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 (no offense to the beloved gourd)! 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, October 23

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 www.ThursdayNightPizza.com.

Saturday, November 2

11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Amanda Tardiff and Mike Indorato
Vegan Chefs

You may have noticed that in recent years there has been a huge surge of new plant-based food items in your local grocery stores. With the incredible variety of vegan meats, cheeses, eggs, and more on the market, gone are the days where folks who eat vegan must rely solely on tofu and veggies! If you are curious about readily available vegan products but have not yet had a chance to try them, this is a perfect class for you. Come hungry for a hands-on demonstration where you will get to experiment with, prepare, and sample a variety of foods and learn how to incorporate them into your everyday meals!

Sunday, November 10

12:00 noon–2:00 p.m.

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

Learn how you can ditch the undesirable ingredients and replace them with healthy, nutritious real food that will kick those sugar cookies to the curb! We will make a cranberry crumble cheesecake that folks won’t believe has a low-glycemic index, is low in dairy, and gluten-free (did you hear THAT celiac sufferers?) Truffles, pinwheel cookies, and figgy pudding will taste as good as they look! Prepare to be amazed at how satisfying, nourishing, and delicious healthy eating can be! Feel free to contact the instructor in advance at dorothybauer@yahoo.com with any food allergies or intolerances. Bring a “to-go” container to take home your goodies.

Sunday, November 17

Alessandra Rella
Education Intern, Morris Arboretum, former Manager, Fair Trade Café, Franklin and Marshall College

There is nothing like a warm, tasty bowl of soup on a cold winter day. Enjoy an afternoon filled with learning about, preparing, and eating freshly made soup! In this class you will help in the preparation of both a chunky minestrone (vegan) and a pureed potato leek soup. In the process you will also learn the basics of soup making so that you may continue to make and create soups on your own, pick up some vegetable chopping tips and tricks, and learn about soup history and traditions. Once our soups are ready, we will sit down and enjoy them together. All experience levels are welcome!

Sunday, December 1

Anthony Aiello
The Gayle E. Maloney Director of Horticulture, Morris Arboretum
Justina Barrett
Site Manager for Historic Houses, Philadelphia Museum of Art

Along with creating the Morris Arboretum, John and Lydia Morris were benefactors to many cultural institutions.  One of these was the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where John and Lydia are considered among the earliest and leading benefactors.  The best known of their gifts is their treasured collection of 18th century Philadelphia furniture, but they also donated pottery, glassware, and sculpture from their world travels, and from their family home, Cedar Grove.  Join us on a private curator-led tour of the Morris objects in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The tour will focus on the American art galleries, but we will also view items on display in the Museum’s East Asian collection.  We will have a delicious lunch in a private dining room at the museum and we will have some time to stroll through the galleries on our own.  Meet at the Morris Arboretum.  Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk.  We will travel by small bus.  Lunch and admission are included in the cost of the trip.

Thursday, November 14
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Casey Tabor
Owner-Operator of Phillymicrogreens.com

Did you know microgreens are up to 40 times more nutritious than regular vegetables?  Microgreens are an excellent source of all essential vitamins and minerals and only take 7 to 14 days to grow!  Join Casey Tabor, Certified Master Gardener and owner of Philly Microgreens, one of Philly’s first vertical farms, to learn the basics of microgreens.  This class will teach you how to grow microgreens, maintain them, and use them in your meals.  This class price also includes a DIY Microgreen Grow Kit and informative materials for you to start and maintain your very own microgreen garden.

Saturday, October 19
10:00–11:30 a.m.

Julie Hancher
Co-founder of Green Philly

Did you know you can save money, get healthier, and connect with your community all while living more sustainably?  Learn how to live a more sustainable lifestyle at home, in the office, or while on the go.  Plus, find out about free or low-cost programs in Philadelphia to enjoy the city even more.  Join this workshop to discover hacks to live a healthier, happier life, while saving the environment.  Julie Hancher co-founded Green Philly in 2008 and frequently lectures on sustainability practices.

Tuesday, November 12
6:00–8:00 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 19

1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Bryn Athyn is a special destination at Christmas.  We will get into the Christmas spirit during our visit to the historic district that consists of three National Historic Landmarks recognized for their remarkable architecture and craftsmanship: Cairnwood Estate, Glencairn, and Bryn Athyn Cathedral.  Cairnwood is a Guilded Age country house that will be beautifully decorated for the season by professional florists.  A dazzling two-story Christmas tree stands where one once stood at the turn of the century.  Glencairn Museum features an exhibit of hand-crafted nativity scenes from around the world and a vintage Lionel train circling a tree decorated with antique ornaments. The Bryn Athyn Cathedral, which is always beautiful, is highly acclaimed for its outstanding architecture and spectacular stained glass windows.  A festive three-course holiday tea will be served at Cairnwood.  The trip includes all admissions, the tea, which will serve as lunch, guided tours, and bus transportation.  Meet at the Arboretum.  Park in the parking lot at the top of the hill above the Visitors Center.  This trip includes walking, standing, and stairs.

