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"The Wired Gardener" Online Newsletter
 October 2007
Click on one of the topics below to jump to to that section.
Web Reviews
PHS Announces 2008 Gold Medal Plants
PHS has made its annual selection of plants notable for their pest resistance, ease of growing, and beauty. Read about our 2008 winners, including Common Boxwood, Japanese Hornbeam, Gold Rush Dawn Redwood, and Japanese Plum Yew at Gold Medal Plants – Recent Winners
To learn more about this program and past winners, visit www.goldmedalplants.org
Nature Story
“Stories from the Heart of the Land” is a public radio show sponsored by the Nature Conservancy and Visa. Listen to stories of people interacting with nature all over the world and in ways you might not have imagined.
Just the Plants Ma’am
Meet Flora Delaterre, Plant Detective. She is a character created by the University of Montana who hosts the radio show “The Plant Detective.” Ms. Delaterre travels the globe to investigate medicinal plants and reports to you via her radio broadcasts and this colorful, informative website.
Get Your Garden Ghostly
Prepare for Halloween with suggestions from the University of Vermont Extension’s article “A Garden of Ghoulish Delights” . Select plants that welcome or repel Halloween’s creatures. Whichever you choose, your garden will be in the spirit.
Orchidaceous Cretaceous
The scientific journal Nature has recently reported that scientists have dated orchid pollen on an ancient bee trapped in amber to the Late Cretaceous period, between 76 and 84 million years ago. This means that orchids are about 50 million years older than previously thought and that they coexisted with dinosaurs. For the full story, see BBC News.
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PHS McLean Library News
New Exhibit in the Library: 100 Years of Community Gardens in Philadelphia: School Gardens, Thrift Gardens, Victory Gardens and Vacant Lot Cultivation from 1897 to 1945 & the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Programs of Today.
This exhibit focuses on Philadelphia community garden projects in the first half of the twentieth century that provided nutrition and well-being during the most difficult times - times of war, economic crisis, and social turmoil. These projects are the precursors to many of the activities sponsored today by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and its partners. The exhibit includes rarely seen items from PHS collections. We are grateful to Temple University Library Special Collections and the Free Library of Philadelphia for their contributions to this exhibit. Visit the library at PHS headquarters, 100 N. 20th Street, 1st Floor (through mid-December).
Book Sale
The McLean Library Book Sale will be held on Tuesday, October 2, from 9:30 am to 5 pm in the library. Buy new gardening books at up to a 50 percent discount and used gardening classics at exceptional prices.
At 11:30, Carmen Herrera von Wrangell will show you how to create a Garden Book a book for your garden where you can record how it has changed over time and all of the improvements you’ve made. Carmen has been gardening organically at Furball Cottage for 25 years. Her garden is a Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat. [more]
McLean Library Co-Sponsors Conservation Workshops in November
The McLean library will co-sponsor two workshops organized by Philadelphia’s Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts. Raising the Match: Fundraising for Preservation and Conservation (November 1) and Marketing and Media: Promoting Cultural Collections (November 2), both full-day workshops, will be held in the PHS auditorium on the 5th Floor. [more]
New Books in the Library
See the "What's New in the Library" page of our web site:
http://www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/garden/whatsnew.html
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PHS Events
City Gardening Series: Bus Trip to Pennsbury Manor
Monday, October 1, 9 am - 3 pm
Pennsbury Manor
Bucks County, PA
Pennsbury Manor, the recreated country home of William Penn in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, offers a peaceful retreat from modern life. [more]
Demonstration: Transformations
Wednesday, October 3, 10 am - Noon
Philadelphia Cricket Club
415 West Willow Grove Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Join us for an exciting design event as acclaimed Australian floral arranger Mark Pampling reinterprets traditional design to create contemporary sculpted arrangements. Less is more in this dramatic presentation of floral artistry. [more]
City Gardening Series: Houseplants for Kids
Wednesday, October 3, 4 - 5 pm
Kensington Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
104 W. Dauphin Street
Philadelphia, PA
Penn State extension agent Doris Stahl will show easy ways to introduce kids to the pleasures of caring for houseplants. [more]
Book Club: Stories from the Garden
Thursday, October 4, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
This month’s selection: Walt Whitman, Selected Poems. [more}
City Gardening Series: How to Build a Cold Frame
Saturday, October 6, 10 – 11 am
Awbury Arboretum
One Awbury Road
Philadelphia, PA
Penn State extension agent Christine Tilles demonstrates how to build a simple cold frame that will help you extend the growing season. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Miniature Garden and Landscape Design 101
