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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Participant Reviews
Based on 21 Reviews
SHOWING
The trip was excellent -- the leader and the docents were exceptionally knowledgable.
My one biggest disappointment was that I wished more time had been allocated at the Morris Arboretum, Chanticleer, or Mt. Cuba locations to "sit a spell" or wander about after the guided tour. I would have rather returned later in the afternoon for dinner time and had more time at these gardens to explore.
— Review left May 20, 2024
We are not gardeners, but were looking for a program to fit a hole in our road trip itinerary. We saw the email on this program and thought it would be a way to spend a few days in Philadelphia. We thoroughly enjoyed the program! We visited a wide array of gardens with diverse histories, gardening philosophies, and resources. We were afraid that we wouldn’t fit-in with a group of self-described “gardening nerds,” but that was not the case—participants had a wide range of gardening expertise. The program was a great combination of horticultural and cultural history. The guides at each garden were, of course, excellent, and we learned a lot from the other participants. The program has motivated us to spend more time in our home garden and return to Philadelphia.
— Review left May 11, 2024
This tour is an opportunity to compare various Philly area "gardens", including significant trees and woody plants.
— Review left April 27, 2024
This was an amazing Fall tour of the most beautiful, creative and historical gardens/arboretums on the East Coast. The knowledge provided by our tour guide, Tish, and garden/arboretum guides was absolutely excellent. I wouldn't hesitate to repeat this tour to enjoy the gardens in the Spring.
— Review left September 19, 2023
This is a great program for gardeners of all experience levels. Just be aware that the US Agriculture zone of Philadelphia may be different than where you live so the plants you will see may not be in your home area.It was my first Road Scholar trip and I was solo. I plan to do more RS trips because of a great experience!
— Review left May 13, 2023
Excellent Tour Leader & great Itinerary visiting 8 Gardens in the Philadelphia area. A wonderful way to celebrate SPRING!!
— Review left April 25, 2023
The gardens are beautiful at every time of the year, this is the second time I've done this program in a year, and the city of Philadelphia is a gem!
— Review left October 14, 2022
Wonderful experience. Tish is an amazing leader. Not only sharing her rich knowledge of Philadelphia’s history, art and inside stories, she is so caring, thoughtful, organized and just makes each day a fun and joyful experience. And the gardens are all so unique and beautiful!
— Review left October 14, 2022
Always enjoy a RS trip. Fun and interesting adults who want to learn and share. Tour leaders are carefully selected and do a fabulous job. Never disappointed!
— Review left September 27, 2022
The trip started out with knowledgeable botanist the first evening, but moved a little slowly, as we all shivered in the cold on the first damp, cool April morning listening to a monotone guide discuss the history Bartram's garden from an empty field. But things picked up with more robust and informative portions of the tour and succeeding tours of Longwood and Morris Arboretum. The various guides through the various gardens were not evenly able to adjust to the knowledgeable group, but the gardens were indeed varied and delightful.My favorite, by far, was Chanticleer--not to be missed if you get to the region. All in all, I enjoyed the program and the food.
— Review left July 17, 2022
Beautiful Trip....a great immersion into the power of Nature...view my 6 minute "movie" at https://youtu.be/4d6VEta-CVg
— Review left June 30, 2022
I loved this trip. The gardens were all different and our guide was very good. Guides at the different gardens were also excellent. Hotel was well situated and very comfortable.
— Review left June 7, 2022
This is the first trip that I did NOT have to plan anything - just show up, I really enjoyed this aspect.
— Review left June 6, 2022
This was a lovely tour of some of the most beautiful and creative botanical gardens and arboretums in the region, and during a lucky spell of rainless, sunny days. Almost everything--including the wonderful hotel, the tour director, and the guides--was excellent. The only glaring problem was our mode of daily transportation: a small van with very poor suspension, such that we felt all the many jarring bumps along the roads! I don't see a space to give a star rating, but I would give this trip as it was 4 stars; had we had a comfy, smooth coach, I would have given it 5 stars.
— Review left May 29, 2022
For anyone interested and curious about the magnificent gardens of the Philadelphia area, this is the program for you! Tish is an extremely talented and gifted leader, her enthusiasm made every aspect of the week come alive! The gardens are magnificent! It was fascinating to learn about the history and traditions of early American gardening. We are extremely fortunate that Americans before us dedicated their lives and fortunes to the cultivation of magnificent spaces and set up foundations to insure the areas were/are protected and continue to thrive. The passion of gardening continues and we were fortunate to be able to share that passion. This is a 5 star program!
— Review left May 2, 2022
No two gardens were the same, simply stunning!
— Review left October 5, 2021
This is a wonderful program! Loved visiting these beautiful gardens, and the docents and guides were so knowledgeable about the property, the gardens and the history of the property. This program is packed with information and the beauty of the gardens.
— Review left September 26, 2021
I had an absolute wonderful time Tish was great so informative the gardens were fantastic can equael some I have seen in Europe, learning the history was a plus, loved the trip would recommend to everyone, I will be back
— Review left July 8, 2019
This was my first Road Scholar tour and I was worried that I might be disappointed—however, they quickly put any worries I might have had to rest from the moment I signed up for their program! I was extremely grateful for all the travel info they offered, including giving several suggestions about how to get from the airport to my hotel! I used a local shuttle service they recommended, Liberty Bell Shuttle, and was very pleased with their prompt service. I had several questions and had to call Road Scholar several times and was able to speak to a representative each time I called with no problem and they were always polite and knowledgeable, answering any and all questions in a helpful manner. At our first introductory meeting, I was astounded to hear that two others in my group have traveled on 49 previous Road Scholar trips! Another gentleman said this was his 9th trip! “Repeat business” speaks volumes! I will travel again with Road Scholar and will highly recommend this company. Thank tou
— Review left June 26, 2019
A week of beauty and refreshment. After you've seen the usual Philadelphia sights, it's great to get out into an area where gardening is a high art form. So many different kinds of gardens, and this tour covered a wide range, each a gem. The staff is most kind and helpful. This program is a treat, for gardener and non-gardener alike.
— Review left June 1, 2019
This is a wonderful program for those who love flowers and/or love to garden. We saw 8 great gardens in 5 days and it was heaven!
— Review left May 3, 2019