Wednesday,December 4

9:15a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Peg Schofield
Registered Horticultural Therapist, Educator

Learn how the connection between plants and people can offer acceptable outlets to process emotions, recover from trauma, and reduce stress.  In these “hands-on” sessions, participants will creatively work with plants in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment, led by a registered horticultural therapist.  Individuals with PTSD, stress-related illness, or coping with grief experiences, are especially invited to attend.  All are welcome.  No horticultural experience is needed.
Four Mondays: October 28, November 4, 11, 18
10 a.m.–12:00 noon

Libby Felten
Clinical Herbalist

As winter illnesses start to spread, tackle them effortlessly from your home pantry!  Many common weeds, garden flowers and culinary herbs are powerful cold and flu remedies.  Join us for a workshop on treating common winter ailments naturally.  We will learn what to have on hand as well as how to prepare and take herbs so you can have a healthy winter season. L ibby Felten is a clinical herbalist who has been in practice for 18 years.  She works with all chronic conditions and is known internationally for her work with people with autism. 

Thursday, November 14
6:30 –8:30 p.m.

Julie Bare
PHS Meadowbrook Farm Estate Gardener
If you are looking for a new addiction that is actually good for your health, it’s time to get into houseplants. Houseplants are great if you live in an apartment or don’t have outdoor garden space.  They have become an important part of a room’s décor. There is an endless variety of houseplants, and Julie, who has about 100 of her own, will share her favorites and show you techniques for how to propagate your plants to add to you collection or share with friends. Julie will give you tips for how to take the guesswork out of houseplant care so you can enjoy growing plants throughout the seasons. Each student will leave with a houseplant grown at Meadowbrook Farm to take home.

Sunday, October 27
12:30–2:30 p.m.

Eva Monheim
Co-creator, Verdant Earth Educators and Instructor, Longwood Gardens
Understanding the basics of how plant communities form and evolve can help you when creating landscape designs for yourself or others. This course will give you the tools to select the right plants for the right place and will provide pointers for how to maintain them. You will learn how to integrate native and non-native species into the garden setting by planting them where they will grow successfully and provide the effect you want. We will look at a variety of plants from those that are salt-tolerant and xeric in nature, to plants that tolerate standing water and shade. Bring your questions and get ready for a dynamic interactive class.

Tuesday, October 29
7:00–8:30 p.m.

Beth Davis
Orchid Grower, Waldor Orchids
Have you ever wanted to grow orchids or have you already taken the plunge and are enjoying their beauty? Orchids are unusual and exotic but relatively easy to grow. Come and hear all the tricks for successful orchid culture from orchid grower Beth Davis. Beth will present basic cultural information and provide a hands-on potting demonstration. Students will pot up their own beautiful orchid to take home and enjoy. There will be an emphasis on transplanting, grooming, and some of the different ways to re-pot your orchid. She will have plants for sale. Beth is a third generation orchid grower from Waldor Orchids located in Linwood, NJ. Waldor is a family-owned business and creates beautiful displays for the Philadelphia Flower Show. Bring a box to take home your orchid.

Tuesday, October 29
7:00–9:00 p.m.

Martha Keen
Horticulturist and Landscape Manager, Wyck Historic House, Garden, and Farm
Dig deeper into the lives and practices of heroines in horticulture in this primer on women’s history in the garden. From landscape architects to floral designers, botanists to garden writers, the work of women has advanced the dialogue of science and the arts within the field, even when the opportunities available to women may have made their path a bit more steep. We will pay homage to the likes of both widely recognized and lesser-known figures, including Valerie Finnis, Katherine S. White, Beth Chatto, and others in this short course designed to inspire further discourse and investigation into the lasting contributions of women. As horticulturist and landscape manager at Wyck Historic House in Germantown, Martha Keen is the guardian and caretaker of the oldest rose garden in America. She is a graduate of the Professional Gardener Program at Longwood Gardens.

Sunday, November 3
2:00–3:30 p.m.

Cindy Skema, Ph.D. Botanist, Morris Arboretum 

Tim Block, Ph.D.  Director of Botany, Morris Arboretum

Fronny Plume, Ph.D.   Botanist

Join us for a three-week “quick start” introduction to botany. This course is designed for everyone, no matter what their background, who has an interest in plants and has always wanted to know more about the biology of these fascinating organisms. Through three sessions, we will offer a general introduction to the topics of plant evolution, form, reproduction (with just a wee bit of genetics), physiology, photosynthesis, chemistry, communication, and ecology. This course will provide you with the basic plant biology understanding that could change the way you look at tree care, gardening, or even the produce at the farmer’s market!  This course carries 6 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=6, P=0, M=0).
Instructors:
Dr. Cindy Skema has a Ph.D. from Cornell University and loves watching fern leptosporangia catapult out their spores under the hot light of a microscope. Dr. Tim Block has a Ph.D. from Miami University of Ohio and is a veteran teacher at the Morris Arboretum who loves being outdoors and enjoys botanizing in the woodlands of Pennsylvania.  Dr. Fronny Plume has a Ph.D. from Cornell University and can lose hours musing about the feat of evolution that is the tri-trophic interaction of plants, predators, and parasitoids.

