Details

Plan Your Day at the Perennial Plant Conference 

When & Where

Friday, October 18, 2024

Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
500 College Ave.
Swarthmore, PA 19081

Quick Links

white flowers

The Facility

The Perennial Plant Conference is held at the Lang Performing Arts Center (LPAC) on Swarthmore College Campus. Listed below are several tips and rules to help you navigate and enjoy your time at the conference.

Temperatures in the auditorium fluctuate. We suggest dressing in layers for the conference.

Rules (there are a few)

  • No refreshments or plants in the auditorium.
  • No smoking in or around buildings.
  • No cell phone use or video recording during sessions; turn your cell phone off.
  • For safety reasons, no sitting is allowed in the aisles.
  • Avoid using flashing lights or pens that will distract your neighbors.
  • Enter through upper doors once presentations have begun in sessions and doors are closed

Lunch

In good weather, we suggest eating outside in the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater. In the event of rain, these locations are available for eating lunch, in addition to the LPAC Lobby:

  • The lobby of the Lang Music Building
  • The coffee lounge in Kohlberg Hall
  • The classroom of the Scott Arboretum office building
Conference attendees enjoy lunch outside

Assisted Listening Devices

At the registration desk, assisted listening devices are available and may be checked out by leaving an identification card with registration desk attendants.

Bookstore

The Swarthmore College Campus & Community Store is located at the Inn at Swarthmore.  Besides College memorabilia, the bookstore carries a selection of gardening books, basic toiletries, etc.  It is open 10 am to 6pm.

Safety and Security

Swarthmore College Public Safety Officers may be contacted at 610-328-8228 or extension 8228 from a campus phone.  In case of emergency, dial 610-328-8333 or extension 8333 from a campus phone.

Parking

Free parking and shuttles will be provided at Springfield Mall

We ask you to allow at least 20 minutes for the shuttle to the conference site.  Please also consider morning commuter traffic in gauging your travel time to Swarthmore.  Look for white conference signs for the parking location around the mall.

Shuttle buses will transport attendees between the Springfield Mall and the Rose Garden Circle all day between 7:30 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. If you wish to use this service at the end of conference, please be at the Rose Garden Circle no later than 5:40 pm.

Walking directions

It is a short walk to the Springfield Mall from campus.

From the LPAC, exit the campus at the North entrance at the end of Whittier Place; turn left on Elm Avenue, go to intersection (l/2 block); turn right onto Walnut Lane, go about 3 blocks until T; turn left onto Swarthmore Avenue, go to Baltimore Pike.  The Mall is on opposite side of Baltimore Pike with the conference parking on the far side of the Mall.  Maps available at the registration table.

Accessibility Parking

If you need accessible parking please reach out to our conference committee after registering. Those with a handicap sign in their car are welcome to park in any designated handicap spot on campus.

For travel by train

Take the SEPTA Media-Elwyn line to the Swarthmore Station and head up Magill Walk, the oak allée.  Signs will direct you to the conference. 

Notice

Due to limited parking on campus, no visitor parking on campus is allowed by conference attendees. Permits are now required for several lots on campus and those parking there without permits will be ticketed by campus Public Safety.

Directions

  • Address for Springfield Mall for GPS directions: 1250 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA 19064.
  • From the Blue Route (I-476), take Exit 3 Media/Swarthmore.
  • At the bottom of the exit ramp, head east onto Baltimore Pike toward Swarthmore.
  • Get into the left lane (Springfield Mall is just up the hill on the left).
  • From Baltimore Pike, turn left into Springfield Mall.
  • Follow the green and white signs that will take you to the left side and behind the mall.
  • Parking will be behind the mall in the area under the metal archway.

Note: The archway has a 7’ clearance, please park outside of it if in a van or large vehicle.

Surrounding Area

The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College is the hosting site of the Perennial Plant Conference. It is located in the Delaware Valley, an area rich in gardens, horticulture and cultural activity.  Conveniently located between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, it’s easy to extend your visit into an inspiring weekend.

Tourism Links:

Scott Arboretum Exterior

Accessibility

Please contact us at 610-328-8025 to request accommodations by October 8.