Hershey Gardens

Tunes in the Tulips
2024-04-20 11:30 - 13:30, 2024-04-13 11:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Saturday, April 13 and Saturday April 20 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Enjoy local musician Ray Costanzo as plays his guitar and ukulele among the tulips!
Hershey resident Ray Costanzo is a volunteer and member of Hershey Gardens. He began playing guitar in his teens and the ukulele a few years ago. Ray’s music includes country, folk and originals.
**Event subject to cancellation for inclement weather
To see the current status of the tulips, follow us on Facebook.

Earth Day Celebration
2024-04-20 10:00 - 14:00
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. View a selection of heritage breed farm animals in the Amphitheatre and join our teen volunteers as they lead drop-in activities to inspire young guests to take care of our planet. Learn about cover crops, vermiculture, composting, wildflowers and pollinators, and recycling! For an additional cost, enjoy ice cream from Sarah’s Creamery.
Schedule of Events:
11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. X3 Chinese Music Ensemble, Gazebo
11 a.m. and 1 p.m. “Farm Recycling with Heritage Breed Animals”
Included in admission; free for members.

Daisy “Eco-Learner” Badge Workshop
2024-04-20 10:00 - 14:00
Registration closes April 7
Earn your “Eco-Learner” badge by learning different ways to protect the environment during our Earth Day celebration! Price includes the cost of your “Eco-Learner” badge. Your registration includes general admission to the Gardens, the Butterfly Atrium, and our Earth Day activities. After registering online, present your ticket at the Scout information table before heading out to the gardens or atrium to complete your requirements.
$14.50 per Scout, $14.50 per Scout leader or designated troop chaperone
General admission ticket required for accompanying family members. At least one adult is required to register and accompany each troop, or individual Scout.
Pre-registration is required here.

Guided Walk
2024-04-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-04-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-04-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-02-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-02-17 10:00 - 11:00
Join Dr. Ray Barbehenn, a biologist with an expertise in plant ecology, for an hour-long adventure through the gardens as you learn about plants and trees. Bring your curiosity!
Included with admission, free for members.

Spring Homeschool Day: Geoscience
2024-04-16 09:30 - 12:30
Geology rocks! Explore the rock and mineral world during our spring homeschool day. Join a geoscientist from the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources for presentations at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. about the geology of Pennsylvania. Visit various stations to explore soil composition, fossils, limestone and different types of rocks as you journey through the rock cycle! Program is designed for 1st through 5th graders.
$11 per student, $13 per adult; includes admission to Hershey Gardens and the Butterfly Atrium
Free for ages 2 and under.
Registration is required here; closes on April 14.
Please note: Homeschool Day provides a service beyond regular Gardens admission, therefore, no discounts, passes, or memberships are accepted. Program will be held rain or shine.

Junior “Flowers” Badge Workshop
2024-04-13 13:00 - 15:00
Registration closes March 31
Earn your “Flowers” Gardener badge by exploring the science and meaning of flowers! Price includes the cost of your “Flowers” badge. After registering online, present your ticket at the Scout information table to receive a checklist of activities to complete at our stations between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Your admission ticket includes general admission to the Gardens and the Butterfly Atrium.
$20 per Scout, $14.50 per Scout leader.
General admission ticket required for accompanying family members.
Pre-registration is required here.

Brownie “Bugs” Badge Workshop
2024-04-13 10:00 - 12:00
Registration closes March 31
Earn your “Bugs” Brownie badge between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Gardens. Price includes the cost of your “Bugs” badge as well as general admission to the Gardens and the indoor Butterfly Atrium. After registering online, present your ticket at the Scout information table to receive a checklist of activities to complete during the event.
$14.50 per Scout, $14.50 per Scout leader.
General admission ticket required for accompanying family members.
Pre-registration is required here.

Manada Conservancy presents “For the Love of Groundcovers”
2024-04-11 19:00 - 20:00
Ian Gardner of Green Gardner Designs will discuss the many benefits and options for planting native groundcovers in your home landscape. Some of the featured varieties will be available through the Manada Conservancy online native plant store, which is open through April 15, or at the in-person sale event on May 4.
This program is free and open to the public. Please register by contacting Manada Conservancy at office@manada.org or 717.566.4122.

