Below is a calendar listing of events at Longwood Gardens and our Community Read partner organizations. Find an event near you and share your thoughts with our community! Be sure to check back regularly for newly added programs.
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May 1 through June 1
Norristown Farm Park StoryWalk, daily during park hours
Free
Presented by: Norristown Farm Park and County of Montgomery
Location: Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Road, Norristown, PA 19403
The Norristown Farm Park's StoryWalk is Participating in the Longwood Garden's Community Read. April 1st through June 1st, our story will be The Extraordinary Gardener, by Sam Boughton. While visiting the StoryWalk, complete the QR Code to be entered to win a family of 4 passes to Longwood Gardens, you may only be entered once. There will be 12 winners!
May 1-31
The Extraordinary Gardener Story Walk, during park hours
Free
Presented by: Lower Merion Library System
Location: Ashbridge Park, 1301 Montgomery Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA
In honor of the Longwood Gardens Community Read Program the Lower Merion Library System will proudly be using the book The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton as our Story Walk book from March to May. Stop by the Ashbridge Park and see the 16 stations, each featuring a page from the children's book. Caregivers and children walk the path to read the book and to enjoy the outdoors. Ashbridge Park is located at 1301 Montgomery Ave in Bryn Mawr, PA. Remember you can check out this wonderful book at your local Lower Merion Library in Montgomery County.
May 1-31
"How Does Your Garden Grow" Play & Learn Center, during library hours
Free
Presented by: Adamstown Area Library
Location: Adamstown Area Library, 110 W. Main St, Adamstown, PA 19501
Stop in at the library to enjoy our story corner Play & Learn Center. It's a great place to hang out for some educational fun with toys, puppets, vocab, figures, blocks, and more, all with a plant theme.
May 1-31
The Extraordinary Gardener at the Brantwood Park Story Trail, available during park opening hours
Free
Presented by: Cecil County Public Library
Location: Brantwood Park, Williams Rd, Elkton, MD 21921
This spring, read the Longwood Community Read featured title for children, The Extraordinary Gardener, as you walk along the Story Trail at Brantwood Regional Park. Click here for more information.
May 1-31
The Extraordinary Gardener Storywalk, during daylight hours
Free
Presented by: Exeter Community Library
Location: Exeter Community Library, 4569 Prestwick Drive, Reading, PA
In celebration of the Longwood Gardens 2025 Community Read program, Exeter Community Library will be featuring the book The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton on the Storywalk during the months of April and May. All are welcome to enjoy this selection anytime during daylight hours. The Storywalk trail is completely paved and ADA compliant. Don't forget to stop during library open hours after reading the book and pick up a take home craft bag, while supplies last. Click here for more information.
May 1-31
The Extraordinary Gardener Spring Story Walk at the Park, during park hours
Free
Presented by: Mifflin Community Library
Location: Mohnton Memorial Park, 202 E. Wyomissing Ave., Mohnton, PA 19540
Come celebrate the Longwood Gardens 2025 Community Read Initiative with us by visiting our Story Walk in the Park. Our spring selection will be The Extraordinary Gardener. Come learn about gardening and help us welcome spring to the neighborhood.
May 1-31
StoryWalk: The Extraordinary Gardener, during park hours
Free
Presented by: Kennett Library and New Garden Township Park
Location: New Garden Township Park, 8938 Gap Newport Pike, Landenberg, PA 19350
The Extraordinary Gardener is the StoryWalk for the month of May in the New Garden Township Park. Start at the park's entrance and follow the stations of the pages of the book all around the beautiful park! Enjoy the story and the nature all around the park as you walk the almost one mile from beginning to end of the story.
May 1-31
StoryWalk® at Boyertown Park, 7:00 am-8:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Boyertown Community Library
Location: Boyertown Park, 417 S. Madison Street, Boyertown, PA 19512
Enjoy a walk and a story, every day of the week! May's book is Longwood Gardens Community Read The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton. Read the story and enter your name for a chance to win a 4 person pass to Longwood Gardens.
May 22
Seed Swap, 6:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Mifflin Community Library
Location: Mifflin Community Library, 6 Philadelphia Ave., Shillington, PA 19607
Bring a pack of seeds to Story Time today and support the Longwood Gardens 2025 Community Read Initiative. Patrons will have the opportunity to swap seeds with one another and take home something new to grow and nurture. We will also be reading The Extraordinary Gardener.
May 22
Seed & Plant Swap and Greenhouse Donation Day, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Mifflin Community Library
Location: Mifflin Community Library, 6 Philadelphia Ave., Shillington, PA 19607
Stop by the library any time today between 9am and 4pm to swap seeds and/or plants and/or make a donation for our library greenhouse. All seeds and plants welcome. Help us make our greenhouse happy :) This program was designed to support the Longwood Gardens 2025 Community Read Initiative.
May 22
Preschool Story Time, 10:30-11:00 am
Free
Presented by: The Bear Library
Location: The Bear Library, 101 Governors Place, Bear, DE 19701
Enjoy stories, music and movement as we explore the colorful world of gardens in this story time. This program is in partnership with the Longwood Community Reads 2025. Includes a make-and-take craft. Groups of five or more must call ahead to register. Tickets available at the Kid's Desk. Ages 2+. Click here for more information.