Tuesday, October 9, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Presenters will show slides and talk about past and present miniature gardens and landscapes at the Philadelphia Flower Show. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Stuffed Forms
Tuesday, October 9, 1 - 3 pm
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
The 2008 Flower Show will feature a new class, “Dog Show,” for stuffed “canine” forms, which will be on display at the Show all week. Attend this free how-to demonstration. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Houseplant Combination Planters
Wednesday, October 10, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
European “dish gardens” combine the textures and colors of flowering plants with the foliage of small tropical plants in a classic accent dish that will brighten your home. [more]
City Gardening Series: Fall Tree Walk
Wednesday, October 10, 6 - 7:30 pm
Horticulture Center, Fairmount Park
Belmont Avenue and North Horticultural Drive
Philadelphia, PA
Fairmount Park district manager Lori Hayes guides us on a tour of the diverse trees surrounding the Horticulture Center. [more]
9th Annual Fall For Your Park
Saturday, October 13, 8 am - Noon
Cobbs Creek neighborhood
Philadelphia, PA
Volunteers are needed for the 9th annual Fall For Your Park, held this year at Cobbs Creek Park, the Laura Sims Skatehouse, and the Cobbs Creek Recreation Center in West Philadelphia. [more]
City Gardening Series: Arranging Fresh Flowers
Monday, October 15, 7 - 8 pm
Roots Community Garden, Fisher Park
N. 6th St. & W. Spencer St.
Philadelphia, PA
Horticulturist Eva Monheim shares a few basic principles of flower arranging that can help you add beauty and life to your home. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Houseplant Propagation
Tuesday, October 16, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
How can you ensure the future of your favorite houseplants? How do you make new ones from the old? Propagate them! [more]
City Gardening Series: Growing Herbs Indoors
Wednesday, October 17, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Tacony Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
6742 Torresdale Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Enjoy fresh herbs year-round! Horticultural therapist Mona Gold will discuss what every gardener should know about growing and caring for herbs indoors throughout the winter. [more]
In the Garden: Courtyard Gardens at Medford Leas
Saturday, October 20, 10 am - Noon
Medford Leas
Medford, NJ
One of the favorite features of the 2008 Flower Show, “Jazz it Up!” will be New Orleans French Quarter-style courtyard gardens. A courtyard garden makes an ideal personal haven or a shared refuge, providing an immediate sense of place. [more]
City Gardening Series: Festive Fall Containers
Saturday, October 20, 2 - 3 pm
Wynnefield Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
5325 Overbrook Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Garden designer Charlotte Kidd demonstrates how to create stunning fall containers with unusual foliage and flowers in the shades of autumn. [more]
City Gardening Series: Houseplants - Your Indoor Garden
Monday, October 22, 6 - 7 pm
Eastwick Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
2851 Island Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Horticultural therapist Beverly Agard gives tips on keeping your indoor garden alive and well. [more]
Botanical Illustration with Watercolor
Eight Tuesdays beginning October 23, 10 am - 1 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 North 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
If you feel challenged by the medium of watercolor or have wondered how botanical artists create the illusion of reality, this is the class for you. [more]
City Gardening Series: Fall is for Planting - Tree and Shrubs
Wednesday, October 24, 4 - 5 pm
Haddington Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
446 N. 65th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Lori Hayes will discuss why fall is an excellent time to plant many trees and shrubs. [more]
City Gardening Series: Fall is for Planting - Spring Bulbs
Saturday, October 27, 2 - 3 pm
Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway
Philadelphia, PA
Community gardener Janet Carter shares information on selecting, planting, and landscaping with spring bulbs. [more]
Spooky Trees Walking Tour
Sunday, October 28, 4 - 6 pm
Cabrini College, Wayne, PA
This family-friendly program will feature a walking tour of the enchanting Main Line campus of Cabrini College, highlighting its spookiest, most sinister trees at the scariest season. As darkness approaches, we will stop at trees rich in lore, and knowledgeable guides will deepen our appreciation of these mysterious members of the living landscape. [more]
City Gardening Series: Holiday Houseplants
Monday, October 29, 7 - 8 pm
Fox Chase Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
501 Rhawn Street
Philadelphia, PA
Master Gardener Robin Potter demonstrates how to keep houseplants looking and growing their best year-round. [more]
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Family-Friendly Gardening
Fall Festival
Sunday, October 7, 11 am - 3 pm
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
100 Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Make a scarecrow, paint a pumpkin, sample different varieties of apples and enjoy musical entertainment with Flumpa the Frog. [more]
Mum Madness & Pumpkin Parade
Camden Children’s Garden Family Festival
Saturday, October 13
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
For more information, contact Betsy Payne at bpayne@camdenchildrensgarden.org or 856-365-8733.
