Garden Design's Self-Guided Day Trip to the Gardens of the Delaware Valley

1. Winterthur

Situated just 6 miles northwest of Wilmington, Delaware, Jerry considers Winterthur the most elegant country estate on the east coast. “Everything about Winterthur is first class,” he enthuses. The childhood home of Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969), Winterthur now exhibits an unparalleled collection of primitive American furniture and artifacts, while the surrounding 1000-acre preserve includes meadows, woodlands, specimen plantings, and naturalistic gardens.

Explore the Enchanted Woods, an award-winning children’s garden that will appeal to all who are young at heart, take in the scenic views from Sycamore Hill, enjoy the whimsical follies throughout the estate, and experience the peaceful ambience of the Sundial Gardens. Allow at least two hours to see the highlights - and plan to return.

Amenities

Food

Drink

Wheelchair Access

Information

5105 Kennett Pike,
Winterthur, DE 19735 GET DIRECTIONS

(800) 448-3883

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2. The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College

A college campus may seem like an unlikely destination for garden enthusiasts, but Jerry insists that this arboretum is far more than just a collection of trees. Certainly, there are extensive collections of many woody taxa including magnolias, roses, and tree peonies, but this 425-acre arboretum, just 11 miles from Philadelphia encompasses rolling hills, hiking trails, horticultural inspiration, outstanding container displays, and educational events.

Jerry highly recommends that you take time to visit the outdoor amphitheater where the canopy of mature trees creates a virtual ceiling. A memorable picnic spot perhaps. The college holds commencement here each year.

Information

500 College Ave,
Swarthmore, PA 19081 GET DIRECTIONS

(610) 328-8025

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3. Chanticleer

This multi award-winning pleasure garden has been cited as the most romantic, imaginative, and exciting public garden in America. Yet none of those adjectives truly do it justice. Chanticleer is quite simply exceptional.

Whether it is the bold, innovative plant combinations that leave you, as it does Jerry, wondering “why didn’t I think of that?”, or the artistic details intricately woven into the wood and metal masterpieces throughout the garden, or the sheer botanical theater that plays out, each turn in the path introducing a new scene that surpasses the last - you will never forget this visit. And your heart will yearn to return.

Amenities

Wheelchair Access

Information

786 Church Rd,
Wayne, PA 19087 GET DIRECTIONS

(610) 687-4163

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About your local garden expert Jerry Fritz

I started my business Jerry Fritz Garden Design back in 1989; just myself and a small pickup truck. It quickly grew into a well-known landscape design/build firm, and in 2000, my wife Amy and I bought the current location of the business in Ottsville, Pennsylvania. This also allowed me to pursue my lifetime dream of creating a specialty nursery filled with all kinds of rare and unusual plants, complemented by extensive display gardens: a showpiece now known as Linden Hill Gardens, which received the “Best of Philly” award from Philadelphia Magazine.

All four of our children are involved in one way or another in running the family business, while Amy and I also lead personalized garden tours, specializing in trips to Jamaica, England, and France.

I feel so fortunate to be able to do what I love, sharing my knowledge not only with my design clients but also as a TV and radio guest with Martha Stewart and speaking to professional organizations , garden clubs and at garden shows nationwide.

Winterthur

The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College

Chanticleer

Must-See Philadelphia Gardens

1. Winterthur

Amenities

2. The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College

3. Chanticleer

Amenities

United States

International

About your local garden expert Jerry Fritz