As the chill of winter gives way to the warmth of the sun, there’s a palpable sense of renewal in Philadelphia’s public gardens. From the vibrant blooms of cherry blossoms to the delicate unfurling of tulips and daffodils, spring emerges as a symphony of color and fragrance across the landscape. Beyond the blossoms, enjoy lively festivals, guided tours highlighting horticultural heritage, and family-friendly events featuring live music. Explore all that the spring season has to offer in Philadelphia—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 April - May 2024
April
April is blooming with a myriad of spring events in greater Philadelphia gardens. Celebrate spring with a guided tour of blossoming trees or shop for a few special plants to add to your garden at an on-site nursery.
April 1, 2024—Opening Day at Andalusia
Andalusia is open to the public April 1-November 8. 2024 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and select Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Admission to the gardens is $15 per person. Guided tours of the historic house are $30 per person and include garden admission.April 3, 2024—Opening Day at Mt. Cuba Center
April 7, 2024—Official Public (partial) Trail Re-opening at Tyler Arboretum
April 13, 2024 • 2pm – 6 pm—Opening Day at PHS Meadowbrook Farm
April 19, 2024—Opening Day: Outdoor Nursery at Jenkins Arboretum
With over 300 plants to choose from, including evergreen azaleas, deciduous azaleas, small trees, shrubs, houseplants, and numerous perennials for both shade and sun, The Garden Shop has something for everyone. The majority of the plants offered for sale are propagated on-site at Jenkins. Open daily from 9 am – 4 pm.
April 6, 2024—Spring Gardening Saturday at Mt. Cuba Center
Registration and payment required.April 13, 2024—Daffodil Day at Winterthur Included with garden admission.
April 12 – 14, 2024—Sakura Weekend at Shofuso
Celebrate traditional and contemporary Japanese culture under the cherry blossom trees during this free and public, family-friendly event, featuring live music, dance performances, arts and crafts, a vendor fair, food trucks, a beer garden, and much more. Included with garden admission.April 19 – 21, 2024—Wildflower Weekend at Mt. Cuba Center Included with garden admission.
April 19, 2024—Spirit of Spring Fireside at Tyler Arboretum
An outdoor gathering perfect for nature lovers and families alike. Indulge in delicious offerings from food trucks, a cupcake truck, and enjoy a selection of beer and spirits. Included with garden admission.April 20, 2024—Sip Among the Blooms at Winterthur
Explore cheerful blooms throughout the garden as you sample wine varietals perfect for spring. Registration and payment required.April 21, 2024 | 2PM—“A Murmur in the Trees” at Haverford Arboretum
This is a 30-minute, meditative piece for 24 double basses. Where they will stand along either side of the path, nestled into the woods and play a slow meditative piece. Arboretum tours available before the event.April 26 and 27—Peak Bloom Photography Workshop at Jenkins Arboretum
Spring at Jenkins is the perfect time to photograph blooms with azaleas, rhododendrons, and flowering trees galore! Award-winning photographer Laura Ducceschi will illustrate some of the challenges and solutions to creating impactful floral photographs, including equipment, camera settings, lighting, and composition. Registration and payment required.April 27—West Craft Fest at the Woodlands
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April 7, 2024—Beautiful Blooms: Spring Arbor Tour of Laurel Hill West Registration and payment required.
April 8, 2024—Garden Enthusiast Tour at Mt. Cuba center
Additional dates: 5/13, 6/10, 7/8, and 8/12. Registration and payment required.-
April 13, 2024—Spring Buds & Blossoms Tour at Morris Arboretum
Join an experienced guide for our featured tour of the month. Celebrate spring and discover flowering trees and colorful blooms. Free with general admission. -
April 16, 2024— Birdwatching and Arboretum tours with Appleford Estate and the Willows Park
An afternoon of guided bird watching and arboretum tours at the Willows Park Preserve and Appleford. Attendance will be limited. Registration and payment required. -
April 19, 2024—Ambler Arboretum Director’s Walk: Spring
Join Ambler Arboretum Director Kathy Salisbury for a Spring Director’s Walk on Friday, April 19, from 1 to 2:30 pm. The hike will begin at the Flagpole Circle in front of Bright Hall. Registration required, register online here. -
April 20, 2024—Magnolias & More Tour at Morris Arboretum
Join an experienced guide for a tour of the Morris’s magnificent magnolias! Celebrate spring and discover flowering trees and colorful blooms. Free with general admission. -
April 21, 2024—Beautiful Blooms: Spring Arbor Tour of Laurel Hill East Registration and payment required.
