2017 Garden Programs

Garden Insider

Every Wednesday, April-October (except August)
All start at 11:30 am at the Brown Horticulture Learning Center

Formerly known as Wednesdays at Winterthur, this behind-the-scenes series of walks, talks, and demonstrations will introduce you to a garden specialist who will share his or her insights and expertise — whether about the Winterthur Garden, its plants, design, and history; about the larger Winterthur estate and its extensive natural areas; or, more generally, about horticulture and the environment. Presentations and walks last about 45-60 minutes. For walks, please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. Members free and included with admission. No reservations necessary.

April 5 – Color in the Early Spring Garden (walk)
Take an early spring walk through the Winterhazel Garden with horticulturist Michelle Stapleford. Discover the beauty of cool, yellow-green winterhazels mixed with the warm lavender of early rhododendrons – a striking color combination that was among Mr. du Pont’s favorites!

April 12 – The March Bank—A Horticultural Treasure (walk)
The March Bank in all its glory is a stunning display of flowering bulbs and wild nature in harmony. Join horticulturist Amy Bloom-Mountz for a walk to the March Bank and learn about the significance of its abundant, eye-catching flora.

April 19 – Winterthur and Delaware’s Pollinator Protection Plan (talk)
Pollinators are a key component of U.S. agriculture, but sadly they are facing multiple stresses including parasites, pesticide exposure, and habitat loss. Thalia Pappas, of the Delaware Department of Agriculture, will describe Delaware’s “Managed Pollinator Protection Plan,” part of a wider federal effort to protect the health and habitat of honeybees and native pollinators. Learn how Winterthur’s meadows are playing an important role in protecting pollinators.

April 26 – Garden Design Duo—H. F. du Pont and Marian Cruger Coffin (talk/walk)
Henry Francis du Pont’s earliest collaboration in building his Museum was with Bertha King Benkard, and in his Garden his chosen design partner was Marian Cruger Coffin, one of America’s first female landscape architects. Indeed, Mr. du Pont was gender-blind when seeking advice from the experts! Join us for an exploration of this productive partnership. Following the 30-minute presentation, take a guided walk through the Sundial Garden and East Terrace – two lasting examples featuring the design work of this dynamic duo.

May 3 – Putting the Historic Garden on the Map (talk/walk)
Thanks to a generous grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Winterthur Garden staff are busy at work inventorying and mapping the woody plants in the Winterthur Garden, updating plant records, and geo-referencing key historic maps. The ultimate goals include making Winterthur’s “living collection” available online. Mapping Specialist Lori Schnick and Plant Records Intern Cole Larson-Whittaker will discuss all aspects of their exciting work. Come hear about this giant undertaking from the professionals on the front lines!

May 10 – Amazing Azaleas—Getting to Know the Kurume Hybrids (walk)
Join horticulturist Susan Sibley for an easy stroll through Azalea Woods to examine the many beautiful examples of Kurume hybrid azaleas. Learn all about their history and see up-close the special color combinations that make Azalea Woods such an amazing destination in spring.

May 17 – Destination—Quarry Garden (walk)
H.F. du Pont found a creative way to re-purpose a once active rock quarry on the Estate into one of Winterthur’s most unique garden areas. Join horticulturist Jim Pirhalla for a walk to the Quarry Garden, where you will discover a rich history and gain new appreciation for a garden conceived in the 1960s during Mr. du Pont’s twilight years.

May 24 – Plants from China—A Living Museum (walk)
From Winterthur’s famous dove tree, among the first of its kind to bloom in this country, to the often overlooked beauty, seven-son-flower, Chinese plants abound in the Winterthur Garden. On this walk with Winterthur Garden Guide Fair Bauernschmidt, see examples of plants that – akin to the porcelain and other Chinese objet d’art on display in the Museum – represent a priceless collection!

May 31 – Discover Winterthur’s Past in Enchanted Woods (walk)
Remnants of Winterthur’s past, including architectural fragments, columns, and gates, are found throughout Enchanted Woods. Join horticulturist Suzanne French to discover how these elements were masterfully used in the creation of one of this country’s most magical and unique children’s gardens.

Summer and Fall 2017 Garden Insiders coming soon!

Director’s Garden Walks

Second Saturdays of the month, year-round
Most walks start at 1:00 pm and leave from the Visitor Center Patio (unless otherwise noted)

Join Winterthur’s Director of Garden & Estate Chris Strand every second Saturday of the month for a special walk highlighting interesting and seldom seen parts of the Winterthur landscape. Each walk lasts about 90 minutes. 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. Members free and included with admission. No reservations necessary.

1/14/2017 – Winter Interest*
*Members only (Winterthur closed). Leave from Visitor Center parking lot.

2/11/2017 – Winter Color and First Flowers*
*Members only (Winterthur closed). Leave from Visitor Center parking lot.

3/11/2017 – Snowdrops and Other Minor Bulbs

4/8/2017 – Winterhazels and Early Rhododendrons

5/13/2017 – Azaleas and Spring Wildflowers

6/10/2017 – Meadows, Streams, and Ponds*
*8:00 pm – bring your flashlight! Leave from Visitor Center parking lot.

7/8/2017 – Chimney Swifts on Farm Hill*
*8:00 pm – bring your flashlight! Leave from Visitor Center parking lot.

8/12/2017 – Sunset from the Train Station*
*7:00 pm – bring your flashlight and prepare for a long walk! Leave from Visitor Center parking lot.

9/9/2017 – Garden Architecture and Water Features

10/14/2017 – Autumn Color, Flowers, and Fruits

11/11/2017 – Late Fall Color in the Garden

12/9/2017 – Conifers and the Winter Garden