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"The Wired Gardener" Online Newsletter
May 2006
Click on one of the topics below to jump to that section.
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Web Reviews
Edens Lost and Found to air on PBS
In 2004, a film crew was in Philadelphia to shoot footage for Edens Lost & Found, a four-hour documentary series to air on PBS. Edens will tell the tale of four cities—Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle—that are using greening and environmental innovation as a means towards urban rebirth. The one-hour segment featuring Philadelphia will premiere on PBS on MAY 25, 2006. Check your local listings. [more]
The World’s Largest Garden Party
The Wired Gardener is one source of information about gardening events scheduled in the Philadelphia area during the month of May. Another source is The World’s Largest Garden Party, a celebration of events and activities during the month of May at more than two dozen of the region’s most beautiful gardens. The listing is posted on the website of Greater Philadelphia Gardens, a consortium of public gardens, arboreta, and historic houses with gardens in the Philadelphia region.
PlantSource Launched
PlantSource is an online database that helps gardeners find plants at retail and wholesale nurseries, garden centers, plants societies, and public garden sales within the Philadelphia region.
Garden Tools Easy on the Hands
OXO International, famous for its ergonomic kitchen tools, now has a line of gardening tools. From the six-piece Container Garden Set to the colorful Pour & Store Watering Cans, there’s a tool to make your gardening chores easier.
Happy 400th, America
In 2007, Virginia will mark the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. The Virginia Extension Service provides garden designs, featuring red, white, and blue flowers, to help celebrate America’s 400th anniversary. Plant lists for containers and community gardens are included on the web site hosted by Virginia Tech. The Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown is in Zone 7a, and the Philadelphia area is in Zone 6b.
Drought Watch in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a statewide drought watch in April. Below normal rainfall in the winter and spring months has led to declining groundwater and surface water levels. Residents are asked to reduce water use by 5 percent. Water conservation tips are posted on this site.
Plant after the Last Frost
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides Freeze/Frost Maps through the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). These maps contain nationwide information for the last frost in your area, as well as the first freeze in the fall.
From AABGA to APGA
The American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta (AABGA) has changed its name to the American Public Garden Association (APGA) to better reflect its member institutions. Publications include the Directory of Internships & Higher Education Programs in Public Horticulture.
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Book Donations Wanted
Spring cleaning? Recycle your gardening books by donating them to PHS for the annual McLean Library Book Sale. The fall sale will take place on Tuesday, October 3, from 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.
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New Books in the McLean Library
See the "What's New in the Library" page of our web site.
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PHS Events
City Gardening Series: Fragrant Flower Garden
Wednesday, May 3, 7 - 8 pm
Katherine Drexel Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
11099 Knights Road
Philadelphia, PA
Garden writer and educator Eva Monheim offers ideas on designing and planting to bring fragrance to the garden. [more]
Book Group: Stories from the Garden
Thursday, May 4, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
This month's selection: Sarah Orne Jewett’s 'The Country of the Pointed Firs.' [more]
TreeVitalize Neighborhood Tree Planting
Saturday, May 6, 10 am - 1 pm
Art Museum Area
Location to be announced
Philadelphia, PA
Come help plant trees. Fairmount Tree Tenders will plant 57 trees in the Art Museum area. [more]
City Gardening Series: Container Gardening with Herbs
Monday, May 8, 4 - 5 pm
Queen Memorial Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
1201 S. 23rd Street
Philadelphia, PA
Learn how to successfully plant and grow herbs in a variety of containers throughout the growing season. [more]
Class: Layering Your Garden for Maximum Year-Round Enjoyment
Three Mondays: May 8, May 15, May 22, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
Have you dreamed of having a four-season garden, one where each day of the year brings you pleasure, a garden where each space is special in itself, yet ties in with the next area to weave together an exquisite garden picture? [more]
City Gardening Series: Gardening with Kids
Wednesday, May 10, 4 - 5 pm
Joseph E. Coleman Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
68 West Chelten Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Eva Monheim shares advice and fun ideas on gardening for and with children. [more]
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Philadelphia Tree Tenders Basic Training
Three Wednesdays, May 10, 17, 24, 5:45 - 8:45 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, 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]
