Greater Philadelphia Gardens

Tiny Trackers: Feathered Friends

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

4/8/2010

Explore the fascinating world of our feathered friends and go bird-watching.

Best of all, take a peak at our collection of bird nests and colorful feathers while you learn about bird songs and habitats.

Tiny Trackers programs are for children ages 4 and 5. Each program includes a lesson, an outdoor walk, and a craft to take home. Adults are welcome to accompany children; fee is for the child only.

Senory Appeal of Native Plants

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

4/8/2010

A fascinating and informative lecture on the sensory appeal of native plants.

Join Horticulturist Gregg Tepper of Mt. Cuba Center for a fascinating and informative lecture on the sensory appeal of native plants. Gregg will discuss the unique ways in which native plants appeal to each of our senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and even sound. Learn little-known facts, hear entertaining true stories, and see outstanding photographs of the wildflowers we love of the forest and field. Although this lecture is free, space is limited to 70; please register in advance.

Click here to register or call 610-328-8025.

Unbuilt and Unexpected Nemours

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

4/8/2010

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture with Grace Gary

Grace Gary, executive director of Nemours Mansion and Gardens speaks on "Unbuilt and Unexpected Nemours.”

A discussion of the partnership between Alfred I. duPont and Thomas Hastings of Carerre and Hastings that led to the design of the gardens at Nemours. She will focus on aspects of the gardens that were never built and on some of the unusual approaches to horticulture that were considered.

Complements the "Lost Gardens of the Brandywine" exhibition.

Birding for Beginners

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

4/8/2010

Are you ready to move from watching birds at the feeder to going out in search of ones that you have not yet seen?

Join Sue Lucas for an introduction to birding – a great pastime for people who love to learn new things and get out and enjoy the outdoors.

Participants learn which birds live in our area, where and how to find them, and get some tips about equipment options. Beware – birding can become addictive!

Bring binoculars if you have them.

Pre-registration is required; $8 members, $10 non-members

Bonsai presented by Chase Rosade

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

4/7/2010

Chase Rosade presents a fascinating display of Bonsai.

Chase Rosade will provide a fascinating display and lecture demonstration on the development of Bonsai from general nursery stock. Eight to ten Bonsai will be displayed along with an explanation as to how these Bonsai are grown. The demonstration will show how to style a Bonsai through pruning and the use of wire as well as directions for the general care of Bonsai.

Chase Rosade is a Bonsai artist, lecturer, teacher, and grower. In 1963, he had the opportunity to apprentice Bonsai with Kyozo Yodshida of Nara, Japan. After returning to the United States, Chase started teaching and lecturing on Bonsai. In 1970 the Rosade Bonsai Studio, located in new Hope, opened its doors. Chase has given programs for hundreds of Bonsai clubs on this continent. He has traveled the world and has been a judge and major guest speaker at several international conventions, including those in Indonesia, New Zealand, and India. Chase received his B.S. degree in Ornamental Horticulture at Delaware Valley College.

Home School Club: Earth Day, Every Day

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

4/7/2010

The environment plays an essential role in all aspects of our lives.

Through a variety of games, projects, and activities, students learn what they can do to protect Mother Earth.

Through exploration and hands-on activities, homeschoolers ages 5 to 9 work together in small groups gaining nature awareness and knowledge of plants and animals. Our instructors guide students in experiences that nurture their connection to the earth and allow them to feel at home in the natural world. Adults are welcome to accompany student; fee is for the student only.

Early Morning Photo Walk

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

4/7/2010

Join Rhoda Maurer for an early morning photography walk highlighting seasonal features at the Scott Arboretum.

By far, the best quality of natural light is available during what’s often referred to as the ‘golden hour.’ The light is not harsh but soft and casts long shadows. The skies take on a brilliant range of hues and the colors change quickly enough to reward a photographer with multiple photographs, each unique in its own way, in a very short time. When you first gather, Rhoda will give insider tips on the best places to capture good shots for that particular day. Then head out on your own for an hour and a half and conclude with others in the Wister Center to share what you have taken on your camera’s viewfinder over a cup of coffee. This casual gathering is an opportunity to have time with fellow photographers and garden lovers, share your craft, learn from others, as well as have some serious photography time in the garden. Rhoda will be available during the walk for questions and advice. Free and open to the public. Photo walks will be canceled in seriously inclement weather. No registration required, just show up!

