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"The Wired Gardener" Online Newsletter
 March 2007
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Web Reviews
Knot Garden at the Flower Show
At this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show, you will see Irish gardens of all sorts, including a variation on the classic “knot garden.” To create your own knot garden, see this how-to guide.
More from the Emerald Isle
Has Legends of Ireland whetted your appetite for all things Irish? Consult Irish Philadelphia (for more Irish events in our area.
Armchair Plant Exploration
You can see The Flora of North America at the PHS McLean Library, but did you know that Flora Brasiliensis is as close as the nearest computer? Explore this beautiful and informative website.
The Chicago region presents its flora and plants at “vPlants: a Virtual Herbarium of the Chicago Region.” Enjoy it from the comfort and warmth of your own home!
Surreal Flora
Photographers Rodrigo Pedrolli and Michael Murphree will transport you to another world with their exotic photos of common flowers. Check out their online exhibit.
Pledge to Plant for the Planet
The United Nations Environment Program; Green Belt Movement founder, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and Growing Greener Cities Symposium keynote speaker Wangari Maathai; and HSH Albert II of Monaco have teamed up to launch Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign. Go to the program’s website, and pledge to plant trees this year. The goal for 2007 is one billion trees planted.
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Philadelphia Flower Show Special Events
Philadelphia Flower Show
March 4 - 11, 2007
Pennsylvania Convention Center
12th and Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA
For details on this year's Philadelphia Flower Show, including its theme, hours, show information, directions, and best times to see the Show, please click here.
Bartlett Day at the Philadelphia Flower Show
Tuesday, March 6, 8 am - 3 pm
Sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts, this all-day conference takes place at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Experienced horticulturists and arborists will talk about the latest advances in tree planting and maintenance, with a look toward environmentally sound practices. Registration deadline is March 1. Call Carol Dutill, 215-988-8869.
Special Event: Helen Dillon Lecture
Friday, March 9, 5 - 7:30 pm
Considered one of Ireland's most famous gardeners and an expert on gardening in small spaces, Helen Dillon will present the talk, "An Irish Garden," followed by a wine reception and musical entertainment. The cost is $65 for non-members ($55 for PHS members) and includes Flower Show admission. Reservations are required and can be made by email or by calling 215-988-8778. [more]
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McLean Library News
The McLean Library is closed during the Flower Show, March 4 -11.
New Books in Library
See the "What's New in the Library" page of our web site.
New Exhibit in McLean Library
Flora of North America
January 16 - 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 information on 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.
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PHS Events
Unless otherwise noted, PHS events are held at
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 North 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Botanical Illustration with Watercolor
Eight Tuesdays: March 13, 20, 27; April 3, 10, 17, 24; May 1
10 am - 1 pm
If you feel challenged by the medium of watercolor and have wondered how botanical artists create the illusion of reality, this is the class for you. [more]
Tree Tenders Continuing Education: Bare-Root Trees
Wednesday, March 14, 7:30 - 9 pm
Learn the advantages of planting bare-root trees and how to care for them. [more]
Garden Tenders Third Thursday Workshop: Raised Bed Gardening
Thursday, March 15, 7 - 9 pm
Learn about materials, building techniques, plants, and soil amendments for raised garden beds. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Propagating Begonias and Ferns
Wednesday, March 21, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
By following Meadowbrook Farm’s Virginia Page-Hentschel’s easy directions, you, too, can successfully propagate begonias and ferns. [more]
Green City Teachers Continuing Education: Topic to be announced
Wednesday, March 21, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Act 48 professional development credit is available. [more]
City Gardening Series: Landscape Design 101
Wednesday, March 21, 7 - 8 pm
Katharine Drexel Branch,
Free Library of Philadelphia
11099 Knights Road
Philadelphia, PA
Award-winning urban garden designer Toni Ann Flanigan will show how to use simple design concepts to lay out a flower bed. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Demonstration: What’s New for 2007?
