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.

Land Management: What Is It? (talk)
June 19

This freewheeling Q&A session with Natural Lands Technician Madeline Banks, along with arboriculture staff, will explore the other 70% of the property–the natural areas! Participate in a discussion on Winterthur’s land management practices as we attempt to answer the age-old question, “What does a land manager do, anyway?”

Hydrangeas (walk)
June 26

Discover the many different hydrangeas that grow in the Winterthur Garden on this walk with Interpretive Horticulturist Suzanne French. Learn how to identify and care for these beautiful shrubs.

Note: 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.

June 20
Featured Book: Wonderful Worms by Linda Glaser

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, June 26 from 8:00-10:00 am
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
An American Place: Winterthur History with Estate Historian, Jeff Groff

Tuesday, August 13, 5:30-7:00
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.