May 24
Longwood Gardens Community Reads: Beautiful Garden Shoebox Diorama, 2:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Ardmore Library
Location: Ardmore Library, 108 Ardmore Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003
Let's read the picture book The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton, about a child who wants to make his world more beautiful by growing plants and flowers! Then we’ll make a beautiful shoebox diorama garden full of flowers and small garden creatures. You’ll need to bring an adult-sized shoebox. Registration required. Ages 5-10. Click here for more information.May 24-May 30
Storytime at DelMNS, 10:30 am
Free with museum admission
Presented by: Delaware Museum of Nature and Science
Location: Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, 4840 Kennett Pike Wilmington, DE 19807 - in Nature Nook
Through interactive participation we'll read the story, The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton, and follow Joe, he lives in a grey world, but through dedication brings color into his own life and his community.
May 27
Preschool Science: Vegetable Gardens, 10:30-11:30 am
Free
Presented by: Cecil County Public Library
Location: Chesapeake City Branch Library, 2527 Augustine Herman Highway Chesapeake City, MD 21915
Plant a mini vegetable garden and learn how vegetables grow! Ages 3-6. Click here for more information.
May 27
Extraordinary Joe, 10:15 am
Free
Presented by: Hockessin Library
Location: Hockessin Library, 1023 Valley Road Hockessin, DE 19707
Imagine a wonderful world filled with exotic plants and unusual animals in this interactive, musical puppet show inspired by the book The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton. Presented by Crystal Murphy Music. Click here for more information.
May 27
Storytime, 10:30-11:30 am
Free
Presented by: John Graham Library
Location: John Graham Library, 9 Parsonage St., Newville, PA 17241
Join us for fun stories, songs, and crafts! One of today's books will be the 2025 Longwood Gardens Community Read selection, The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton. Click here for more information.
May 29
Plant Exchange, 6:30-7:30 pm
Free
Presented by: Cecil County Public Library
Location: Elkton Branch Library, 301 Newark Avenue, Elkton, MD 21921
Bring in a plant to exchange with fellow gardening enthusiasts and take home something new for your own backyard. Click here for more information.
May 29
The Extraordinary Gardener Story Time, 6:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Robesonia Community Library
Location: Robesonia Community Library, 75a S. Brooke Street, Robesonia PA 19551
Miss Leah will be hosting a special garden-themed story time where she will be reading the Longwood Gardens Community Read, The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton! Story time will be held in the meeting room and attendees have the chance to receive a Longwood Gardens admission pass (admits up to 4 people). This event is geared towards children pre-K through elementary.
May 29
Flower Pot Decorating, 5:00 pm
Free
Presented by: New Cumberland Public Library
Location: New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland, PA 17070
Come celebrate spring with us and read a book about a garden, then plant your own mini flower garden and decorate the pot! This is a Longwood Gardens Community Read event – all participants will be entered to win a free family admission pass to the gardens this summer! Click here for more information.May 30
Nature Explorers- Gardens & Flowers, 10:00-11:00 am and 1:00-2:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Norristown Farm Park, County of Montgomery
Location: Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Road, Norristown Pa 19403
In the Spring many people are planting seeds or flowers in their gardens. Join us to learn about the parts of a flower and the best way to start seeds for your garden. Listen to The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton and create a craft to take home. While attending this program you will be entered to win a family of 4 passes to Longwood Gardens, you may only be entered once. There will be 6 winners in each session. Two time slots available 10am or 1pm. Age 3-6 with adult. Click here for more information.
May 30
Origami Garden w/ Kids @ Middletown Free Library, 4:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Middletown Free Library
Location: Middletown Free Library, 464 S. Old Middletown Rd, Media, PA 19063
In conjunction with Longwood Gardens Community Read 2025, Mr. Jason will be showing kids (ages 8+) how to fold a variety of garden-themed origami objects. Geared towards beginner-intermediate paper-folders. Adults should stay with kids who may need help. Registration is required as space is limited. Click here for more information.
May 31
Paper Plants: White Caladium, 3:00-4:30 pm
Free
Presented by: Tredyffrin Public Library
Location: Tredyffrin Public Library, 582 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford, PA 19087
Enjoy the beauty of plants without any of the hassle! Join us for a workshop to create a White Caladium completely out of paper. All materials will be provided, including a container to transport your creation home safely. This craft comes from Handmade Houseplants by Corrie Beth Hogg. Click here for more information.
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June 4
Longwood Gardens Community Read Children's Storytime, 10:30-11:15 am
Free
Presented by: Wyomissing Public Library
Location: Wyomissing Public Library, 9 Reading Blvd, Wyomissing PA 19610
We will be reading The Extraordinary Gardener and will walk out to the Community Garden to talk about how to care for a small garden.