City Gardening Series: Attracting Birds to Your Garden
Wednesday, May 10, 7 - 8 pm
Fox Chase Free Branch, Library of Philadelphia
501 Rhawn Street
Philadelphia, PA
Eva Monheim will talk about which garden plants and flowers attract and feed birds. [more]
Chanticleer Walk: Line, Color, Form, and Hot New Plants
Thursday, May 11, 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]
City Gardening Series: The Urban Garden - Pits, Plots and the Window Box
Saturday, May 13, 10 am - 1 pm
The Trinity Center for Urban Life
22nd and Spruce Streets
Philadelphia, PA
Landscape designer Toni Ann Flanigan will present a program on successful urban gardening, followed by a tour of private Center City gardens. [more]
City Gardening Series: Designing and Planting Window Boxes
Monday, May 15, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Richmond Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
2987 Almond Street
Philadelphia, PA
Penn State Extension educator Doris Stahl will demonstrate the basics of plant selection, design, watering and fertilizing for lush, colorful window boxes. [more]
Chanticleer Walk: Shade Gardening
Wednesday, May 17, 6 - 8 pm
Chanticleer
786 Church Road
Wayne, PA
Gardening in the shade poses a unique set of challenges, but the rewards can be most satisfying as you enjoy the cool blends of colors and textures only shady gardens offer. [more]
City Gardening Series: Blooming Houseplants
Wednesday, May 17, 7 - 8 pm
Fox Chase Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
501 Rhawn Street
Philadelphia, PA
Horticultural therapist Mona Gold will demonstrate how, with proper care, flowering houseplants will joyfully blossom. [more]
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City Gardening Series: Spring Bus Trip to Chanticleer
Thursday, May 18, 5 - 8 pm
Meet at The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Join us for an inspiring evening as Chanticleer staff horticulturist Jonathan Wright leads a workshop on designing the mixed border. [more]
The Urban Sustainability Forum
Thursday, May 18, 6 - 8:30 pm
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA
This month’s topic: Redeveloping Healthy Philadelphia Neighborhoods. [more]
City Gardening Series: Planting Summer Bulbs
Saturday, May 20, 10 - 11 am
Frankford Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
4634 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Community gardener Janet Carter will lead this hands-on workshop demonstrating planting techniques for growing summer bulbs in the garden. [more]
PHS Garden Visit: Chestnut Hill Area
Sunday, May 21, Noon - 5 pm
Chestnut Hill Area
Philadelphia, PA
Garden Visits are open only to PHS members and their guests. [more]
In The Garden: Spring Wildflowers at Mount Cuba
Tuesday, May 23, 10 am - Noon
Mount Cuba Center
Greenville, DE
The Mt. Cuba Center, dedicated to the study of piedmont flora, realizes the vision of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland. [more]
City Gardening Series: Planning Your Summer Garden
Wednesday, May 24, 7 - 8 pm
Fox Chase Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
501 Rhawn Street
Philadelphia, PA
Summer is approaching, and horticultural educator Charlotte Kidd offers tips for plant selection and garden planning. [more]
City Gardening Series: Gardening in Containers
Saturday, May 27, 10 am - Noon
Southwest Community Development Corporation
6328 Paschall Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Community gardener Janet Carter will show how to have attractive seasonal containers throughout the summer by using a variety of plants. [more]
City Gardening Series: Houseplants and Their Care
Wednesday, May 31, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
West Oak Lane Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
2000 Washington Lane
Philadelphia, PA
Want to know how to keep your houseplants healthy? Lori Hayes offers advice for growing and maintaining flowering and foliage houseplants. [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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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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Other Gardening News and Events
Continuing Education Courses
May, 2006
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
From Tai Chi to Proper Tea, Longwood Continuing Education is offering a varied lineup of classes in May. Students may take individual workshops as well as complete curricula in specialized areas to earn a certificate of merit. [more]
Daily Guided Tours
May through October, 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]
“Fragrant Violets”
Tuesday, May 2, 6:30 pm
Triple Oaks Nursery and Herb Garden
2359 Delsea Drive
Franklinville, NJ
Pick violets, enjoy a spring supper using violets, and create a pressed violet plaque. [more]
Urban Forestry Grant Workshop
Tuesday, May 2, 6 - 8 pm
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 North Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
Learn how to get grant money to fund a neighborhood tree project. [more]
Tree Planting and Care
Wednesday, May 3, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE 19735
Educational demonstration with Emilio Oliva, estate horticulturist. [more]
“Morven in May”
Friday, May 5, 5 - 7 pm
Morven Museum & Garden
Princeton, NJ
Garden party and auction of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Call 609-924-8144.