Preschool Reading Hour
Thursday, October 18, 10 - 11:30 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]
A Walk in the Moonlight
Sunday, October 20, 6 - 7:30 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Join in an early-evening ramble to explore the transition from dusk to darkness, from sight to sound. For all ages. [more]
Fall Family Fun
Saturday, October 27, 10 am - 1 pm
Bartram’s Garden
54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Fall foliage tour with head gardener Todd Greenberg, plus cider-making and nature craft activities for children. [more]
Goblins in the Garden
Saturday - Sunday, October 27 - 28
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
For more information, contact Betsy Payne at bpayne@camdenchildrensgarden.org or 856-365-8733.
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Other Gardening News & Events
Continuing Education Courses
October, 2007
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Gorgeous Gourds, Floral Design, and Orchids for Beginners are just a few of the interesting classes offered this October at Longwood Gardens.
[more]
Weed Patrol, Walks and Classes
October 2007
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Fall foliage walks, classes about organisms small to tall, and naturalist training are among the October programs at the preserve. [more]
Scott Arboretum Events
October, 2007
Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
This month enjoy guided tours of the arboretum’s green roofs or plant collections, attend the annual Perennial Plant Conference, or hear Dan Hinkley lecture on creating a low impact garden. [more]
Continuing Education Courses
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
100 Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
The arboretum’s listing of thirty-four classes and workshops for October includes a tour of historic Wingohocking Creek (“From Creek to Sewer”), a workshop on gardening with native plants, and a class on mapping and site analysis. [more]
Workshop: How to Build a Cold Frame
Saturday, October 6, 10 - 11 am
Francis Cope House
Awbury Arboretum
Chew Avenue between Haines Street and Walnut Lane
Philadelphia, PA
Learn how to extend your growing season at a demonstration sponsored by the Community Garden Club of Awbury Arboretum and PHS. Contact Leomar Cooper at LeoatAwbury@hotmail.com or 215-224-5872.
Lecture: Botanical Art from the Time of Lewis & Clark to the Present Day
Saturday, October 6, 2:30 pm
The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
19 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA
Ernie Schuyler and Jan Denton will discuss botanical art beginning with early paintings of plants collected by Meriwether Lewis to present-day drawings and paintings by botanical illustrators. This event is part of an all-day “Gala Celebration of Lewis & Clark Science.” [more]
American Rhododendron Society
Thursday, October 11, 7:30 pm
Widener Building
Morris Arboretum
100 Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
A panel of rhododendron and azalea growers will be available to answer questions on the care and culture of the genus. Contact 215-844-6253.
“Festival of Trees” and Fall Plant Sale
Sunday, October 13, 9 am - 1 pm
East Goshen Township Building
1580 Paoli Pike
West Chester, PA
Plant sale sponsored by Penn State Chester County Master Gardeners will include speakers, demonstrations and children’s activities. Call 610-696-3500 for more information.
