Al Paris, Chef Restauranteur

This Egg omelette with flavorful jerk roast shrimp and smoky chile butter potatoes demonstration class will cover the creation of a meal focused on one of the products of Erdenheim Farm. Class will include a discussion about how the food is raised or grown on the Farm, followed by creation of the meal with Chef Al Paris, and finish with a chance to eat and savor the creation. Chef Al Paris has owned and created the culture and cuisine of 13 award-winning restaurants—most recently Paris Bistro in Chestnut Hill. He believes that all cooks can create their own distinct cuisine through the clarity of their vision and the use of the freshest seasonal ingredients.

This class meets at the Sheep Barn parking lot at Erdenheim Farm located at 5051 Flourtown Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444.

Saturday, June 6 | 12:00pm — 3:00pm

Members: $75 | Non-members: $90

Peggy Paul Casella, Cookbook Editor and Writer

Do you want to use your fresh veggies in a way everyone will enjoy? Pizza to the rescue! Peggy will guide you through all the steps for making outstanding pizzas at home and will offer veggie-topping ideas you have never dreamed of. Her basic crust recipe is scrumptious! Peggy is very creative with the toppings she uses and the different ingredients she combines make pizza great for any meal. If you want to get inspired before the class, take a look at some of her pizza handiwork at her blog ThursdayNightPizza.com.

Saturday, June 20 | 11:30am — 1:30pm
Members: $35 | Non-members: $40

Dorothy Bauer, Weavers Way Co-op Neighborhood Nutrition Team and Raw Food Chef

Become a pro at all treats frozen. We will use a Champion juicer for most of the dairy-free and glutenfree soft serve creations we make. No added sugar or processed ingredients will be used. Be prepared to wow your family and friends with cool, satisfying, and delicious desserts and snacks. The menu will include ice cream cake, pie, popsicles, fudgesicles, sandwiches, chocolate or carob covered bananas on a stick, and more. Bring an appetite for sampling and a container to take home to share.

Thursday, July 9 | 6:30pm — 8:30pm
Members: $40 | Non-members: $45

Dorothy Bauer, Weavers Way Co-op Neighborhood Nutrition Team and Raw Food Chef

Learn the value and basics of fermenting vegetables that will infuse your stomach with the much needed good bacteria that works wonders on your intestinal tract. “Probiotic” isn’t just a buzz word, probiotics are key to lasting health and immunity. You will be amazed at how fun, easy, and quick it is to transform the contents of your refrigerator into delicious and nutritious side dishes and condiments. You will be inspired to plan your next gardening season to include veggies for fermenting. We will cover pickles, not just the pedestrian cucumber. Kimchi, sauerkraut, water kefir, kombucha, kvass, and non-dairy cheeses will be sampled, demonstrated, or discussed. A recipe packet will be included. Bring a container to take home samples.

Wednesday, August 5 | 6:30pm — 8:30pm
Members: $40 | Non-members: $45

Al Paris, Chef Restauranteur

This Quick pickled farm peaches with grilled Indian flatbread and warm heirloom tomato chutney demonstration class will cover the creation of a meal focused on one of the products of Erdenheim Farm. Class will include a discussion about how the food is raised or grown on the Farm, followed by creation of the meal with Chef Al Paris, and finish with a chance to eat and savor the creation. Chef Al Paris has owned and created the culture and cuisine of 13 award-winning restaurants—most recently Paris Bistro in Chestnut Hill. He believes that all cooks can create their own distinct cuisine through the clarity of their vision and the use of the freshest seasonal ingredients.

This class meets at the Sheep Barn parking lot at Erdenheim Farm located at 5051 Flourtown Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444.

Saturday, August 15 | 12:00pm — 3:00pm

Members: $60 | Non-members: $75

Al Paris, Chef Restauranteur

This Pumpkin pepita and chicken stew with charred tomatillo and onion relish demonstration class will cover the creation of a meal focused on one of the products of Erdenheim Farm. Class will include a discussion about how the food is raised or grown on the Farm, followed by creation of the meal with Chef Al Paris, and finish with a chance to eat and savor the creation. Chef Al Paris has owned and created the culture and cuisine of 13 award-winning restaurants—most recently Paris Bistro in Chestnut Hill. He believes that all cooks can create their own distinct cuisine through the clarity of their vision and the use of the freshest seasonal ingredients.

