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Pop-Up Event: Spring-Blooming Camellias at Hedgleigh Spring, Swarthmore, PA – Home Garden Tour with Charles Cresson
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Category: Pop-Up Events

Spring-Blooming Camellias & Their Companions –
at Hedgleigh Spring with Charles Cresson

Noted garden educator and writer Charles Cresson will guide us through his private garden, Hedgleigh Spring, to learn about the best hardy camellias for our region and companion plantings for them – daffodils, tulips, minor bulbs, spring ephemerals, and such shrubs as quince and early spireas. Charles has been growing camellias for over 50 years and trialing the newer hardy hybrids for nearly 40 years. His collection of rare plants includes many bulbs, perennials, and other shrubs that will also be in peak bloom. A comprehensive camellia handout will be emailed to participants.

Charles Cresson gardens at Hedgleigh Spring in Swarthmore, PA, a garden that has been lovingly maintained in his family for four generations and is now cared for by one of the country’s leading horticulturists. The garden has been featured in magazines and publications as well as in television programming, notably Monty Don's American Gardens. Charles studied and worked in both the US and Europe, including the Royal Horticultural Society. He is an avid gardener and a professional horticulturist, author, lecturer, and consultant.

Charles is the award-winning author of three books: Charles Cresson on the American Flower Garden, Ornamental Trees, and Rock Gardening. In 2001, Charles was awarded the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Certificate of Merit. And at the HPS/MAG Annual Meeting in December 2023, Charles was honored as the first recipient of the “Jim Bobb Memorial Award,” an award created to recognize members whose outstanding contributions and long-term service have significantly enriched and expanded HPS/MAG.

 

Pop-Up Details & Registration

Date & Time:

Thursday, April 16; 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Rain Date & Time

Tuesday, April 21 or Thursday, April 23; 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Location:

Charles Cresson’s Hedgleigh Spring in Swarthmore, PA

Address and parking directions will be sent to all registrants in their confirmation email.

Attendees:

Open to HPS/MAG Members only. HPS/MAG membership covers two people in a household. To register the second person in your household, use the "Register Guest" option.

# of Attendees:

Maximum number of attendees is 15. There will be a waitlist.

Cost:

$20 per person

Registration Dates:

Opens on February 24, after 8 p.m. Closes on April 11.

Register Here:

Registration is required. 

*Important Note:

Please make sure you complete your registration by clicking on the ‘Finish’ button. If you do not receive a confirmation email, your registration was not completed.

Additional Details:

This pop-up is also being offered on Tuesday, April 14.

Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. If raining lightly, please bring an umbrella. The property is very level and easily navigated.

Questions? Contact:

Laura Axel at [email protected]