Anat Sweeney
Baker

Learn how easy it is to change how you bake by substituting healthy options for typical ingredients. You can use beans instead of flour, avocados instead of cream, and more. Anat has a a three-year-old who loves her baking, but hates beans and avocado. In this class we will explore basic ingredient switches that will not only make your baking healthier, but tasty enough so you won’t know the difference. Anat will demonstrate her techniques and you will have a chance to taste her creations.  Recipes will be provided. Anat is a mom who learned how to make healthy baked goods that still taste good for her son.

Saturday, October 27
10 a.m.–12 noon

Amanda Tardiff, Vegan Cook
Mike Indorato, Morris Arboretum Assistant Chef

Join us as we prove that vegan cooking does not have to be tasteless or boring! Our vegan brunch class will feature gourmet French toast with fruit compote, tofu scramble, vegan seitan breakfast sausages, and more. Learn helpful vegan cooking tips while sipping on a complimentary mimosa and locally crafted coffee from Speakeasy Coffee Company. Come hungry because you will get to enjoy everything that is prepared. These recipes are so tasty that they can hold their own in any setting.  Who said vegans only eat grass?!

Sunday, November 4
12:30–2:30 p.m.

Peggy Paul Casella
Cookbook Editor and Writer

Learn a few simple formulas for transforming your fall farmers’ market haul into hearty, warming soups and stews. Peggy will give you a crash course in complementary fall flavors, then demonstrate how to make two different soups that can be customized to work with different combinations of available produce and suit personal tastes. You will be able to sample the soups and Peggy will provide bread to accompany them. If you want to get inspired before the class, check out her unique, seasonal flavor combos on ThursdayNightPizza.com.

Saturday, November 10
12:30–2:00 p.m.

Bob Gutowski
Director of Education and Visitor Experience, Morris Arboretum

Twilight in the garden is a special time to experience and share. Arboretum educator, historian, gardener, and naturalist Bob Gutowski will be your ramble guide. Relax and observe the landscape, creatures, sky, and plants as they transform for evening. Share some stories. Celebrate the sights, sounds, scents, and sensations of a summer’s days end in a beautiful place. Sunset is 7:14 p.m. If the sky is open, we may see five planets. Wear your walking shoes and dress for the weather. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Wednesday, September 12
6:30–8:30 p.m.

Adam Levine
Environmental Historian and Author

In this fascinating illustrated lecture, Adam Levine will uncover the drastic changes made in the city’s landscape. Since its founding in 1682, nearly all of the city’s streams have been systematically obliterated. Buried underground in pipes as large as 20 feet in  diameter, these streams, some of which had watersheds that covered thousands of acres, became main drainage arteries in the city’s 3,000-mile sewer system. These massive alterations to the landscape, undertaken over two centuries, had environmental repercussions that are still being felt today. Adam has worked for the Philadelphia Water Department since 1998, researching the city’s watersheds as well as its sewage and storm water drainage systems. His website is www.phillyh2o.org. You may also want to sign up for the trip, From Creek to Sewer: A Tour of Historic Wingohocking Creek on Saturday, October 3.

Monday, September 24
6:30–8 p.m.

Adam Levine
Environmental Historian and Author

Like any natural area in this well-watered part of the country, Philadelphia was once laced with a complex system of streams and their tributaries, many of which are now hidden underground. To provide level land for new homes, protect the health of our citizens, and provide drainage for expanding neighborhoods, city engineers in the 19th and 20th centuries re-channeled most of these waterways into massive sewers that now run far beneath the streets. Join Adam Levine on this fascinating van tour that will follow the winding course of the Wingohocking Creek. Once a major tributary to Frankford Creek that provided power for many factories, the Wingohocking now runs in a sewer that drains several neighborhoods, including Mt. Airy, Germantown, Olney, Feltonville, and Juniata. We will stop at points of interest along the way, including Awbury Arboretum and Belfield, home of Charles Willson Peale on the LaSalle University campus. You will also learn more about watersheds, and how you can help protect the streams in your neighborhoods. This tour is co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Water Department and the Morris Arboretum. Meet at the Morris Arboretum. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk. We will travel by van or small bus. You should be capable of getting in and out of the van/bus and walking on uneven terrain. Bring a snack and something to drink. A restroom break will be available.

Wednesday, October 3
9:30–1 p.m. 

Bob Gutowski
Director of Education and Visitor Experience, Morris Arboretum

Enjoy an evening walking tour of Bloomfield Farm followed by a beer tasting in the historic Springfield Mills. The Farm is not usually open to the public so take this opportunity to explore its structures, landscape, fauna, and special plants. Arboretum staff historian, Bob Gutowski will help you explore the Bloomfield Barn, Springfield Mills, and other features. The mill has been restored to operation with much of its centuries-old machinery. The mill buildings date back to the 1760s, and are the Arboretum’s oldest architectural features. After the tour we will taste a variety of interesting local beers while enjoying the atmosphere of the mill and its setting along the Wissahickon. Snacks will be included. Dress to explore. Meet in the Bloomfield Farm parking lot. Look for the paved road across Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Take the second right into the parking lot where Bob will be waiting for you.

