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"The Wired Gardener" Online Newsletter
 April 2006
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Web Reviews
The Pennsylvania Herb Festival (April 7 - 8 at the Fairgrounds in York, Pennsylvania) celebrates the Herb of the Year, Scented Geraniums. Lectures on medicinal herbs, herbal crafts, vendors, and educational displays are features of this two-day event.
Trees and the Environment
Did you know that trees are good for business? Celebrate Arbor Day by learning more about urban forestry and urban greening from this web site at the Center for Urban Horticulture, University of Washington. Download fact sheets and other publications to learn more about nature in cities.
The National Arbor Day Foundation (NADF) has posted a revision of the 1990 US Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The USDA has been revising the official map for many years, and no publication date has been announced. The NADF map, searchable by zip code, includes climatic changes based on data from National Climatic Data Centers.
Much Ado about Mulch
Rumors abound about termite-infested cheap mulch from Louisiana. Here are some authoritative web sites to put those rumors to rest.
Is There a Terrarium in Your Future
Did the terrariums and Wardian cases at the Flower Show inspire you to start a garden-under-glass in your home? Suitable houseplants and growing tips are given on the Smith & Hawken web site.
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PHS Events
TreeVitalize Neighborhood Tree Planting
Saturday, April 1, 9 am - 1 pm
Location to be announced
Philadelphia, PA
The New Kensington community, in eastern North Philadelphia, will plant 50 street trees. Come help out and see how it is done! [more]
City Gardening Series: Growing Vegetables in Containers
Saturday, April 1, 10 - 11 am
Lucien E. Blackwell Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
125 S. 52nd Street
Philadelphia, PA
Horticultural educator Janet Carter covers tips on plant selection, design, watering, and fertilizing the container vegetable garden. [more]
City Gardening Series: Tips and Tricks of Flower Arranging
Tuesday, April 4, 3 - 4 pm
Walnut West Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
201 S. 40th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Horticultural therapist Beverly Agard will provide useful information on how to make and maintain floral arrangements, as well as ideas for adding charm and elegance to almost any room using flowers. [more]
Going Bananas in the Delaware Valley:
Hardy Bananas and Tropical Containers for Every Garden
Wednesday, April 5, Noon - 1 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
Join us for a lunch-hour talk that will convince you that you can grow exotic ornamental bananas in your garden, right here in the Delaware Valley. [more]
City Gardening Series: Gardening with Kids
Wednesday, April 5, 4 - 5 pm
Wyoming Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
231 E. Wyoming Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Horticultural educator and community gardener Liz Dailey will share ideas for making gardening fun for kids and their adult partners. [more]
Book Club 'Stories From the Garden'
Thursday, April 6, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
PHS McLean Library
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
This month's selection: Jerzy Kosinski’s 'Being There.' [more]
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TreeVitalize Neighborhood Tree Planting
Saturday, April 8, 10 - 1 pm
Kingsessing Recreation Center
50th St. & Kingsessing Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
UC Green, a neighborhood organization based in the University City section of Philadelphia; Project NEAT; and local residents and Tree Tenders will plant 35 trees. [more]
City Gardening Series: Caring for Houseplants
Monday, April 10, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Graduate Student Center of the University of Pa.
3615 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA
Educator Eva Monheim will give basic tips on houseplants, including plant selection, design, watering, fertilizing, and bringing them out into the garden. [more]
Chanticleer Walk: Spring Bulbs
Wednesday, April 12, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Chanticleer
786 Church Road
Wayne, PA
This garden walk, classroom discussion, and slide lecture will explore the cheerful, seasonal flowers of spring: “Dutch” bulbs. [more]
City Gardening Series: Kitchen Garden in a Pot
Wednesday, April 12, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Greater Olney Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
5501 N. 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Garden writer and educator Charlotte Kidd will share ideas on growing a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs in containers. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Demonstration: Organic Gardening Principles and Techniques
Thursday, April 13, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Here is an ideal opportunity to experience a comprehensive overview of the basic theory of and compelling reasons for gardening organically. [more]
TreeVitalize Neighborhood Tree Planting
Saturday, April 15, 10 am - 1 pm
Location to be announced
Philadelphia, PA
UC Green, a neighborhood organization based in the University City section of Philadelphia; Project NEAT; and local residents and Tree Tenders will plant 45 trees. [more]
Montgomery County Tree Tenders Basic Training
Tuesdays, April 18, 25, & May 2, 6 - 9 pm
