Where to Go:
Delaware Botanic Gardens (Dagsboro) : The beauty and tranquility of a walk around this public, sustainable botanic garden is unrivaled. Check their calendar for events ranging from activities for the kids to educational workshops exploring the unique beauty of this bayside garden. (Opens for the season on March 16)
Hagley Museum and Library (Wilmington) : Beginning in mid-March, you can take in the sprawling grounds along the scenic and soothing Brandywine River by foot, exploring the stone structures and towering trees that rise above the powder yards. Then head up the hill to the original DuPont family home and garden to walk through rows of colorful flowers. Historic Home and Garden tours starting every half-hour.
Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor (Milton) : Close to the Delaware beaches and full of lavender goodies to buy, this 5-acre farm is a spectacular sight. The lavender reaches its peak beauty in June and July.
Mt. Cuba Center (Hockessin) : This Delaware treasure has 50 acres of naturalistic gardens on more than 500 acres of wooded landscape. The former DuPont estate is a great place for a picnic and its guided garden tours come with an invitation to spend time beneath shady trees. (Opens for the season April 1)
Nemours Estate (Wilmington) : Take a guided walk through the formal gardens and explore the ornate rooms of this mansion inspired by the architecture of France’s royalty.
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library (near Wilmington) : The lush rolling hills erupt with blossoms each spring on this grand estate, inviting visitors to wander the flower-filled trails and marvel at the natural vistas that emerge from around each corner. The March Bank begins to bloom in early March, starting with white and yellow flowers, then shifting to blue blossoms through the beginning of April. Before May, azaleas, bluebells, daffodils, and more will add to the explosion of vibrant colors.
Where to Shop:
If touring the bountiful gardens and estates gets you itching to flex your own green thumb, you can take a stop at these top green houses and garden centers to bring a piece of Delaware home with you.
East Coast Garden Center (Millsboro) : A popular spot for buying plants, taking classes, and browsing the delicious looking items at the farmers' market.
Farmer Girl Exotic Gardens (Rehoboth) : Looking to take your yard to the next level? This store is full of fountains, ponds, statues, flowers, and greenery, including tropical plants to help decorate your yard.
Sullivan’s Garden Center (Milford) : A quick stop in Milford and you can stock up on a wide variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals to turn your home into the next great estate.
Tomato Sunshine Garden Center & Farm Market (Rehoboth) : Browse the huge variety of plants and locally grown produce. Whether you like to grow your food or just eat it, there’s something for you.
Willey Farms (Townsend) : Whether you’re looking to start your garden from scratch or put the finishing touches on your flower bed, the garden center and greenhouses at Willey Farms is a great place to start. If you get hungry while shopping, grab a bite to eat at their market or seasonal food truck.
Events:
Event dates and times may change, please check with the host organization when planning your trip.
Winterthur Daffodil Day and Dash : April 15
Wilmington
10 am to 3 pm
Free with admission
Celebrate the daffodil’s bright beauty with a tram or walking tour of Henry Francis du Pont’s heirloom plantings, arranged in cloudlike drifts throughout the garden.
Lewes Tulip Celebration : April 1 through April 16
Lewes
10 am to 4 pm daily
Free
Over 32,000 tulip bulbs fill downtown Lewes for a floral-filled celebration that makes this quaint beach town even more beautiful.
Mt. Cuba Wildflower Weekend : April 28 through 30
Hockessin
10 am to 6 pm daily
Adults: $15; Children 6-17: $8; Children under 6: free; Free for members
Enjoy gardening demonstrations, live music, food and flowers as the native spring blossoms peak in all their glory.
Wilmington Flower Market : May 11 through May 13
Wilmington
Free
This Northern Delaware event is beloved for its selection of native plants and artisanal crafts, its carnival rides and food, and the live music that ties it all together. It also happens to take place before Mother’s Day, making it a great stop for the perfect gift for mom.