Thursday, October 4
5–7 p.m.

Jess Slade
Natural Areas Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

Bob Gutowski
Director of Education and Visitor Experience, Morris Arboretum

For this tour, we will meet the dawn on a moonless morn. Daybreak is a special time in the Morris Arboretum’s natural lands and gardens. The sounds of wildlife carry in the cool and often misty air.  Birds lift from their evening roosts. Late season flowers unfurl their dewy blooms. There could be a frost in the lowlands and a crunch underfoot or it may be a balmy dawn that yields the low first-light of a rising sun raking bark and leafy hues. Expect an overland ramble as we explore what the season and nature offer the early riser. We plan to start at the wetland and ramble for a mile or more. Sunrise is at 7:10 a.m. Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. Meet in the parking lot to the left of the entrance kiosk. 

Sunday, October 14
6:30–8:30 a.m.

Joyce Munro
Essayist and former Dean of the Graduate School, Chestnut Hill College

We know a good bit about John Thompson Morris, the descendant of a prominent Colonial family of Philadelphia, who rose to the presidency of his father’s firm—the I.P. Morris Iron Works. We know he amassed an extraordinary collection of antiquities from around the world and turned the hilly terrain of Compton into world-class gardens that became the Morris Arboretum. But we know less about the institution he wanted to establish on his own property. Fortunately, John was a detail-oriented person and from his correspondence and other documents, we learn exactly what he had in mind for his “institution with a three-fold object.” Join us for an in-depth exploration of The Morris Botanical Garden, School, and Museum. In keeping with John’s concern for student health, we’ll enjoy an afternoon snack while we study.

Wednesday, October 17
4:30–6 p.m

Ruth Pfeffer
Birding Expert and Trip Leader

Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Academy of Natural Sciences’ amazing collection. The Academy, the oldest natural science institution in the Western Hemisphere, was founded in 1812 when Philadelphia was the cultural, commercial, and scientific center of our new nation. The Academy’s collection also contains more than 17,000,000 specimens. While the Academy has exhibits open to the public, it also has large collections that are used primarily by researchers, and rarely seen by visitors. We will see bird and plant specimens collected by pre-eminent ornithologists and botanists. On this special tour we will also have the opportunity to see some of the priceless books in the Academy’s library. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk. We will leave from the Arboretum and travel by van. Space is limited. Lunch will be at the Academy’s Bistro and is not included in the cost of the trip.

Tuesday, November 13
9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Northview is the home and garden of Jenny Rose Carey, who is Senior Director at PHS’s Meadowbrook Farm and author of Glorious Shade (2017). Jenny and her husband, Gus, have lived and gardened at Northview for 21 years. In that time, the garden has been slowly transformed from a sea of invasive plants in between some lovely old trees—to a wildlife haven and a welcoming garden for people. There are a series of garden rooms that will be in their early fall splendor at this time of year. The herb garden and cutting gardens will be in full growth. Jenny’s favorite flower in September is the dahlia, which is in its prime at this time of year. We will hear Jenny’s recommendations for fall shade gardens. The garden is totally organic and demonstrates a wide variety of gardening techniques. Other garden rooms include the Dry Garden, Sunset Garden, and Pond Gardens. We will leave from the Arboretum and travel by small bus. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk.

Tuesday, September 11
9 a.m.–12 noon

We will visit the New York Botanical Garden, an iconic living museum, a major educational institution, and a renowned plant research and conservation organization.  Founded in 1891 and now a National Historic Landmark, it is one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world and the largest in any city in the United States, distinguished by the beauty of its diverse landscape and extensive collections and gardens, as well as by the scope and excellence of its programs. Our day will start with a guided walking tour through some of the enchanting gardens within NYBG including the native plant garden, herb garden, and rock garden. A highlight of the visit will be the special Georgia O’Keeffe: Visions of Hawaii exhibit featuring paintings the artist created during a 1939 commission in Hawaii. The trip includes garden admission and admission to the O’Keeffe exhibit, a guided tour, lunch, and coach bus transportation. Wear good walking shoes. We will leave from the Morris Arboretum. Meet in the parking lot to the left of the entrance kiosk.

