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"The Wired Gardener" Online Newsletter
April 2007
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Web Reviews
A New Web Site for Philly Garden Lovers!
Greater Philadelphia Gardens, an umbrella organization for 29 of the region’s outstanding public gardens, arboreta, and historic houses with gardens, has a new web site.
Browse through Greater Philadelphia Gardens for a smorgasbord of garden events, classes, and workshops and a regular update of news from the member gardens. The site includes a column by former Philadelphia Inquirer garden writer Denise Cowie opining on anything to do with gardening, from the latest must-have plants to profiles of horticulture’s hotshots.
You can also sign up for weekly email alerts, with direct links to the latest content, such as the plethora of local plant sales or the latest tips on container gardening.
But the site isn’t just for locals. It’s also a must for travelers who want to take in a garden or two when they visit the Delaware Valley. Expecting out-of-town visitors? Tell them about Greater Philadelphia Gardens, where they can find a history of gardening in this region plus itineraries, a map of all the gardens, and details about each garden's attractions and amenities. And if your visitors want to know more about a particular garden, they’re just one click away; links to all the gardens’ web sites are included.
And a New Book on Philly Gardens!
We are fortunate to live in the region with the highest concentration of public and private gardens and arboreta worldwide, but learning about them all can seem a daunting task. A Guide to Great Gardens of the Philadelphia Region is a great place to start your explorations.
Award-winning garden writer Adam Levine and former director of photography at Organic Gardening magazine Rob Cardillo have collaborated to bring us A Guide to Great Gardens of the Philadelphia Region. To learn more about this beautiful, handy book and its creators, visit the web site.
Now That Inspiration Has Hit …
Your visits to our region’s gardens have made you eager to recreate their vignettes in your own backyard, but where are such beautiful plants sold in the Delaware Valley? Plant Source: Where to Buy Plants in the Greater Delaware Valley Region to is an online update of the 1996 book of the same name. It is searchable by nursery, county, plant type, or business type.
Anne’s Horse Chestnut Tree
The Horse Chestnut tree that brought Anne Frank such solace during her two years in hiding is so damaged by moths and fungus that it is to be felled. Learn more about Anne and her tree, and learn about a proposed project that will use the wood from this notable arbor to build birdhouses here.
Landscape History Fellowship in England
A ten-week fellowship with Britain’s National Trust provides training and educational opportunities for individuals with a professional interest in gardens and garden history. The 2007 project will focus on the Plant Conservation Programme at Knightshayes Court in Devon. Application deadline: April 27. [more]
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McLean Library News
Now Available! Horticultural Speakers List
Attention all local garden clubs and civic organizations! Do you need a speaker for gardening and related topics? Contact Priscilla Becroft at 215-988-8772 or by email for a copy of this list.
Don’t Miss our Library Exhibit!
Flora of North America
Through June 30, 2007
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
The Flora of North America, an ambitious project to be completed in 2011, presents for the first time in one publication the names, relationships, continent-wide distributions, and characteristics of all native and naturalized plants found in North America north of Mexico. This small exhibit in the McLean Library presents selected volumes of the 30-volume Flora as well as earlier American floras, field guides, photographs, collected plants, and a lesson plan. Its intent is to explain why, with habitat destruction and the fact that new plants are still being discovered, we need a twenty-first-century flora of North America. The library is open 9 to 5, Monday through Friday.
New Books in Library
See the "What's New in the Library" page of our web site.
