Summer Garden Visits
In June, my mom and I are headed to the Philladelphia area to visit gardens. We’re planning on visiting Longwood Garden, Winterthur, and Chanticleer.
I have visited Longwood on a few occasions, but somehow always during the spring bulb show and it’s been quite a few years since we’ve visited. I’ve been wanting to go in the summer for a LONG time and am really happy to be going back. The other two gardens I’ve heard a lot about, but haven’t visited before.
Do you have any recommendations for things to do and see in the Philly area?
Filed under Public Gardens to Visit | Comments (10)
Susy, sorry, don’t know anything about Philly except the zoo from 35 years ago and the baseball team that’s not doing so good this year. I did go to a Tulip Festival in Iowa over the weekend which was totally awesome. The community is mainly Dutch, of course, and dancers dressed in Dutch costume with wooden shoes closed down the streets with their traditional Dutch dancing. Pastries were on every block as well as regular American food. And, well, who could possibly get by with out a funnel cake. The Tulip displays were magnificent and the parade was awesome. It was well worth the trip to see.
Have a great garden touring day.
to Nebraska Dave's comment
Good garden choices- some of my favorites nearby include Scott Arboretum, the historic Bartram’s Garden, and Tyler Arboretum. As for non-garden stops, I think you’d really like Talula’s Table in Kennett Square near Longwood.
We have lots of gardens in DC, too- you should plan a trip sometime!
to Laura's comment
I wish I could help you but I can’t. I’ve only been in the Philly airport for a layover (on flight 1776…odd, right?)
You know, for some reason I’m not fond of those swaths of bulb displays. I guess I feel like every garden does it and I want to see something *different*.
Enjoy your trip this summer!
to Misti's comment
One think I like about the bulb displays at Longwood is that they replace the bulbs with annuals as they fade.
to Susy's comment
The Reading Terminal Market is fantastic! :)
to Chris's comment
I just visited Winterthur last week. It was lovely. The azaleas were just coming into bloom and the lilacs were spectacular. I took my 5 year old daughter to explore the fairy garden which is so magical. It’s a beautiful property. I’ve been twice and still feel like I haven’t seen everything. The house tour takes about an hour and is very interesting.
Terrain is a garden/home shop not too far from Longwood/Winterthur. it’s so beautiful and they have a great restaurant on property.
to Karen's comment
Chanticleer is a jewel box. The Barnes Foundation arboretum is beautiful. it is approx 20 min from chanticleer. The morris arboretum is another good pick if time allows. Both swarthmore and haverford colleges’ are arboretums as well. Enjoy.
to gale's comment
If you didn’t read this one already. An underrated city April 7 2015 (philly)a blog sighting over Sixty
to Diana's comment
If you are headed to Chanticleer, you might also look into visiting Jenkin’s Arboretum (primarily native plantings) in Berwyn, PA (just 3 miles away). Stop in Wayne for lunch between them at The White Dog Cafe (local farm food $$$) or better yet, at The Silver Spoon Cafe and look into Valley Forge Flowers to shop. Across the way is a Strafford Farmer’s Market. Not as impressive as the Reading Terminal market in Phildelphia. Depending on when during the week you are here and where you are staying, there are many local farmer’s markets that spring up weekly in local parking lots.
Check out americasgardencapital.org that shows the 30+ gardens you can see within 30 miles of Philadelphia.
Full disclosure…I volunteer at Jenkins every week. It is a gem.
Just saw that on June 6&7 the Garden Conservancy is having a tour of some of the private gardens associated with the Barnes Arboretum. So much to see and do!
to Heather's comment
Thanks for the recommendation!
to Susy's comment