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"The Wired Gardener" Online Newsletter
 June-July 2007
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Web Reviews
PHS Helps NBC10 Go Green
PHS gardening experts have been taping spots for NBC10's "Going Green/Watch Your Garden Grow" series. Learn about gardening topics such as mulching, composting, and gardening maintenance on Fridays at 6 am or on Sundays at 9 am. If you can’t watch at either time or you live outside the Philadelphia area, click on NBC10’s website and go to the “Watch Your Garden Grow” section to view the photo slideshows.
Project Evergreen Helps Our Troops
With their GreenCare for Troops program, Project Evergreen connects lawn and landscape contractors with families of those who are serving our country abroad to provide assistance with outdoor maintenance. If you would like to help or participate, see the project’s webpage.
You Can Help Write the Encyclopedia of Life
Experts and amateurs alike can contribute to and learn from the Encyclopedia of Life. This project, a collaborative effort by the Smithsonian Institution, Harvard University, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and others aims to create a web page for each of the Earth’s 1.8 million species within the next ten years.
Floras Grow Online
You know that you can see the Flora of North America database via the Flora of North America website (click “FNA Online”), but did you know that you can see the floras of Chile, China, and other regions on eFloras.org as well?
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PHS 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.
Donations Needed for Book Sale
Spring cleaning? Recycle your gardening books by donating them to us for the annual McLean Library Book Sale. The fall sale will take place on Tuesday, October 2nd, 9:30 am to 5 pm in the library. We seek gardening books, natural history books, and cookbooks in good condition. Questions? Call 215-988-8772.
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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Woody Plant Conference in July
Woody Plant Conference
Friday, July 20, 7:30 am - 4 pm
Swarthmore College
Lang Performing Arts Center
Swarthmore, PA
Register now for this conference, co-sponsored by PHS, Longwood Gardens, the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, and the Tyler Arboretum. The all-day conference includes lectures on woody plants in New Zealand; new plant introductions from China growing in western Canada; conifers for Mid-Atlantic gardens; native trees, shrubs, and vines; and a slide show of the Arboretum Wespelaar in Belgium. [more]
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PHS Events
City Gardening Series: Creating Colorful Container Gardens
Saturday, June 2, 10 - 11:30 am
Campbell Square Community Park
2500 block of East Allegheny Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Janet Carter will share creative ideas for versatile and portable containers for small spaces. [more]
Garden Tour: Center City Secret Gardens
Saturday, June 2, 1 - 3 pm
Center City Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
On this self-guided garden tour, visit hidden private gardens that you might otherwise never see and enjoy other horticultural highlights along the way. [more]
PHS Garden Visit: Doylestown
Sunday, June 3, Noon - 5 pm
Doylestown
Bucks County, PA
Garden Visits are open only to PHS members and their guests. [more]
Workshop: Botanical Illustration - Painting Roses in Watercolor at Wyck
Monday and Tuesday, June 4 and 5, 10 am - 3 pm
Germantown neighborhood
Philadelphia, PA
Spend two lovely days in June painting roses from living examples in the enchanting rose gardens at the National Historic Landmark house and garden, Wyck. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Walk: Weeds
Wednesday, June 6, 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, Diana K. Weiner will identify various weeds and suggest the most effective and environmentally friendly means of controlling them. [more]
Chanticleer Walk: Native Plants
Wednesday, June 6, 6 - 8 pm
Chanticleer
786 Church Road
Wayne, PA
Uniquely adapted to local growing conditions, native plants are among the most rewarding plants you can grow. [more]
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Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Contain Yourself - Planting Patio Pots
Thursday, June 7, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
This beginner’s how-to course focuses on formal and informal planting techniques for sun or shade containers. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Demonstration: Vegetables, Small Fruits, and Perennial Edibles
Wednesday, June 13, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Meadowbrook Farm's tropical grower Sharon Kaszan will discuss everything you need to know about starting or improving your vegetable garden. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Demonstration: Planting Your Garden for Hummingbirds and Butterflies
