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

Learn the value of preserving food using dehydration and understand the simple steps involved. This process allows you to stock your pantry with nutrient-rich home or locally-grown produce you can use throughout the winter for soups, sauces, and healthy, tasty snacks. Kale chips, gourmet crackers, granola, and vegetable soup are some of the delicious recipes you will learn to make and have the chance to sample. All recipes are gluten and dairy-free, have a low glycemic index, and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters! Plan on a buffet of tasting and a packet of recipes to take home. Bring a container to take home goodies.

Wednesday, September 25

6:30–8:30 p.m.

 

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

6:30–8:30 p.m.

 

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

1:00–3:30 p.m.

 

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

11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Paul W. Meyer
Retired F. Otto Haas Executive Director, Morris Arboretum

Join this early evening walk with retired Arboretum Executive Director Paul W. Meyer that will focus on ten outstanding plants in the Arboretum’s living museum. Each of these plants has special genetic significance and tells an important conservation story. You will learn about the attributes of each species and how the individual plant became part of the Arboretum’s collection. This walking class (wear sturdy shoes) will conclude with a glass of wine, snacks, and discussion on the Arboretum’s popular tree canopy exhibit, Out on a Limb. Rain or shine. In the event of rain, the class will be held with an illustrated lecture indoors.

Tuesday, September 10
4:30–6:30 p.m.

Bob Gutowski
Director of Education and Visitor Experience, Morris Arboretum

Enjoy twilight’s ebb to night with an evening garden stroll.  Arboretum educator, gardener, naturalist,  and historian Bob Gutowski will be your guide. Share Arboretum stories, explore garden nooks, and investigate plants in the living collection.  Enjoy the tree canopy, relieve the day’s stress, and celebrate the sights, scents, and sensations of twilight as seasons change.  Bid welcome to the night sky in a beautiful  setting as the moon waxes full.  Meet at the Visitors Center. Wear your walking shoes and dress for  the weather.

Thursday, September 12
6:30–8:30 p.m.

Bob Gutowksi
Director of Education and Visitor Experience, Morris Arboretum

Erin Conley and Lucy Dinsmore

Horticulturists, Morris Arboretum

You will be able to wander through the garden at your leisure and explore the history of the Summer House and Rose Garden with Bob Gutowski, the Pennock Garden and marble fountain with Erin Conley, and the azalea meadow and Ha-Ha wall with Lucy Dinsmore.  Each site will feature staff favorite wines and cheese plates to enjoy as you wander and enjoy these remarkable locations.  Sites will be open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and guests can arrive when it is convenient for them.  Last arrival should be no later than 6:30 p.m. to allow time to visit each site.

Tuesday, September 17
5:30–7:30 p.m.

Shelley Dillard
Propagator, Morris Arboretum

Go behind the scenes with Arboretum Propagator Shelley Dillard for a fall tour of the greenhouse This tour includes a look into the Arboretum’s greenhouses and propagation areas as well as a stop at the Dorrance H. Hamilton Fernery. Originally built in 1899 under the supervision of John Morris, the fernery stands today as a historical timepiece, documenting the obsession with ferns and glasshouses during the Victorian era. Don’t miss your chance to come inside these busy buildings that are usually closed to the public, and hear about some of the special plants propagated for both display and research purposes. Shelley will share the history of the Fernery and stories of propagation successes and failures. Check in at the Visitor Center, walk to the Greenhouse.

Saturday, September 28
10:30 a.m.–12:00 noon

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

No one other than their immediate family knew John and Lydia Morris better than Louise Kellner. As  travel assistant to John and Lydia Morris on their several extended trips abroad, Louise kept diaries, chock-full of details, which revealed just how much she knew.  Through her daily entries, we  learn what the Morrises  thought of places they visited, foods they ate, and people they met (expect name-dropping). Louise’s travelogues  and the photographs of tourist sites she bought along the way will be our roadmap for exploring what  fueled  their  wanderlust.  Afternoon tea,  a regular  pastime  of  the  Morrises  at  home  and  abroad, will be  served.

Wednesday, October 16
4:30–6:00 p.m.

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.

Located on 235 acres in Wilmington, Delaware, Hagley is the site of the gunpowder works founded by E. I. du Pont in 1802.  This example of early American industry includes restored mills, a workers’ community, and the ancestral home and gardens of the du Pont family.  On the hillside below the home lies a Renaissance-revival garden, with terraces and statuary, created by the du Ponts.  The museum also explores personal stories of the 19th-century du Pont company employees, how they lived, and how their lifestyles changed along with new machinery and production methods.  After lunch at Hagley we will drive a short distance to Nemours, owned and developed by Alfred I. du Pont (1864-1935).   The Nemours estate comprises an exquisite 77-room mansion, one of the largest formal French gardens in North America, a chauffeur’s garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles, and nearly 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows, and lawns.  The trip includes transportation, admission, guided tours, and lunch.  Meet at the Morris Arboretum.  Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk.

