4 Tips to Planning a Fabulous Garden Visit

It is garden visiting season. While it is always a pleasure to visit a garden, here are some tips to make the whole experience a delight from our trip planner extraordinaire, Julie Jenney, Education Program Coordinator for the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College.

Make sure you plan out your route ahead of time and leave enough time to enjoy the garden, pit stops, and snack breaks! photo credit: R. Robert

1.Make sure you plan out your route ahead of time and leave enough time to enjoy the garden, pit stops, and snack breaks!

One of biggest mistakes people make is not allowing enough time for the essentials: food and bathroom breaks. Being comfortable and well fed allows you to relax and enjoy the gardens.

Check the weather before you head out so you’ll be comfortable with whatever weather decides to blow in. photo credit: R. Robert

2.Check the weather before you head out so you’ll be comfortable with whatever weather decides to blow in.

Gardens can be visited in all conditions. Bring extra layers and an umbrella. Gardens can be magical in a light rain if you have dry toes and an umbrella. Layers are great because you can always to take them off, but you can never put them on if you don’t have them.

When visiting a private garden, if the information is available to you, know the garden owners names and whether they are the ones designing and maintaining their garden. photo credit: R. Robert

3. When visiting a private garden, if the information is available to you, know the garden owners names and whether they are the ones designing and maintaining their garden.

Garden owners are often very gracious in allowing us to visit their properties and sharing their gardening knowledge and experiences. They are often the best resources for learning some great gardening tips.

It can be a nice change to leave your camera behind and just enjoy the garden as you see it. photo credit: R. Robert

4. It can be a nice change to leave your camera behind and just enjoy the garden as you see it.

Sometimes we get so caught up in being behind our cameras and phones that we aren’t enjoying the big picture and taking in the whole experience. But if you must take pictures, be sure to get the garden owners’ permission before you start taking them.

Visit private gardens at the Scott Associates Garden Day on Sunday, June 14 and use these tips to get the most out of your time. In addition to exploring amazing private properties, Garden Day attendees will have Chanticleer to themselves from 5 to 7 pm during the Garden Day reception.