|
"The Wired Gardener" Online Newsletter
 June 2006
Click on one of the topics below to jump to that section.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Web Reviews
Hosta Society to Meet in Philadelphia
The American Hosta Society is holding its national convention in Philadelphia, June 14 - 17. Events and activities are open to anyone with an interest in hostas.
Sun Safety Week June 4 - 10
The Sun Safety Alliance is a nonprofit organization that promotes Sun Safety Week, June 4 - 10. The goal is to raise awareness about sun safety issues and promote safe sun habits as more Americans are being diagnosed with skin cancer. Gardeners are an especially vulnerable group.
Native Plants
If you miss the Native Plants in the Landscape Conference at Millersville University, June 1 - 3, check out native plant societies in your area at the New England Wildflower Society site and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center site.
Philadelphia Street Trees
Fairmount Park is responsible for Philadelphia’s street trees, whether in the Park or on a residential street. Contact names, permits and forms, and a list of recommended street trees are available on their web site. Links to PHS Tree Tenders and TreeVitalize will help everyone learn more about caring for trees.
Summer Weather Watch
The National Weather Service predicts that the 2006 hurricane season, June 1 - November 30, will be as active as last year. This web site provides FAQs, preparation plans, awareness events in your state, a list of 2006 hurricane names, and historical information.
back to top
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Donate Your Gardening Books
Make room on your bookshelves by donating your gardening books to the annual McLean Library Book Sale, to be held Tuesday, October 3, 2006. We seek used gardening, botany, natural history, and cookbooks in good condition. Questions? Call 215-988-8772 or send email.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Books in the McLean Library
See the "What's New in the Library" page of our web site.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Green Scene’s “Garden Photo Contest” is Back!
Last year, PHS launched the wildly successful Green Scene “Garden Photo Contest” and, happily, the contest is now back for 2006.
This year’s theme will be People in the Garden, and we’re hoping to see your best shots of friends, family, gardeners or just everyday nature lovers standing amid the flowers and foliage. In the few weeks, we’ll list all the exciting prizes you can win!
The contest’s judges—all professional photographers and gardeners from the Delaware Valley—will be looking for superb images that capture the beauty of gardening and create a sense of community through horticulture. Winning photos will be published in this year’s December/January issue of Green Scene magazine and on the PHS website.
For more entry information, official contest rules, and a complete list of submission requirements, please see the June or August issues of Green Scene or click here to read more about the contest!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Woody Plants Conference in July
Woody Plants Conference
Friday, July 28, 8:45 am - 4 pm
Lang Performing Arts Center
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
This conference is a must for anyone who loves trees, shrubs, and vines. PHS is a co-sponsor of this popular annual conference, along with Chanticleer, Longwood Gardens, the Morris Arboretum, Scott Arboretum, and Tyler Arboretum. To learn more, call 610-388-1000, ext. 516.
back to top
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PHS Events
Book Club '”Stories from the Garden”
Thursday, June 1, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
This month's selection: A.S. Byatt’s 'Angels & Insects (Morpho Eugenia).' [more]
City Gardening Series: Growing Vegetable & Flowers in Containers
Saturday, June 3, 10 - 11 am
Holly Street Neighbors Community Garden
421 N. 42nd Street
Philadelphia, PA
Janet Carter will share creative ideas on how to have an attractive container garden using a variety of plants. [more]
PHS Garden Visit: Meadowbrook Area
Sunday, June 4, Noon - 5 pm
Meadowbrook Area
Abington Township, PA
Garden Visits are open only to PHS members and their guests. [more]
Botanical Illustration: Painting Roses in Watercolor at Wyck
Monday – Tuesday, June 5 - 6, 10 am - 3 pm
Wyck
6026 Germantown Ave
Philadelphia, PA
Spend two lovely days in June painting roses from living examples in the enchanting historic rose gardens at the National Historic Landmark house and garden, Wyck. [more]
City Gardening Series: Container Gardens
Monday, June 5, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Haverford Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
5543 Haverford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Penn State Extension educator Doris Stahl demonstrates the versatility and ease of gardening in containers. [more]
back to top
Meadowbrook Farm Walk: Weeds
Wednesday, June 7, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Weeds at Meadowbrook Farm? Yes, weeds are universal! While walking the grounds of Meadowbrook Farm, John Story will identify various weeds and suggest the most effective and “green” methods for controlling them. [more]
Photograph Your Garden
Three Wednesdays, June 7, 14, 21, 6 - 8 pm
(Rain date for June 14 is June 15.)