June 7
Build Your Own Terrarium, supplies available 10:00 am-3:00 pm, first come first served, presentation at 11:00 am
Free, donations accepted
Presented by: Schuylkill Valley Community Library
Location: Schuylkill Valley Community Library, 1310 Washington Road, Leesport, PA 19533
Learn how to build and care for your own terrarium. Supplies available on a first come, first served basis from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. A discussion on how to begin and best care for your terrarium will occur at 11:00 am. This allows you to have an indoor plant and create your own serene environment like in Paradise Under Glass.
June 7
The Garden Club Reads: Paradise Under Glass, 9:00-10:00 am
Free
Presented by: Sinking Spring Public Library
Location: Sinking Spring Public Library, 3940 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, PA 19608
Join the Gardening Club at SSPL to discuss the 2025 Longwood Gardens Community Read! This year's selection is Paradise Under Glass by Ruth Kassinger. Borrow a copy from the library to enjoy this memoir that mixes the author's wit, work on her own conservatory, and the history of greenhouses. Click here for more information.
June 9
The Extraordinary Gardener with Delaware Museum of Nature & Science, 11:00 am
Free
Presented by: Woodlawn Library and Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
Location: Woodlawn Library, 2020 W. 9th St., Wilmington, DE 19805
In this interactive program, we’ll read the story and follow Joe, who has a wild and wondrous imagination. He lives in a gray world, but through dedication brings color into his own life and his community! After the story, we’ll plant a seed to take home. While your seed physically grows, we hope the love of the natural world will grow too! Be prepared to get your hands dirty! For kids in grades PreK - 5. Space and supplies are limited, so registration is required on the Woodlawn Library LibCal. Walk-ins will be welcomed if registration has not filled up. Click here for more information.
June 10
Gardening for Late Harvest with Master Gardener Kristi Wenrich, 6:30 pm
Free
Presented by: Glenside Free Library
Location: Glenside Free Library, 215 S. Keswick Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038
It doesn't matter whether your garden paradise is under glass or not, Kristi will have advice to help yours thrive! Learn how to extend your garden harvests deep into the dark, cold, days. Vegetable Gardening for Late Summer, Fall, and Winter Harvest covers succession planning, day length factors, and crop protection strategies. Speaker Bio: Kristi Wenrich loves to garden. She grows, eats, and preserves every vegetable, herb, and spice she can acquire seeds for in Montgomery County, PA. Her goal is to transform her tiny piece of suburbia from generic lawn into an edible landscape for humans, insects, and birds. Her favorite crop to grow is new gardeners. Click here for more information.
June 11
Extraordinary Joe and the Quest for Color! 6:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Wissahickon Valley Public Library and Crystal Murphy Music
Location: Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422
Crystal Murphy Music & the Murphy Murpets produced a musical
puppet show inspired by the book, The Extraordinary Gardner!
June 14
Garden for All Seasons, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Free
Presented by: Bethel-Tulpehocken Public Library
Location: Bethel-Tulpehocken Public Library, 8601 Lancaster Ave., Bethel, PA19507
Learn various ways to make your garden beautiful and productive year-round. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, come and hear some strategies to make your garden flourish all year. Then paint a "book" brick to display at the library. Presented by Master Gardener Vicki Reed.
June 14
The Extraordinary Gardener: Storytime & Crafts, 11:00 am
Free
Presented by: Aston Public Library
Location: Aston Public Library, 3270 Concord Road, Aston, PA 19014
Join Ms. Amy for a special storytime featuring this year's Longwood Gardens Community Read, The Extraordinary Gardener! After our story, we will decorate pots & plant seeds! Click here for more information.
June 20
Community Read Story Time, 11:00 am
Free
Presented by: Warminster Township Free Library
Location: Warminster Township Free Library, 1076 Emma Lane, Warminster, PA 18974
Join us for a fun story time on the front lawn of our library where we will read this year's Community Read pick, The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton. Following the story time children will explore colors in 2 ways. First they will search nature to find colors on a color wheel and second they will create a fun watering can rainbow craft. Click here for more information.
June 26
Mason Jar Terrarium Workshop, 1:30 pm
Free
Presented by: Radnor Memorial Library
Location: Radnor Memorial Library, 114 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne, PA
This year, Longwood Gardens has chosen Paradise Under Glass by Ruth Kassinger as their Community Read featured book. Although Kassinger’s book discusses creating a special place in a greenhouse, we’ll be creating a small desk-sized terrarium and discuss the care of it. The workshop is limited to 12 participants and in-person registration is required. Registration opens 6/16 at 9:00am. All materials will be provided and there is no fee. Floral designer Carolyn Hull will guide us in creating our terrarium. Click here for more information.
June 25
Meet An Artist: Marlene Milstein, 6:30-8:00 pm
Free
Presented by: Lower Providence Community Library
Location: Lower Providence Community Library, 50 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, PA
Meet an Artist! Marlene Milstein creates beautiful prints from watercolor and ink. Her subjects are old buildings, gardens, and florals around the Norristown area. Meet her and learn how she gets her inspiration and where you can see her work. Prints of her work will be on display to partner with our summer reading program as well as the Longwood Garden Community Read program.