Tuesday, September 25
7:15 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Bob Gutowski
Trip Leader and Director of Education and Visitor Experience, Morris Arboretum

The Woodlands was the 1786 country seat of William Hamilton, and one of the nation's most architecturally sophisticated neoclassical houses from the early Republic. Located on the Schuylkill River, it was built to reflect a contemporary English picturesque landscape. In 1840, local investors purchased the estate and transformed the grounds into a rural cemetery. Still active today, Woodlands Cemetery retains two of Hamilton's 18th-century buildings, elaborate Victorian funerary monuments, and many majestic trees. We will also visit another city oasis, The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park, historically connected to the Woodlands. Dating from 1893, it is one of the oldest greenspaces on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus, and is located on the site of Penn’s first botanical garden. Today the 3.5 acre garden is cherished by wildlife, plants, and community members for its shaded paths, mature tree canopy, and lush plant palette. We will leave from the Arboretum by van. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk. The trip includes admission, lunch, and transportation.

Friday, September 28
9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Nestled in scenic New Hope, Pennsylvania, Paxson Hill Farm and Garden is made up of 20 acres of stunning landscapes. The property features a variety of garden styles, from a formal parterre to a 330- foot double-sided perennial border and a naturalistic shade garden with ponds. The attention to detail is highlighted by a maze garden, a natural earthen structure, and a recently designed conifer garden. We will have a guided tour with the garden’s owner, creator, and horticulturist, Bruce Gangawar. We will have lunch at the garden and have the opportunity to shop in the greenhouse and nursery that features a diverse offering of unusual specimens not commonly found at average garden centers. As we leave, we will stop next door at Manoff ’s Market Garden to shop for fresh-picked apples. We leave from the Arboretum and travel by small bus. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk. The fee includes admission, lunch, and transportation.

Tuesday, October 9
9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Barry Jeffries
Landscape Architect and Morris Arboretum Guide

Join us for a tour of the unique landscape and historic architecture of the beautiful St. Martin’s area of Chestnut Hill. Adjacent to the natural treasures of the Wissahickon Valley, this community continues to be blessed with many uniquely designed areas with historic homes and gardens, earning it the title of Philadelphia’s “Garden Suburb.” There are fascinating connections that exist between the history and development of the St. Martin’s area, landscape gardening, and the Morris Arboretum. We will examine this community’s rich architectural and landscape design legacy that has contributed to making this a very desirable suburban enclave in the Philadelphia area. Be prepared to walk. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Meet in front of Building 10 (Robotics Lab) at Springside/Chestnut Hill Academy, 500 West Willow Grove Avenue. (You may check the map on Springside/Chestnut Hill Academy website).

Saturday, October 13
1–3 p.m.

Mt. Moriah Cemetery, incorporated in 1855, is one of Philadelphia’s grand rural cemeteries, and with 380 acres, it is the largest cemetery in Pennsylvania. For many years, it suffered from neglect and mismanagement due in large part to the lack of a clear owner. It has two military plots dating back to the Civil War and an ornate brownstone gatehouse. We will learn about the history and future of Mt. Moriah and tour the gravesites. Many graves are of well-known Philadelphians, while some also have beautiful stone carvings. We will then head to Bartram’s Garden, the home of plantsman John Bartram, for lunch and a tour. The 1728 house and the garden in front have just undergone large-scale restoration. The “Carr Garden” has been restored to reflect its early 19th-century peak as a nursery for then-new species from Asia. We will tour the house and learn about the recently completed restoration project. Meet at the Arboretum. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk. We will travel by van. The fee includes admission, lunch, and van transportation.

Wednesday, October 17
8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Bob Gutowski
Director of Education and Visitor Experience, Morris Arboretum

Explore two sites and four centuries in Historic Germantown, Freedom’s Backyard. Historic Wyck House and gardens is one of Philadelphia’s oldest homes, dating from 1690 and renovated in 1824 by William Strickland. The stories of Wyck’s numerous notables are stories of Philadelphia art, horticulture, knowledge, and politics, including a family connection (Caspar Wistar) to John and Lydia Morris. We will visit the house and grounds, learn about their collections and programs, and enjoy a picnic lunch at Wyck. Next we head down the avenue for a behind the scenes visit to the museum, library, and archives of the Germantown Historical Society, headquarters for Germantown history, where we will examine some of the maps and images that document the “back part of Germantown,” home to the Morris Arboretum of today. This dynamic resource center in historic Market Square includes nationally important collections and archives that are used by the community as well as by researchers nationwide. We will leave from the Morris Arboretum. Meet in the parking lot to the left of the entrance kiosk. We will travel by van. Registration is limited. The fee includes admission, lunch, and transportation.

Thursday, October 18
10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Sara Trohaugh
Yoga Teacher and Therapeutic Massage Practitioner

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Arboretum as a setting to stretch, move, breath, and practice relaxing mindfulness techniques. This gentle yoga series is geared toward beginners and seasoned yogis alike looking to improve flexibility, focus, and overall well being.  Participants will be guided through a series of accessible yoga postures and techniques known for their therapeutic benefits. Sara offers individual hands-on attention to support a safe and nurturing yoga experience. Class will be held outside weather permitting. Please bring a yoga mat, water, and dress in layers. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Four Fridays: September 21, 28, October 5, 12   (Rain date: October 19)
10:30–11:30 a.m.