Thursday, March 22, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Find out what’s hot and cutting-edge for the upcoming growing season and let Diana Weiner make you the first to meet the new annuals, perennials, woodies, tropicals, containers, supplies and more! [more]
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Free Lecture Series: Botany Before, During and After Linnaeus
6 Mondays, March 26 – April 30, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
PHS and the Wagner Free Institute of Science will co-sponsor this series of six lectures (Mondays, March 26 through April 30) held at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Dr. Alfred E. “Ernie” Schuyler will present this course focusing on Carl Linnaeus in recognition of the 300th anniversary of his birth on May 23, 1707. [more]
City Gardening Series: Designing Containers for the Small Garden
Monday, March 26, 6 - 7 pm
Philadelphia City Institute
1905 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA
Garden writer and educator Eva Monheim gives hints and tips for constructing container gardens with indoor and outdoor plants. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Divide and Conquer - Propagating Perennials
Wednesday, March 28, 10 am – Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Some of the best varieties you can plant this spring are right in front of you, just waiting to be increased in number. [more]
City Gardening Series: Herbs 101
Wednesday, March 28, 7 pm - 8 pm
Lovett Memorial Branch
Free Library of Philadelphia
6945 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Environmental educator Charlotte Kidd will discuss what every gardener should know about growing, caring for, and using herbs. [more]
Tree Tenders in Bucks County
Three Thursdays: March 29, April 5, April 12, 6 - 9 pm
Telford Borough Building
122 Penn Avenue, 2nd Floor
Telford, PA
Become a Tree Tender! In partnership with Penn State Cooperative Extension, PHS offers nine hours of tree-care training for residents of Philadelphia and the surrounding region. [more]
Book Club 'Stories from the Garden'
Thursday, April 5, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
This month's selection: Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. [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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Gardening Plots at Awbury Arboretum
Attention, city gardeners! The Garden Club of the Awbury Arboretum has 10 x 20-foot plots for community gardeners in the Germantown/Mt. Airy area, plus a few raised beds for “enabled gardeners.” Email for details.
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Family-Friendly Gardening
Activities for Families and Children
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Maple sugaring, an owl prowl, and other nature explorations are among the March offerings for children and families at Tyler Arboretum. [more]
Preschool Reading Hour
Thursday, March 15, 10 - 11 am
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Pre-school children, ages 3 to 5, and parents are invited to this reading hour followed by a walk through the Preserve. Kids will make a simple craft to take home. [more]
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Other Gardening News & Events
Exhibition:Come into a New World: Linnaeus and America
February 15 - July 1
American Swedish 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
March, 2007
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Broad-Leaved Evergreens, Basic Engine Maintenance, and Home Greenhouse Gardening are just three of the classes offered in March by Longwood Gardens’ Continuing Education program. Students may take individual workshops as well as complete curricula in specialized areas to gain a certificate of merit. [more]
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Walks, Workshops and Events
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Wildflower walks, a tool sharpening workshop, maple sugaring, and trail rambles are among the March offerings at Tyler. The Arboretum encompasses 650 acres of renowned plant collections; champion trees; historic buildings; and 20 miles of hiking trails through woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. [more]
Walks, Workshops and Events
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
March offerings at Bowman’s Hill include weed patrol, daily wildflower tours, and a pruning workshop. [more]
Panel Discussion: The Next 100 Million: Where Will They Go?
Thursday, March 1, 6 pm
University of Pennsylvania
F-85 Huntsman Hall
3730 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
Sponsored by the Penn Institute for Urban Research, this panel discussion on population growth and spatial development will also touch on climate change, infrastructure, and open space preservation. Contact by email or at 215-573-8386.