Spring Plant Sale
Friday - Saturday, May 5 - 6, 10 am - 2 pm
Fairmount Park Horticulture Center
100 North Horticultural Drive
Philadelphia, PA
Annuals, hanging baskets, house plants, scented geraniums, herbs. Call 215-685-0096.
Composting Workshop
Saturday, May 6, 10 am
4-H Farm and Educational Center
395 Bishop Hollow Road
Newtown Square
Free composting bin. Contact Linda Barry at 610-690-7669 or lrb16@psu.edu
Spring Bird Walks
Saturdays, May 6 - June 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 to adult. [more]
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Miniature Garden Portraits in Colored Pencil
Saturday, May 6, 10 am - 3 pm
Sunday, May 7, 10 am - 3 pm
Scott Arboretum Classroom and Gardens
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
Workshop with Eileen Rosen. Call 610-328-8025. [more]
A Walk in the Moonlight
Saturday May 6, 7:30 - 9 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Program for all ages explores the natural world at night. [more]
House and Gardens Tour
Sunday, May 7, 3 - 5 pm
The Highlands Mansion and Gardens
7001 Sheaff Lane (at Route 73)
Ft. Washington, PA
Stroll in the gardens and enjoy a tour of the mansion. Scavenger hunts and games for the kids. [more]
Summer Watering Strategies for your Garden
Wednesday, May 10, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE 19735
Educational demonstration with Libby Mazzio, natural resources technician. [more]
“Turn a Ho-Hum Mailbox into an Oasis”
Wednesday, May 10, Noon
The Highlands Mansion and Gardens
7001 Sheaff Lane (at Route 73)
Ft. Washington, PA
Jane Irvin-Klotz will show you what plants will work well around your mailbox. [more]
Guided Tour: Tree Peonies
Wednesday, May 10, 5:30 - 7 pm
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
Join Jeff Jabco to learn about “the king of flowers.” [more]
Meeting: West Jersey Rose Society
Wednesday, May 10, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Carman Tilelli Community Center
Cherry Hill Township Complex
820 Mercer Street
Cherry Hill, NJ
Exhibitor Ken Bormann will discuss how to prepare and enter roses for the Society’s June 3 Rose Show. Call 856-234-6583.
Bus Tour to Mt. Cuba Center for Piedmont Flora
Thursday, May 11, 9 am - 4 pm
Bus leaves from Security Building
Henry Schmieder Arboretum of Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA
Two-hour guided tour through woodland and around the pond during the peak period of bloom. [more]
Spring Native Plant Sale
Friday, May 12, 2 - 7 pm (members only)
Saturdays and Sundays, May 13 - 14, 20 - 21, 10 am - 4 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
The Preserve offers a premier selection of more than 200 species of high-quality native plants for sale on site. [more]
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The Wilmington City Gardens Contest Kick-off
Friday, May 12, 3 pm
Hattie Phelan Community Garden
10th & Pine Streets
Wilmington, DE
Workshop on how the contest works and judging criteria. [more]
Bus trip to Cross County and Well-Sweep Farm Nurseries
Saturday, May 13, 7:30 am - 5 pm
Bus leaves from Awbury Arboretum Cope House
Chew Avenue (between Haines Street and Washington Lane)
Philadelphia, PA
Join Leo Cooper and the Garden Club of Awbury Arboretum to shop for organic vegetable plants at Cross County Nursery and enjoy more shopping and a tour at Well-Sweep Farm Nursery. Call Leo Cooper at 215-224-5872.