Eli Glick, PT
Physical Therapist and Master Gardener

Did you know that gardening can be part of a regular fitness program? Learn how the fitness components of aerobic conditioning, flexibility, and strength training can be incorporated into your gardening routine. As with any sport, gardening can provide opportunities for injury. Learn smart techniques for avoiding backache, neck pain, tennis elbow, and the other aches and pains that can occur from working in your garden. Demonstrations of proper lifting techniques and correct use of tools so that they work for you, not against you, will be illustrated in the class. Stretching and strength training exercises to help you limber up for fall gardening will be highlighted. These techniques are important for older gardeners looking for ways to avoid aching knees or for younger gardeners who want their backs to last a lifetime. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite ergonomic tool to share with the class. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for exercise. Bring a towel or mat to lie on.

Wednesday, October 10
7–8:30 p.m.

Megan Koppel
Natural Health Educator

We use many chemicals in our homes for cleaning and some of them are quite strong. Join us for a fun and interactive workshop where you will learn DIY techniques for making commonly used household cleaning products. Many of these are safer to use and can be made in minutes and for a fraction of the in-store price. In our workshop you will be guided through making your own DIY cleaner that you can take home and start using right away!

Saturday, October 13 
12:30 –2 p.m.

Sara Trohaugh
Yoga Teacher and Therapeutic Massage Practitioner

Mindfulness meditation is a form of meditation designed to develop the skills of deep listening to our inner and outer experiences with acceptance, patience, and compassion.  Mindfulness guides us to become more aware of thoughts and the sensory world: of what we are hearing, feeling, smelling, and experiencing through the body in the present moment, either inside or outside of ourselves. In the beautiful setting of the Arboretum, this class will guide us to use mindfulness meditation practices to enjoy nature and be fully present with ourselves as we stroll through the Arboretum. Sara Trohaugh is a longtime yoga instructor and massage therapist in the Philadelphia area. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Meet Sara at the Visitor Center.

Friday, October 26
10–11:30 a.m.

Megan Koppel
Natural Health Educator

Learn about go-to essential oils for surviving and thriving during the hectic and sometimes exhausting holiday season. Megan will provide her favorite tips, tricks, and recipes for rest and stress management, preventing the spread of illness, and dialing up the joy. Get your hands oily by creating a personalized blend to help you enjoy your holiday season to the fullest!

Saturday, November 17
12:30–2 p.m.

Paul D. Orpello
Horticulturist, Hagley Museum and Library

Containers have become a permanent fixture in the modern landscape. Whether you have planted one or a thousand, they still seem to excite the senses with new possibilities. Planting containers for the garden can be a seasonal activity, one that changes, develops, and enhances your landscape throughout the year. Containers can add depth and diversity to a small space or courtyard setting, or they can be used to evoke elements of style and architecture in a larger scale garden. They can also be effectively used to add permanent plantings of extraordinary specimens. During this lecture, certified horticulturist Paul Orpello will discuss the keys for successful container planting in any season. Paul will cover proper siting, selection, and various themes for all conditions. After the lecture, Paul will demonstrate several different installations and styles of container gardening.

Saturday, September 22
10 a.m.–12 noon

Valerie Solitrin
Landscape Designer

Who can resist the beauty of a blooming bulbs? Bulbs can add an exciting dimension to your flower garden and extend garden interest for weeks! Design ideas for incorporating bulbs into your garden and creating eye-catching combinations using bulbs with perennials will be a focus of this information-packed class. Learn how to choose quality bulbs and the best ways to plant them. Valerie will provide tips for selecting bulbs that tend to be critter-resistant and planting techniques to keep them away.

Thursday, September 27
6:30–9 p.m.

Shelley Dillard
Propagator, Morris Arboretum

Woody plants are often expensive and the particular one you want can be hard to find. Learn the secrets of propagating woody plants from seed. Seed from woody plants often requires special treatment for germination. These treatments are not difficult to perform, but are essential to break a seed’s dormancy and get it to grow. Shelley propagates seeds from all types of woody plants from this country and around the world in the Arboretum’s greenhouse complex. Through demonstrations she will share her expertise in collecting, cleaning, and propagating woody plant seeds. Check in at the Visitor Center, then walk to the greenhouse.

Saturday, September 29
10 a.m.–12 noon

Bess Trout
Horticulturist, Tyler Arboretum

Just because summer is winding down, doesn’t mean your garden has to! Come out to get some ideas and learn a few new tricks to help create a home garden with four seasons of interest, for you and the wildlife who might be visiting your yard. In fall and winter, texture takes center stage. Learn about the plants that shine in the colder months. From seed heads to winter bloomers, you can grow something beautiful to look at all year round.

Monday, October 1
7–8:30 p.m.