This class meets at the Sheep Barn parking lot at Erdenheim Farm located at 5051 Flourtown Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444.

Saturday, October 17 | 12:00pm — 3:00pm

Members: $65 | Non-members: $80

Kate Deregibus, Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

Take a tour of the Arboretum’s English Park with staff horticulturist Kate Deregibus. This Arboretum landscape was inspired by English gardens that featured rolling lawns and picturesque architecture. Kate, the long-time gardener in this area, has a particular interest in spring-blooming wildflowers. She will take you to some of the places in this landscape that she likes best and point out some of her favorite plants including Virginia bluebells, trillium, and bloodroot. Kate will discuss the conditions they prefer and the care that they require. Learn tips from an expert as she shares her section of the garden with you. Please dress for the weather. Meet at the Arboretum’s Visitor Center. Walking is required. Wear good walking shoes.

Saturday, May 2 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Members: $25 | Non-members: $30

Bryan Thompson-Nowak, Assistant Director of Continuing Education
Alina Josan, Art Collection Librarian, Free Library, Parkway Central

Join us as we explore the largest library and only research library in the Free Library of Philadelphia system. We will spend time exploring three collections housed in the beautiful 1927 Beaux-Arts building including the Art, Map and Fleischer Collections. The Art Collection has over 60,000 books spanning all aspects of art as well as ephemera related to artists and art subjects. The Map Collection has over 130,000 maps from around the world as well as books on cartography and geography, and finally the Fleischer Collection of Orchestral Music houses the world’s largest circulating collection of orchestral performance sets. You will have free time to explore the library after our tour to visit other collections. Meet at the Arboretum. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk. We will travel by van. The fee includes lunch and van transportation. Walking is required.

Tuesday, May 19 | 9:30am – 3:30pm
Members: $75 | Non-members: $80

Vince Marrocco, Chief Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum
Lucy Dinsmore, Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum
Erin Conley, Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

Join us for one of our most popular new events in the garden. During this exclusive evening, guests will enjoy wine and hors d’ouevres while exploring three parts of the garden after hours, with our very own staff sharing how they experience these sites. You will wander through the garden at your leisure and explore the Rose Garden with Vince Marrocco, Chief Horticulturist, discover hidden secrets at the Pennock Garden with Erin Conley, and share a laugh with Lucy Dinsmore at the Ha-Ha wall. All sites will feature staff selected wines and cheese trays to enjoy as you learn about these remarkable locations. Sites will be open from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and guests can arrive when it is convenient. You should arrive no later than 6:30pm to allow time to visit each site.

Wednesday, May 20 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Members: $40 | Non-members: $45

Nina Schneider, Garden Designer

You may remember last year’s nearly eight weeks without any meaningful rain, close on the heels of 35 days of 90 degree and above heat. These conditions were truly a challenge for the garden and the gardener! We will look at many plants that can take heat and drought and still look good, and review some watering strategies and maintenance tips, all in the instructor’s Chestnut Hill Garden. We will meet at the garden.  Directions will be e-mailed just prior to class date.

Saturday, June 6 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Members: $35 | Non-members: $40

Pearl S. Buck was a Pulitzer and Nobel Award-winning author, humanitarian, and activist. On this tour of her home near Doylestown, we will see a rich collection of objects that make you feel as if you are visiting her home during her lifetime. We will see the typewriter Ms. Buck used to write The Good Earth and other interesting items including rare artwork, period furnishings, and personal clothing. We will next tour the nearby James A. Michener Art Museum. The Museum collects historic and contemporary American works and has a permanent collection of over 2,700 objects that reveal the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the Bucks County, Pennsylvania, region. The Museum has the finest collection of Pennsylvania impressionist paintings in public hands. We will leave from the Arboretum and drive by van or bus. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk. The cost of the trip includes transportation, admission fees, and lunch. Walking is required.

Wednesday, May 6 | 9:00am – 3:30pm
Members: $90 | Non-members: $95

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. 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. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early as the walking tour will depart promptly at 1pm Be prepared to walk. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. We will meet at the Springside/Chestnut Hill Academy at 500 West Willow Grove Avenue. Park in the parking lot next to Landreth Athletic Field. Meet the group in front of the Rorer Science Center.

