He sat on a stone with his grandmother, Pat Caplan, and patiently waited as other children began to find their way to the clearing from different parts of the three-acre children’s garden. Caplan, a Winterthur Member, explained that she was babysitting for the day and checked Winterthur’s website to find an activity to entertain Miles.

Story time, included with admission to Winterthur, fit the bill perfectly.

Story Time in Enchanted Woods is designed for children aged 3‒6 and takes place every Thursday at 11:00 am from April through October among the Story Stones, one of many magical features of the garden.

After each nature-centered story, children enjoy a sensory station with objects and activities that match the day’s story. On the day Miles and his grandmother visited, the activity involved planting seeds in a biodegradable paper cup for the children to take home.

Even without story time, Enchanted Woods is the perfect place to bring young children to let their imaginations run free. Designed to appear as though it was crafted by fairies, Enchanted Woods weaves its own tale, free of references to popular children’s stories, making the garden feel timeless and like a blank slate that children can fill with their imaginations. Its creation myth speaks of the fairies and sprites—missing the laughter of children who once played there—gathering artifacts from the Winterthur estate to build a spellbinding haven.

Recently, the Atlas Obscura podcast devoted an episode to Enchanted Woods, highlighting its unique charm.

Story time enhances this wonderful experience, often led by volunteers like Michele Weiner, a Winterthur Member and teacher who has worked with students struggling to read. As a story time volunteer, Weiner emphasizes the pictures in the books she reads and stays animated to keep the children’s attention. She is one of more than 250 volunteers who give their time to Winterthur.

On this day in Enchanted Woods, Weiner captivated the children, especially Miles, whom she addressed by name several times during the reading, having met him only moments earlier. For Miles, this personal touch made the day with his grandmother even more special.

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We know many of you share our passion for this magnificent Delaware treasure. Our Members often savor (and photograph) serene walks past our meadows brimming with tall grasses, wildflowers, and a dazzling array of dragonflies, butterflies, and birds.

One Member was recently concerned upon seeing that some of these meadows had been mowed. They reached out to question whether this mowing might have disrupted the habitat that so many creatures call home.

We thought this was a great opportunity to share the story behind our meadows and why mowing them is an essential part of their care.

Why Do We Mow Our Meadows?

Our meadows are not just picturesque—they are vital habitats for many species. Mowing is a key part of maintaining their health. It helps control the spread of weedy and invasive plants that can overshadow the native flora, which is crucial for the well-being of our pollinators and wildlife.

Our dedicated Natural Lands team carefully schedules mowing to minimize any impact on ground-nesting birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. For example, cutting plants like milkweed at specific times benefits monarch butterflies, as the regrowth provides an ideal environment for them to lay eggs as the last generation of monarchs for the season prepare for a long journey to overwinter in Mexico.

The Balance of Nature: Rotational Mowing

To maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystem, we practice rotational mowing. This means we always leave some fields uncut, allowing blooming plants to thrive and ensuring that pollinators have a continuous supply of flowers throughout the growing season.

Curious to learn more?

Check out our recent blog post on how prescribed burning plays a role in our land stewardship. You can also join us for the Director’s Garden Walks, held on the second Saturday of each month, where we’ll dive into unique topics like the intriguing chimney swifts at Farm Hill.

And don’t miss our Garden & Estate Insider walks every Tuesday for a deeper exploration of the estate’s hidden gems.

We cherish the support and engagement from all our visitors and Members. You inspire us to keep these lands flourishing and beautiful for generations to come.

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Kevin Braun, supervisor of arboriculture and natural lands at Winterthur, and his team put barley hay into orange-colored onion bags and anchored them to cinder blocks. The buoyant bags hover about six inches below the ponds’ surface.

That makes them easy to spot.

“The idea is that as the hay breaks down, a chemical reaction happens that will hopefully stop algae growth,” Braun explained. “The bags need to be exposed to the sun to decompose, which is why they cannot be too deep.”

The Penn State Extension says barley straw doesn’t kill existing algae but appears to inhibit the new growth of algae.

“The exact mechanism is poorly understood, but it seems that barley straw, when exposed to sunlight and in the presence of oxygen, produces a chemical that inhibits algae growth,” according to the Extension. As part of Penn State, the Extension delivers unbiased, scientifically proven, evidence-based information to individuals, businesses, and communities anywhere.

So… is this method working at Winterthur?

The air and water temps are still too low for us to know.

We’ll check back later in the season!

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The honey from the apiary is sold in the Museum Store at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Perhaps more importantly, the apiary keeps vital pollinators in the gardens and natural lands on the nearly 1,000-acre estate.