Easter Sunrise Service
2024-03-31 06:30 - 08:00
Enjoy a Hershey Gardens tradition that began in 1947. This non-denominational service, provided by the Hershey Ministerium, includes an American sign language interpreter. No admission fee prior to 8 a.m. Service will also be live streamed at fishburnumc.org.
Gates open at 6 a.m. Guests must exit by 8 a.m.

Guided Walk - CANCELLED
2024-03-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-01-13 10:00 - 11:00

Winter Highlights Walk - CANCELLED
2024-03-09 11:30 - 12:30, 2024-03-02 11:30 - 12:30
Saturday, January 6 and January 13
Saturday, March 2 and March 9
from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Guests are invited to participate in guided walks to observe and enjoy the gardens in the winter months and witness changes in nature during our colder months. Guests can attend one or more walks; registration is not required. Weather permitting.

Included in admission, free for members.

Daisy Badge Requirement Workshop
2024-03-09 10:00 - 12:00
Daisy “Design, Shapes and Numbers in Nature” Badge Requirement Workshop
Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Registration closes March 6

You have the ability to fulfill the requirements of the Daisy Design, Shapes and Numbers in Nature badges by identifying shapes and patterns, exploring measurements and counting! Cost does not include badges, they are not provided. Please dress for some outdoor activities. After registering online, present your ticket at the Scout information table before completing activities. Your admission ticket includes general admission to the Gardens and the Butterfly Atrium.
$12.50 per Scout, $14.50 per Scout leader or designated troop chaperone
General admission ticket required for accompanying family members. At least one adult is required to register and accompany each troop, or individual Scout.
Pre-registration is required here.

Guided Walk CANCELLED
2024-03-02 10:00 - 11:00

Manada Conservancy Program: Woodland Vernal Ponds
2024-02-22 19:00 - 20:00
Manada Conservancy Free Program:
Woodland Vernal Ponds, with Gene Wingert
Located in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory at Hershey Gardens
Vernal ponds are an integral part of the forest community. These small wetlands typically fill with water during the fall, then dry in late spring. The organisms that breed in these ponds are important to the forest ecosystem. In this free education program, you can follow the ecology of a vernal pond through a single year and investigate the migrations and breeding behaviors of amphibians that use these special wetlands. Dickinson College Environmental Science instructor Gene Wingert will share his expertise.
To register for this free educational programs, email Manada Conservancy at office@manada.org, call at 717-566-4122.

Keiki, “Baby” Orchid Mounting Workshop
2024-02-17 10:00 - 12:00
Many orchids grow on trees and receive nutrients from the air and water. In this two-hour class, you’ll learn how to mount an orchid to a wood slab and leave the workshop with a mounted Keiki “Baby” orchid to hang in your home. Learn best practices for watering, misting, light and nutrient needs. Additionally, take a tour of the Butterfly Atrium and view various orchid species. All supplies are provided. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you’ll be standing and working with plant material. Includes admission to Hershey Gardens and the Butterfly Atrium.
$35 Hershey Gardens Members, $45 Non-members
Pre-registration is required here.
Class will be located in the Garden Cottage.
Instructor: Sarah Neighbors, Butterfly Atrium Associate

Hershey Area Art Association Exhibition & Sale
2024-02-16 09:00 - 17:00
“For the Love of Art”
Hershey Area Art Association Exhibition & Sale
This year’s show will feature works of art from its members, including watercolors, oils, porcelain, and woodworking.
Located in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory.
Included with admission; free for Hershey Gardens members.

Eco-Fiction Book Club
2024-02-09 10:00 - 11:30
Join the Hershey Gardens Eco-Fiction Book Club! This group explores works of eco-fiction which could be nature-oriented (non-human oriented) or environment-oriented (human impacts on nature). Participants are encouraged to read each month’s selection (see below) prior to the gathering to fully share in the discussion. Attend one, two, three or all four meetings!
Friday, February 9 – Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
Friday, May 10 – California by Edan Lepucki
Friday, August 9 – Bewilderment: A Novel by Richard Powers
Friday, November 8 – The Botanist’s Daughter by Kayte Nunn
Book selections for each month can be found at your local public library or at any major retailer. Meetings will be held in the Garden Cottage. Light refreshments will be provided.
Included with admission, free for members. Please contact Vera Kolstrom to register: 717-508-5970, velkolstrom@hersheygardens.org.