Lower Merion Township Administration Building
75 E. Lancaster Avenue
Ardmore, PA
This is a three-part series for groups and individuals interested in caring for trees in their neighborhoods and receiving resources to plant trees. [more]
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City Gardening Series: Water Gardens in Small Spaces
Wednesday, April 19, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Holmesburg Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
7810 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Landscape designer Toni Ann Flanigan will show how water features can be an enchanting addition to any size garden. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Walk: Native Plants in Your Landscape
Thursday, April 20, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Meadowbrook Farm staff horticulturist Diana Weiner will present the many benefits of gardening with native plants. [more]
The Urban Sustainability Forum
Thursday, April 20, 6 - 8:30 pm
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA
Greene Country Towne: The Future of Philadelphia Land Use Planning. [more]
TreeVitalize Tree Planting
Saturday, April 22, 9 am - 1pm
Location to be announced
Philadelphia, PA
The Bel Arbor and Queen Village communities in Philadelphia will plant over 50 street trees. Come help out and see how it is done! [more]
Spring Into Your Park
Saturday, April 22, 10 am - 1 pm
Held at 60 neighborhood parks
Philadelphia, PA
Celebrate Earth Day this year by pitching in at a neighborhood park in Philadelphia. [more]
City Gardening Series: How to Care and Maintain Your Lawn
Saturday, April 22, 10 - 11 am
Awbury Arboretum, Cope House
One Awbury Road
Philadelphia, PA
Environmental educator Lori Hayes will discuss how to establish a lawn and keep it looking great through fertilizing, watering, mowing, and weed control. [more]
City Gardening Series: Designing a Container Garden
Monday, April 24, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Graduate Student Center of the University of Pa.
3615 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA
Eva Monheim will share a few simple techniques for designing and keeping your container garden looking beautiful all season long. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Making a Succulent Wreath
Wednesday, April 26, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Impress your friends and family with the charming living wreath you will design and create yourself in this workshop. [more]
Chanticleer Walk: Pruning Small Trees and Shrubs
Wednesday, April 26, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Chanticleer
786 Church Road
Wayne, PA
Chanticleer horticulturist Przemek Walczak will discuss all aspects of pruning. [more]
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City Gardening Series: Color in the Garden
Wednesday, April 26, 7 - 8 pm
Katherine Drexel Branch, Free Library of Phila.
11099 Knights Road
Philadelphia, PA
Charlotte Kidd will show how to create visually pleasing color combinations in the garden using a variety of plants. [more]
Garden Tenders Basic Training
Thursdays, April 27, May 4, 11, 18, & 25, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Saturday, April 29, 10 am - 1 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
Garden Tenders Basic Training teaches community groups and nonprofit organizations to create community gardens on vacant lots. [more]
TreeVitalize Neighborhood Tree Planting
Saturday, April 29, 9 am - 1 pm
Location to be Announced
Philadelphia, PA
The Passyunk Square community, in South Philadelphia, will plant over 90 street trees. Come help out and see how it is done! [more]
City Gardening Series: Creating Window Boxes
Saturday, April 29, 10 - 11 am
Lucien E. Blackwell Branch, Free Library of Phila.
125 S. 52nd Street
Philadelphia, PA
Janet Carter will share inventive ideas and hints for gardening in window boxes using a variety of materials. [more]
Bus Tour of Community Gardens
Saturday, April 29, 10 am - 1 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Visit a variety of vegetable and flower gardens, with an emphasis on those with raised beds. [more]
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Calendar of Plant Sales
See the annual list of hundreds of plant sales, tours, workshops and more in the Delaware Valley.
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Other Gardening News and Events
Continuing Education Courses
April, 2006
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
From caring for your lawn to beginning ikebana to business basics to digital photography, Longwood Continuing Education is offering a varied lineup of classes in April. Students may take individual workshops as well as complete curricula in specialized areas to gain a certificate of merit. [more]
Daily Guided Tours
Saturday April 1 - Tuesday October 31, 2 - 3 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Join a naturalist for a walk on the Preserve’s trails. [more]
Washington Blooms!
Throughout month of April
American Horticultural Society
George Washington’s River Farm
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA
Month-long event features spectacular displays of spring blooms throughout the grounds, garden tours, plant sale, and other events. [more]
Art Exhibit: “Glimpse Into Paradise”
Monday - Friday, March 20 - May 15, 9 am - 5 pm
American Horticultural Society
George Washington’s River Farm
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA
Art exhibit featuring the photographs and paintings of Judith Kovacsy. Contact Trish Gibson at 703-768-5700 ext. 114 or tgibson@ahs.org.