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PHS Events
Book Club '”Stories from the Garden”
Thursday, April 5, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
This month's selection: Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Demonstration and Walk:
Organic Gardening Principles and Techniques
Wednesday, April 11, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
If you’ve been curious about organic gardening but not sure how to begin, here’s your chance to discover how simple and rewarding it can be. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Walk: Shady Characters - Gardening in the Woodland Garden
Thursday, April 12, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
A woodland walk in any season is a delight: from the cheerful early bulbs of spring to the cooling retreat from summer’s heat to crisp, clear fall color and winter’s play of light. [more]
Chanticleer Walk: Lift and Separate - Dividing and Propagating Perennials
Wednesday, April 18, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Chanticleer
786 Church Road
Wayne, PA
Ever wonder how to divide that large clump of Siberian iris? [more]
Spring Into Your Park
Saturday, April 21, 10 am - 1 pm
Various city parks
Philadelphia, PA
Join the fun as over 40 neighborhood parks throughout Philadelphia plant, paint, clean and celebrate during the eighth annual Spring Into Your Park. [more]
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Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Making a Succulent Wreath
Wednesday, April 25, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Impress your friends and family with a charming outdoor living wreath you will design and create yourself. [more]
Chanticleer Workshop: Pruning Small Trees and Shrubs
Thursday, April 26, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Chanticleer
786 Church Road
Wayne, PA
Chanticleer horticulturist Przemek Walczak will teach the art and science of pruning and demonstrate basic techniques for small trees and shrubs. [more]
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2007 Plant Sales and Events
See the 2007 Plant Sales and Events on our website for major plant sales and garden tours in the greater Philadelphia region. [more]
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Family-Friendly Gardening
Earth and Arbor Day Family Festival
Saturday, April 18
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
Learn to make recycled paper, explore water pollution, plant a tree to take home, and make some wacky planters from reusable materials. [more]
Family Activity: Arbor Day Celebration
Saturday, April 28, 1 - 4 pm
Scott Arboretum Offices and Cherry Border
Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
The whole family will enjoy celebrating trees at this annual festival. [more]
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Other Gardening News & Events
Exhibit: “Come into a New World: Linnaeus and America”
American Swedish Historical Museum
1900 Pattison Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Join us to celebrate the 300th birthday of Carolus Linnaeus, the great Swedish naturalist who founded modern biology and named us all Homo sapiens. Through over 100 scientific specimens, drawings, manuscripts, books, and works of art, this exhibition explores the many links between Linnaeus and America. [more]
Continuing Education Courses
April, 2007
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Grow a lawn to envy, delve into the world of orchids, try your hand at flower arranging, or explore the art of bonsai this month in classes for all levels of expertise at Longwood Gardens. Students may take individual workshops or complete curricula in specialized areas to gain a certificate of merit. [more]
Washington Blooms!
Monday, April 2 - Saturday, April 28
The American Horticultural Society
George Washington’s River Farm
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA
A month-long celebration of spring highlighted by special weekend events. [more]
Potting Basics
Wednesday, April 4, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE
Educational demonstration with farm supervisor Marlin Dise. [more]
Lecture: A Preview of the Scott Associates’ Trip to New Zealand
Thursday, April 5, 7:30 pm
Lang Performing Arts Center Cinema
Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Learn about the January 2008 tour of the gardens, vineyards, and wilderness of New Zealand. [more]
Workshop: Plant Fibers for Papermaking
Monday, April 9, 10 am - 2:30 pm
Scott Arboretum Classroom and Gardens
Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Make colorful and distinctive papers using plant fibers from your garden. [more]
Guided Tour: A Walk with the Curator
Monday, April 9, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Andrew Bunting will discuss the collection’s most recent acquisitions and removals. [more]
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Urban Forestry Grant Workshop
Part I, Tuesday, April 10, 6 - 8 pm
Part II, Wednesday, May 2, 6 - 8 pm
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
Start your own neighborhood tree project. The Delaware Urban & Community Forestry Council offers cost-share grant opportunities to Delaware community groups. [more]
Hellebores in Bloom
Wednesday, April 11, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE
Guided walk with horticulturist Michele Stapleford. [more]
Creative Container Building
Wednesday, April 11, 7:30 pm
Mandell Room 114
Henry Schmieder Arboretum of Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA
Learn how to use containers in the garden, from style and placement to planting design and maintenance, with Scott Arboretum curator Andrew Bunting. [more] Call 215-489-2283.
Exhibit: “Garden & River”
Friday, April 13, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Saturday - Sunday, April 14 - 15, Noon - 4 pm
Bartram’s Garden
54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Multimedia exhibition features artwork inspired by Bartram’s Garden and the Schuylkill River. Weekend includes curator’s tours for adults and children plus art workshops. Contact Michele DiGirolamo by email or at or 215-729-5281 x115.