May
May is special event season… garden parties, bourbon tastings, art openings, and more! Or slow down and smell the flowers on a guided tour lead by a knowledgable garden staff member.
May 3, 2024—The Andalusia Garden Symposium
The second annual Garden Symposium will bring together garden enthusiasts from near and far to hear from some of the most influential and innovative voices in the global gardening community. Registration and payment required.May 4, 2024—Azaleas & Bluebells Day at Winterthur
Events include plant sales, guided and self-guided tours of Azalea Woods, and more. Included with garden admission.May 4 & 5, 2024—Tyler Arboretum Plant Sale
May 4 & 5, 2024—Jenkins Arboretum Plant Sale
May 5, 2024—Opening of Slow Motion, Special Exhibition at Grounds for Sculpture with indoor and outdoor components. On view May 5, 2024 to September 1, 2025. Included with garden admission.
May 10, 2024—Bourbon & Bluegrass at Winterthur
Just what it sounds like, it’s bourbon tasting and live bluegrass, a perfect combo. Registration and payment required.May 15, 2024—Nature Nights: Pollinator Night at The Woodlands
May 16, 2024—Peony Palooza! at Scott Arboretum
From big and blousy to delicate and dazzling, explore and appreciate the variety peonies add to spring! Bring the whole family to be inspired by the unique floral show.May 17, 2024—Twilight on the Terrace at Mt. Cuba Center (additional dates 6/21, 7/19, 8/16, and 8/30). Included with garden admission.
May 25, 2024—Summer Kick-off Celebration at Hagley Museum and Library Included with site admission.
May 25, 2024—Opening Day of Summer of Dinos at Morris Arboretum
The Morris goes Mesozoic during Summer of Dinos! Visitors are invited to discover Plants in the Age of Dinosaurs—a self-guided exhibition featuring plants in our collection with roots that go back to prehistoric times. There is also a brand-new dinosaur exhibition in the Garden Railway—Garden Railway: Dinos!, as well as a pop-up paleontologist’s cottage featuring hands-on “dig stations,” special family-friendly programming including Fossil Fridays, dino story time, and much more! Free with general admission.
May 4, 2024—The Andalusia Garden Party
Each year, friends and guests enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and breathtaking blooms at Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum during our Garden Party fundraiser. All proceeds benefit the Annual Fund of The Andalusia Foundation, the nonprofit that works to preserve the gardens and buildings of this National Historic Landmark. Advanced tickets required.May 8, 2024—Appleford 50 Year Anniversary Celebration and Spring Open House
Come raise a glass to celebrate spring in the beautiful historic house and gardens. Light refreshments will be provided. House and garden tours will be offered at 6:00 and 7:00 pm. RSVP to rsvpapplefordcommittee@gmail.comMay 16, 2024—Awbury al Fresco: Garden Party & Benefit for the Arboretum Advanced ticket purchase required.
May 18, 2024—Spring Blooms Annual Celebration at Jenkins Arboretum
Celebrate our local pollinators and the emergence of spring at our annual gala. Enjoy a roving dinner, garden games, lively music, a live auction, and other floral festivities. Registration and payment required.
May 10, 2024—Nature Therapy Walk: A Shinrin-yoku Experience with Sharon Lohse and Patty Kleiner at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
Registration and payment required.May 11, 2024—Botanical Watercolor Class at PHS Meadowbrook Farm
Registration and payment required.May 13, 2024—Garden Enthusiast Tour at Mt. Cuba Center
Additional dates: 6/10, 7/8, and 8/12. Registration and payment required.May 17, 2024—Ambler Arboretum Spring Horticulture Hike
Take a Spring Horticulture Hike through the gardens with Ambler Arboretum Director Kathy Salisbury on Friday, May 17, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The hike will begin at the Flagpole Circle in front of Bright Hall. Registration required, register online here.