Thursday, June 14, 10 - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Spend a lovely morning in June walking around the gardens of Meadowbrook Farm with head gardener Glenn Ashton and learning which plants attract hummingbirds and butterflies. [more]
Book Club 'Stories from the Garden'
Thursday, June 14, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
This month's selection: Italo Calvino, The Baron in the Trees. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Demonstration: Basic Pruning Techniques
Wednesday, June 20, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
In this demonstration, which includes a walk around the grounds of Meadowbrook Farm, John Story will present essential and practical tips for pruning a variety of shrubs, including broad-leaf evergreens, conifers, flowering shrubs, and “cut backs.” [more]
Chanticleer Walk: Sensational Summer Containers
Wednesday, June 20, 6 - 8 pm
Chanticleer
786 Church Road
Wayne, PA
Container gardening at Chanticleer goes way beyond the ordinary, mingling annual, perennial, tropical, and subtropical plants in vibrant, highly creative combinations. Dan Benarcik will discuss how to create successful container gardens and will offer suggestions for uncommon plant combinations. [more]
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City Gardening Series: Growing Plants in Challenging Places
Wednesday, June 20, 7 - 8 pm
Fox Chase Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
501 Rhawn Street
Philadelphia, PA
Come and learn the best techniques and ideas for garden success, even in the most difficult places. [more]
In the Garden: Organizing Your Perennial Border
Thursday, June 21, 10 am - Noon
Hedgleigh Spring
Swarthmore, PA
Charles Cresson’s garden, Hedgleigh Spring, is celebrated for its curved perennial borders, ever-changing highlights, and compelling plant combinations that shine throughout the season. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Tour: The Legacy of J. Liddon Pennock
Wednesday, July 11, 10 am – Noon
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
This in-depth tour of Meadowbrook Farm’s noted Robert McGoodwin-designed estate will include an expanded discussion on the style of J. Liddon Pennock, who was influenced by the 18th-century designer, Robert Adam. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Demonstration: Grasses Sway the Summer Away
Wednesday, July 18, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Ornamental grasses add a feeling of coolness to the summer garden as they sway in the slightest breeze. [more]
Chanticleer Tour: House and Garden
Wednesday, July 18, 6 - 8 pm
Chanticleer
786 Church Road
Wayne, PA
Chanticleer was built in 1913 during the Country House Era, when many businessmen and industrialists built expansive country estates away from the noise and congestion of cities. [more]
Chanticleer Walk: Line, Color, Form, and Hot New Plants
Wednesday, July 25, 6 - 8 pm
Chanticleer
786 Church Road
Wayne, PA
What makes a plant attractive? Is it the architecture, the effect it creates in the garden, the emotion the colors induce, or all of the above? [more]
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Family-Friendly Gardening
After-School Wonder Walk
Tuesday, June 5, 4 - 5:30 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Join volunteer naturalist Pam Newitt exploring for animals, plants, insects and tracks. For kids in grades 2 through 4. [more]
StrawBEARy Surprise & Nature in Art Day
Camden Children’s Garden Family Festival
Saturday, June 9
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08103
Contact Betsy Payne at bpayne@camdenchildrensgarden.org or 856-365-8733.
Children’s Summer Reading Hour
Thursdays, June 14 - July 26, 10 - 11:30 am
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Parents and children ages 4 through 7 are invited to this reading hour featuring books about the outdoors and followed by a walk through the Preserve. Kids will make a simple craft to take home. [more]
Festival de Aibonito, Puerto Rico
Camden Children’s Garden Family Festival
Saturday, June 23
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08103
Contact Betsy Payne at bpayne@camdenchildrensgarden.org or 856-365-8733.
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BlueBEARy Blast & Celebrate NJ Day
Camden Children’s Garden Family Festival
Saturday, July 14
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08103
Contact Betsy Payne at bpayne@camdenchildrensgarden.org or 856-365-8733.
Discovery Day
Saturday, July 21,10 am - 4 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
This year’s event features ways to be “green” at home, guided walks, an insect hunt, nature crafts especially for kids, and a bluegrass band. [more]
WXPN’s XpoNential Music Festival, Kids Corner
Saturday - Sunday, July 21 - 22
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08103
Contact Betsy Payne at bpayne@camdenchildrensgarden.org or 856-365-8733.
Storybook Celebration
Saturday, July 28
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08103
Contact Betsy Payne at bpayne@camdenchildrensgarden.org or 856-365-8733.
