Discover the Gardens, Parks, and Arboretums
of Delaware County, PA

Delaware County, Pennsylvania, affectionately known as Delco, may be just minutes from the hustle of Philadelphia, but it offers a surprising wealth of peaceful green spaces that are as diverse as they are beautiful. Whether you’re a weekend wanderer, an avid gardener, or someone who simply needs a moment of quiet among the blooms, Delco’s gardens, parks, and arboretums are waiting for you. Here’s a tour through some of our most cherished green spaces.

🌼Chanticleer

786 Church Rd, Wayne, PA 19087

 Often called one of the most romantic and imaginative gardens in America, Chanticleer is a true gem in Delco’s crown. Once the private estate of the Rosengarten family, Chanticleer is now a public garden designed to delight. Think sweeping meadows, artistic plantings, and bold horticultural experiments all in a setting that feels part European villa, part whimsical dream. It’s not your typical botanical garden—it’s a living work of art that changes week by week. Bring a picnic and linger—you’ll want time to wander and unwind.

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🌿 Haverford College Arboretum

370 Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003

The Haverford College Arboretum is a serene and scholarly spot with over 200 acres of carefully curated trees, shrubs, and gardens. Walking paths wind through meadows and woodlands, and the entire campus functions as a living classroom for botany and ecology. Free and open to the public, it’s a great place to take a peaceful stroll or explore tree collections from around the world.

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🌳 Taylor Memorial Arboretum

10 Ridley Drive, Wallingford, PA 19086

Tucked beside the Crum Creek, the Taylor Arboretum is a quiet, lesser-known treasure. This 30-acre preserve offers lovely walking trails, a pond with waterfowl, and a variety of native and ornamental trees. Formerly a private estate, the arboretum retains a sense of peaceful seclusion—perfect for quiet walks or nature photography.

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🌲 Willows Park Preserve

490 Darby Paoli Rd, Villanova, PA 19085

The Willows Park Preserve is in the process of becoming an official arboretum, and its transformation is one to watch. The park already offers elegant grounds, walking trails, and scenic ponds. With active community involvement, this beloved park is growing into a hub for environmental education and native plant appreciation.

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🌻 Smedley Park Master Gardeners Teaching Gardens

20 Papermill Rd, Springfield, PA 19064

Located in Springfield’s Smedley Park, these teaching gardens are lovingly maintained by Penn State Extension Master Gardeners. They’re more than just beautiful—they’re educational. Visitors can explore themed beds (like pollinator gardens and shade gardens), learn about composting and native plants, and even get advice from the gardening pros. It’s an underrated stop for curious green thumbs.

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🌳Delco Woods

Reed Rd. & Sproul Rd. Broomall, PA 19008

Delco Woods is Delaware County’s largest undeveloped forest, spanning 213 acres of woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Located in Marple Newtown, it features hiking trails and plans for a boardwalk, bike trails, and nature-focused recreation. Guided by a preservation-first master plan, Delco Woods offers a peaceful escape while promoting ecological education and outdoor adventure. It’s a growing gem for nature lovers and families in the heart of Delco.

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🌼Historic Grange Estate

143 Myrtle Ave, Havertown, PA 19083

With its 300-year-old mansion and beautifully maintained gardens, the Historic Grange Estate is a site that blends American history with lush landscaping. Volunteers care for the estate’s gardens, which include heirloom plantings and native species. It’s a picturesque place for a weekend visit or a photo op under one of the stately old trees.

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🌳 Tyler Arboretum

515 Painter Rd, Media, PA 19063

Nestled next to Ridley Creek State Park, Tyler Arboretum is one of the oldest and largest arboretums in the northeastern U.S. It’s a haven for nature lovers, hikers, families, and plant enthusiasts alike. From treehouses to heritage trees, from butterfly habitats to rhododendron trails, Tyler offers year-round beauty and discovery. The arboretum also has deep Quaker roots and is home to historic structures and an impressive plant collection dating back to the 1800s.

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🌸 Scott Arboretum & Gardens

500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081

Covering the entirety of Swarthmore College’s campus, the Scott Arboretum & Gardens is a masterclass in landscape design. It features themed gardens—like the fragrant Rose Garden and the lush Magnolia Collection—interwoven with the college’s buildings. It’s a brilliant place to gather inspiration for your own garden or simply take a beautiful stroll any time of year. The arboretum also hosts free tours and gardening lectures for the community.

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🌾 Wildflower & Native Plant Garden at the Brandywine Museum of Ar

1 Hoffmans Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

 Tucked behind the Brandywine Museum of Art, this quiet spot is devoted to showcasing native plants in a gorgeous, naturalistic design. It’s especially breathtaking in spring and summer, when pollinators buzz among the blooms and the meadow grasses sway with the wind. It’s a perfect pairing of art and ecology.

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🌳 Rose Tree Park

1671 N Providence Rd, Media, PA 19063

Spanning over 120 acres in Upper Providence Township, Rose Tree Park is a cherished public space that offers a blend of natural beauty and community-centered amenities. The park features mature trees, a woodland trail, picnic areas, a gazebo, and an outdoor amphitheater that hosts a variety of concerts and performances, particularly during the summer months .

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Plan Your Botanical Adventure

Delaware County is full of surprises, and its gardens and arboretums are proof that beauty and tranquility are never far away. Whether you’re looking to learn, to wander, or simply to breathe deeply among the trees, these natural spaces invite you to slow down and connect with the green side of Delco. So pack your walking shoes and a camera—you’ve got some exploring to do!