Rose Pruning Demonstration
Saturday, April 1, 10 am - Noon
Del-Chester Rose Society
Memorial Garden, St. Maximilian Kolbe Church
15 E. Pleasant Grove Road
West Chester, PA 19382
Learn how to prune roses. Bring pruning shears and protective gloves if you want to practice pruning. Free. 610-692-5631.
Annual Garden Festival
Saturday, April 1, 10 am - 2 pm
Montgomery County, Norristown Public Library
1001 Powell Street
Norristown, PA
Dan Benarcik, Chanticleer horticulturist, will speak on “Making Your Gardens Your Own” at 10 am; Tom McGeehan will speak on “Carnivorous Plants” at 11 am; and Kent Russell, The Garden Guru, will speak on “New and Unusual Perennials for 2006” at 1 pm. For more information, call Monica Koenig at 610-278-5100, ext. 140.
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Begonia Society Meeting
Saturday, April 1, 10 am - Noon
Huntingdon Valley Library Community Room
625 Red Lion Road, 2nd Floor
Huntingdon Valley, PA
Workshop on seed propagation of begonias. Contact Bernie Wiener at wiener1@verizon.net.
Lecture: Proven Perennials
Sunday, April 2, 2 pm
Lang Performing Arts Center Cinema
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Richard Hawke will discuss a variety of perennials, including new selections and old favorites, from the past 17 years of trials at Chicago Botanic Garden. [more]
Herbicide and Pesticide Use
Wednesday, April 5, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE 19735
Educational demonstration with Rob Plankinton, Estate and Landscape Supervisor. [more]
Landscape Recollections through Photography
Annual Members’ Reception
Thursday, April 6, 8 - 9 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Join Tyler and hear guest lecturer Bob Lyons offer practical advice and anecdotes on capturing nature with a camera. [more]
“The Maurice River: A River Worth Protecting”
Thursday, April 6, 9:30 am
Franklin Township Community Center
Franklinville, NJ
Jane Morton Galetto, president of Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and its Tributaries, will speak at the monthly meeting of the Country Garden Club. Call Lorraine Kiefer at 856-694-3693.
Workshop: Ikebana
Friday, April 7, 1 - 4 pm
Scott Arboretum Classroom
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Spend a few hours learning the basics of ikebana style with Midori Tanimune. [more]
Basic Floral Design Workshop
Saturday, April 8, 9 am - Noon
Greenhouse Classroom 4
Henry Schmeider Arboretum of Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA
Workshop with Dr. John Martin. [more] or call 215-489-2283
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Guided Tour: A Walk with the Curator
Monday, April 10, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Andrew Bunting will discuss recent accessions and why plants were removed from the collection and maybe should be removed from your garden. [more]
Turf Care in the Spring
Wednesday, April 12, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE 19735
Educational demonstration with Frank Quinnette, horticulturist. [more]
Gardening Tips for Spring
West Jersey Rose Society
Wednesday, April 12, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Carman Tilelli Community Center,
Cherry Hill Township Complex
820 Mercer Street
Cherry Hill, NJ
Presentation followed by discussion. Call 856-234-6583 for more information.
Spring Bird Walks
Saturdays, April 15 - June 17, 9 am
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope PA
Join naturalist/ornithologist Bob Maly to see and hear many species of birds in the Preserve’s diverse habitats. [more]
Knowing Native Plants: The Spring Ephemerals
Saturday, April 15, 10 am - 1 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope PA
Learn how the life cycle of spring ephemerals works. Slides/discussion followed by outdoor tour. [more]
Aquatic Flora and Fauna Care
Wednesday, April 19, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE 19735
Educational demonstration and guided walk with John Salata, arborist superintendent. [more]
Reception and Viewing of Bartram Holdings
Wednesday, April 19, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
1300 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA
Sponsored by Bartram’s Garden. [more]
Love Your Plants in Sickness and in Health
Wednesday, April 19, 7:30 pm
Student Center Music Room
Henry Schmeider Arboretum of Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA
Lecture by Barbara and Ron Muse. [more] or call 215-489-2283 for more information.