In honor of World Bee Day on May 20, we’re telling you a little about what George has been doing.

 Alongside his involvement in beekeeping and educational initiatives at Winterthur, George and a friend have also been brewing a revolutionary idea since 2016: a new kind of beehive designed to alleviate the labor-intensive nature of traditional methods.

When George started at Winterthur, he was already working on a design for a new kind of beehive, so he moved five prototypes onto the Winterthur property.

George began as a hobbyist beekeeper in 2008 with an apiary at his farm in southeastern Pennsylvania. He is a co-founder of Revolution Bees, which promotes sustainable beekeeping and honeybee education and is one of the top regional producers of local honey and artisanal honey products.

He also is President of the Chester County Beekeepers Association (CCBA), where he created the apprentice and citizen science programs for the 700-member organization. He also leads the queen mating program and manages the CCBA nucleus colony apiary, which helps promote and distribute high-quality local genetics.

The hive prototype came about in 2016 when George, a retired pediatrician, invited Nat Wolfe, a retired master carpenter, to come along one day as George checked his beehives. Nat was immediately struck by how labor-intensive it was to perform hive maintenance as George wrestled with boxes of bee- and honey-filled hive frames that each weighed 60 to 70 pounds.

With Langstroth hives—the global standard—the boxes need to be removed and restacked with each hive inspection. So, Nat and George put their heads together and came up with a new design. Instead of lifting entire boxes of bee-filled frames, their patented design allows beekeepers to open a roof and move frames around individually.

In the spring, beekeepers must inspect their hives every one to two weeks to prevent swarming, which is when part of a hive leaves to reproduce its current hive elsewhere.

Bees that swarm are as equally likely to find a house as they are a tree. When that happens, it will usually spell the end of that new hive in the form of a pest control expert, George explained. “The bees aren’t thinking about your honey production; they’re thinking about survival,” George said of swarming.

Bees swarm because the brood chamber becomes too crowded, Nat added. “If we lived in a small house and we had five or six kids and kept having kids, you’d eventually need a new house,” he said. “It’s the exact same principle.”

The usual swarm-control technique is to move some brood frames to the top and replace them with empty frames at the bottom. The hive grows as the season continues. “The benefit of our hive is it takes the lifting out of it,” Nat said. “You open the door, move the frames around, and close the door.”

The innovative approach not only reduces stress on the bees but also empowers beekeepers to manage their hives with ease, said entrepreneur Dave McNeeley, who is working with George and Nat to launch their company, The Keeper’s Hive. “You can do more management, more often, with more confidence,” Dave said. It’s especially desirable for beekeepers with busy schedules or older keepers who want to lift less, he added.

As they exhibited their designs to other beekeepers, they received a lot of interest. The pandemic slowed their progress as beekeeping shows were put on hold, but they’re moving forward again. There are now nine of their prototypes at Winterthur.

Over the past two winters, the survival rate of the populations in Winterthur’s hives was 100 percent. “That’s atypical, for sure,” George said. In our region, some hives might lose 30 to 50 percent of their bee populations due to poor nutrition and disease, he said.

With a call to action for interested individuals to join their journey by subscribing to emails through www.thekeepershive.com, the trio invites enthusiasts to witness the evolution of beekeeping firsthand and potentially contribute to the buzz surrounding their burgeoning enterprise by donating to their crowdfunding campaign in June 2024.

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Winterthur’s Arboriculture and Natural Lands team, in collaboration with the Winterthur Fire Department, had embarked on a journey of rejuvenation through prescribed burning. A marshy meadow along the back drive and a slice of the East Barn wetlands were consumed by controlled flames, dancing with the promise of renewal.

Prescribed burning is not an inferno driven capriciously by the availability of tinder and the arrival of a spark and wind. In fact, Kevin Braun, supervisor of arboriculture and natural lands, had even delayed the recent managed blaze by one day due to the possibility of high winds.

A prescribed burn is not about wanton destruction but rather strategic land management.

“Controlled burns are akin to nature’s reset button, benefiting wildlife, combating invasive species, and fostering the growth of native flora,” Braun said. It’s like giving Mother Nature a spa day, complete with a detox and facial.

Our estate is a tapestry of habitats, and these prescribed burns serve as catalysts for biodiversity. Think of it as an open invitation to avian friends like the eastern bluebird, red-winged blackbird, and eastern meadowlark, beckoning them to nestle in our replenished grasslands.

Birds aren’t the only ones RSVPing to the targeted areas. Native pollinators like monarch butterflies and industrious bees eagerly flit among native meadow flowers and grasses, which flourish in the aftermath of a well-executed burn.

