Experience the beauty of fall in Philadelphia as the vibrant hues of autumn transform our gardens into a breathtaking landscape. From golden leaves to rich reds and oranges, the natural splendor of the season is on full display. Wander through peaceful pathways, discover unique seasonal plants, and enjoy crisp, refreshing air with every step. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or looking for a family-friendly adventure, the gardens offer a perfect escape. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of the season during the “Golden Days of Fall” in America’s Garden Capital!
Some events require pre-registration or additional paid admission, please check each garden’s website for complete events details.
What's Happening September - November 2024
September 2024
- Friday, September 13, 2024 – Star Party at Tyler Arboretum
Join Tyler Arboretum for a night of stargazing! Star parties are gatherings where astronomers set up their telescopes and invite people to learn about the mysteries of the night sky. There will be a few telescopes set up for public viewing, but feel free to bring your equipment. - Saturday, September 14, 2024 – Family Fun Day at Andalusia
Come out for a day filled with fun for the whole family, including a storytime, craft projects, scavenger hunt, and craft beers. Enjoy the activities or simply relax in the gardens or by the river. Picnicking encouraged! - Saturday, September 14, 2024 – Champagne Garden Tour at Andalusia
Enjoy a glass of champagne and light refreshments on the grand porch of the Big House, overlooking the Delaware River. Horticulturalist Kristin Biddle will give a guided tour of the formal gardens. - Sunday, September 15, 2024 – Tyler’s 80th Anniversary Tour: A Walk Through History
Join an exclusive tour with one of Tyler’s History Docents along a leisurely half-mile walk along the Wister Trail from the Fragrant Garden to Lucille’s Garden. After the tour, enjoy a piece of birthday cake, while supply lasts. - Sunday, September 15, 2024 – Last Chance Café: The Secret Life of a Goldenrod Field at Jenkins Arboretum
A combination of indoor talk and outdoor walk led by Mike Wellbacher, Naturalist and Author of Wild Philly. Goldenrod fields – the wrongful villains in allergy-relief commercials – are a critically important ecosystem for butterflies, bugs, and birds. - Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – Full Moon Hike at Tyler Arboretum
Experience the magic of hiking at night! Join Tyler for a hike under the light of the full moon. - Thursday, September 19, 2024 – Ecological Horticulture Practices at Jenkins Arboretum
Recent weather extremes, increased pests and diseases, habitat loss, and overuse of chemical pesticides have taken their toll on our environment and all the life within it. Jenkins recognizes these challenges and is focused on reversing these trends through ecological restoration and ecologically conscious gardening practices. Learn what Jenkins is doing to improve our ecosystem and how you can join this effort. - Friday and Saturday, September 20-21, 2024 – Plant Sale at Mill Fleurs/Tiffany Perennials Nursery
All perennials, trees and shrubs that are from the garden will be up to 40% off. Visitors can walk through the garden on Friday from 10am-3pm or book a garden tour on Saturday, led by Barbara Tiffany. - Sunday, September 22, 2024 – Autumn Equinox Celebration at Scott Arboretum
Celebrate the first day of fall at the Scott Arboretum! Enjoy live music and a picnic, make a nature-based craft, play games with family and friends, and learn from plant experts. - Sunday, September 22, 2024 – ArtsFest at Glen Feord
Come celebrate new works by Shira Walinsky, the 2024 Glen Foerd Artist-in-Residence, and Sarahbella Rocha. There will be live music, food and drinks available for purchase. Visit the free youth arts & crafts table to create mosaic tiles! Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy the grounds and mansion. - Saturday, September 28, 2024 – American Chestnut Tour at Tyler Arboretum
Join expert Dan O’Keefe for a tour of the American Chestnut orchard to learn about this iconic tree, its significance, and efforts to achieve resistance to the fungal blight. September is harvest time in the Chestnut Orchard. Dan will have seeds for all!
October 2024
- All Month Long – Celebrate ArBOOretum Month at Morris Arboretum & Gardens!
Morris Pumpkin Cottage: Come see hundreds of pumpkins and gourds on display in the garden and at the Morris Pumpkin Cottage! A true spectacle of orange. Selfies a MUST.