Denis Lucey
Proprietor, Denis Lucey Garden Design and Horticulturist, Stenton

Climate change is having a profound impact on today’s gardens, farms, and forests. Warming temperatures and extreme weather affect the plant species and related insects that make up our ecosystem. Some species are adapting poorly, while others are responding only too well. Invasive plants and pests increasingly threaten our native habitats and trusted garden strategies. What are we losing to climate change, and what new, exciting, sustainable plants can we use in the future? What can the thoughtful gardener do to adjust his or her gardening methods and ameliorate the adverse effects of climate change, for both personal satisfaction and the common good? This illustrated lecture will emphasize best horticultural practices to defend current plantings, introduce a range of necessary and desirable alternatives, and offer pragmatic suggestions for making the most of our changing climate.

Wednesday, October 3
6:30–8:30 p.m.

Vince Marrocco
Chief Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

Learn to skillfully prune shrubs and small trees to achieve a natural shape and abundant flowering. At this weekday evening lecture and Saturday workshop, you will have the opportunity to see demonstrations designed to help you master pruning concepts and gain confidence. Formative pruning for young trees, and proper pruning techniques for larger, older trees will be covered, as well as naturalistic techniques for creating attractive hedges and methods for reducing overgrown shrubbery.  This class meets twice. Please bring hand pruners and a small pruning saw to the Saturday session.

Wednesday, October 10, 7–9 p.m. and Saturday, October 13, 10 a.m.–12 noon

Valerie Solitrin
Landscape Designer

This comprehensive overview will help you plan your outdoor living expenditures strategically!  Plan your garden for privacy, year-round beauty, storm water management and family-friendly functionality. Learn about design principles, hardscape choices, outdoor lighting, tools, trees, perennials, lawns, soil, and more. Best of all, you will develop a plan for a problem area of your garden with the support and guidance of the teacher. Six sessions jam-packed with great information will be the smartest garden investment you make.

Five Thursdays: October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
and Saturday, November 10, 1–3 pm

Joshua Darfler
Greenhouse and Garden Manager, Biology Dept., University of Pennsylvania

Do you spend every spring cleaning up “winter damage” on your plants? Plants like cherry laurel and rhododendron often struggle through the winter and require additional attention in the fall to prepare them for the cold. Find out what you can do now to prepare your plants for winter and kiss winter damage problems goodbye. Josh also holds a master’s degree in public horticulture from the Longwood Graduate Program.

Thursday, October 11
6:30–8 p.m.

Louise Clarke
Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

Join staff horticulturist Louise Clarke as she takes you on a fascinating pictorial journey to Western Australia. Based on her 2017 horticultural immersion trip to Perth, Western Australia, you’ll discover the amazing plants and animals of Australia’s largest state. Meet the friendly quokkas of Rottnest Island (pictured above). Customs, culture, Australian slang, and amazing landscapes, from a bustling modern capital city to otherworldly, ocre-sand deserts, and the turquoise Indian Ocean await you.

Tuesday, October 16
6:30–7:30 p.m.

Samantha Nestory
Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

Pollination is arguably the most important benefit that insects provide and, in the face of declining pollinator populations, many people have taken up beekeeping as a way to promote pollinators in our ecosystems. However, honeybees aren’t the only bees that pollinate flowers. Mason bees are native bees that can actually be more effective pollinators than honeybees. They are also much easier and cheaper to keep in your backyard. These small, docile, solitary bees build their nests in small tubular cavities and use mud to make small compartments within their nest for their eggs. With a nesting box in your yard, you can attract these fantastic, non-stinging pollinators and help boost pollinator populations, even in urban spaces. South-facing garages, houses, or garden shed walls are ideal places for your nesting boxes. Your instructor will provide all materials, as well as step-by-step instructions, so you can successfully make a mason bee house to take home. Meet at the Horticulture Center. Look for the paved road across Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Take the second right turn into the parking lot. Follow the paved path to the Horticulture Center.

Saturday, October 27
10–11:30 a.m.

Sarah Plonski
Beekeeper & Owner, Sarah Plus Bees

Did you know that you can enjoy honey, beeswax, pollen, and the miracle of bees right in your own backyard? Backyards (and even rooftops) are often excellent locations for beehives. A healthy hive can produce several gallons of delicious honey every year, and working with bees is tremendously enjoyable. In this one-session workshop, you will gain an introduction to the fascinating world of the honeybee. We will talk about what it takes to keep a busy, productive hive of bees happy; where to get bees of your own; how to set up and maintain a hive; and what types of activities and time commitment are required throughout the year. This is a beginner’s workshop, so no previous knowledge is required. The workshop will include time for questions and answers.

