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Pennsylvania

Topiaries, Pleasure Gardens and Botanical Gems in Philadelphia for Women

Program No. 25130RJ
Join other female explorers to discover stunning gardens and arboretums, from Longwood Gardens to the Barnes Foundation’s Arboretum, the Ladew Topiary Gardens to Chanticleer and more.
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Homes & GardensWomen OnlySmall GroupHistoryNew
Length
6 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
2,499

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6 days
5 nights
11 meals
5B 3L 3D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Lecture
Philadelphia, PA
2
Longwood Gardens, Brandywine Cottage
Philadelphia, PA
3
Bartram's Garden, Morris Arboretum
Philadelphia, PA
4
Chanticleer Garden, Free Time
Philadelphia, PA
5
Ladew Topiary Gardens, Mt. Cuba Center
Philadelphia, PA
6
Barnes Foundation Arboretum, Program Concludes
Philadelphia, PA
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At a Glance

On this exclusive women-only adventure, explore some of the finest botanical gardens on the East Coast. With Philadelphia as your hub, journey through Delaware, Maryland and surrounding areas to uncover botanical treasures. Delve into native plants at Delaware’s Mount Cuba Center, marvel at the artistry of Maryland’s Ladew Topiary Gardens and discover the charm of Chanticleer, Pennsylvania’s renowned pleasure garden. No botanical adventure would be complete without exploring the wonders of Longwood Gardens. Cultivate your curiosity as expert naturalists guide you through the Morris Arboretum, the Barnes Foundation’s Arboretum and more. Experience the natural beauty of the region’s premier gardens with other women adventurers who share your passion for the natural world — and its blooms!
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.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Explore the enchanting botanical treasures of Chanticleer, a renowned pleasure garden known as “the most romantic, imaginative, and exciting garden in America,” and admire the diverse flora within Longwood Gardens' sprawling Glass Conservatory.
  • Hear captivating tales of John Bartram — the father of American botany — as you explore his historic home, gardens and arboretum, which date back to 1728 and include North America’s oldest living gingko tree.
  • Bond with other female learners as you journey to Maryland to stroll through the Ladew Topiary Gardens, where over 100 intricate topiaries — including a famous fox hunt scene — make it one of the finest formal gardens in the United States.

General Notes

General Note: This program is for women travelers only, and all dates will be led by a female Group Leader. Join us in Philadelphia as we celebrate, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" - 250 years of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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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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