May 2026 Garden Events in the Greater West Chester Region

Spring is in full swing across Chester County, the Main Line, the Brandywine Valley, and beyond. Whether you’re a serious gardener, a casual plant lover, or just looking for a beautiful way to spend a weekend, May is packed with garden tours, plant sales, and outdoor celebrations. Here’s everything on the calendar this month.

Through December | America’s Garden Capital Passport

Before you head out to any of these events, grab a free garden passport — an exclusive map and guide to exploring the region’s public gardens. A handy companion for any garden enthusiast spending time in the greater Philadelphia area this season.

Download: AmericasGardenCapital.org

May 1 & 2 | Arasapha Garden Club’s 82nd Anniversary May Market in Historic New Castle

Garden experts are on hand to help you choose from annuals, herbs, perennials, houseplants, and native plants at this long-running annual market in the heart of historic New Castle.

Where: Market Square, 201 Delaware St., New Castle, DE
Hours: Fri, 10 am–5 pm; Sat, 9 am–1 pm
Cost: Free
More info: Arasapha.org

May 1 & 2 | DE Nature Society Native Plant Sale

Rare varieties of native wildflowers, trees, shrubs, ferns, and aquatic plants — many of which attract wildlife. Friday is member day; the public sale opens Saturday.

Where: Coverdale Farm, 543 Way Rd., Greenville, DE
Hours: Fri, 2–7 pm (member day); Sat, 9 am–3 pm
Cost: Free to attend
More info: DelNature.org/NPS

May 2 & 3 | Tyler Arboretum Plant Sale

A wide selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, and native plants with knowledgeable staff and plant experts on site to help you plan a landscape that supports pollinators and wildlife year-round.

Where: 515 Painter Rd., Media
Hours: Daily, 8 am–2 pm
Cost: Free to attend
More info: TylerArboretum.org

May 2 & 3 | Kennett Blooms Plant Sale

The Kennett Beautification Committee’s annual plant sale at Pratt’s Greenhouse. A community staple for local gardeners stocking up for the season.

Where: Pratt’s Greenhouse, 634 Hillendale Rd., Avondale
Hours: Sat, 8 am–4 pm; Sun, 10 am–3 pm
Cost: Free to attend
More info: KennettCollaborative.org

May 3 | Chestnut Hill Home & Garden Festival

More than 300 regional artisans, landscapers, and specialty vendors line Germantown Avenue offering heirloom plants, garden art, pottery, and jewelry. Live music, kid-friendly activities, and a “Makers Village” with live demonstrations round out the day.

Where: Germantown Ave. from Rex to Willow Grove Aves., Chestnut Hill
Hours: 11 am–5 pm
Cost: Free
More info: ChestnutHillPA.com

May 7 | 87th Annual Phila. Herb Society of America Herb Sale

Culinary and fragrant herbs alongside rare and unusual scented geraniums and salvias. Box lunch catered by Dixie Picnic available. Cash or check only. Rain or shine.

Where: Historic Yellow Springs, 1685 Art School Rd., Chester Springs
Hours: 10 am–1 pm
Cost: Free to attend; lunch extra
More info: HSAPhiladelphia.org

May 7 | Showcase of Homes at Hershey’s Mill

The Paoli Hospital Auxiliary presents a tour of six renovated and decorated homes, with a luncheon at Hershey’s Mill Golf Club, a vendor boutique, and a raffle. All proceeds benefit Paoli Hospital.

Where: 1500 Greenhill Rd., West Chester
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
Cost: Tour $40; with lunch $80
Tickets: Events.org/ES/PHASOH2026

May 7–9 | Wilmington Flower Market

One of the region’s great spring traditions — carnival rides, art, gifts, beer, live entertainment, and flowers and plants of all kinds. Benefits dozens of nonprofit Delaware children’s agencies.

Where: Rockford Park, Lookout Dr., Wilmington, DE
Hours: Thurs–Fri, 10 am–8 pm; Sat, 10 am–7 pm
Cost: Free to attend
More info: WilmingtonFlowerMarket.org

May 8 & 9 | Landis Valley Museum Herb & Garden Faire

Stock up on plants from the museum’s Heirloom Seed Project alongside native species, hard-to-find varieties, and handmade garden decor. Bring a wagon or cart — you’ll want one.

Where: 2451 Kissel Hill Rd., Lancaster
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
Cost: $10–$14
More info: LandisValleyMuseum.org

May 8–September 27 | Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens

The season-long Festival of Fountains returns to Longwood Gardens, where brilliant blooms and stunning vistas frame the iconic Conservatory Overlook — all set to the choreography of dancing fountains. A perfect Thursday through Saturday evening outing all season long.