Saturday, May 16 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Members: $25 | Non-members: $30

Bryan Thompson-Nowak and Jan McFarlan, Assistant Directors, Continuing Education, Morris Arboretum

Join us as we paddle the Wading River through the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Over a million acres of the Pine Barrens became our nation’s first National Reserve designed to protect its ecology as well as the enormous aquifer that rests under its sandy soil. This area boasts unique carnivorous plants, teacolored water, the Jersey Devil, and miles of perfect waterways to enjoy. We will travel by van to New Jersey and spend roughly three hours paddling in individual kayaks. Participants should have some experience paddling, and bring their own bagged lunch and drink. Wear shoes or sandals that will get wet. Meet at the Arboretum. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk.

Wednesday, July 8 | 8:00am – 4:00pm
Members: $85 | Non-members: $90

Jennifer Schelter, Leader, Educator, Artist, and Founder of The Radiant Retreat

The incredible beauty of summer nights at the Morris Arboretum provides the backdrop for this unique opportunity to study inspirational Vinyasa (flow-style) yoga led by Jennifer Schelter, one of Philadelphia’s premier yoga teachers. Participants will learn the basics of yoga: breathing, mindfulness meditation, balance, strength, flexibility, core awareness, and deep relaxation surrounded by the Arboretum’s peaceful ambiance. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Inhale the sweet smell of flowers, and feel your skin aglow with the setting sun. Benefits include physical ease, balance and flexibility, reduction in stress and anxiety, increased energy, calm rejuvenation, inspiration, gratitude, laughter, fun, and community. All are welcome, including beginners. Learn more about the instructor at jenniferschelter.com. Please bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. Refunds will only be given five business days before the first session of the course. No class or attendee substitutions are permitted. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Nine Tuesdays: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28 | 7:00pm – 8:15pm

Register for a full month for best pricing!

June (5 weeks): Members: $90 | Non-members: $100
July (4 weeks): Members: $72 | Non-members: $80

Single Session online registration: Members: $20 | Non-members: $22ea.     Single Session walk-in: $25 (no member discount)

Robin Rick, Facilities and Landscape Manager, The Woodlands

In this class at The Woodlands in West Philadelphia we will focus on creating colorful, four-season gardens in small spaces. It is perfect for people in the city with limited gardening space. We will use the cemetery’s cradle graves, which are similar to raised garden beds, as our inspiration. Robin will cover topics such as plant choices for small spaces, growing historic plants from seed, and how to maintain blooms all summer. There will be a short tour and discussion of the history of the grave garden form. The Woodlands’ many cradle graves are tended by volunteers as part of their nationally recognized Grave Gardener program. The Woodlands is the former country seat of William Hamilton from 1770 to 1813. Its Schuylkill River site was designed by Hamilton to reflect a picturesque English landscape. In 1840, local investors purchased the estate and transformed the grounds into a rural cemetery. This class meets at The Woodlands, 4000 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, 19104 across the street from the 40th Street Trolley Portal. Upon entering The Woodlands gate, take a right and follow the curve of the asphalt road to the stable. You may park on the internal roads of The Woodlands near the stable.

Saturday, May 9 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Members: $25 | Non-members: $30

Julie Bare, PHS Meadowbrook Farm Estate Gardener

Join Julie Bare, PHS Meadowbrook Farm Estate Gardener, to learn about designing and maintaining a beautiful container for your garden, whether that is a front stoop or sprawling backyard. Julie will show you how to skillfully combine annuals, tropicals, perennials, herbs, and more for a container that will look good throughout the seasons. Get tips on maintaining plantings and choosing a container, and learn about an interesting plant palette to try out.

Thursday, May 14 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Members: $25 | Non-members: $30

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

Cut flowers may be a wonderful bounty from our gardens or even from the grocery store, but what do you do with them when you bring them indoors? This class will show you the many tricks of the trade to arrange flowers so that they will look their very best. You will learn techniques such as gridding and stuffing, and florist gel will be demonstrated. The elements of design will be covered in depth. You can use the vase provided or bring a vase from home that you find challenging to use. Cheryl Wilks has been a guest lecturer at the Philadelphia Flower Show for many years, so she really knows her stuff! Please bring a box to take home your creation. All materials are provided by the instructor.