Naturalistic Pruning Workshop (Early Spring pruning)

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

4/7/2010

Enhance your shrubs' natural beauty.

Instructors: Susan Boss, Betsy Gage, Mt. Cuba Center

Discover how to manage a range of shrubs during different seasons while keeping their natural form. Basic principles, tools, and techniques of pruning will be discussed while you work side-by-side with professional gardeners. Bring your gloves and pruners and dress for the outdoors. Another pruning workshop will be scheduled in the Fall.

Pre-registration is required.

Garden Sprouts: Buried Treasures

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

4/6/2010

Learn what daffodils and onions have in common as we dig up and plant some buried botanical treasure.

The Garden Sprouts program is designed to introduce kids ages 4 and 5 to the world of plants and gardens. Programs include stories, crafts, and walks to complement hands-on fun with plants. Children must be accompanied by an adult; fee is for the child only.

Trail Rambles - The Pink and White Trail ( Tuesday, April 6th, 9:15 am )

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

4/6/2010

Join Lois Brooks for comfortably-paced walks on Tyler's trails.

Get out and moving while enjoying the dynamic spring season in our woodlands and fields. Wear shoes suitable for uneven terrain.

Sundays 1:15 – 2:30 pm or Tuesdays, 9:15 - 10:30 am

• Tuesday, April 6 or Sunday, April 11 – Walk the Pink and White Trails to visit the Arboretum’s rare serpentine barren and look for native moss pinks, Phlox subulata, in bloom, then follow Dismal Run.

other rambles on:

• Sunday, March 14 or Tuesday, March 23 – The Red Trail features two ascents over 3.1 miles.

• Sunday, April 25 or Tuesday, May 4 - The Orange and White Trails feature moderate-to-steep hiking through meadows, woodlands, and along Dismal Run.

• Sunday, May 16 or Tuesday, May 25 – Ramble through the Native Woodland Walk and Blue Trail Ramble before heading along the 2.5-mile Blue Trail, a shady delight as is passes along Rocky Run stream.

Free with admission; no pre-registration required

Early Blooming Bulbs That Signal Spring Is Near!

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The first day of spring may be March 21^st, but don’t tell the snowdrops that push through the frozen ground after a few warm days in January. In this corner of Pennsylvania there are several hardy bulbs which frequently bloom well before the dates listed in the flower bulb catalogs. The snowdrops are often the earliest, and have been seen flowering as early as mid-December at the Morris Arboretum. Snowdrops or Galanthus, from the Greek gala (“snow”) and anthos (“flower”), have pendulous, creamy-white petals, usually marked with green. There are many forms and hybrids around but the earliest and most reliable is undoubtedly Galanthus nivalis which is native throughout much of Europe and naturalizes happily over here.

Winter aconite or Eranthis commonly bloom simultaneously with the snowdrops, almost always by mid-February. The bright yellow, buttercup flowers of winter aconite appear before delicate, palmately lobed leaves which form little collars or ruffs under the blooms. In the right conditions, usually left undisturbed under deciduous trees, aconite will seed in to form large drifts over time.

The species crocuses are also frequently in bloom on the grounds at the Arboretum in February. The deep lavender flowers of Crocus tommasinianus, affectionately known as “tommies”, are among the first to appear. Somewhat more diminutive and much earlier than the larger-flowered Dutch crocuses, tommies are very successful growing and spreading in areas of lawn grass, this is due to their short stature and because their leaves are held quite flat and thus are able to avoid the mower blades.

Appearing slightly later in the winter are the star-shaped, blue and white flowers of Chinodoxa. The common name of this Turkish import is Glory of the Snow, again from the Greek chion (“snow”) and doxa (“glory”). Chinodoxa once established, can produce up to 10 flowers on a single stem and will also seed in or naturalize freely in this region. Glory of the Snow can be seen blooming along the path through the Widener Woods, where you may find the pink and pure white forms as well as the lovely deep-blue ones.