If we were going to take a 2-week road trip to visit some major gardens and events in the mid-Atlantic region, we would do this:

 

Longwood Gardens Image by Bo Hwan Wang from Pixabay

 

 

September is the season when American gardens put on their final, glorious show, and this itinerary sweeps you through the East Coast’s most enchanting horticultural gatherings — from the bustling plant swaps of Philadelphia to the heirloom treasures at Jefferson’s Monticello, and onward to the grand New England Fall Flower Show. Along the way, you’ll wander storied botanic gardens, breathe in the fragrance of late-summer borders, and return home with plants and memories to last a lifetime. Pack your bags, clear some trunk space, and let this road trip become your gardener’s pilgrimage — book your flights, reserve your rooms, and prepare to chase September’s bloom.

Here's a suggested itinerary for you: 

Sept 8–21, 2025

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Day 1–2 (Mon–Tue, Sept 8–9) – Philadelphia, PA

• Event: PHS Fall Plant Swaps (Sept 8–9)
  Swap perennials, herbs, and houseplants, plus grab your “challenge plant.”

• Side Stop: Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square, PA) — dazzling fountains + late-summer borders.

• Evening stroll through Bartram’s Garden (oldest surviving botanic garden in the U.S.).

Driving Notes:
Fly/arrive in Philadelphia. Stay local for two nights.

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Day 3–4 (Wed–Thu, Sept 10–11) – Philadelphia → Charlottesville, VA (≈5 hr drive)

• Event (Sept 11): Home Educators’ Day at Monticello (not strictly plant sale, but excellent garden programming).

• Explore Monticello Gardens & Orchards — Jefferson’s historic vegetable terraces and fruit plantings.

• Wine country side trip (Charlottesville is surrounded by vineyards).

Driving Notes:
Depart Philly morning Sept 10 → overnight in Charlottesville.

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Day 5 (Fri, Sept 12) – Charlottesville, VA

• Rest day + explore Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (Richmond, VA; ~1 hr).

• Prep for the big Monticello sale tomorrow.

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Day 6 (Sat, Sept 13) – Monticello Fall Plant Sale

• Event: Fall Plant Sale at Tufton Farm (Monticello)
  Heirloom veggies, ornamentals, herbs — Jefferson-linked and regionally rare finds.

• Spend the day browsing, chatting with horticulturists, and loading the car with treasures.

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Day 7 (Sun, Sept 14) – Charlottesville → NYC (≈6 hr drive)

• Drive to New York.

• Optional stop at U.S. Botanic Garden in D.C. along the way.

• Evening in NYC.

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Day 8–9 (Mon–Tue, Sept 15–16) – New York City

• NY Botanical Garden (Bronx): Seasonal displays + preview of Climate Week events.

• Evening wander through Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

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Day 10 (Wed, Sept 17) – NYC → Boston/Wellesley, MA (≈4 hr drive)

• Scenic drive through Connecticut.

• Stop at Yale’s Marsh Botanical Garden (New Haven) en route.

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Day 11–12 (Thu–Fri, Sept 18–19) – Boston Area

• Explore Arnold Arboretum + Mount Auburn Cemetery (ornamental plantings, historic landscapes).

• Rest day before weekend show.

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Day 13–14 (Sat–Sun, Sept 20–21) – New England Fall Flower Show, Wellesley, MA

• Event: 139th New England Fall Flower Show — exhibitions, vendors, regional nursery sales.

• Wrap trip with a bang: stock up on late-season bulbs, shrubs, and fall perennials.

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Trip Summary

• Total Duration: ~14 days

• Driving Miles: ~1,000 (Philly → Charlottesville → NYC → Boston)

• Anchor Plant Sales: PHS swaps (Philadelphia), Monticello Fall Sale (VA), New England Flower Show (MA)

• Side Gardens: Longwood, Lewis Ginter, U.S. Botanic Garden, NYBG, Brooklyn BG, Arnold Arboretum

• Flow: Start south, swing through Monticello, finish north in New England at the flower show

   

  How does that sound?  

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