Annual Orchid Show and Sale
2024-02-02 09:00 - 17:00
For the Love of Orchids, Annual Orchid Show and Sale
Susquehanna Orchid Society
Member-Only Preview: Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Open to the Public: Friday, February 2 to Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Susquehanna Orchid Society presents its 40th annual orchid show and sale in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory. More than 1,000 orchids representing dozens of varieties will be on display, including rare species and unique hybrids. Daily orchid show tours and informational sessions will take place in the exhibition and Garden Cottage. In addition, vendors will have orchids for sale; various orchid societies will have showy displays that will be judged onsite and presented with national awards.
Included in admission; free for members. See admission prices here.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Friday, February 2 through Sunday, February 4
Registration for informational sessions below is not necessary; sessions are approximately 30 minutes.
Enjoy a Food Truck!
Saturday: Hitch Coffee, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting
Sunday: Lynn & Gray Coffee Co, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting
Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Susquehanna Orchid Society Informational Table, Conservatory
Repot Spot – Bring your orchid from home that needs to be divided and repotted; supplies can be purchased from Kelley’s Corner in the vendor area.
Ask the Experts – Have an orchid question? Bring photos or actual orchids from home and get advice from expert growers. All orchids brought from home can stay in a designated area at the admissions desk.
Friday, February 2, Located in the Garden Cottage
10 a.m. – “Growing Vandas in Your Home” by Walt Meshaka
11 a.m. – “How Not to Kill Your Orchid” by John Stoner
12 p.m. – “Growing Media – How to Choose” by PK Dennis
2 p.m. – “Growing Cattleya Orchids” by Amanda Troy
3 p.m. – “What Pot to Use – How to Choose” by John Whiting
Saturday, February 3, Located in the Garden Cottage
10 a.m. – “The Secret to Successfully Growing Orchids” by Ken Meier
11 a.m. – “Growing Media – How to Choose” by PK Dennis
12 p.m. – “Creative Ways to Grow Orchids” by Amanda Troy
1 p.m. – “Treating Orchid Pests & Diseases” by Walt Meshaka
2 p.m. – “Your Orchid Questions Answered” by Steve Male & Walt Meshaka
3 p.m. – “How to Buy the Best Orchid for You” by John Whiting
Saturday, February 3 at 11 a.m.
Tour of the Butterfly Atrium, Orchid Highlights
Please meet at the designated sign in the Welcome Pavilion. View orchid species on exhibit while walking among hundreds of butterflies in the Butterfly Atrium with tour guide, Sarah Neighbors, Butterfly Atrium Associate.
Sunday, February 4, Located in the Garden Cottage
10 a.m. – “Growing & Blooming Tolumnia Orchids” by John Stoner
11 a.m. – “Slipper Orchid Culture & Care” by Wade Hollenbach
12 p.m. – “How to Divide & Repot Orchids” by Walt Meshaka
1 p.m. – “Growing Media – How to Choose” by PK Dennis
2 p.m. – “Growing Cymbidium Orchids” by Jay Holcomb

Member Preview: Annual Orchid Show and Sale
2024-02-01 14:00 - 17:00
For the Love of Orchids, Annual Orchid Show and Sale
Susquehanna Orchid Society
Member-Only Preview: Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Open to the Public: Friday, February 2 to Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Susquehanna Orchid Society presents its 40th annual orchid show and sale in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory. More than 1,000 orchids representing dozens of varieties will be on display, including rare species and unique hybrids. Daily orchid show tours and informational sessions will take place in the exhibition and Garden Cottage. In addition, vendors will have orchids for sale; various orchid societies will have showy displays that will be judged onsite and presented with national awards.
Included in admission; free for members.

Winter Highlights Walk
2024-01-13 11:30 - 12:30