Walking Tour and Plant Sale: From Kitchen to Garden
Saturday, October 13, 9:30 - 4 pm
New Castle Public Library
424 Delaware Street
New Castle, DE
Walking tour of historic New Castle’s kitchens and gardens is sponsored by the New Castle Library Friends. Sale of spring bulbs, local plants, and garden ware is sponsored by the Astrapha Garden Club. [more]
African Violet Show and Plant Sale
Saturday, October 13, Noon - 7 pm
Sunday, October 14, 11 am - 4 pm
Lighthouse Fellowship United Methodist Church
137 North Easton Road
Glenside, PA
The judged show features a display of specimen African Violets and other Gesneriads. For more information, contact Betsy at 610-489-6124, Judy at 215-233-2579, or Mary Jane at 215-675-5571.
Elements, Forms, and Functions of Natural Water Gardens
Wednesday, October 17, 7:30 pm
Student Center Music Room
Henry Schmieder Arboretum of Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA
Founders Lecture with John Mark Courtney. No registration necessary. For more information call 215-489-2283.
Third Annual Schuylkill Banks Regatta
Saturday, October 20
Bartram’s Garden
54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Bartram’s Garden is the starting point for the only regatta on the lower Schuylkill. The Bartram House will be open for free tours. [more]
Haverford College Arboretum Walk
Sunday, October 21, 1:30 pm
Haverford College
370 Lancaster Avenue
Haverford, PA
Join the horticultural staff for an hour-long tour of the campus in all its autumn beauty. Call Martha Van Artsdalen at 610-896-1101 for more information.
Lecture: Color in the Garden
Tuesday, October 23, 6:30 pm
The American Horticultural Society
George Washington’s River Farm
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA
Research geneticist Dr. Robert Griesbach will use familiar garden plants as examples to explain the science behind color in plants. [more]
Potting Bulbs for Indoor Bloom
Wednesday, October 24, 10 - 11:30 am
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
Workshop for adults with expert bulb grower Walt Fisher. For more information, contact Betsy Payne at bpayne@camdenchildrensgarden.org or 856-365-8733.
Philadelphia Botanical Club
Thursday, October 25, 7:30 pm
Comisky Conference Center
Blank Rome LLP
One Logan Square (enter on north side of Cherry Street between 18th and 19th Streets)
Philadelphia, PA
Alfred E. Schuyler of the Academy of Natural Sciences will speak on “Benjamin Smith Barton: Naturalist and Physician in Jeffersonian America.” Reception will follow. [more]
New Jersey Tree Federation Annual Meeting
Friday - Sunday, October 26 - 28
Crowne Plaza
Cherry Hill, NJ
Contact Bill Porter at njshadetreefederation@worldnet.att.net or 732-246-3210. [more]
How to Submit News & Events
The Wired Gardener is issued 10 times a year (no July or 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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Garden Q & A
Our gardening experts volunteer their time to answer your questions. Use the form on our web site.
Q. I was given spectacular amaryllis plants for Mothers Day - 3 large bulbs in a small square plastic container. The roots are now visible and crowded. Can I separate them when they go dormant in a month or two? I would like to replant them either in larger container or separately but know they don't like change or a lot of space. Thanks. - Judith M., Downingtown, PA
A. Yes, you may divide them when they go dormant. You would probably have better luck if you waited until they show signs of new growth. Do not water them. Remove them from the pot and keep cool, about 50 to 60 degrees would be best. When they start showing signs of growth, divide them and pot them up individually. When repotting, use a high-quality potting soil and pot the bulb so that the top one third to one half of the bulb is above the soil surface. They like to be pot-bound and will bloom better. Use pots about one inch larger than the diameter of the bulb. To counter the height and weight of the bloom stalks, a clay or ceramic pot is best. Use a well-balanced fertilizer when they are actively growing.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Submit News & Events
The Wired Gardener is issued 10 times a year (no July or 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 McLean Library manager Janet Evans, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, with contributions by Elena Sisti and Priscilla Becroft.
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