What's Happening April - May 2023
Go Public Garden Days
May 12 – 21, 2023 | multiple gardens
Celebrate Go Public Gardens Days, a national initiative of the American Public Gardens Association, highlighting the beauty, plant variety, and joy that can be found in public gardens across the U.S.
Many of the 38 gardens in and around Philadelphia will take their own unique opportunity to celebrate the initiative through garden promotions, onsite celebrations, onsite tours, family-friendly activities, and other special events.
Find a garden near you and and GO!
Shop Annual Plant Sales & Native Plant Nurseries
Are you dreaming of creating your own garden oasis at home? Now is the perfect time to start! Select gardens host annual plant sale events or have on-site native plant nurseries, open to the public all season long. Pick up a few flats of your favorite spring flowers or discover something unique and new. Purchasing plants at your local public garden is a great way to incorporate native plant species into your environment, while also supporting local public gardens.
- April 14, 2023 | Native Plant Nursery Opening Day
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve - April 16, 2023 | Buds & Suds Plant Sale (Virtual Event)
Stoneleigh: a natural garden - April 21, 2023 | Opening Day – The Garden Shop Nursery
Jenkins Arboretum & Garden - The Woodlands Spring Open House & Philadelphia Orchard Project Plant Sale
The Woodlands - May 6 – 7, 2023 | From Our Grounds to Yours: Plant Sale
Grounds for Sculpture - May 6 – 7, 2023 | Plant Sale Weekend
Jenkins Arboretum & Garden - May 6 – 7, 2023 | Annual Plant Sale
Tyler Arboretum - May 13 – 14, 2023 | Wildflower, Native Plant & Seed Sale
Brandywine River Museum of Art
Spring Festivals & Earth Day Celebrations
Some events require pre-registration or paid admission, please check each garden’s website for complete events details.
April 22, 2023 | Earth Day: Forest & Farm Fair
Awbury Arboretum
Join Awbury for a lovely, fun-filled day dedicated to mother nature this Earth Day. Tree planting, live music, food, Philly Goat Project, and more!
April 23, 2023 | Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Mitzvah Day
Ambler Arboretum of Temple University
Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day at the Ambler Arboretum on April 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. by helping us continue to replant and revitalize spaces damaged during the 2021 tornado. Projects may include tree planting, general garden cleanup and planting garden spaces. Registration Required.
April 23, 2023 | Spring Tree Salon
Laurel Hill
Earth Day and Arbor Day family-friendly activities inspired by trees. During a tour of spring trees like magnolia and cherry in bloom, learn why trees are so necessary to city life—from cooling down hot summer temperatures to filtering out pollution in the air we breathe—and how urban forests, like Laurel Hill West’s arboretum, can provide a place of respite and renewal. Registration required.
April 28 – 30, 2023 | Wildflower Weekend
Mt. Cuba Center
Experience a magnificent display of native spring blooms at the peak of their glory during Mt. Cuba Center’s Wildflower Weekend, April 28-30. Enjoy three days of live music, gardening activities, outdoor family programming, and more. A variety of food selections and native plants will be available for purchase, while supplies last. Included with general admission, free for members. Event is rain or shine. Timed tickets are not required.
April 29, 2023 | Arbor Day Celebration
Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
Come celebrate Arbor Day with us! Bring your family to the Scott Arboretum and receive a free Magnolia virginiana (sweet bay magnolia) sapling tree (one per family, while supplies last) and participate in tree-related fun and activities for the whole family. The tree giveaway and art activities will be available in the Wister Center and surrounding gardens. Be sure to make time to explore our spectacular springtime gardens. We encourage families to bring a picnic and enjoy the day!
May 6, 2023 | Azaleas & Bluebells Day
Winterthur
Enjoy the spectacle of thousands of azalea blossoms and acres of wildflowers.
The day’s events include plant sales, staff-led and self-guided tours of Azalea
Woods, and more. Included with admission. Members free.
May 11 – August 30, 2023 | Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens
Soaring drones, dancing fountains, performances under the stars, and beautiful gardens make the Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens magical. Running from May 11-August 30, 2023, the summer season kicks off with a performance by the Curtis Symphony Orchestra on May 12 with Longwood’s picturesque Meadow Garden as the backdrop. And, not to be missed, are captivating new Drones and Fountains Shows that will bring high-flying excitement to two upcoming weekends.
May 20, 2023 | Spring Blooms Annual Celebration
Jenkins Arboretum & Garden
You’re invited to the Jenkins annual garden party fundraiser! Celebrate the emergence of spring by enjoying a roving dinner, garden games, lively music, and other floral festivities. Tickets required.
May 27, 2023 | Celebration of the Roses
Wyck Historic House, Garden, Farm
Celebrate the Roses at Wyck with garden tours, lectures, vendors, and more!