Wednesday, October 2

8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Aaron Greenberg
Arboretum Manager, Laurel and West Laurel Hill Cemeteries
West Laurel Hill Cemetery was founded in 1869 and features nearly 200 acres of gently rolling hills, mature trees, carved stone monuments, historic architectural features, and hundreds of mausoleums.  Landmarks include the Bell Tower built in 1887 and Chapel of Peace built in 1938.   It is home to generations of Philadelphians from all stations in life.  We will tour West Laurel Hill Cemetery and its historic landscape with Arboretum Manager Aaron Greenberg who will show us its beautiful collection of mature trees and specimen shrubs.  From the earliest years of West Laurel Hill, the arboretum has been a vital component of the cemetery’s beauty.  The cemetery’s founder, John Jay Smith, with his knowledge and interest in horticulture and landscape gardening, devoted much of his time to supervising the arboretum.  This is a walking tour.  Please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.  We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by van.  Park in the lot to the left of the entrance kiosk.

Thursday, October 3

8:30 am. - 12:15 p.m.

Jason Lubar
Associate Director of Urban Forestry, Morris Arboretum
Bryan Thompson-Nowak
Assistant Director of Continuing Education, Morris Arboretum

Forbidden Drive in the Wissahickon Valley Park is a beautiful, tree-lined, and creek-side trail rich in history.  It was named the 2018 PA Trail of the Year for its beauty, history and importance as recreation area to the Philadelphia region. Remnants of mills powered by the Wissahickon are still visible today as well as a covered bridge and the Valley Green Inn.  We will bicycle through this amazing natural area with Director of Urban Forestry Jason Lubar who has spent many years exploring the area getting to know the plant life, geology and history of this spectacular park.  We will bike as far the Gorgas Creek and search for remnants of Gorgas Cave.  We will then return to Valley Green Inn where we will eat lunch in the historic establishment.  After dining, we will bicycle back to the Arboretum.   Total biking distance is about seven miles.  Lunch is included in the trip fee. Meet at Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center parking lot, located across E. Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance.

Friday, October 11

10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Philadelphia has an incredible history and we will embark on a fun day of exploration and discovery.  We will begin our day visiting the Parkway Central Library with a tour emphasizing special collections not usually open to public.  We will look at material that references Philadelphia’s long history with horticulture, botany, and the Morris family as well as materials that highlight the Reading Viaduct.  We will eat lunch in the library and afterwards have a street-level walking tour (approx. one mile) of the Reading Viaduct that carried trains into Center City for almost 100 years.  Planning is in the works to preserve and redevelop this site into a three-mile long park open to the public. We will end at the recently finished quarter-mile section of the Rail Park to see what makes it such a great addition to the city and why completion of the park is so important.  Learn more at: www.therailpark.org.  A picnic lunch is provided.  Please wear good walking shoes and be prepared to be on your feet for a good portion of the day. Meet at the Arboretum. We will travel by bus. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk.

Tuesday, October 15

9:15a.m.–4:00 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.

Christopher Mallam
Weaver’s Way Nextdoor Manager

What is CBD?  What is its role in the body?  Join Chris Mallam, the Weavers Way Next Door manager to learn how cannabinoids work with the body to support a healthy balance in life, and how different products and methods of delivery could be best for you.  Test and try a variety of CBD oils and topicals as the unique differences are described and learn how to safely incorporate CBD into your life.

Sunday, September 15
10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon

Maggie Brown
RN and Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Nationally Certified Health and Wellness Nurse Coach

Shinrin Yoku, also known as Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy, is an ancient practice that is now supported by scientific research. Improved immune function, reduced cortisol levels, increased cognition and memory, and improved mood are just some of the clinical findings.  Facilitated by a trained guide to help support your own relationship to the healing benefits of nature, this experience allows for mindful connection to the “more than human world.”   Participants move at a slow pace and are invited to connect in a sensorial way to the beautiful surroundings of the Morris Arboretum.  Leave the hectic world behind and come explore this ancient wisdom.
Saturday, September 28
8:30–11:30 a.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.

Vince Marrocco
Chief Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum
Lawn care is best done in the fall after the heat of summer has passed. Learn how you can have a beautiful lawn without lots of work. Get tips on when to plant, how to plant, and what seed to use, as well as techniques for troubleshooting problems with an already established lawn. Vince will share his common sense approach to applying fertilizer and controlling weeds.

Tuesday, September 3
7:00–9:00 p.m.

