Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College — Attraction in Swarthmore

This free of charge arboretum, like some others operated by universities such as American in DC, is not a separate entity strictly speaking but rather an organization that manages the flora on the property of its host institution, Swarthmore College.

The chief complaint is the lack of any signage or printed (or links to electronic) maps that illustrate, for the arboretum visitor or hiker, the precise location of or suggested walking routes to experience the space. A significant trail exists through nearby woods but we did not explore it due to a lack of surety of their accessibility and also time constraints. A sweet but unhelpful children’s guide and a separate printed color map of campus is available but this map produced with satellite imagery of campus shows only labeled locations of university buildings, arboretum offices, and the rose garden.

Now, the staff does appear to manage the property well and many trees and other plants are well labeled and cared for as they grow thoughtfully co-positioned throughout the landscape with university campus. Some trees onsite are left with their very low branches as nature intended though looking unusual in the setting where students cut across the landscape and have to dodge limbs and leaves. We arrived late on Labor Day to the empty grounds of the arboretum building offices which include a repurposed astronomical observatory and other structures surrounded by the perhaps the most densely vegetated portion of the property. This part of the arboretum consists of pocket clearings and quiet, solemn brick lined and partially shaded garden beds of various herbs, native forbs, occasional vegetables, potted trees, with aging wooden benches named after alumni and benefactors and their loved ones.

This day, encumbering pedestrian access to the approaches to the area’s paved surfaces, and driveways, were cordoned off areas with many empty tables under partially lowered pop-up canopies from a plant sale (or plant giveaway if the chalk marked sidewalk we found later on campus was accurate) though no details of the event were found online or posted in the immediate area. The event may have been scheduled for the next day or the previous.

We were seeking a setting for a picnic and selected a large but rickety bench for our fresh warm pretzels, blackberries, and to split blueberry and cherry cider we had brought from home. It was peaceful though if a table were available it would have been more convenient; if we weren’t wearing such nice clothes we would have been seated with our blanket in one of the pretty mulched or grassy areas - perhaps in the nearby rose garden also managed by the arboretum.

We walked around the campus for perhaps 20 minutes after our picnic following google maps’ poor walking directions to various named gardens which were located in or adjacent to courtyards and entranceways of science and student center buildings - we did not find some of them and some may only be accessible with a university access card. We found an available restroom in a building housing a cafe, the astronomy department, and other classroom and student spaces.

Parking was easy on the street on this holiday though I suspect would be much more difficult when classes are in session on normal weekdays.

Recommend calling and arranging for a tour if possible due to the poor set up for those not yet familiar with the grounds. Alternatively, I would recommend bringing a bike to travel around to the various gardens and trees spread...

First of all, if we could reproduce the gardens immediately surrounding the Scott Arboretum offices for our clients, maybe we could let go of having never received Christmas bonuses because they would all be slipping us thank-you notes with checks tucked inside in June, expressions of wonder, appreciation, and contrition on their faces. But don't let the lack of a formally bounded half- or quarter-acre prevent you from exploring the campus. At the very least, drop by the Franklinia alatamaha, because it's not like you're going to see it out on a hike somewhere. Search out the American elms, and remember how streets lined with these giants, once commonplace, have dropped out of living memory. I also appreciated how the makers of the amphitheatre left the trees in place so the heavens wouldn't crash down on us after a particularly rousing performance. We came on this particular vacation to see Longwood Gardens, but Swarthmore delivers an absolute gem,...

The grounds crew along with volunteers work very hard maintaining the beauty of the Campus. Visit the grounds early Spring when everything is blooming. The Magnolia trees are breathtaking. Then come fall when the leafs start changing colors, you will be captivated by the brilliance of the blazing colors.

The first snowfall is beautiful. It's like being inside a snow globe. Snow lays on the tree branches so perfectly, it's beautiful. The amphitheatre is a wonderful must see, even when snow is falling! Commencement is held there every year.

Be sure to visit the Rose Garden on the circle, located between McCabe Library and Parrish Hall. The Scott Arboretum office is located on College Avenue, at Cedar Lane. You will pass it on your way up College Avenue on your way to the Rose...