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Mt. Cuba Garden Tour
Thursday, April 20, 1 - 3 pm
Mt. Cuba Center
Greenville, DE
Guided tour, sponsored by Delaware Center for Horticulture, of the wildflower gardens at the Mt. Cuba Center featuring a variety of plants native to our Appalachian Piedmont. [more]
“Soft Sites”
Art Exhibit Presented by Bartram’s Garden and the Institute of Contemporary Art
April 21 - July 30
Bartram’s Garden
54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Collaborative exhibit between Bartram’s Garden and the Institute of Contemporary Art with artworks displayed indoors at ICA [more] and outdoors at Bartram’s Garden. [more]
The Weekend Gardener: Attracting Hummingbirds
Saturday, April 22, 10 - 11 am
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Tyler educator Stella Kavalkovich will discuss habitat requirements to help you turn your back yard into an irresistible destination for ruby-throated hummingbirds. [more]
Guided Tour: Birds in the Crum
Saturday, April 22, 8 - 10 am
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Learn about and sight our feathered friends of the Crum Woods with Sheila Magee. [more]
Earth Day Observance/Volunteer Day
Saturdays, April 22, 9 am - 12:30 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope PA
Volunteer to help with spring spruce-up at the Preserve. [more]
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Celebrate Arbor Day in Wilmington
Wednesday, April 26, 1 pm
Rockford Park
1021 West 18th Street
Wilmington, DE
Sponsored by Delaware Center for Horticulture and the City of Wilmington. [more]
Fairy Plants
Wednesday, April 26, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE 19735
Educational demonstration and guided walk with Linda Eirhart, assistant director of horticulture. [more]
Philadelphia Botany Club
Thursday, April 27, 7:30 pm
Marvin Comisky Conference Center,
Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley LLP
One Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA
Lecture, Douglas Ripley: “A Southern California Spring Odyssey—Desert Wildflowers in a Record Rainfall Year.” [more]
“Scented Geraniums: A Plant with an Identity Problem!”
Saturday, April 29, 9:30 am
Fairmount Park Horticulture Center
100 North Horticultural Drive
West Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, PA
Hear local horticulturist Frank N. Kieser present and receive a rooted cutting. Call 215-685-0096.
Spring Garden Gala “Wild About Flowers”
Saturday, April 29, 5 - 10 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope PA
“Black Tie and muck boots” are recommended attire for this unique fundraiser to benefit the Preserve’s programs. [more]
Plant Swap and Shrub Pruning Workshop
Sunday, April 30, 2 - 5 pm
Greenhouse at Twin Brook Winery
5697 Strasburg Road
Gap, PA
Divide your perennials and bring them in pots or bags with identifying labels. Stay for a hands-on workshop on pruning techniques for flowering shrubs with ISA certified arborist Michael Martorana. Sponsored by the Gardens of Octorara to benefit Atglen Public Library. Email for more info.
Barefoot in the Lilacs
Thursday, May 4, 5:30 - 8 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Sip a sampling of wine from Barefoot Cellars of Modesto, California, as you breathe in the heady scent of spring lilacs. [more]
Bus Trip: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Saturday, May 6, 8 am - 7:30 pm
Departs from Horticulture Center
100 North Horticultural Drive
West Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Sponsored by Delaware Chapter of the Hobby Greenhouse Association. Contact Estie Franks at 215-766-9503 or by email.
AHS Garden School
“The Art & Science of Color in the Garden”
May 11 - 12
Franklin Park Conservatory
Columbus, Ohio
Several national experts will offer practical tips and techniques for mastering the effective use of color in the landscape. Discount available for registrations received by April 1. [more]
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Family-Friendly Gardening
Pre-School Reading Hour
Wednesday, April 12, 10 - 11 am
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope PA
Pre-school children and parents are invited to this reading hour followed by a walk through the preserve. [more]
Vegetable Gardening for Children
Saturday, April 22, 9 am - Noon
Greenhouse Classroom 4
Henry Schmeider Arboretum
Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA
Workshop with Dr. Jackie Ricotta. [more] or call 215-489-2283 for more information.
“Let’s Get Growing: Strawberries!”
Saturday, April 22, 10:30 am - Noon
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
Workshop for children 6 years or older and adults. [more]
Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Planting
Saturday, April 22, 1 pm
Smedley Park
20 Paper Mill Road
Springfield, PA
Arbor Day activities for children sponsored by Penn State Cooperative Extension, Delaware County. For more information call 610-690-2655.
Garden Sprouts: Leafing Out
Wednesday, May 3, 1 - 2 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
For kids aged 4 and 5. Children will discover the many shapes and sizes of leaves and which ones are good to eat. [more]
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How to Submit News & Events
The Wired Gardener is issued 11 times a year (no December issue) on the 1st of the month. We post notices of gardening events and give precedence to Philadelphia-area events. Deadline: the 15th of the month for listing in the next month's issue. Send brief details and contact information by email and reference "Wired Gardener" in the subject line. Press releases are not accepted. Please review and follow the format used in our Other Gardening News and Events section.
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Ask a Gardening Question
Our gardening experts volunteer their time to answer your questions. Use the form on our web site.
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About the Wired Gardener
Edited by Janet Evans, library manager, McLean Library, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; contributions: Jane Alling and Priscilla Becroft.
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