And it’s not just about the birds and the bees. By bidding adieu to thatch (the pesky buildup of cut grass), we’re liberating our meadow plants from suffocation and ensuring that vital nutrients aren’t held hostage beneath a blanket of dry grass. It’s like spring cleaning for the soul of the land, clearing away the clutter to make room for new growth and vitality.

There are practical benefits, too. “The areas we set ablaze aren’t exactly the friendliest to mowers,” Braun added. Marshy meadows and soggy wetlands make for treacherous terrain when it comes to traditional land management techniques. The process also minimizes the spread of pests and plant diseases.

With prescribed burning, we’re reclaiming these inaccessible spaces, transforming them into havens of biodiversity and beauty. So, as the smoke dissipates and the embers fade, what remains is not just charred earth, but a promise—a promise of vibrant ecosystems, thriving fauna, and a landscape teeming with life. Here at Winterthur, we’re not afraid to embrace the flames, for we know that within their flickering dance lies the secret to renewal and regeneration.

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Priced at just over $70,000, the electric tram comes with a significant advantage: it’s approximately 40 percent cheaper than its gas-powered counterpart. During a recent test run with various staff taking turns on board, the tram gracefully traversed the garden paths for three hours, utilizing only half of its battery charge.

Eileen Scheck, manager of tour programs, said staff affectionately dubbed the tram “EVelina.”

The name was chosen, not just because of the play on the term “EV” for “electric vehicle,” but also for du Pont ancestor Evelina Gabrielle du Pont Bidermann (1796-1863), the first generation of du Ponts to garden at Winterthur.

Plans are underway to procure more electric trams if EVelina proves to be a success.

Charging EVelina is a breeze, with dedicated outlets conveniently located in a barn on the estate. With Winterthur boasting 118 buildings across nearly 1,000 acres, this strategic placement ensures easy access for maintenance and charging, said John Castle, director of facilities services.

Scheck praised EVelina’s agility, noting its narrower frame effortlessly navigated the estate’s winding pathways and Garden Lane. It’s a seamless addition to Winterthur’s fleet, which now includes six vehicles for guided tours: four gas-powered trams, one wheelchair-accessible garden bus, and EVelina.

“The introduction of our electric-powered tram enhances the multi-sensory experience of our open-air tours,” remarked Scheck. “Visitors can now engage fully in the sights, sounds, and scents of the garden, making for an unforgettable journey.”

With EVelina leading the charge, Winterthur continues to embrace innovation while preserving its rich heritage, offering visitors an eco-friendly and immersive way to explore the estate’s natural beauty.

The next time you come to explore our gardens on a guided Garden Tram Tour, be on the lookout for our very own electric tram and experience for yourself the gentle serenity of a ride aboard EVelina.

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These are a just a few highlights. Join us all season long for invigorating exploration. Enjoy our annual outdoor spring offerings, including Bank to Bend, Daffodil Day, Sip Among the Blooms, and our exhilarating Point-to-Point steeplechase race. Don’t miss our House of Style Weekend in March and our self-paced spring house tour, Contemporary Art at Winterthur.

We hope you will be inspired and delighted by our many offerings this spring at Winterthur, where there’s always something new to discover!

Explore all of this season’s events and join us for the start of the season on March 2!

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A favorite vista of Henry Francis DuPont … ”keep this view open forever.” 

Winterthur is enchanting in every season…and truly magnificent in autumn. 

Photographers feel energized to get outside to photograph nature as the weather gets cooler. Whether your creative inspiration comes from grand vistas, a small group of trees, or an intimate macro, Winterthur is a fantastic way to savor the colors and textures of autumn. 

“Peak fall color” isn’t just a day or two—autumn is a continuum.

Fall color slowly develops over a month or more, with photographic opportunities all along. Different species and microclimates develop on different schedules, and you can always find something beautiful to photograph. This reduces the urgency to chase “peak” color; there isn’t a definitive “perfect peak” time to visit. 

Identical grove of trees photographed six days apart; in less than a week, the mixed greens and golds developed into glowing orange.

Enjoy the subtle beauty of early or late seasonal color. Temperature and precipitation can vary exact timing, but color generally starts in mid October and runs through mid November. 

Early autumn brings isolated color on individual trees, and the surrounding green makes the colors pop.  

Revisit and photograph your favorite locations as the color develops.

There can be significant color transition in just a few weeks.  Once cooler nighttime temperatures set in, color develops rapidly.

These three images were photographed approximately five days apart and exhibit dramatic color development.  Notice that by the time the Japanese Threadleaf Maple was fully orange, surrounding trees were showing some leaf drop. So, would you call the second image “peak” color? Or the third image? 

