Garden Programs
To register for any Winterthur Garden programs, please call 800.448.3883 or 302.888.4600.
New! Tailgate Tours
June 6, 5:30–7:00 pm
Explore the Winterthur Estate on this leisurely stroll through the garden and estate guided by one of our staff members and hear about Winterthur's history, design, and plants. Then stop at our tailgate for some refreshments in picturesque locations to enjoy hors d'oeuvres along with a selection of hard and soft beverages. Tonight's theme is "Follies: Architectural Whimsy in the Garden" with exhibition curator Carol Long. $30 per member and $35 per nonmember. Registration required. Call 800.448.3883 to reserve a spot.
For the Birds: Birding Walks at Winterthur
June 26, July 31, and August 28, 8:00–10:00 am
Explore some of the hotspots for birds at Winterthur. Naturalist and birder Jessica Shahan will guide you through wetlands, meadows, the woodlands along Clenny Run, and outlying areas, such as chandler Woods and Brown's Woods. These natural areas provide a great habitat for a wide variety of birds year-round. Observe resident birds as well as migrating raptors, warblers, and sparrows. Beginner and experienced bird watchers are welcome. Bring your binoculars! $10 per Member. $20 per nonmember. Free for Winterthur Garden and Landscape Society and Garden Associate Members.
Director's Garden Walks
Learn fascinating, little-known details about the estate with our horticulture staff. Dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. Walk lasts about 90 minutes. Members free. Included with admission. In case of inclement weather, an update message will be left at 302.888.4915 after 10:00 am on the day of the walk. Visit our Director's Garden Walks page for dates and topics.
Garden Insider
Wednesdays from April–October – 11:00 am – Brown Horticulture Learning Center
Join us for demonstrations, talks, and guided walks covering a wide range of gardening topics. Visit Garden Insider web page for dates, titles, and detailed descriptions of each program. Members free. Included with admission.
Special Garden Events
In 1952 Winterthur and Mr. du Pont began offering a Spring Tour as an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the garden and the house during the beauty of spring at Winterthur. In that spirit, we are hosting a number of special days in the garden this spring with seasonal tours, lectures, and other opportunities to learn about and enjoy the garden and estate. Join us for Bank to Bend, Daffodil Day, and Azaleas & Bluebells and learn more about the Winterthur Garden. All guided and self-guided tours will begin at the Visitor Center patio. Visit the Special Garden Events web page for more information.
Pollinator Workshop
June 1 and July 13, 10:00–11:00 am
Join the movement to help save the pollinators as well as all beneficial insects. Review the conservation importance of pollinators and learn key methods for converting a lawn into a pollinator-rich flower garden. Starter plugs will be available for purchase along with an overview of their growth and performance in the garden. The instructor will demonstrate methods of observation and monitoring and show you how to share this information online with others to become part of this unique community preserving these important insects. Each session will provide valuable information, but by attending both sessions you will receive a broad introduction to pollinators and pollinator gardens. Free.
Story Time in Enchanted Woods
First and third Thursdays of the month, April-October – 11:00 am – Enchanted Woods
Share the joy of reading while cultivating an interest and appreciation for nature. Children can enjoy nature-based stories surrounded by the beauty of the Winterthur Garden. Story Time takes place among the Story Stones in Enchanted Woods. It is intended for children ages 3-6. In case of inclement weather, an update message will be left at 302.888.4864 by 10:00 am on the day of Story Time. 30 minutes. Members free. Included with admission. Free for children under 2.
Kids Grow!
June 1–July 27
Exclusively for Members! Children of Member families are introduced to gardening in this 9-week course that runs from June to July. Kids plan, cultivate, care for, and harvest their own plots as well as form a community garden with staff horticulturists. Weekly craft activities also teach garden skills and principles. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All garden tools and seeds will be provided. Members only; free. Call 302.888.4915 by May 1 to register. Space is limited.
Farm Stand
The Farm Stand is located in front of the Museum Store at the Cottage on Thursdays, July–September, 1:30–5:30 pm. Visit us to select fresh, local produce. Parking is available behind the Cottage near the Winterthur Post Office. Note: Guests who would like to tour Winterthur’s exhibitions or grounds will require a ticket.
Garden Tram (seasonal and weather permitting)
This 20-minute narrated tour features highlights of the garden and introduces the history of Winterthur. The tour begins at the Visitor Center and ends at the museum building. Stops include Azalea Woods, Magnolia Bend, and Enchanted Woods. During Point-to-Point each year, we do not offer garden trams.
Scenic Route Tour
Daily, June through October, 3:00 pm
Take a peaceful tram ride through a living landscape. Soak up the natural beauty of the Brandywine Valley as you pass waterways, rolling hills, and stone bridges. Picnicking is encouraged! This 45-minute tram tour departs from the Visitor Center Circle. Reservations recommended. Members free. $5 per person upgrade. Weather permitting; handicapped-accessible; family friendly.
Estate Tour
Wednesdays, June through September, 4:30 pm
Visit the former dairy and farm while exploring the ever-changing estate landscape on this narrated tram tour. Hear accounts of estate history as you see how we have repurposed historic work areas. Glimpse behind the scenes on this tour led by a specially trained guide. The 45-minute tour will leave from the east circle near the Dorrance Gallery. Reservations recommended by 4:00 pm. $5 per person upgrade. Members free. Capacity of 20. Weather permitting; handicapped-accessible.