2019 Garden Programs

Garden Insider:
A Series of Garden Walks, Talks, and Demonstrations

Wednesdays, April-October
11:00 am
Brown Horticulture Learning Center

Go behind-the-scenes with the experts! Each week Winterthur introduces you to a specialist who will share with you his/her insights and expertise about the Winterthur Garden and Estate, its history, horticulture, or the environment. Presentations may be in the form of a walk, talk, or demonstration (or a combination). About 1 hour. Members free. Included with admission.

Garden Insider: Have You Spotted the Spotted Lanternfly? (talk)
September 4 – 11:00 am

Garden Insider: Summer-Flowering Shrubs (walk)
September 11 – 11:00 am

Garden Insider: Tree Selections for Delaware (talk)
September 18 – 11:00 am

Garden Insider: Reflecting Pool Tour (walk)
September 25 – 11:00 am

Garden Insider: Plants of Oak Hill (talk)
October 2 – 11:00 am

Garden Insider: Spruces, Firs and Pines–Oh, My! (walk)
October 9 – 11:00 am

Garden Insider: Basic Propagation Techniques (talk)
October 16 – 11:00 am

Garden Insider: Imaginations on Paper – Follies in the Winterthur Library (talk)
October 23 – 11:00 am

Garden Insider: Outdoor Entertaining with H.F. du Pont (talk)
October 30 – 11:00 am

Garden Insider: A Two-Season Arrangement (demonstration)
November 20 – 11:00 am

Reminder: Garden Insider goes on hiatus in July and August, returning in September and October.

Director’s Garden Walks

Second Saturdays of the month
1:00 pm*
Visitor Center Patio**

Join Winterthur’s Director of Garden & Estate Chris Strand on a special walk highlighting interesting and seldom seen parts of the Winterthur landscape! Be sure to dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. In case of inclement weather, an update message will be left at 302.888.4915 approximately 3 hours before the walk. 90 minutes. Members free. Included with admission. 

*Times vary in the summer months (evenings). **Walks in January and February (Members only) and those held in the evening in summer will leave from the Visitor Center Parking Lot.

July 13
Chimney Swifts on Farm Hill
8:00 pm – Visitor Center Parking Lot
Bring your flashlight!

August 10
Sunset from the Train Station
7:00 pm – Visitor Center Parking Lot
Bring your flashlight and come prepared for a long walk!

September 14
Garden Architecture and Water Features
1:00 pm – Visitor Center Patio

October 12
Autumn Color, Flowers, and Fruits
1:00 pm – Visitor Center Patio

November 9
Late Fall Color in the Garden
1:00 pm – Visitor Center Patio

December 14
Conifers and the Winter Garden
1:00 pm – Visitor Center Patio

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.

July 4
Holiday – No Story Time Today

July 18
Featured Book: One Small Place in a Tree by Barbara Brenner

August 1
Featured Book: My, Oh My – a Butterfly! by Tish Rabe

August 15
Featured Book: Flip, Float, Fly:  Seeds on the Move by JoAnn Early Macken

For the Birds: Birding Walks at Winterthur

Last Wednesday of each month, June-August – 8:00-10:00 am – meeting in Visitor Parking Lot

Wednesday, July 31 from 8:00-10:00 am
Wednesday, August 28 from 8:00-10:00 am

Join naturalist and birder Jessica Shahan and explore some of the hotspots for birds at Winterthur. Visit Winterthur’s natural areas including wetlands, meadows, and the woodlands along Clenny Run, these areas provide great habitat for a wide variety of birds year-round. Observe resident birds as well as migrating raptors, warblers, and sparrows. If time permits, we will also have a chance to look for birds in outlying areas, such as Chandler Woods and Brown’s Woods. These sessions are for beginning or experienced bird watchers. Bring your binoculars. A limited number of binoculars will be available to share. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. Park in the Visitor Parking Lot and meet at the Picnic House, the small building in the southeast corner of the lot. You may sign up for one or multiple sessions. In case of inclement weather, an update message will be left at 302.888.4915 approximately 2 hours before cancellation.

$10 members, $20 non-members, free for Winterthur Garden and Landscape Society and Garden Associate Members. Proceeds from Garden & Estate Programs benefit Enchanted Woods.

To register for any Winterthur Garden programs, please call 800.448.3883 or 302.888.4600.

Tailgate Tours – Explore the Winterthur Estate

Join our staff for adventures in the Winterthur Garden and wider Estate. Learn about Winterthur’s history, design, and plants on these leisurely strolls through the estate then stop for some refreshments in picturesque locations to enjoy hors d’oeuvres along with curated selections of hard and soft beverages. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. In case of inclement weather, an update message will be left at 302.888.4915 approximately 3 hours before cancellation.

Wednesday, July 10, 5:30-7:00 – starts at Visitor Center
An American Place: Winterthur History with Estate Historian, Jeff Groff

Tuesday, August 13, 5:30-7:00 – starts at Visitor Center
Hydrangeas in Summer with Interpretive Horticulturist, Suzanne French

$30 members, $35 non-members, preregistration required; Tailgate Tours involve moderate walking. Proceeds from Garden & Estate Programs benefit Enchanted Woods.

To register for any Winterthur Garden programs, please call 800.448.3883 or 302.888.4600.

Farm Stand

On Thursdays throughout the summer, local farm SIW Vegetables, brings fresh fruits and vegetables to Winterthur for staff and visitors. The Farm Stand is located in front of the Museum Store at the Cottage on Thursdays, July 11–September, 1:30–5:30 pm. Parking is available behind the Cottage near the Winterthur Post Office.

Note: SIW does not use plastic bags anymore, they will have reusable bags for sale, which can be returned for a refund anytime or you may bring your own bag.