Session 1: Saturday, March 14 | 10:30am – 1:00pm
Session 2: Tuesday, May 5 | 10:30am – 1:00pm

Members: $60 | Non-members: $65

Karl Newman, Master Cabinetmaker, Green Woodworker

Green woodworking is undergoing a renaissance, and carving a wooden spoon is a great introduction to this craft. Learning this skill can be the first step to a new hobby and carving a spoon yourself can be a creative addition to your kitchen! Start your woodworking hobby in this exciting class with master cabinetmaker and green woodworking expert Karl Newman. Students should bring a good knife (suggested Mora straight knife #106) and a gouge or curved knife (suggested Mora curved knife #164). These are recommended but not required.

Saturday, May 2 | 10:00am – 12:30pm
Members: $45 | Non-members: $50

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

Succulents are very popular, easy to grow, and come in many sizes and shapes. They need minimal care, bright light, and a little water. Come design a beautiful miniature garden along with decorations and accessories. Cheryl will provide all that you need. This is a fun workshop to do with a friend. Bring a box to transport your garden home.

Saturday, May 9 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Members: $60 | Non-members: $65

Katie Kaplan, Visual artist, printmaker, teaching artist at The Fabric Workshop, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Fleisher Art Memorial

Natural dyes are all pigments derived from natural resources such as plants, fungi, lichens, minerals, and insects. Working with natural pigments is an ancient practice, used all over the world to create strikingly beautiful textile arts and crafts. Many fiber artists are returning to this practice to foster a greater connection to the natural world, and a more eco-conscious use of materials. In this introductory class, participants will each create their own scarf using natural dyes. By using mineral mordants to influence color, participants will be able to paint, screen print, and stencil unique designs and patterns onto their fabric. Please wear clothes that can get messy. We will meet at Bloomfield Farm. Look for the paved road across Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Park in the lot and follow the signs to the Horticulture Center.

Saturday, May 23 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Members: $40 | Non-members: $45

Louise Clarke, Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

Join horticulturist Louise Clarke, for a creative, handson workshop using tillandsias, or air plants. New-world members of the Bromeliad family, these botanical curiosities require minimal care. You will construct a 12-inch by 12-inch frame from weathered, repurposed Arboretum wood to form a shadowbox, into which you will attach a variety of air plants. Your frame can be fitted to hang or stand upright and be ready for outdoor display in summer and brought inside as easy-care houseplants when autumn’s chill arrives. Louise will guide you through the construction process and provide design tips and cultural information for these low-care plants. We will meet at Bloomfield Farm. Look for the paved road across Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Park in the lot and follow the signs to the Horticulture Center.

Saturday, June 6 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Members: $48 | Non-members: $52

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. Come to class dressed to paint. All supplies are provided.

Saturday, June 6 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

Allison Zito, Artist and Teacher

Vibrancy and energy shimmer on the canvas of the impressionist painters. Working in an intuitive manner, impressionist painters captured in color and rhythm the spontaneity of the moment. It was a time of change, 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 provided.

Sunday, June 7 | 10:00am – 12:30pm
Members: $35 | Non-members: $40

Allison Zito, Artist and Teacher

We will look at plant life and floral imagery from a variety of cultures throughout history. Everyone will draw an image inspired by the cultural images provided. We will explore some simple techniques used to create depth and texture in the metal foil. Each participant will emboss their drawing in 36-gauge copper foil and adhere it to a wood plaque to create a finished presentation. It makes a great display for your home or to give as a gift. All supplies are provided. Come to class dressed to paint and/or bring a smock.

Monday, June 8 | 10:00am – 12:30pm
Members: $32 | Non-members: $38

Ruth Pfeffer, Sharon Meeker, and Tony Geiger, Experienced Birders

Join us as we 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. If time permits, we will also have a chance to look for birds in other Arboretum habitats. These sessions are for beginning or experienced bird watchers. Bring your binoculars. Park in the meadow next to the Arboretum entrance kiosk and meet your trip leader there. You may sign up for one or multiple sessions.