Three Wednesdays: January 22, 29, February 5
Snowdate: Wednesday, February 12

6:30–8:30 p.m.

Allison Zito
Artist

Vibrance 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, a time of new ideas, and innovation. These innovations took the impressionists outdoors to paint in the open air.  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.  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,  October 20
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Angela Boltz
Fiber Artist

Join us in learning the soothing ancient textile art of macramé (decorative knotting), with fiber artist Angela Boltz.  Students will learn the history of macramé, three basic knot formations, and how to start a project of their own. Each participant will leave with a beautiful handmade plant holder, along with the knowledge to use as a springboard for further creative play and mindful exploration.  Please bring a potted plant or container around which you would like to build your creation.  This course meets at the Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center. Look for the paved road across E. Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Take the second right, park in the lot and follow the signs and paved walkway to the Horticulture Center.

Saturday, November 9
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Karl F. 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, November 16

10:00 a.m. – 12:30 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 24 
1:00–3:30 p.m.

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

Dress up your front door for the holidays with a beautiful, festive wreath.  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.   

This is a popular class so we added a third session.   

Session 1: Friday, December 6   12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.
Session 2: Saturday, December 7   10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Session 3:  Saturday, December 7   1:15 p.m. - 3:15 pm 

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 21 
1:00 p.m.– 3:00 p.m.

Sharon Meeker
Birder and Trip Leader

Merrill Creek Reservoir is a new birding trip location for the Morris Arboretum.  Located near Phillipsburg, New Jersey, it is a 650-acre reservoir surrounded by nearly 2,300 acres of preserved woods and fields.  Its varied habitats make it a great place for birding.  The visitor’s center features wildlife exhibits, a bird feeding/wildlife viewing area, and a demonstration hummingbird/butterfly garden.  We will also visit the Scott’s Mountain Hawk Watch at Merrill Creek where an impressive number of hawks are counted each fall during migration.  The record number of broad-winged hawks counted at Merrill Creek in one day was a staggering 18,000!   We also hope to see bald eagles, which have been nesting at 
Merrill Creek.  Bring binoculars, lunch, and a drink.  Dress for the weather.  We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by van.  Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk.

Tuesday, October 22 
7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

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 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 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 that call the Wissahickon area home.  Bring binoculars.  Meet Ruth at the Courtesy Stables.

Directions to Courtesy Stables: From the Arboretum, turn left onto East 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. C ourtesy Stables will be on your left.

Thursday, October 24
8:00–11:00 a.m.

Sharon Meeker
Birder and Trip Leader

Sandy Hook is a beautiful 1,665-acre barrier peninsula at the northern tip of the New Jersey coast with a great view of the New York City skyline.  Originally discovered by the famous sea captain Henry Hudson in the early 1600s, this seven-mile stretch of spectacular ocean and bay beaches is now a National Park and one of New Jersey’s best year-round birding locations.  A major migration path in both spring and fall, Sandy Hook attracts approximately 340 bird species to its varying habitats that include beach and dunes, mudflats, holly forest, deciduous woods, freshwater ponds, salt marshes, and successional fields.  We hope to see ducks like mergansers, buffleheads and scoters, gulls, loons, and raptors, including hawks and possibly eagles.  Bring binoculars, lunch, and a drink.  Dress for the weather.  We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by van.  Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk.

Wednesday, October 30
7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Ruth Pfeffer
Expert Birder and Trip Leader

Morris Arboretum birding instructor, Ruth Pfeffer, will provide an overview of the birds she has spotted in the Arboretum during her many years of birding in the wetlands, meadows, and woodlands found here.  Ruth has taken beautiful photos of many of these birds and will share them and her enthusiasm with you.  Ruth is also an avid backyard birdwatcher and she will provide tips on how you can make your backyard a bird oasis by providing food, water, shelter, and a place for birds to raise their young.  Food for birds can include natural plantings and bird feeding stations.  Ruth will provide information on native plants that provide seeds, nectar, and berries favored by local and migrant bird species and on bird feeding setups.  She will also discuss pollinators and plants to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.  This course meets at the Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center.  Look for the paved road across E. Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance.  Take the second right, park in the lot and follow the signs and paved walkway to the Horticulture Center.

Saturday, November 2
1:30–3:00 p.m.