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 North 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA
A garden is a multi-dimensional living work of art, but how do you frame or capture the special character of your garden in a two dimensional picture? This three-session class, presented in partnership with MyPhotoLounge.com, is designed to give you the tools you need, literally and artistically, to photograph your own or someone else’s garden with a digital camera. [more]
City Gardening Series: Easy & Colorful Containers
Wednesday, June 7, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Wadsworth Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
1500 Wadsworth Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Horticultural therapist Mona Gold shares tips on creating exciting color combinations for your container garden. [more]
Chanticleer Walk: Deer-Resistant Plants
Thursday, June 8, 6 - 8 pm
Chanticleer
786 Church Road
Wayne, PA
It’s true, there really are plants that deer shun, at least in most garden settings. [more]
City Gardening Series: Gardening with Kids
Saturday, June 10, 2 - 3 pm
Falls of Schuylkill Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
3501 Midvale Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Bring the joy of gardening to kids. In this workshop, horticultural educator Eva Monheim gives tips for creating and maintaining successful gardens with children. [more]
back to top
City Gardening Series: Bus Trip to Valentine Gardens
Monday, June 12, 8:30 am - 1 pm
Valentine Gardens
Coatesville, PA
Join us for a trip through the Chester County countryside to Valentine Gardens, where you'll get a behind-the-scenes tour of this specialty nursery and greenhouse. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Bog Garden Containers
Tuesday, June 13, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Under the expert guidance of Diana Weiner of Meadowbrook Farm, you will create a fully hardy novelty combo pot, suitable for small gardens or patios, in this fun, hands-on workshop. [more]
City Gardening Series: All About Annuals
Wednesday, June 14, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Tacony Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
6742 Torresdale Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Bring 'pizzazz' to your garden. Charlotte Kidd will offer tips on growing annuals and using them to create colorful gardens. [more]
Garden Tenders Hands-on Workshop: Building Raised Beds
Thursday, June 15, 4 - 7 pm
Location to be announced
Philadelphia, PA
Join us to learn how to build and plant raised beds. [more]
The Urban Sustainability Forum
Thursday, June 15, 6 - 8:30 pm
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA
Program: Goals and Actions for a Sustainable Philadelphia. (Reception at 6 pm; program begins at 6:30.) [more]
Chanticleer Walk: Dry Gardening
Thursday, June 15, 6 - 8 pm
Chanticleer
786 Church Road
Wayne, PA
The rich, moist, well-drained soils that are ideal for so many of the garden plants we love are simply not available in times of drought. [more]
City Gardening Series: Kitchen Gardens
Saturday, June 17, 10 - Noon
Historic Bartram's Garden
S. 54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Mona Gold will show how to plant edible flowers and vegetables for beauty and practicality. This workshop will be followed by a tour of the Heirloom Garden at Bartram's Garden. [more]
back to top
Meadowbrook Farm Walk/Demo: Basic Pruning Techniques
Tuesday, June 20, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Every gardener needs to develop basic pruning skills. [more]
Tree Tenders/Garden Tenders:
Caring for Your Trees and Gardens During a Drought
Wednesday, June 21, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
U.S.P. Lower Mill Creek Garden
S. 43rd St. & Chester Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Come learn and share water-saving techniques for trees and gardens, while visiting a state-of-the-art stormwater demonstration garden and outdoor classroom. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Demonstration: Scintillating Summer Tropicals
Thursday, June 22, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Tropical plants are finding an ever more prominent place in many gardens. [more]
Garden Tenders Monthly Meeting: Gardening for Fragrance
