Garden Programs
To register for any Winterthur Garden programs, please call 800.448.3883 or 302.888.4600.
DelaWild: Celebrating Nature in the First State
August 25, 2018, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
More than two dozen environmental organizations will be at Winterthur for this special day celebrating nature and the environment in the First State. The day will include fun, hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and hikes on topics such as water, wildlife, plant life, and nature. Special guests include Charlie Engleman, host of Weird But True! and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. Winterthur Members and members of participating organizations $10; free for their children ages 2–18. Nonmembers $20 for adults and $6 for children ages 2–11
Wellness Walk
September 13, 2018, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
With 10 miles of roads and nearly 1,000 acres of scenery, it's hard to discover each and every path on your own. Learn how to make the most of walking on this famous country estate. Each walk features a new path to explore. In the spirit of wellness, walk will be fast paced at times; some terrain may be hilly. In case of inclement weather, an updated message will be left at 302.888.4915 approximately 3 hours before the walk. Meet at the Visitor Center Patio. Members free. Included with admission.
Photo by Bob Leitch
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 (except August), 11:00 am
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 Garden Events web page for more information.
Garden Adventurers
First Thursday of the month, April-October —11:00 am, Enchanted Woods
Discover the wonders of the Winterthur Garden as we explore beyond the Enchanted Woods on these special walks for children ages 3-6 and their caregivers. Our adventure will begin at the Faerie Cottage in Enchanted Woods and will lead to a different area of the garden each month. Dress for the weather and wear walking shoes as we will be walking off path in certain areas. In case of inclement weather, an update message will be left at 302.888.4864 by 10:00 am on the day of the walk. 30 minutes. Members free. Included with admission. Free for children under 2.
For information on other programs at Winterthur that promote wellness and fitness, visit the Wellness at Winterthur web page.
Story Time in Enchanted Woods
On the first and third Thursdays of the month, April–October, 10:30 am, you can 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 updated message will be left at 302.888.4864 after 9:30 am on the day of story time. 30 minutes. Members free. Included with admission. Children under 2 free.
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.
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.
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.
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. Please note: During the Run Inspired 10k race at Winterthur in October, garden trams will not begin running until 12:00.
KIDS GROW Children’s Vegetable Garden
June 3–July 29
Exclusively for Members! Children of Member families are introduced to vegetable gardening in this 8-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. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All garden tools and seeds will be provided. Members only; free. Call 302.888.4779 by May 1 to register. Space is limited.