Art Loop Reception
Friday, April 13, 5:30 - 8 pm
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
The Community Gallery at DCH will feature Anne Link’s “Orchid Paintings.” [more]
Guided Tour: Flowering Cherries
Saturday, April 14, 1 - 3 pm
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Experience the diversity of flowering cherries. [more]
Lecture: Native Fruits
Tuesday, April 17, 7:30 pm
Science Center Room 101
Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Consider native American fruits, which are often better adapted to withstand our pests and climate. [more]
The Right Tool for the Right Job
Wednesday, April 18, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE
Educational demonstration with Carol Long, assistant garden curator. [more]
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Designing the Garden with Native Plants
Saturday, April 21, 10 am - Noon
Bartram’s Garden
54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Garden writer Eva Monheim discusses incorporating native plants into the garden and will lead a garden walk. [more]
Trough Planting Workshop
Saturday, April 21, 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. DuPont Street
Wilmington, DE
Create a miniature alpine garden. [more]
The Garden Conservancy Open Days Program
Plant Sale and Guest Speakers
Saturday - Sunday, April 20 - 21, 10 am - 5 pm
Visit to Fordhook Farm, sponsored by The Garden Conservancy. [more]
Friends of River Farm Plant Sale
Saturday - Sunday, April 20 - 21
George Washington’s River Farm
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA
Sponsored by the American Horticultural Society. [more]
Tour: Historic Garden Week in Virginia
Saturday, April 21 - Saturday, April 28
250 sites throughout Virginia
Visitors will step through the gates of more than 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks during “America’s Largest Open House.” [more]
All About Houseplants
Wednesday, April 25, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE
Educational demonstration with garden horticulturist Lisa Detweiler. [more]
Mt. Cuba Garden Tour
Wednesday, April 25, 1 - 3 pm
Mt. Cuba Center
Barley Mill Road
Greenville, DE
This tour of the wildflower gardens at Mt. Cuba Center is sponsored by the Delaware Center for Horticulture. [more]
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Founders Lecture: Managing Mature Trees
Wednesday, April 25, 7:30 pm
Mandell Room 114
Henry Schmieder Arboretum of Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA
Arborist Bill Truscott shares his insights on providing care to large old trees to help them survive in today’s human landscape. [more] Call 215-489-2283.
Philadelphia Botanical Club
Thursday, April 26, 7:30 pm
Comisky Conference Center
One Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA
Lecture: “Rare Plants of Burnt Cape, Newfoundland” [more]
“After Dark in the Garden: Creating Landscapes for Evening Enjoyment”
Thursday - Friday, April 26 - 27
The American Horticultural Society
George Washington’s River Farm
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA
Discover how to optimize your garden for evening enjoyment through plant selection, garden design, and lighting. [more]
27th Annual Rare Plant Auction
Saturday, April 28, 5:30 pm
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA
The Delaware Center for Horticulture’s premier event will feature over 500 rare plants. [more]
Plant Sale
Saturday, May 5, 9 am - 2 pm
Williamson Trade School
Route 352, South of Baltimore Pike
Sponsored by the Providence Garden Club. Contact Ann Hazard by email or at 610-388-1696.
Plant Sale
Saturday, May 5
Neshaminy Manor Center
1282 Almshouse Road
Doylestown, PA
Sponsored by Master Gardeners of Bucks County, rain or shine, this sale will include pond plants and butterfly garden plants in addition to annuals, perennials, hanging baskets and woodies. Call 215-345-3283.
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Fifth Annual Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference
Thursday, May 10 - Saturday, May 12
Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
State College, PA
[more]
Bus Trip to Nurseries
Saturday, May 26, 7:30 am - 6 pm
The Garden Club of the Awbury Arboretum
Bus leaves from Awbury Arboretum Cope House
Chew Avenue (between Haines Street and Walnut Lane)
All-day bus trip for shopping at Cross County Nurseries and tour and shopping at Well-Sweep Herb Farm. Contact Leo Cooper by email or at 215-224-5872.
Bus Trip to Gardens and Nurseries in Maryland
Saturday, June 2, 7:15 am - 7:30 pm
Delaware County Master Gardeners
Bus departs Granite Run Mall
Springfield, PA
Visit Brookside Gardens, McCrillis Shade Garden, and Behnke’s Nursery. Email or call 610-690-2669.
Herbal Delights Symposium
Sunday, June 17 - Tuesday, June 19
Berks Heritage Center Red Bridge Recreation Area, and
Conrad Weiser High School
Route 422
Robesonia, PA
25th Annual Symposium sponsored by the Pennsylvania Heartland Unit, Herb Society of America, includes children’s program, workshops and garden bus tour. [more]
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Garden Q & A
Our gardening experts volunteer their time to answer your questions. Use the form on our web site.
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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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About the Wired Gardener
Edited by Janet Evans, library manager, McLean Library, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; contributions: Elena Sisti and Priscilla Becroft.
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