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Other Gardening News & Events
Continuing Education Courses
June and July, 2007
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Learn how to plant spectacular containers, tour some of the area’s best nurseries, and delve into the beauty and lore of roses during classes in June at Longwood Gardens. Among the July offerings are a class on trees that thrive and a tour of local champion trees. [more] LINK to
Walks, Workshops and Events
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Daily wildflower walks, a weed patrol, a Plant Stewardship Index Field Training Workshop, and a walk in the moonlight are among the numerous July offerings at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. [more]
“Virtues and Pleasures of Herbs through History: Physic, Flavor, Fragrance and Dye”
March 22 - June 29, 2007 (exhibition)
Sunday - Monday, June 3 - 4 (open house)
Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA
Exhibition of 20 herbs illustrated by items from the Institute’s Art, Library and Archives collections. The Open House will offer herb-themed walks, a guided gallery tour of the exhibition, department tours, and opportunities to meet one-on-one with staff to ask questions and see items in the collections. [more]
Delaware Center for Horticulture Display Garden
Open daily
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
DCH invites you to their beautiful garden. Self-guided tour brochures available. [more]
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Art Reception
Friday, June 1, 5:30 - 8 pm
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
The Community Gallery at DCH celebrates 25 years of the Wilmington City Gardens Contest with a photo exhibit of over 20 winning gardens. [more]
American Begonia Society
Saturday, June 2, 10 am
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Meadowbrook, PA
The Delaware Valley Branch meeting will include a show-and-tell on miniature plants. Contact Bernie Wiener at wiener1@verizon.net.
Annual Herb Festival
Saturday - Sunday, June 2 - 3
Triple Oaks Nursery and Herb Garden
2359 Delsea Drive
Franklinville, NJ
Lectures, informal talks, demonstrations, food samples, herbal treats, and garden walks. [more]
Society Hill Gardens: A self-guided walking tour of city gardens
Sunday, June 3, 1 - 5 pm
Starts at Old Pine Street Church
412 Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA
Hidden behind 18th- and 19th-century homes are gardens filled with a variety of horticultural surprises. This self-guided tour is sponsored by the Friends of Independence National Historical Park and the Society Hill Civic Association. Call 1-800-537-7676.
“Art by Architects”
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 7, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Exhibit Open: Friday - Sunday, June 8 - 10, 12 Noon - 4 pm
Bartram’s Garden
54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
A multimedia exhibition of art created by local architects. [more]
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Horticulture Workshop: Clematis
Friday, June 8, 9:30 - 2 pm
Scott Arboretum Blum Classroom and Gardens
Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Dan Long of Brushwood Nursery will demystify growing and caring for the many varieties of clematis. [more]
Spring Pine Barrens Trip
Saturday, June 9, 9 am - 4 pm
Meet in New Jersey
Sponsored by Bartram’s Garden
Explore this unique terrain with Bartram curator Joel T. Fry and Pine Barrens expert Bill Cahill. Directions provided at registration. [more]
Rose Show
Saturday, June 9, 1 - 6 pm
(Entries accepted 7 - 10 am)
Terrace Restaurant
Longwood Gardens
U.S. Route 1 near Kennett Square, PA
Sponsored by the Del-Chester Rose Society. No additional charge over Longwood Gardens admission fee. Exhibitors must call in advance. Contact 610-692-5631.
Guided Tour: A Walk with the Curator
Monday, June 11, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Andrew Bunting will discuss the most recently acquired plants, as well as those removed from the collection. [more]
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Guided Tour: Green Roofs
Tuesday, June 12, 6 - 8 pm
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Learn about the green roofs on the campus. [more]
Garden Walk
Wednesday, June 13, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Bartram’s Garden
54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
A walk with assistant gardener Nancy Wygant to see what’s growing in the Common Flower and Kitchen Gardens. [more]
Meeting: West Jersey Rose Society
Wednesday, June 13, 7:30 - 9 pm
Carman Tilelli Community Center
Cherry Hill Township Complex
820 Mercer Street
Cherry Hill, NJ
Lorraine Kiefer of Triple Oaks Nursery will speak on “Roses and Other Plants Suitable for New Jersey.” Call 856-234-6583.