Where: 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Hours: Thurs–Sat, 9:15 pm
Cost: $20–$35
More info: LongwoodGardens.org

May 9 | Dahlia Society Tuber Sale

All tubers are $7 at this popular sale held right in front of the Longwood Gardens Visitor Center. Simple, affordable, and a great way to add dahlias to your summer garden.

Where: 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Hours: 10 am–3 pm
Cost: Free
More info: Philadahlia.org

May 9 | Uwchlan Garden Club Plant Sale

A one-stop shop for vegetable and herb starts, perennials, shrubs, trees, and crafts — plus a plant doctor on site and a kids corner. All proceeds benefit the historic 1756 Uwchlan Meeting House.

Where: 5 N. Village Ave., Lionville
Hours: 8 am–2 pm
Cost: Free to attend
More info: UwchlanGardenClub.org

May 9 & 10 | Wildflower, Native Plant & Seed Sale

Shop a wide selection of native wildflowers, grasses, ferns, vines, shrubs, and trees, with knowledgeable staff on hand for planting and horticultural guidance. Proceeds support the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art’s Garden Program.

Where: Brandywine Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford
Hours: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Cost: Free to attend
More info: Brandywine.org

May 9 & 23 | Home and Garden Tours at Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden

(Also June 13 & 27)

Step inside one of the region’s most celebrated natural gardens for a guided tour highlighting dazzling native plant displays, ancient trees, and the spectacular Tudor Revival Main House.

Where: 1829 E. County Line Rd., Villanova
Hours: 10:30 am–noon
Cost: $15
More info: StoneleighGarden.org

May 10 | Mother’s Day Open Gardens at Welkinweir

Treat Mom to a walk through peak azalea blooms at Welkinweir’s open gardens. Pack a picnic and spend a few hours hiking the grounds at this hidden gem in Pottstown.

Where: 1368 Prizer Rd., Pottstown
Hours: 11 am–3 pm
Cost: Free
More info: Welkinweir.org

May 13 | Shipley School’s 52nd Annual Secret Gardens Tours

A beloved Chester County tradition — a self-guided tour through breathtaking private gardens. This year’s lunch stop is Appleford Estate, featuring vendors with blooms and crafts for sale. Tickets go fast.

Where: Various private gardens; lunch at Appleford Estate
Hours: 9 am–3 pm
Cost: See website for ticket pricing
More info: ShipleySchool.org/SecretGardens

May 16 | Jenkins Arboretum Spring Blooms 50th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate half a century of Jenkins Arboretum with a roving dinner, garden games, live music, and floral festivities. A special fundraising evening in a stunning setting.

Where: Jenkins Arboretum, 631 Berwyn Baptist Rd., Devon
Hours: 6–9 pm
Cost: $150
More info: JenkinsArboretum.org

May 16 | A Day in Old New Castle

Peek inside private homes and historic gardens in one of Delaware’s most charming towns. Enjoy historical reenactments, artisan vendors, entertainment, and children’s activities alongside the garden tours.

Where: 50 Market St., New Castle, DE
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
Cost: $10–$25
More info: HistoricNewCastle.com

May 20 | Scott Arboretum Rose Celebration

The Dean Bond Rose Garden is at its peak this time of year. Come for the blooms, stay for the live music. A relaxed, lovely way to spend a May evening in Swarthmore.

Where: 500 College Ave., Swarthmore
Hours: 4–7 pm
Cost: Free
More info: ScottArboretum.org

May 20 | Winterthur’s Garden & Estate Insider: A Spring Garden Walk

A guided walk through Winterthur’s spring garden with expert insight on what’s blooming and how to apply seasonal care tips at home. Space is limited — registration required.

Where: 5105 Kennett Pk., Winterthur, DE
Hours: 10:30 am–noon
Cost: $27
Registration required: Winterthur.org

May 23 & 24 | Spring Native Plant Sale at Brandywine Zoo

Pick up plants native to the mid-Atlantic region, including a butterfly-attracting sedge and other pollinator favorites. A great resource for gardeners looking to support local wildlife.

Where: 1001 N. Park Dr., Wilmington, DE
Hours: 10 am–2 pm
Cost: Free with zoo admission
More info: BrandywineZoo.org

All events are free unless otherwise noted. For the latest updates, confirm details directly with the event’s organizer before attending.