Guided Tour: A Walk with the Curator
Monday, May 15, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
Andrew Bunting will discuss the most recent accessions of the collection, why plants were removed from the collection and maybe should be removed from your garden. [more]
Lecture: Lovely Long-lasting Lilies and Awesome Alliums
Tuesday, May 16, 7:30 pm
Lang Performing Arts Center Cinema
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
Brent Heath will guide you as the alliums and lilies of summer unfold their colorful, often fragrant, blossoms. [more]
Workshop: Summer Flowering Bulb Containers
Wednesday, May 17, 9 am - Noon
Scott Arboretum Classroom and Gardens
Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA
Join Brent Heath for this hands-on workshop to create a multi-dimensional container of summer flowering bulbs. [more]
Fern Walk
Wednesday, May 17, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE 19735
Guided walk with Linda Eirhart, assistant director of horticulture. [more]
“Starting an Herb Garden Naturally”
Wednesdays, May 17 - June 7, 7 - 9 pm
Saturday, May 20, 9:30 am
Triple Oaks Nursery and Herb Garden
2359 Delsea Drive
Franklinville, NJ
Join Lorraine Kiefer to learn about the history and culture of herbs and edible flowers. [more]
Grow Your Berry Best: Fruit in Your Own Backyard
Wednesday, May 17, 7:30 pm
Student Center Music Room
Henry Schmieder Arboretum of Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA
Founders Lecture with Scott Guiser. [more]
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Springtime in the DCH Gardens
Thursday, May 18, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 North Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
Lenny Wilson will highlight late spring flowering perennials and shrubs. [more]
30th Anniversary Gala Reception
Saturday, May 20, 5 - 8 pm
The Lawn and Physic Garden of the Pennsylvania Hospital
Entrance on 800 block of Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA
Reception to help launch the “Learn to Grow Youth Education Program” at the Physic Garden. Call Tiffany Andrews at 215-829-3075.
“Rock Gardens”
Sunday, May 21, 2 pm
Valentine Gardens
358 N. Sandy Hill Road
Coatesville, PA
Free workshop. Call 610-857-9584 or email.
Care of Peonies
Wednesday, May 24, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE
Educational demonstration with Leigh Donnelly, horticulturist. [more]
Philadelphia Botany Club
Thursday, May 25, 7:30 pm
Marvin Comisky Conference Center,
Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley LLP
One Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA
Wayne R. Ferren, Jr., lectures on “Adventures with Seep-Weeds and Sea-Blites: Systematics of the Genus Suaeda.” [more]
“Knowing Native Plants: Flowering Shrubs”
Saturday, May 27, 10 am - 1 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Learn about the wildlife value and landscape beauty that native shrubs offer. Slides/discussion followed by outdoor tour. [more]
Sycamore Hill in Bloom
Wednesday, May 31, 11:30 am - Noon
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Winterthur, DE
Guided walk with Susan Boss, horticulturist. [more]
Riverton Garden Tour
Saturday, June 3, 10 am - 4 pm
The Porch Club of Riverton
4th and Howard Streets
Riverton, NJ
Tour ten gardens in Victorian Riverton, New Jersey, and have lunch (optional). Contact Pat Brunker at 856-630-5356 or by email.
Garden Tour in Western Chester County
Saturday, June 3, 10 am - 4 pm
The Gardens of Octorara
c/o Atglen Public Library
Atglen, PA
Self-driven, self-paced tour to five to seven private gardens in the Octorara area. [more]
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Garden Tea Party and Herb Luncheon
Thursday, June 4, 1 pm
Triple Oaks Nursery and Herb Garden
2359 Delsea Drive
Franklinville, NJ
Multi-coarse luncheon benefits our Horticultural Scholarship fund. Event includes herbal talks, teas, and hat contest. Contact Elyse Cramer at 856-881-2585 or by email.
Herbal Delights Symposium: “Going Global with Herbs”
Sunday - Tuesday, June 18 - 20
Conrad Weiser High School
Route 422
Robesonia, PA
Symposium sponsored by Pennsylvania Heartland Herb Society includes lectures, workshops and garden bus tour. Contact Patricia Kline at 610-944-6360 or by email.
Newport Flower Show: “The Pleasures of Summer”
Friday - Sunday, June 23 - 25
Rosecliff
Newport, RI
This flower show will offer floral arrangements, horticulture exhibits, lectures, workshops, and special events for kids. [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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