Thursday, June 22, 6 - 8 pm
Stiles Street Community Garden
1424-28 W. Stiles Street
Philadelphia, PA
Learn how adding fragrant flowers, herbs, and shrubs can enhance your garden. [more]
Chanticleer Walk: Vertical and Horizontal
Thursday, June 22, 6 - 8 pm
Chanticleer
786 Church Road
Wayne, PA
Stepping away from the norm, Dan Benarcik will discuss the use of vines and groundcovers to complement your landscape and garden plantings. [more]
City Gardening Series: Flowering Shrubs for Small Spaces
Saturday, June 24, 10 - 11 am
Campbell Square Community Park
2500 block of East Allegheny Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
At this workshop, environmental educator Lori Hayes will discuss what every gardener should know about adding flowering shrubs to the landscape design. [more]
back to top
Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Propagating Cactus and Succulents
Wednesday, June 28, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
This program, presented by succulent aficionado and Meadowbrook Farm general manager John Story, provides a basic introduction to the fascinating world of cactus and succulents and the distinction between the terms. [more]
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Calendar of Plant Sales
See the annual list of hundreds of plant sales, tours, workshops and more in the Delaware Valley.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Family-Friendly Gardening
Spring Bird Walks
Saturdays, June 3 - 17, 9 am
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Join naturalist/ornithologist Bob Maly for a walk through the Preserve’s diverse habitats. Age 8 - adult. [more]
A Walk in the Moonlight
Saturday, June 10, 8 - 9:30 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Explore the natural world at night. You may see glowworms, the first fireflies, bats and moths and also hear owls. All ages. [more]
Pre-School Reading Hour
Wednesday, June 14, 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 and a nature-themed craft. [more]
Children’s Summer Reading
Thursdays, June 22 - August 24, 10 - 11:30 am
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Join us for readings of exciting books about the outdoors followed by hikes through the preserve in search of the plants and critters in our stories. Age 4 - 7, accompanied by an adult. [more]
Summer Camp
Monday - Friday, June 26 - 30
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE 19806
Features hands-on gardening projects that teach science, nature, and art to children entering 1st - 3rd grades. [more]
back to top
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Gardening News and Events
Continuing Education Courses
June, 2006
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Longwood Continuing Education is offering a varied lineup of classes in June, including Cultivating the Written Word: Creative Garden Writing from Production to Publication, and Design - Interpreting the Spirit of a Garden. Students may take individual workshops as well as complete curricula in specialized areas to gain a certificate of merit. [more]
Daily Guided Tours
Thursday, June 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]
Exhibit Opening: A Place to Take Root
Thursday, June 1, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Exhibit runs June 2 - 30, Tuesday - Sunday, Noon - 4 pm
Bartram’s Garden Barn
54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Opening reception for first exhibit devoted to the history of the flowerpot, including curator’s tour with garden historian, Susan Tamulevich. [more]
Garden Photography Exhibit and Reception
Friday, June 2, 5:30 - 8 pm
The Community Gallery at Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE 19806
Photographer Amy Lamb’s “Colors of the Garden” is on display through June 30. [more]
Trip to New Jersey Pine Barrens
Saturday, June 3, 9 am - 5 pm
Bartram’s Garden
54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Join Bartram experts in exploring this unique ecosystem. Directions will be provided when reserving. Call Alison McDowell at 215-729-5281 ext. 103, [more]
Sale: Dig Your Own Daylilies
Saturday, June 3, 10 am - 4 pm
380 Fairview Road
(formerly Thomas Daylily Farm)
Glenmoore, PA
Bring a shovel and select from the many varieties available. Contact Portia at 610-868-7071 or Diane Drentlaw by email.