There isn’t a single “most favorable weather or time of day” to visit.

Go beyond the classically pretty days of blue skies and puffy clouds.  

• Golden Hour gives warm soft light for approximately an hour at either end of the day; autumn leaves are beautiful when lit by low angle light. 
• Overcast skies are not particularly attractive but the diffused light is wonderful for photography.  Eliminate white skies from your composition and fill the frame with your subject. Or shoot macros.  
• Stormy, dark-gray skies give fantastic contrast with autumn leaves.
• Rain adds great texture to macro photography. Rain can add interest to a landscape shot; use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of falling raindrops. 
• Fog is wonderfully moody and can add to the perception of landscape depth.

Emotional connection is important.

Engage with the landscape and come away with something meaningful and authentic.

Photographed while lying on the ground and looking up into the canopy of the Japanese Maple.

Photography is about the experience as much as the result. 

Be open to serendipity and enjoy the creative experience of being outdoors.   

Autumn is a perfect time to become a Member.

Membership provides garden access from dawn to dusk, a valuable benefit for photographers.  

As autumn settles in, we invite you to explore the grounds, take photographs, and tag us at @WinterthurMuse. 

Eileen Tercha is a Winterthur Volunteer Photographer and nature photographer based in Chester County, PA. View more of Eileen’s work @EileenTercha on Instagram.

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With more than 1,000 acres of land, there are so many wonderful places to set up a picnic at Winterthur. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Bristol Summer House

One of the most iconic spots at Winterthur, the Bristol Summer House was built by Henry Francis du Pont in the 1960s and is based on a structure he saw at The Lindens in Bristol, Rhode Island. It provides shade and a great view. Could you ask for anything more from a picnic spot?

Under the Blue Atlas Cedar in the Pinetum

Feel transported to another world under the cover of this massive tree. A striking conifer with sparkling silvery blue foliage that drapes from the expansive branches, the blue atlas cedar provides wonderful shade and a feeling of privacy.

The grassy lawn near the Reflecting Pool

This spot is perfect if you’re looking for a shorter walk to your destination. Once the du Pont family’s swimming pool, the Reflecting Pool today creates a lovely vista of the East Terrace and is conveniently located just steps away from the library and the Campbell Collectionof Soup Tureens.

Icewell Terrace

If you prefer to picnic at table, look no further than Icewell Terrace. Overlooking the Glade Garden, this spot—once used to store ice for the main house—today is a shady, comfortable spot to picnic and linger.

Sycamore Hill

With views of the meadows and an abundance of shade created by the towering trees (it’s consistently 10 degrees cooler under the canopy of trees!), you’ll love to picnic here.

The Greenhouses

Nestled midway between the Visitor Center and the Museum are Winterthur’s greenhouses. Immerse yourself in this idyllic garden oasis while enjoying the comfort and convenience of traditional seating.

To go along with these picnic spots, here are some do’s and don’ts of picnicking at Winterthur:

Do stop at the Visitor Center Café to pick up picnic foods or snacks.

Do stop by the Winterthur Store to pick up supplies for your picnic.

Do clean up and leave your spot as you found it.

Don’t climb any trees or rocks.

Do make memories that will last a lifetime!

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Have you ever wandered around Winterthur and felt like it all wasn’t real, as if you were on a movie set? But one thing was missing—the soundtrack. Inspired by the magical garden and grounds, we decided to make some playlists to capture the moods of summer at this glorious country estate.

 There’s something about the early days of summer, especially in June when the temps haven’t risen too high. Our June playlist is full of country and folk music. Upbeat and full of rhythm, it’s perfect for moving your body and taking a hike around the estate. We hope this kickoff-to summer playlist will give you the feeling of reaching the highest peak and then finding satisfaction in coming back down the mountainside. The sounds of The Chicks, Shania Twain, Waxahatchee, boygenius, and more will accompany you on your journey.

By July, we’re in the mood for picnics, lazing in the sun or lounging in the grass, and finding the perfect shady spot to read this summer’s best seller. That feeling of fun and freedom on hot summer days spent with the best of friends and loved ones is told through the music of MUNA, Snail Mail, Hoku, Tessa Violet, and many more. This July is all about upbeat pop.

Before we know it, the dwindling days of summer will arrive, bringing images of one last blowout of the season—think Gatsby-esque parties and big band music and decadence in the sweltering air. A little bit of jazz and big band mixed with elements of pop and hip-hop sound just about right to wrap up the hottest of days.

As the days unfold outside and inside at Winterthur, we’ll continue sharing playlists that paint pictures like these and help you create new stories of your visits here.

Follow Winterthur’s Spotify

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