Saturday, November 3
10 a.m.–12 noon

Nicky Beadle
Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist

Create a beautiful living container of spring bulbs to grace your front door or patio. Growing bulbs in containers is easy. You can grow virtually any bulb in containers, and you can mix different types of bulbs together. Learn how to arrange bulbs in your pot to create continuous bloom for several weeks. Nicky will share tips for how to pot up the bulbs based on their size and will talk about timing bulbs to achieve a sequence of bloom. All materials including pots, soil and bulbs are included so that you will go home with a container ready to enjoy in the spring. Meet at the Horticulture Center. Look for the paved road across Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Take the second right turn into the parking lot. Follow the paved path to the Horticulture Center.

Saturday, November
10 a.m.–12 noon

Dr. Keith Bowman
Moss Ecologist

Join us for a walk in the woods. We will explore the moss community found in the understory of a deciduous forest. On our journey we will meet many of the mosses and liverworts that can be found on moist roadside banks, boulders, logs, tree bases, and in streamside habitats. We will identify the mosses and liverworts with a focus on the key features and the relation of those features to the ecology and biology of the mosses and liverworts. Bring your enthusiasm, questions, and specimens that you might want Keith to identify. Keith Bowman has been studying the biology and ecology of mosses for more than 15 years. This class meets in the Wissahickon Section of Fairmount Park at the concrete picnic tables at the intersection of Bells Mill Road and Forbidden Drive. Bring a hand lens if you have one.

Saturday, September 29
9 a.m.–12 noon

Karl F. Newman

Master Cabinetmaker and Green Woodworker

Using traditional tools and modern safe practices we will explore the craft of green woodworking by making a simple stool. Each student will split out legs and a seat and will have an opportunity to hew, shave, bore, and plane the parts and assemble a simple three-legged stool. These methods are the same as the processes that are used to make many other, finer types of furniture like; Windsor or Welsh stick chairs and joint stools. Each student should bring the following tools: a froe, hatchet, drawknife, spokeshave, one-inch auger and brace or one-inch drill bit, and a cordless drill. The instructor has a limited number of loaner tools. We will meet in the barn at Bloomfield Farm. Look for the paved road across Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Park in the lot and look for the red barn on your left.

Three Wednesdays: September 5, 12, 19 

4:30–7 p.m. Non

Henry Martin
Artist

Drawing outdoors is a wonderful way to relax in the natural world, and this class, in the beautiful gardens of the Morris Arboretum, provides a fun and nurturing environment in which to draw some of the most beautiful trees in Philadelphia. We will explore several simple concepts designed to facilitate drawing for beginners and accomplished artists alike, concentrating on the movement and growth of trees. Henry Martin is a Philadelphia-based plein-air painter who uses the open air as his studio. He describes his style of painting as "atmospheric naturalism." Please be ready to draw on the first day by purchasing in advance a sketch or drawing pad no smaller than 11x14 inches. Please bring sharpened 2b and 4b pencils and a small pencil sharpener. The approximate cost for these materials is $20.

Four Sundays: September 9, 16, 23, 30
11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Sadie E. Francis
Urban Ecologist, Artist, and Owner of OnlyInTheForest foraged botanical art

Prepare to get sticky and have some fun in this introductory workshop on using epoxy resin to encase and preserve pressed botanicals and insects. Sadie will share the results of years of trial and error on the best resin to use, the different types of resins, techniques and tricks, and the best botanicals to use for color and form retention. This workshop will focus on backed bezel jewelry, but it will also touch on techniques for creating larger collages and wall hangings. All materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own pressed specimens, nature prints, or favorite bezels, and a box to transport your not-yet-cured pieces. Wear clothes that can get dirty.

Thursday, September 20 
1–3 p.m.

Karl F. Newman
Master Cabinetmaker and Green Woodworker

Using traditional tools and modern safe practices we will explore the craft of green woodworking by carving a small wooden bowl. Each student will split out their bowl from fresh green logs and, using a variety of tools, will carve out the majority of a bowl. Students should bring the following tools: a froe, iron wedge, hatchet, either a bowl adze or large carving gouges and a mallet. We will meet in the barn at Bloomfield Farm. Look for the paved road across Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Park in the lot and look for the red barn on your left. Please bring your lunch and something to drink.

Saturday, September 29 
10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Heather Rinehart
Artist

The illustrated nature journal is a work as unique and expressive as the individual who creates it.  Whether it is crafted as a record of one’s experiences, a workbook of nature study, or for sheer creative joy, journaling can be a powerful tool as well as a rewarding hobby. Working within the beautiful setting of Morris Arboretum, discover the art of illustrated journaling. Materials will be provided, or bring your own. Participants who are bringing their own supplies should bring a blank journal (or at least some drawing paper) and pencils and/or pens. A small watercolor set is optional.

Wednesday, October 3 
1–3 p.m. 

Cheryl Wilks
Floral Educator, Florist, and Owner of Flowers on Location

Preserving and drying all the wonderful blooms and foliage from the garden gives you lots of options for beautiful dried flower displays. Learn which flowers are easiest to dry, as well as various methods for drying flowers and foliage. There will be time to design 2-3 small to medium dried flower arrangements for your home, or to give as a wonderful seasonal gift. The workshop includes everything you need. Bring two or three large shopping bags and some tissue paper to transport your creations home.