Session 1 (Sharon Meeker): Wednesday, April 1, 8:00 – 11:00am   CANCELED
Session 2 (Ruth Pfeffer): Saturday, April 25, 8:00 – 11:00am  CANCELED
Session 3 (Ruth Pfeffer): Saturday, May 16, 8:00 – 11:00am
Session 4 (Tony Geiger): Wednesday, May 20, 4:00 – 6:30pm

Members: $25 for each session | Non-members: $30 for each session

Ruth Pfeffer, Expert Birder and Trip Leader

We will spend the morning exploring and discovering the bird species of Houston Meadows, a great birding spot that is located close to the Arboretum. Located in the Wissahickon section of Fairmount Park, Houston Meadows is a unique open meadow consisting of almost 40 acres. This is a habitat type that is rapidly disappearing in urban areas. The sloping meadow is filled with grasses and wildflowers that provide great habitat for the almost 100 bird species that call the Wissahickon area home. Bring binoculars. Meet Ruth at the Courtesy Stables.

Directions to Courtesy Stables: From the Arboretum, turn left onto Northwestern Avenue to Germantown Avenue; turn left and go ½ mile up the hill to W. Bells Mill Road. Turn right on W. Bells Mill, cross Forbidden Drive and follow to first left at Lykens Lane. Go 0.2 miles to Manatawna Avenue and turn left. Take the 1st right onto Wissahickon Avenue. Cross Clyde and Grakyn Lane. Turn left on E. Cathedral Rd. and park there. Courtesy Stables will be on your left.

Thursday, May 7 | 8:00am – 11:00am
Members: $25 | Non-members: $30

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

Join local birding enthusiast, Sharon Meeker, for a trip to Green Lane Park located in western Montgomery County. The park is nearly 3,000 acres and contains an 800-acre lake. Diverse habitats make the park an important stop off point for migrating wildfowl. In addition to the lake there are woodlands, conifer plantations, fallow fields, and a shallow marsh/meadow. During peak week of spring migration, we hope to see a variety of song birds and use our birding by ear skills. We will make a number of stops at key spots within the park. Novice or experienced birders are welcome. Bring binoculars, your lunch, and a water bottle. We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by van. Park in the meadow next to the Arboretum entrance kiosk.

Tuesday, May 12 | 7:00am – 2:30pm
Members: $85 | Non-members: $90

Ruth Pfeffer, Expert Birder and Trip Leader

Dixon Meadow Preserve, which is very close to Morris Arboretum, is a 14-acre preserve featuring a boardwalk that measures nearly two-thirds of a mile. It is a haven for birders with over 130 species of birds spotted here, plus fox, deer, and other wildlife. The Preserve participates in the Cornell University Bluebird and Tree Swallow Nestwatch research program. After birding at the Preserve, we will go inside the Dixon Meadow House on the same property. Built between 1855 and 1860, this was the estate home of the former owner of a portion of what is now Erdenheim Farm. With high ceilings and elegant millwork, the home featured a large first floor parlor and living room, kitchen, and dining room. The farmhouse is now home to the Whitemarsh Foundation offices. Bring your binoculars. We will meet at Dixon Meadow Preserve located on the corner of Thomas and Flourtown Roads in Whitemarsh Township.

Wednesday, May 27 | 8:00am – 11:00am
Members: $25 | Non-members: $30

Tony Geiger, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

On this trip to Houston Meadows we will focus on nesting bird species. These brightly colored singers should be calling for mates and building nests. We hope to get some close-up views. Houston Meadows is a great birding spot located close to the Arboretum in the Wissahickon section of Fairmount Park. It features a unique 40 acre open meadow. This is a habitat type that is rapidly disappearing in urban areas and it is great to have it nearby. The sloping meadow is filled with grasses and wildflowers that provide great habitat for the almost 100 bird species. Birds that nest in Houston meadows include indigo buntings, eastern bluebirds, eastern towhees, common yellowthroats, and field sparrows. Bring binoculars. Meet Tony at the Courtesy Stables.

Directions to Courtesy Stables: From the Arboretum, turn left onto Northwestern Avenue to Germantown Avenue; turn left and go ½ mile up the hill to W. Bells Mill Road. Turn right on W. Bells Mill, cross Forbidden Drive and follow to first left at Lykens Lane. Go 0.2 miles to Manatawna Avenue and turn left. Take the 1st right onto Wissahickon Avenue. Cross Clyde and Grakyn Lane. Turn left on E. Cathedral Rd. and park there. Courtesy Stables will be on your left.

Friday, June 5 | 8:00am – 11:00am
Members: $25 | Non-members: $30