Scarecrow Walk: More than 40 scarecrows will be on display throughout the Morris from October 1 through Halloween! - Saturday, October 5, 2024 – Introduction to Bonsai Using Native Trees at Jenkins Arboretum
Join members of the Pennsylvania Bonsai Society to explore the history, fundamental elements, and styles of this ancient art. Students will learn how to choose, plant, train, and provide long-term care to a young specimen tree. Go home with a new Bonsai tree of your own. - Saturday, October 5, 2024 – Scott Associates Garden Day at Scott Arboretum
See glorious gardens created and maintained by gardeners like you at the Scott Associates’ Garden Day. Stroll through gardens in Wayne to become inspired, learn about plant combinations, and get gardening tips. Two private gardens will be featured with a reception at Chanticleer, a pleasure garden. - Sunday, October 6, 2024 – Plant-Based Delights at Jenkins Arboretum
Discover how plant-based eating can improve your personal health and wellness while also supporting the health of the planet. Learn practical tips for including more plants in your diet and enjoy delicious samples of plant-based dishes provided by program partner ANEU Kitchens. - Friday, October 11, 2024 – Fall Fireside at Tyler Arboretum
Grab a bite to eat and your drink of choice and enjoy a fall fireside night at Tyler! There will be education stations and lawn games for children and adults. Peruse fine handcrafted items made by local artisans. Food trucks and beer, wine, and cider. - Thursday, October 17, 2024 – Scavenger Hunt & Dance Party at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Join the Morris for a Halloween scavenger hunt and dance party! Let the little ones loose on an exciting scavenger hunt in the garden and see the Scarecrow Walk! Then take part in a costume dance party! - Thursday, October 17, 2024 – Full Moon Hike at Tyler Arboretum
Experience the magic of hiking at night! Join Tyler for a hike under the light of the full moon. - Friday, October 18, 2024 – Perennial Plant Conference
- Saturday-Sunday, October 19 – 20, 2024 – Hagley Craft Fair
This marketplace brings together talented artisans from the Mid-Atlantic area to display and sell fine arts, crafts, and gourmet items. - Sunday, October 20, 2024 – Harvest Fest at Awbury Arboretum
Live Music, Hayrides, Smores Pits, Great Food, Brew Gardens, Crafts & Games, Local Apples & Pumpkins & tons of vendors & exhibitors. - Sunday, October 20, 2024 – Harvest Fest With A Touch of Honey! at Bartram’s Garden
Celebrate the season’s harvest and honey with this autumnal annual festival. Come for free educational bee-themed activities, cider pressing, wellness workshops, seasonal planting, crafts, and more! - Tuesday, October 22, 2024 – Trick or Treat Bag Craft at Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Make a trip to the Morris to make a special plant-themed trick-or-treat bag using eco-printing techniques! - Friday, October 25, 2024 – Wedding Crashers Ball at Glen Foerd
The return of Philadelphia’s most epic fundraising event! Guests will enjoy an interactive wedding performance, dinner, and dancing at this historic riverside estate. - Saturday, October 26, 2024 – Houseplant Propegation Course at Grounds For Sculpture
Join Cat Swiderski, Manager of Horticulture at GFS, for a two-hour workshop and learn how to grow and propagate a variety of indoor plants. Participants will have the opportunity to take cuttings from GFS-grown plants. - Saturday, October 26 – Fall Nature Walk at Andalusia
Join naturalist Mike Weilbacher, author of “Wild Philly,” on a nature walk where he’ll share the magical story of how and why trees turn color. - Sunday, October 27, 2024 – Poetry Reading at Jenkins Arboretum
Join Jenkins for an afternoon of poetry with nature as inspiration! Local poets Joyce Meyers and Joe Cilluffo will present and discuss their work with tree-mendous views of the outdoors as their backdrop. - Sunday, October 27, 2024 – The Art and Science of Leaves at Jenkins Arboretum
Fall fun at Jenkins! Head outdoors for a nature walk to explore the season. Discover the science behind why leaves turn color and fall of deciduous trees. - Thursday, October 31, 2024 – Halloween Storytime & Sidewalk Chalk Walk at Jenkins Arboretum
A special Halloween-themed read aloud for our littlest nature lovers. After storytime, stay for sidewalk chalk! Doodle through the main path of the garden.
November 2024
- Saturday, November 2, 2024 – Tails from the Crypt: Animal Lover’s Tour & Dog Walk at Laurel Hill
Pet-friendly Laurel Hill East encourages the public to bring their animals along for this springtime walking tour. - Saturday, November 2, 2024 – Fall Flower Arranging Demonstration at Andalusia
Experience the joy of fall flower arranging with an engaging demonstration, designed to enhance your skills and spark your creativity. Andalusia’s Senior Horticulturist Jenna Bachman will provide a comprehensive overview of foraging and cutting from your garden, highlighting the best flowers and foliage for seasonal arrangements. - Saturday, November 2, 2024 – Hand Blown Glass Ornament Course at Grounds For Sculpture
Learn the old-world craft of using Glaskolben tubes and a torch to make five unique glass ornaments. Experiment together with a fun and easy glassblowing techniques and learn new skills at Grounds For Sculpture. - Saturday, November 9, 2024 – Fantastic Foliage: Late Fall Color Tour at Grounds for Sculpture
Delight in the vibrant colors of late fall in the garden with Grounds For Sculpture Manager of Horticulture Cat Swiderski and Horticulturist Jen Mothes. Explore the many late fall treasures that the grounds have to offer and learn what makes our fall foliage so fantastic during this one-hour tour. - November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025 – Holidays at Hagley
Holidays at Hagley returns and will feature Holiday Home and Garden Tours, the seventh-annual Gingerbread House Contest, Santa Day, Holiday Nights Tours, and more.
