Pennsylvania

Topiaries, Pleasure Gardens and Botanical Gems in Philadelphia and Beyond

Program No. 21967RJ
Join local experts to explore Longwood Gardens, the Mount Cuba Center, Ladew Topiary Gardens, Chanticleer, the Barnes Foundation’s Arboretum and more!

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
May 5 - May 10, 2024
Starting at
2,249
May 12 - May 17, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Filling Fast!
May 19 - May 24, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Full Inventory
Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Full Inventory
Apr 20 - Apr 25, 2025
Starting at
2,349
May 4 - May 9, 2025
Starting at
2,349
May 11 - May 16, 2025
Starting at
2,349
Full Inventory
Sep 28 - Oct 3, 2025
Starting at
2,349
Full Inventory
Oct 19 - Oct 24, 2025
Starting at
2,349
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
May 5 - May 10, 2024
Starting at
2,929
Filling Fast!
May 12 - May 17, 2024
Starting at
2,929
Filling Fast!
May 19 - May 24, 2024
Starting at
2,929
Full Inventory
Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
2,929
Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
2,929
Full Inventory
Apr 20 - Apr 25, 2025
Starting at
3,039
May 4 - May 9, 2025
Starting at
3,039
May 11 - May 16, 2025
Starting at
3,039
Full Inventory
Sep 28 - Oct 3, 2025
Starting at
3,039
Full Inventory
Oct 19 - Oct 24, 2025
Starting at
3,039

At a Glance

Philadelphia is a little-known hub for some of the finest botanical gardens on the East Coast. Discover an array of hidden horticultural gems not just in Philadelphia, but also within a short drive of it in Delaware, Maryland and surrounding townships. Join gardening experts for a special exploration of the native plants of the Mount Cuba Center in Delaware, the sculptured greenery of Ladew Topiary Gardens in Maryland, the pleasure gardens of Chanticleer in Pennsylvania, and the beautiful botanical gardens of Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Expert-led field trips to Morris Arboretum and the Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation, among others, offer additional opportunities to thrill in the natural beauty of some of the region’s premier gardens.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking and standing for up to two hours.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore botanical treasures Chanticleer, a pleasure garden, and Longwood Gardens' Glass Conservatory.
  • Hear the story of John Bartram — the father of American botany — at his historic home and gardens.
  • Journey to Maryland to explore the Ladew Topiary Gardens, considered the finest topiary garden in the country.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Tish Byrne
An artist and historian, Tish Byrne is passionate about all aspects of her native city and its environment after having lived in and led explorations at the Physick House, which belongs to Philadelphia Landmarks. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts later becoming an administrative assistant to the Director of the school. Presently, she leads excursions for the mural arts program, is a docent at Historic Christ Church and leads explorations of Philadelphia landmarks.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Tish Byrne
Tish Byrne View biography
An artist and historian, Tish Byrne is passionate about all aspects of her native city and its environment after having lived in and led explorations at the Physick House, which belongs to Philadelphia Landmarks. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts later becoming an administrative assistant to the Director of the school. Presently, she leads excursions for the mural arts program, is a docent at Historic Christ Church and leads explorations of Philadelphia landmarks.
Profile Image of Jenny Rose Carey
Jenny Rose Carey View biography
Jenny Rose is an educator, historian, author and former senior director at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Meadowbrook Farm in Jenkintown. An avid, hands-on gardener who has worked in both England and the United States, she has lectured nationally and internationally for many years. Jenny Rose and her gardens have been featured on the PBS series 'The Victory Garden' and in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Grow magazine and the Pennsylvania Gardener. Her latest book, 'Glorious Shade,' was released in 2017.
Profile Image of Lauren Kain
Lauren Kain View biography
Lauren Biddle Kain is the site coordinator for Philadelphia Landmarks Road Scholar. She received her BS/BA from Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. After marriage and transfer to the San Diego area, she began working at EVENT NETWORK, a leading experiental retail operator, on behalf of cultural attractions such as zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, museums, science centers and other cultural attractions. Lauren and her family now reside in the Philadelphia area. She started working with Road Scholar as a junior Group Leader for Grandparent Programs.
Profile Image of Kirk Brown
Kirk Brown View biography
Kirk Brown has won landscape design awards from the Perennial Plant Association, Association of Professional Landscape Designers, and Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association. He represented Joanne Kostecky Garden Design as a leader in the design/build industry. He is a past president of www.GardenComm.com and in 2021 was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He worked as Outreach Coordinator for America’s Oldest Ornamental Garden. He has delivered hundreds of keynote addresses, guest lectures, teaching symposiums, and certified instruction over the past quarter century.





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