Annual Herb Festival
Saturday - Sunday, June 3 - 4
Triple Oaks Nursery and Herb Garden
2359 Delsea Drive
Franklinville, NJ
Lectures, informal talks, demonstrations, food samples, herbal treats and garden walks. [more]
back to top
Bus Trip: New York Botanical Garden
Tuesday, June 6, 7 am - 6:30 pm
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Take a trip to NYBG, a worldwide leader in studying plant life. [more]
Pruning Spring Flowering Shrubs
Wednesday, June 7, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE
Educational demonstration with Dave Birk, outreach horticulturist. [more]
Field Trip to Red Clay Creek
Saturday, June 10
Philadelphia Botanical Club
Chester County, PA
Explore a private nature preserve along Red Clay Creek. [more]
Workshop: Garden Table and Chair
Saturday, June 10
Chair Session: 9 am - Noon
Table Session: 1 - 4 pm
Swarthmore College Facilities
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
A hands-on workshop with Dan Benarcik. [more]
Butterfly Walk
Saturday, June 10, 10 - 11:30 am
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Preserve naturalist Theresa Knipper will lead a tour in search of the many butterfly species that feed on native plants. [more]
Pottery Demonstration and Greenhouse Lecture
Sunday, June 11
Demonstration Noon - 2 pm
Lecture 2 - 4 pm
Bartram’s Garden Barnyard
54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Master potter Guy Wolff demonstrates the art of flowerpot throwing. Curator Joel Fry discusses the history of glasshouses in the US. [more]
23rd Annual Demuth Garden Tour
Saturday - Sunday, June 10 - 11
Demuth Foundation and Museum
120 East King Street
Lancaster, PA
Over 25 gardens throughout Lancaster City and County will be open for tours. New this year are an “Under the Tent” lecture series at Conestoga House and free children’s programs in the Demuth Garden. Contact Karen Jenkins at 717-299-9940.
Open Days Program: Garden Tours
Sunday, June 11, 11 am - 4 pm
Chestnut Hill, Lafayette Hill and Wyndmoor
Seven private gardens will be opened to the public at this event sponsored by The Garden Conservancy and the Garden Club of Philadelphia. Contact Susan Yeager by email.
Guided Tour: A Walk with the Curator
Monday, June 12, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
Andrew Bunting will discuss the most recent accessions acquired for the collection, why plants were removed from the collection and maybe should be removed from your garden. [more]
Meeting: West Jersey Rose Society
Wednesday, June 14, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Carman Tilelli Community Center
Cherry Hill Township Complex
820 Mercer Street
Cherry Hill, NJ
New Jersey certified recycling professional Susan Koren will speak on “All About Composting.” 856-234-6583.
Propagation 101 - Evergreen Azalea Cuttings
Wednesday, June 14, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE
Educational demonstration with guest Bill Barnes and plant recorder Patricia Pleva. [more]
back to top
Wilmington City Gardens Contest Entry Deadline
Friday, June 16
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE 19806
The contest recognizes Wilmington gardeners for their contributions to a greener city. [more]
Field Trip to Hairgrass Savanna on Kittatinny Ridge
Saturday, June 17
Philadelphia Botany Club
Carbon County, PA
Explore one of the largest areas of wholly native, unplanted grassland remaining in Pennsylvania. [more]
Growing Native Plants: Propagation from Cuttings
Saturday, June 17, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Join nursery manager Bill Lamack and learn to propagate native perennials and shrubs from cuttings. [more]
Guided Tour: Summer Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Saturday, June 17, 10 am - Noon
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
Guided tour through the arboretum. [more]
Knowing Native Plants: Focus on Ferns
Saturday June 17, 10 am - 1 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Learn about many of our native ferns, their habitats and unusual reproductive habits. [more]
“Perennials”
Sunday, June 18, 2 pm
Valentine Gardens
358 N. Sandy Hill Road
Coatesville, PA
Free workshop on perennials at this nursery with plants for the rock garden, water garden, herb garden, shade garden, and perennial border. To register, call 610-857-9584 or email.