Hobby Greenhouse Association
Saturday, June 16, 10 am - 1 pm
The Horticulture Center
West Fairmount Park,
Philadelphia, PA
The Delaware Valley Chapter meeting will include a demonstration on making an English trough using Styrofoam. Contact Bernie Wiener at wiener1@verizon.net
Wilmington Garden Tour
Saturday, June 16, 9 am - 4 pm
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
DCH celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Wilmington City Gardens Contest with a self-guided tour of award-winning gardens. [more]
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Workshop: Understanding Green Roofs
Monday, June 18, 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Scott Arboretum Blum Classroom and Gardens
Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Join Jeff Jabco and Lars Rasmussen as they introduce the benefits, basic construction, options for, and types of green roofs. [more]
Workshop for Adults: Fun with Herbs
Wednesday, June 20, 10 - 11:30 am
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08103
Educational gardening activity with garden columnist Lorraine Kiefer. Contact Betsy Payne at bpayne@camdenchildrensgarden.org or 856-365-8733.
Al Fresco Wine Tasting
Thursday, June 21, 6 - 8 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Enjoy delectable hors d’oeuvres and sip wines from the Chadds Ford Winery in Tyler’s Fragrant Garden. [more]
Sunset Sippin’: Roses and Rosé Wine
Thursday, June 21, 6 - 8 pm
Rain Date: June 28
Dean Bond Rose Garden
Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Enjoy a summer evening with cocktails and friends in the Arboretum’s gardens. [more]
Newport Flower Show
Friday - Sunday, June 22 - 24
Rosecliff Mansion
Newport, RI
Sponsored by the Preservation Society of Newport County. This year’s theme is “Sea Fever...A Salute to the Tall Ships.” [more]
Awbury Arboretum Flea Market
Saturday, June 23, 8 am - 4 pm
On Ardleigh Street at Duval Street
Mt. Airy
Philadelphia, PA
Fun, food, treasures to purchase, and a tour of the community garden, sponsored by the Garden Club of Awbury Arboretum. Contact Leomar Cooper at LeoatAwbury@hotmail.com or Mike at 267-934-3963.
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Evenings in the Arboretum: Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band
Saturday, June 23, 5 - 7:30 pm
Scott Outdoor Amphitheater
Rain Location: Lang Concert Hall
Swarthmore College, 500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Enjoy the music of this post-Civil War-era musical ensemble. [more]
Guided Tour: A Walk with the Curator
Monday, July 9, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Andrew Bunting will discuss the most recently acquired plants, as well as those removed from the collection. [more]
An Evening in the Arboretum
Saturday, July 14, 5 - 7:30 pm
Scott Outdoor Amphitheater
Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Enjoy bluegrass music with the award-winning Kenny and Amanda Smith Band. [more]
Fairy Gardens
Wednesday, July 18, 10 - 11:30 am
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08103
Educational gardening activity with garden columnist Lorraine Kiefer. Contact Betsy Payne at bpayne@camdenchildrensgarden.org or 856-365-8733.
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Awbury Arboretum Plant Swap
Saturday, July 21, 10 am - 12:30 pm
Cope House, Awbury Arboretum
Entrance on Chew Avenue (between Haines Street and Walnut Lane)
Germantown
Philadelphia, PA
Bring your extra indoor and outdoor plants and swap them for plants you don’t have. Contact Leomar Cooper at 215-224-5872.
Workshop: A Summer Garden Pantry Party
Wednesday, July 25, 6 - 8 pm
Scheuer Room, Kohlberg Hall and Cosby Courtyard
Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Swarthmore College executive chef Lisa Scolaro will show how to create a summer cocktail party by harvesting from your own garden. [more]
Delaware County Master Gardeners 2007 Garden Contest
Application deadline: Friday, July 27
Seven categories available
Judging will take place on Thursday and Friday, August 2 and 3. [more] or contact lrb16@psu.edu or 610-690-7669.
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Water Garden Tour
Saturday, July 28
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
Reservations are now being accepted for this annual event. [more]
Guided Tour: Magnificent Trees
Saturday, July 28, 10 am - Noon
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Experience the magnificent trees found on the Scott Arboretum grounds. [more]
Invasive Plants: Research, Removal and Renewal
Wednesday - Thursday, August 15 - 16
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
At this conference you will learn about invasive plants, how they reduce populations of other plants and the animals that depend on them, and how we can all contribute to the solutions. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council and the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania. Contact jlm@pobox.upenn.edu or 215-247-577, ext. 156 or 125.
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New Publishing Schedule for Wired Gardener
With this issue, we are announcing a new publishing schedule for the Wired Gardener. The Wired Gardener is now published 10 times per year - each month except July and December.
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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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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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