Symposium: “Technology’s Influence on the Interpretive Experience”
Friday, March 9
Ballroom
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Annual symposium of the Longwood Graduate Program. [more]
Symposium: Garden Wise 2007: A One-Day Gardening School
Saturday, March 10, 8 am - 3:30 pm
York Suburban High School
1800 Hollywood Drive
York, PA 17403
Larry Weaner speaks on “Breaking the Rules: Creating Natural Landscapes in the Real World,” and Nancy Beaubaire speaks on “Beyond the Grass Ceiling: Less Lawn, More Natives” at this event sponsored by the York County Master Gardeners. Contact Ashley by email or at 717-840-7408.
Lecture: “Natural Resource Conservation and Sustainable Economies in Urban Environments”
Sunday, March 11, 2 pm
Sharpless Auditorium
Haverford College
370 Lancaster Avenue
Haverford, PA
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis will outline efforts by several local groups to replant our neighborhoods in this lecture sponsored by the campus arboretum association. Contact Martha Van Artsdalen by email or at 610-896-1101.
Winterthur Witch Hazels
Wednesday, March 14, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE
Educational walk with Chris Strand, director of the garden and estate. [more]
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Bartram’s Garden Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Reception
Wednesday, March 14, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
The Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA
Robert M. Peck and Alfred E. Schuyler present Bartram holdings in the Academy’s library, as well as rare books from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Contact Michele DiGirolamo by email or at 215-729-5281 x115.
Hobby Greenhouse Association meeting
Saturday, March 17, 10 am - Noon
Horticulture Center, Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, PA
Members will discuss how they grow their favorite house plants. Contact Bernie Wiener by email.
Lecture: “Fighting Extinction with Native Plants”
Sunday, March 18, 1 pm
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Schmucker Science Center North
South Church Street
West Chester, PA
Find out why our lives depend on our native plants and what we can do to help preserve them. [more]
Spring Containers
Wednesday, March 21, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE
Educational demonstration with horticulturist Michele Sykes. [more]
Workshop: Spring Planting and Composting
Wednesday, March 21, 10 - 11:30 am
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08103
Sally McCabe will demonstrate how to make and use compost and how to start plants from seeds indoors. Contact Betsy Payne by email or at 856-365-8733.
Dessert Lecture: Sustainable Landscapes
Wednesday, March 21, 7 pm
Longwood Gardens Ballroom
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA 19348-0501
Join Marie Stella, landscape historian and designer, as she explores biodiversity and heirloom plants, rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, and more. Register two for the price of one. [more]
Philadelphia Botanical Club
Thursday, March 22, 7:30 pm
Comisky Conference Center
One Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA
Lecture: “Plant Habitats in the Northeastern U.S.” Contact Alina Freire-Fierro by email, at 215-299-1157 or website. [more]
Exhibition: “Virtues and Pleasures of Herbs through History: Physic, Flavor, Fragrance and Dye”
March 22 - June 29, 2007
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. [more]
Sixth International IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Symposium: “Transcending Boundaries”
March 24 - 26
Portland Convention Center
Portland, OR
Symposium sessions will address IPM across disciplines, internationally, in the marketplace, urban settings, greenhouses and more. [more]
Start Composting Today
Wednesday, March 28, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE
Educational demonstration with Hetty Francke, composting specialist for the Delaware Division of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. [more]
Roses that Thrive in the Landscape
Wednesday, March 28, 7:30 pm
Mandell Room 114
Henry Schmieder Arboretum of Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA
Rosarian Mike Tuczynski discusses basic rose care and how to incorporate roses into the garden. Call 215-489-2283. [more]
International Orchid Show & Sale
Friday, March 30 - Sunday, April 1, 9 am - 6 pm
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Three-day judged show will feature exhibits by regional orchid societies and renowned vendors. [more]
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Ask a Gardening Question – At the Flower Show
During Flower Show week, our friendly, knowledgeable volunteers who answer your gardening questions at the Ask-A-Gardener plant information desk are at the Philadelphia Flower Show, so hold those calls and emails until Monday, March 12. If you can't wait to stump them, visit the Horticulture Information Booth on the Show floor and ask your garden questions there.
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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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