Woodland trails at Jenkins Arboretum
Celebrate the height of spring blooms with two full days devoted to the artistry of garden design. At Chanticleer—often called the most beautiful garden in America—discover a living masterpiece of horticultural imagination, where each area reveals inventive plant combinations, bold color, and an unmistakable sense of joy. Continue to Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden, where a former Gilded Age estate has been reimagined as a sanctuary of native plants, historic trees, and graceful stonework that honors the landscape’s past while embracing its ecological future. Also visit Jenkins Arboretum a serene, 48-acre oasis where native plants, woodland trails, and seasonal blooms create a vibrant sanctuary for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts alike.
The tour, led by horticulturist Chelsea Mahaffey, also includes visits to three private gardens opened exclusively for Smithsonian Associates. Each reflects the creativity, dedication, and distinctive vision of its owner—ranging from meticulously curated plant collections to artful outdoor living spaces that seamlessly blend design and nature. Touring these hidden gems offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with the gardeners who shape them, discover new ideas for your own landscape, and experience firsthand the intimate beauty and inspiration found in some of America’s finest private gardens.
Overnight accommodations are at the charming Mendenhall Inn, including a 3-course dinner in the Library Room.
Know Before You Go
- Cost includes hotel, transportation, services of a Smithsonian study leader and representative, entrance fees, taxes, all gratuities, and the following meals: one breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner
- Overnight accommodations are at the Mendenhall Inn.
- Tour departs by bus from the Mayflower Hotel, Connecticut Ave. and DeSales St., NW, with a pickup at the DoubleTree Hilton, 15101 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland, at approximately 8:10 a.m.
- Single-room supplement $80 (factored into the Single Room Member and Single Room Nonmember pricing).
- Singles registering at the double-room rate are paired (on a nonsmoking basis) if possible, but must pay the single-room supplement otherwise.
- Detailed information is emailed to registrants about four weeks prior to departure.
- Participants are advised to purchase travel insurance for overnight and multi-day tours from a provider of your choice. Travel insurance provides additional coverage against unforeseen incidents that require last-minute cancellations.
General Information
- The tour departs by motorcoach from downtown Washington, DC with a designated secondary pick-up outside the city. Content delivered by the study leader on the way to the destination, after the secondary pick-up, is an integral part of the study tour experience. Meeting the group once the tour is en route is discouraged.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
