Winter Celebration: “A Garden Inferior to Few…” The Williamsburg Garden of John Custis IV

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 Will......More

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. 

The Inn at Swarthmore, 10 South Chester Rd, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Virtual Lunchtime Tour: Spring Ephemerals

Take your lunch break virtually and indulge in the enchanting spring ephemerals around Scott Arboretum & Gardens. Tune in on our YouTube channel.

Virtual Meeting

Nature Nook: Spring Session

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. ......More

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.  SOLD OUT 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. 

Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Scott Medal & Award Presentation

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 o......More

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. Please register by March 19, 2026. In-person Registration 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.

Lang Performing Arts Center, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

School’s Out: Spring Blooms

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 ga......More

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 10:30 am for a free, family-friendly tour of the Arboretum & Gardens.  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!  Event Schedule:  9:30 am – 12:00 pm: Nature crafts, scavenger hunts, plant trickery, and more!   10:30 am – 11 am: Family-friendly tour of Scott Arboretum & Gardens 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. 

Cherry Border, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, 19081, United States

In-Person Highlights Tour: Flowering Cherries

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 Pro......More

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.

Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States

Nature Nook: Spring Session

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. ......More

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.  SOLD OUT 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. 

Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Gardens & Galleries: A Spring Day in Brooklyn

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 ......More

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: $165Non-Members: $205 (includes a one-year Individual level membership to the Associates of Scott Arboretum & Gardens) Registration closes Thursday, April 2. Register Now 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.

Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Nature Nook: Spring Session

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. ......More

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.  SOLD OUT 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. 

Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Dogwood Doggie Day Out

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......More

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 stationScott Arboretum & Gardens member doggie swag giveaway (one per membership, while supplies last)Visit with adoptable dogs from a local shelterDogwood tree giveawaySelf-guided tour10 – 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. 

Wister Center – Gillespie Room, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA, United States

Dog-Friendly Walking Tour

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 Thi......More

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.

Scott Arboretum Offices, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA, United States