Friday, October 5 
10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Allison Zito
Artist and Teacher

Different cultures throughout history have given us a rich variety of floral imagery. Everyone will choose a favorite image or images to inspire their copper embossing. Each student will create a drawing to emboss in 36-gauge copper foil. We will explore simple techniques used to create depth in the metal foil. Then we will adhere our embossing to a wood backing and create a finished work of art. It makes a great display for your home or can be given as a gift. Dress to make art or bring a smock. All supplies are provided.

Friday, October 12
10 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Allison Zito
Artist and Teacher

Sumi-e is the art of Japanese ink painting, a noble and time-honored pursuit of the scholar. This craft teaches much more than the art of ink painting. The techniques we will learn in order to paint bamboo are the basic strokes used to create all forms of Japanese ink painting. The art is in the touch of the brush stroke, the quality of the line, appreciation of the natural world, and the beauty in asymmetry. All supplies are provided. Come to class dressed to paint. We will meet at the Horticulture Center at Bloomfield Farm. Look for the paved road across Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Park in the lot and follow the paved path to the Horticulture Center.

Saturday, October 13 
1:30–3:30 p.m.

Allison Zito
Artist and Teacher

Vibrance and energy shimmer on the canvas of the impressionist painter. Working in an intuitive manner, they captured in color and rhythm the spontaneity of the moment. It was a time of change, a time of new ideas, and innovation. These innovations took the impressionists outdoors to paint in the open air. The impressionist artists developed a kind of painterly short hand, using visible brush strokes to recreate the fleeting qualities of light as it danced across the natural world. In this class, we will discuss the impressionist artists. Everyone will be encouraged to develop their own personal intuitive style of painting. Like the impressionists, we will paint in the open air, with the breathtaking gardens of the Morris Arboretum as our own personal Giverny. In the event of inclement weather we will paint indoors from great works of the impressionists. Come to class dressed to paint. All supplies are provided.

Sunday, October 14 
10:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m.

Leah Macdonald
Teacher, Photographer, and Artist, Susan Beard Design Company

Join Leah for a fun, inspiring, and relaxing experience, and learn the ancient art of encaustic painting. Also known as hot wax painting, this process involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. This liquid is then applied to a surface like prepared wood. This innovative style of mixing beeswax and paint adds texture and transforms your photograph into a work of art. You will be guided step-by-step in the process. No experience is necessary. The workshop includes: 11 x 14 inch photograph, wood panel, beeswax, paint, and brushes. Pick your favorite photograph and send it before the class to info@susanbearddesign.com by October 10.

Sunday, October 21
1:30–3 p.m.

Winnie Radolan
Master Papermaker and Teacher

Create a beautiful and unique cast paper vessel from handmade paper pulp. We will cast into a plastic container to establish the shape of your bowl. Bring a collection of small personal treasures to incorporate into your vessel to personalize your creation. Inclusions might be printed collage materials, thread, raffia, stamps, old maps, or decorative thin papers. Finished vessels will measure approximately 6”x 6” x 5”. No experience necessary. Winnie Radolan is a nationally known papermaker, artist, and educator who runs “Winnie’s Paperworks,” an itinerant teaching papermill. Since 1989 she has been involved with papermaking as an art form and educational vehicle. Former Director of Papermaking and Education at Historic Rittenhouse Town, she teaches and conducts many workshops locally and nationally for artists of all ages.

Sunday, November 4
12:30–3:30 p.m.

Cheryl Wilks
Floral Educator, Florist, and Owner of Flowers on Location

During the Thanksgiving holiday season, mixing flowers and dried materials along with fruits and vegetables creates stunning arrangements. Learn some tricks when working with these natural materials and create a fabulous centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table or to give as a hostess gift. Success is guaranteed. You will take home a unique and beautiful arrangement. Everything is included. Bring a rectangular box to transport your finished arrangement home.

Sunday, November 18
1–3:30 p.m.

Cheryl Wilks
Floral Educator, Florist, and Owner of Flowers on Location

Add a festive holiday touch to your front door. This workshop is designed for those who want to create a beautiful wreath from fresh, loose boughs of greens. You will work with a wire ring and spool wire to construct your wreath. There will be a selection of ribbons and decorations to make it festive. All supplies will be provided. Bring a pair of pruners and a box to take your wreath home.

Section 1: Saturday, December   10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Section 2: Monday, December    10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Cheryl Wilks
Floral Educator, Florist, and Owner of Flowers on Location

You will create a special centerpiece that is sure to put you into the holiday spirit. Create your own tree from long-lasting greens and choose your colors for bows and glass balls. We will also use fresh flowers to decorate this spectacular holiday centerpiece that is 22-24 inches tall. LED battery lights will be added to make the tree even more festive. Your tree arrangement will last four to five weeks. Bring a pair of pruners and a box to take your tree home.

