plants you will see may not be in your home area.It was my first Road Scholar trip and I was solo. I plan to do more RS trips because of a great experience!
— Review left May 13, 2023
Excellent Tour Leader & great Itinerary visiting 8 Gardens in the Philadelphia area. A wonderful way to celebrate SPRING!!
— Review left April 25, 2023
The gardens are beautiful at every time of the year, this is the second time I've done this program in a year, and the city of Philadelphia is a gem!
— Review left October 14, 2022
Wonderful experience. Tish is an amazing leader. Not only sharing her rich knowledge of Philadelphia’s history, art and inside stories, she is so caring, thoughtful, organized and just makes each day a fun and joyful experience. And the gardens are all so unique and beautiful!
— Review left October 14, 2022
Always enjoy a RS trip. Fun and interesting adults who want to learn and share. Tour leaders are carefully selected and do a fabulous job. Never disappointed!
— Review left September 27, 2022
The trip started out with knowledgeable botanist the first evening, but moved a little slowly, as we all shivered in the cold on the first damp, cool April morning listening to a monotone guide discuss the history Bartram's garden from an empty field. But things picked up with more robust and informative portions of the tour and succeeding tours of Longwood and Morris Arboretum. The various guides through the various gardens were not evenly able to adjust to the knowledgeable group, but the gardens were indeed varied and delightful.My favorite, by far, was Chanticleer--not to be missed if you get to the region. All in all, I enjoyed the program and the food.
— Review left July 17, 2022
Beautiful Trip....a great immersion into the power of Nature...view my 6 minute "movie" at https://youtu.be/4d6VEta-CVg
— Review left June 30, 2022
I loved this trip. The gardens were all different and our guide was very good. Guides at the different gardens were also excellent. Hotel was well situated and very comfortable.
— Review left June 7, 2022
This is the first trip that I did NOT have to plan anything - just show up, I really enjoyed this aspect.
— Review left June 6, 2022
This was a lovely tour of some of the most beautiful and creative botanical gardens and arboretums in the region, and during a lucky spell of rainless, sunny days. Almost everything--including the wonderful hotel, the tour director, and the guides--was excellent. The only glaring problem was our mode of daily transportation: a small van with very poor suspension, such that we felt all the many jarring bumps along the roads! I don't see a space to give a star rating, but I would give this trip as it was 4 stars; had we had a comfy, smooth coach, I would have given it 5 stars.
— Review left May 29, 2022
For anyone interested and curious about the magnificent gardens of the Philadelphia area, this is the program for you! Tish is an extremely talented and gifted leader, her enthusiasm made every aspect of the week come alive! The gardens are magnificent! It was fascinating to learn about the history and traditions of early American gardening. We are extremely fortunate that Americans before us dedicated their lives and fortunes to the cultivation of magnificent spaces and set up foundations to insure the areas were/are protected and continue to thrive. The passion of gardening continues and we were fortunate to be able to share that passion. This is a 5 star program!
— Review left May 2, 2022
No two gardens were the same, simply stunning!
— Review left October 5, 2021
This is a wonderful program! Loved visiting these beautiful gardens, and the docents and guides were so knowledgeable about the property, the gardens and the history of the property. This program is packed with information and the beauty of the gardens.
— Review left September 26, 2021
I had an absolute wonderful time Tish was great so informative the gardens were fantastic can equael some I have seen in Europe, learning the history was a plus, loved the trip would recommend to everyone, I will be back
— Review left July 8, 2019
This was my first Road Scholar tour and I was worried that I might be disappointed—however, they quickly put any worries I might have had to rest from the moment I signed up for their program! I was extremely grateful for all the travel info they offered, including giving several suggestions about how to get from the airport to my hotel! I used a local shuttle service they recommended, Liberty Bell Shuttle, and was very pleased with their prompt service. I had several questions and had to call Road Scholar several times and was able to speak to a representative each time I called with no problem and they were always polite and knowledgeable, answering any and all questions in a helpful manner. At our first introductory meeting, I was astounded to hear that two others in my group have traveled on 49 previous Road Scholar trips! Another gentleman said this was his 9th trip! “Repeat business” speaks volumes! I will travel again with Road Scholar and will highly recommend this company. Thank tou
— Review left June 26, 2019
A week of beauty and refreshment. After you've seen the usual Philadelphia sights, it's great to get out into an area where gardening is a high art form. So many different kinds of gardens, and this tour covered a wide range, each a gem. The staff is most kind and helpful. This program is a treat, for gardener and non-gardener alike.
— Review left June 1, 2019
This is a wonderful program for those who love flowers and/or love to garden. We saw 8 great gardens in 5 days and it was heaven!
— Review left May 3, 2019