Workshop: Weeds, Thy Name is Nuisance
Monday, June 19, 1 - 4 pm
Scott Arboretum Classroom and Gardens
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
Curator Andrew Bunting and gardener Lars Rasmussen explore the bane of a gardener’s existence. [more]
Joint Annual Field Meeting
Torrey Botanical Society
Philadelphia Botanical Club
Northeast Section of the Botanical Society of America
Tuesday - Saturday, June 20 - 24
Isles of Shoals, NH
This year’s theme is “Flora of the Shoals: A Botanical and Historical Exploration.” [more]
Pruning Azaleas
Wednesday, June 21, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE
Educational demonstration with horticulturist Jessica Sutton. [more]
back to top
The Therapeutic Effects of Gardening
Wednesday, June 21, Noon
The Highlands Mansion and Gardens
7001 Sheaff Lane
Ft. Washington, PA
Cancer survivor Deb Radvany will speak about the therapeutic benefits of gardening. [more]
Woodlands Mansion and Cemetery Tour
Wednesday, June 21, 5:30 pm
Woodlands Cemetery
4000 Woodland Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Sponsored by Bartram’s Garden. Learn about Bartram’s connections to these historic properties. [more]
Wilmington City Gardens Contest Contestant & Judges Workshop
Wednesday, June 21, 6 - 7 pm
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE 19806
Find out how the garden contest works and what criteria are used to determine the winners. [more]
Native Plant Tour
Thursday, June 22, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE 19806
Bring a brown-bag lunch and join public landscape manager Lenny Wilson in the Center’s pavilion and garden. [more]
Bus Trip to Central Park
Saturday, June 24, 7 am - 7 pm
Departs Granite Run Mall
Delaware County Master Gardeners sponsors this trip to Frederick Law Olmsted’s Central Park. Contact Linda Barry at 610-690-7669 or by email.
Mushroom Walk
Saturday, June 24, 10 am - 12:30 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Mycologist Glenn Freeman will present a slide show followed by a walk to see mushrooms and other fungi in the preserve. [more]
back to top
Plant a Bog Container
Saturday, June 24, 1 - 2:30 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
John Mark Courtney will guide you in assembling a bog container with carnivorous plants to take home. [more]
Evenings in the Arboretum: Tea for Two
Saturday, June 24, 5 - 7:30 pm
Scott Outdoor Amphitheater
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
Outdoor concert with clarinetist Igor Begelman and bassoonist Larisa Gelman. [more]
Plant Stewardship Index Introductory Workshop
Tuesday, June 27, 8:30 - 10:30 am OR 7 - 9 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
The Preserve’s new Plant Stewardship Index (PSI) is a quantitative tool that allows stewards of public and private lands to survey and assess the status of native plant populations on properties they protect and manage. Learn about the PSI methodology, understand how its use can support healthy native habitats, and receive a copy of the Index. [more]
Pruning Lilacs
Wednesday, June 28, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE
Educational demonstration with horticulturist Rob Billingham. [more]
Field Trip to Burden Hill Forest
Saturday, July 1
Philadelphia Botanical Club
Salem County, NJ
See special plants and explore this 14,000 acre forest on the Outer Coastal Plain. [more]
Penn Atlantic Nursery Trades Show (PANTS)
Tuesday - Thursday, July 25 - 27
Atlantic City Convention Center
Atlantic City, NJ
More than 1200 booths with green goods and allied products for garden centers and landscape contractors. [more]
back to top
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ask a Gardening Question
Our 20 gardening experts volunteer their time to answer your questions. Use the form on our web site.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
About the Wired Gardener
Edited by Janet Evans, library manager, McLean Library, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; contributions: Jane Alling and Priscilla Becroft.
back to top |
