Inspiring Brandywine Valley

DETAILS

Day 1, Saturday, June 8: ARRIVAL

Tour members arrange their own transportation to our hotel (to be announced), where reservations have been made for them. This will be our home base for our entire time together.

We will gather for a welcome dinner this evening (included in tour price).

Days 2–6, Sunday, June 9–Thursday, June 13: GARDEN TOURS!

Every morning we’ll have breakfast, then depart together to visit gardens in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania and Delaware. On three days we’ll enjoy lunch together (included), and on two days you’ll be able to explore an area and find lunch on your own if you wish. At the end of our day of touring, we’ll gather for a meal together on two of the evenings (included), and on three tour evenings tour members can choose where they wish to dine on their own.

Garden Visits:

Longwood Gardens is a captivating horticultural wonderland nestled in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Founded by industrialist Pierre S. du Pont in the early 20th century, Longwood Gardens has evolved into a world-renowned destination for nature enthusiasts, offering diverse plants from around the globe. Visitors can explore this botanical paradise’s lush gardens, marvel at the intricately designed fountains, and immerse themselves in the beauty of its conservatories, which house an impressive collection of exotic plants. Longwood Gardens is a testament to horticultural excellence and a sanctuary where visitors can find inspiration, tranquility, and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Nemours Estate is a picturesque estate in Wilmington, Delaware, and the largest French formal garden in the United States. This enchanting oasis was created by Alfred I. du Pont, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist, as a tribute to his love for the natural world and his French heritage and as a gift for his second wife, Alicia. The garden, spread over 200 acres, features exquisite formal French-style designs, ornate fountains, and meticulously manicured lawns. It is complemented by the stunning Nemours Mansion, a grand chateau inspired by the Versailles Palace in France. Nemours Garden offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the early 20th century while providing a serene and contemplative environment to appreciate the beauty of its landscape.

Winterthur Gardens is a botanical treasure trove that seamlessly blends the beauty of nature with the elegance of a historic estate. These gardens in Wilmington, Delaware, are an integral part of the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, which was once the home of Henry Francis du Pont. The gardens feature an impressive collection of plants, including rare and native species, artfully arranged in themed areas that reflect different garden styles and periods. Winterthur Gardens offers visitors a diverse landscape, from the dazzling azaleas and rhododendrons in the Enchanted Woods to the serene, reflective pools of the Sundial Garden. This living museum is a testament to du Pont's passion for horticulture and a place where art, history, and nature converge to create an extraordinary and educational experience for all who visit.

Chanticleer, nestled in Wayne, Pennsylvania, is often referred to as a "pleasure garden," where the boundaries of traditional gardening are pushed to create an immersive and ever-evolving experience for visitors. Chanticleer's charm lies in its diverse and beautifully designed spaces, from the serene Ruin Garden with its historic stone structures to the playful Gravel Garden filled with colorful succulents. Chanticleer Gardens is not merely a place to admire nature's beauty but a canvas where the boundaries of garden design are explored, making it a must-visit destination for garden enthusiasts and those seeking inspiration in the world of landscape architecture.

Patterns Garden is a hidden gem in Wilmington, Delaware, captivating visitors with its harmonious blend of art and nature. The home of Elise du Pont, it was designed in 1967 by I.W. Colburn, the AIA Architect of the Year in 1960. This enchanting garden is a testament to the marriage of creativity and horticulture, where meticulously designed landscapes form intricate patterns and displays. Its design is based on a geometric pattern of 20x20-foot squares and circles, played out in the house and its courtyard. Patterns is situated on 10 acres overlooking the Brandywine River. Its serene ambiance and meticulously manicured greenery make it an idyllic oasis for leisurely strolls and contemplative moments.

Brandywine Cottage, nurtured by the skilled hands and artistic vision of David Culp, stands as a horticultural masterpiece in the heart of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. The 1790's farmhouse and adjoining 2 acres were purchased in 1990. It's located between the forks of the Brandywine River and nestled into the hillside. This garden is a captivating tapestry of color and texture, highlighting each of the four seasons. From the meandering pathways to the enchanting perennial borders, this garden invites visitors to wander and discover its ever-evolving beauty.

Renowned plantsman and horticulturist Andrew Bunting has transformed his home garden, Belvidere, into a living work of art featuring an extraordinary array of rare and exotic plants, including extensive collections of magnolias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas. The garden's layout highlights Bunting's deep knowledge of plants and his keen eye for design. The front of the Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, house features a gravel garden that uses water-wise plantings. In contrast, the back garden has a more Mediterranean feel. The summer house will delight guests with a tropical entrance garden planted with red Abyssinian bananas, bromeliads, and cannas during the summer. Andrew is the Vice President of Horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Dan Benarcik and Peggy Anne Montgomery's garden is a testament to their shared passion for horticulture and landscape design. Their modest home is sited well forward on the property, leaving an ample space in the back for guests to wander from room to room; a carved-out grotto, a gravel garden, sunny pollinator borders, a "Little Minnesota" fire pit area, and a secret garden at the very back for the littlest visitors, softened with moss-covered paths. Many of the plants on the property were gifts from friends brought back from plant-hunting trips around the globe. The stories of their friends and the origins of the plants are the heart and soul of the place and dearest to the couple. Guests will be invited into The Fort Dan built for Peggy Anne so they can spend their evening outdoors free of mosquitoes, and entertain their friends and family. The gravel garden was featured on the cover of Kelly Norris’ "New Naturalism" book. More recently, they were honored to be included in "American Roots" by Allison and Nick McCullough, along with Teresa Woodward.

Carol Verhake, the owner and creative force behind Lasting Landscapes by Carol, is an accomplished horticulturist and landscape designer whose passion for gardening has left an indelible mark on her community. With a wealth of knowledge and an eye for detail, Carol has transformed countless outdoor spaces into breathtaking gardens that captivate the senses. Her deep understanding of plants, coupled with her innovative design concepts, results in landscapes that are aesthetically pleasing, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. We’ll visit her home garden, Boulder Haven, which showcases her talents and interests and serves as a proving ground for new ideas.

Nima Marsh’s mature and majestic garden is an inspiration. When she arrived at her new home on top of rolling Pennsylvania pastures four decades ago, Nima saw a sun-filled blank canvas waiting for a gardener’s touch. Now, with layers of trees and shrubs, rich texture and meaningful themes, it’s a space that’s been shaped by the experience and personality of a gardener who has poured her effort into crafting a garden of idyllic beauty. An Asian-influenced strolling garden, a golden perennial bed and a poolside pollinator haven are some of the themes that Nima unifies with a dose of her personality and an emphasis on texture. Be sure to ask her how she manages such a beautiful garden amidst frequent deer visits too!

Day 7, Friday, June 14: DEPARTURE

Our time together has ended, but garden lovers always find fresh inspiration wherever they are. Tour members can choose to return home or carry on the adventure.