Section 1: Sunday, December 9   12:30 p.m.–3 p.m.
Section 2: Monday, December 10   10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Cheryl Wilks
Floral Educator, Florist, and Owner of Flowers on Location

Design a beautiful, long-lasting arrangement for your table centerpiece or fireplace mantle. There are a number of shapes to choose from and they will be demonstrated. You will have a wonderful assortment of greens, flowers, branches, candles, accessories, and more to choose from to make your one-of-a-kind arrangement. Bring a rectangular box to transport your design home.

Saturday, December 22
10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Ruth Pfeffer
Expert Birder and Trip Leader

Palmyra Cove Nature Park is a 250-acre urban oasis along a highly developed area on the Delaware
River near the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. It has been designated as an Important Bird Area with 215
bird species that have been observed in the park. Half of the park is a freshwater tidal cove, a wetland
that supports a wide variety of plants, birds, and animals, but is rarely found in Pennsylvania.
Other habitats include woodlands and meadows. We will stop at the Visitor Center, which features
a variety of educational exhibits and an outdoor boardwalk. Bring binoculars, your lunch, and
something to drink. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. We will leave from
the Arboretum. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk. We will travel by van.

Thursday, September 20
7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Non

Ruth Pfeffer
Expert Birder and Trip Leader

Join Ruth and explore some of the hotspots for birds at the Morris Arboretum. We will visit the Arboretum’s natural areas including wetlands, meadows, and the woodlands along the Wissahickon Creek. These areas provide great habitat for a wide variety of birds year-round. We will see resident birds as well as migrating raptors, warblers, and sparrows. These sessions are for beginning or experienced bird watchers. Bring your binoculars. Park in the meadow next to the Arboretum entrance kiosk and meet Ruth there. You may sign up for one or multiple sessions.

Session 1: Saturday, September 22th 8–11 a.m.

Session 2:  Evening Birding – Wednesday, September 26th 4–6:30 p.m.

Session 3: Thursday, October 18th 8–11 a.m.

You can choose the date/time you prefer on the next page.

Ruth Pfeffer
Expert Birder and Trip Leader

Manasquan Reservoir and Park, located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, is an environmental jewel and home to over 200 bird species. The 1,200-acre park provides a variety of habitats including woods and wetlands that are great for bird watching. Great blue herons, ospreys, and double-crested cormorants can be found there. We will also hope to see migrating warblers and raptors. The Reservoir, which boasts a large and varied fish population, is the best site for bald eagles in Monmouth County. The Manasquan Reservoir was completed in 1990 with the construction of its 4,840-foot long dam across Timber Swamp Brook. Ruth will supply a spotting scope and field guides. We will leave by van from the Morris Arboretum. Park in the meadow to the left of entrance kiosk. Bring binoculars, your lunch, and something to drink.

Tuesday, October 16

7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Ruth Pfeffer
Expert Birder and Trip Leader

Learn how to identify backyard birds and get tips on how to attract them. With an illustrated lecture, Ruth will highlight birds in our area and the time of year you can expect to see them. She will consider birds that frequent our yards throughout the year, as well as migrating birds and those of conservation concern. Using close-up pictures, Ruth will help you sharpen your identification skills. She will discuss the basic elements birds require to live including food, water, shelter, and places to raise their young, and she will highlight a variety of native plants that create desirable habitat. Meet at the Arboretum Visitors Center.

Saturday, October 27

2-3 p.m.

Ruth Pfeffer
Expert Birder and Trip Leader

Join us for a day-long birding adventure at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. This southern New Jersey refuge, also known as Brigantine, features more than 47,000 acres of protected coastal habitat, and is located in one of the Atlantic flyways’ most active flight paths. It provides tidal marsh and meadow habitats, as well as shallow coves and bays that are important resting and feeding habitats for migratory water birds. We will see birds that are migrating to their Central and South American wintering sites. Waterfowl will be abundant, and we also hope to see shorebirds, and raptors. Dress for the weather, as it is usually windier along the coast. Bring binoculars, lunch, and something to drink. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk. We will travel by van.

Tuesday, October 30

7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Ruth Pfeffer
Expert Birder and Trip Leader

Join us for a day of birding at the Conowingo Dam, a prime spot for viewing bald eagles as they feed on fish coming over the dam. These are magnificent birds and a thrill to see. We will also see lots of great blue herons, gulls, and other raptors. The Conowingo Dam is located on the Susquehanna River on the Pennsylvania-Maryland border. It is one of the nation’s largest nonfederal, hydroelectric installations, and is a great birding area any time of year because of its close proximity to the Delaware Bay. We will walk on a woodland trail along the river and visit the historic town of Port Deposit, Maryland. Bring binoculars, your lunch and something to drink. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by van. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk.

Tuesday, November 13

9-3 p.m.