The Delaware River Valley, in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware is home to some world famous gardens such as Longwood, Winterthur and Chanticleer. Many of the large public gardens and horticultural organizations offer classes and lectures so many residents are knowledgeable horticulturists. As a result they have created stunning private gardens. On this tour you will have special tours of the gardens listed above as well as visits to some of the area’s finest private gardens.
Sunday, May 11th
Direct flight from Dublin to Philadephia arriving at 1.25pm. We will be met by Jean Lenehan on arrival. Private coach transfer to Warwick Hotel where we are based for this tour – an historic hotel, situated in the upmarket Ritterhouse Square area. Relax for remainder of afternoon before attending the welcome dinner in the evening. (D)
www.radisson.com
Monday, May 12th
After breakfast, we have a tour of Philadelphia with our local guide. Free time in the afternoon to explore the area, shop or visit museums. Evening free. (B)
Tuesday, May 13th
Today our first stop is Longwood Gardens, It is the legacy of Pierre S. duPont, the great-grandson of the founder of the Dupont Company. Mr. duPont bought the property in 1906 and developed it into a horticultural showpiece. Besides the many gardens there are huge conservatories, spectacular water fountains and an outdoor theatre. We will have a guided tour, afterwards you will have free time to explore on your own. Lunch in the Terrace restaurant is included. In the afternoon, we visit Swarthmore, to visit a private garden that has been lovingly tended by members of the same family for over 100 years. You will see a rose and perennial border, shade gardens and a wide variety of plants. Return to the hotel and the evening is at leisure. (B,L)
Wednesday, May 14th
Morning tour of gardens of Mt. Cuba, along with formal areas and ponds, it is the region’s showcase for the use of native plants in a woodland setting. Drive to Winterthur an original American country estate – former home of Henry Francis du Pont, for lunch, house and garden tour. Return to hotel in late afternoon, evening at leisure. (B,L)
Thursday, May 15th
Morning departure for visits to private gardens in Delaware and Chadds Ford, PA. Box lunch and wine tasting included at Chadds Ford Winery. (B,L)
Friday, May 16th
Visit private garden in Chester County (a suburban county) and box lunch there. In afternoon, guided tour of Chanticleer. Started in 1912 by Adolph Rosengarten Sr, the garden originally just 7 acres was extended to 35 acres by his son - a garden bursting with interest, thanks to its present creative staff. (B,L)
Saturday, May 17th
Morning visit to a private garden followed by lunch in a country inn. Afternoon visit to a private garden, then return to hotel for evening of leisure. (B,L)
Sunday, May 18th
Morning is free. Box lunch at Morris Arboretum, followed by tour - thousands of rare plants set in a romantic Victorian garden Rest of day at leisure. (B,L)
Monday, May 19th
Today we visit Lancaster County, the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch country. The people are of three faiths, Amish, Mennonite and Brethren. What makes them unique is the way in which they have been faithful to the simple way of life. Horses and buggies are a common sight on the roads, as are horses hitched to hitching posts. The houses usually don’t have electricity, though some families use generators. Our guide today will tell us more of the history and customs of these remarkable people. We will have lunch in an Amish home. Return to the hotel in time to relax before dinner. We’ll walk a short distance to a private club for cocktails and the farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, May 20th
You’ll have time to pack this morning before checking out of the hotel and paying any bill for incidentals. We will drive across the state line to Delaware to an historic tavern for lunch. The tavern is in a town that was a stopping place for farmers taking their wares from Chester County to Wilmington. After lunch we’ll visit two nearby gardens. One is in the “cottage garden” style, with a nice selection of plants used in an informal manner. The second garden is more formal in style, also with interesting plants. All the private gardens we will visit are different in style and plantings, but reflect the rich horticultural activity in the Delaware Valley. We’ll drive to the Philadelphia International Airport to check in for your return flight to Dublin. (B,L)
Wednesday May 21st
Arrive Dublin Airport at 8.20a.m.
Cost includes flights, hotel, meals as listed – daily full breakfast, 8 lunches, 2 dinners – all entrances, garden donations, guide fees, porterage, taxes.
Deposit: €500.00 – Payable to Bay Garden Tours.