Lucy Dinsmore
Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum
Gardening should extend beyond just spring and summer blooms. Late season flowers, foliage, and fruit can be showstoppers in the garden, while also providing important food sources for pollinators and birds. Garden lovers are always looking for plants that will extend the season of interest, and bees are also looking to store up pollen and nectar to survive winter hibernation. Lucy will provide ideas for perennials, shrubs, and trees that flower, turn brilliant colors, and bear fruit late into the year. She will review the necessary site conditions for them to thrive, and show you how to create beautiful plant combinations. Lucy will focus on plants that are not only good landscape plants but also provide pollen and food for wildlife.

Tuesday, September 24
6:30–8:30 p.m.

Valerie Solitrin
Landscape Designer
Who can resist the beauty of blooming bulbs? Bulbs 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 26
6:30–9:00 p.m.

Erin Conley
Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum
 The Pennock Garden is one of the areas of the Arboretum where flowers abound and summer color is a design highlight. Visitors love this small, enclosed garden that features symmetrical beds, stone walkways, and fences that support vines. Tended by staff horticulturist Erin Conley, this garden was redesigned this past season. Learn about the process she used to reimagine and redesign this garden.  Many of the steps she used can be applied in your own home garden. Erin will share information on existing conditions, which tend to be hot and dry, as well as how they influence her plant choices and how she is designing to extend the season. This class features an indoor session with photos to discuss the design process, followed by a walk to and tour of the Pennock Garden to see how the design plan is being implemented.

Saturday, September 28
10:00–11:30 a.m.

Marc Radell
Penn State Master Gardener
Landscaping successfully is both an art and a science, requiring a well-thought-out balance of aesthetics and functionality. Through proper design and planning, you can create a livable landscape that looks beautiful all year. This course combines the theoretical with the practical to help you understand some of the fundamental elements of artistic design and how to apply them to a realistic plan for your home landscape. We will cover the principles of color, line, form, unity, and focalization and learn how to incorporate them into a detailed plan that will help you achieve the look you want in keeping with your site conditions. Along the way, we will also discuss some basic maintenance and pest management tips.

Wednesday, October 2
7:00–9:00 p.m.

Dr. John Lonsdale
Owner, Edgewood Gardens, Exton, PA
Join us for an evening talk with local plantsman John Lonsdale who is well known to those who collect and enjoy cyclamen, galanthus, trillium, peonies, and a wide variety of other hardy bulbs and woodland plants. Not only is John a highly regarded grower, propagator, and gardener, but he also writes and speaks frequently on a broad range of topics including alpine plants, bulbs, and species iris. In this lecture on woodland treasures, John will discuss a selection of the many unusual and beautiful plants that thrive in his home landscape, “Edgewood Gardens” in Exton, PA. The presentation will include many images of plants that are suitable for a variety of conditions  from dry shade to sunlit woodland edges. John is particularly interested in pushing the limits of cultivation of many of these plants and the talk will emphasize methods for their cultivation and propagation. You will go home with a complementary cyclamen that John has propagated from seed to add to your own woodland garden. John will also bring a variety of interesting plants that will be for sale to attendees to take home. The Arboretum will visit John’s home garden in the spring, which is only open to group tours, so be sure to keep an eye out for this trip in the Spring 2020 catalog. John has many pictures of his plants and garden at edgewoodgardens.net.

Thursday, October 17
6:30–8:00 p.m.

Louise Clarke
Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum
Gardening and yard tasks are generally low risk activities, but there are important safety practices you should employ to avoid personal injury or loss of property. Join horticulture staff as they review the proper use of step ladders, pruning and chain saws, push and riding mowers, string trimmers, personal protective equipment, ergonomic body mechanics, and site conditions that affect your comfort and safety when working outdoors. After an illustrated lecture, we will examine  equipment and tools designed to make your time in the field productive, enjoyable, and accident-free.

Meet at the Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center. Look for the paved road across E. 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 19
10:00–12:00 noon

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.

Will Ryan, Ph.D.
Botanist/Restoration Ecologist
Spend a day botanizing with an expert at the Natural Lands’ Fulshaw Craeg Preserve located along Ridge Valley Creek near Sumneytown, in upper Montgomery County. This preserve is one of the best remaining examples of intact, relatively undisturbed forest in southeastern Pennsylvania. The site’s nearly 300 acres include boulder-strewn woodlands, open meadows, and a boulder field. The preserve, which occurs on diabase rock, is known for its diversity of habitats and plant species, To protect the integrity of this special place, Natural Lands has not opened the Fulshaw Craeg Preserve to the public. We will be walking on minimally developed trails over rocks and fallen logs so wearing sturdy, close-toed footwear, long pants, and disturbing the site as little as possible is important. Please bring your lunch and something to drink in a backpack.  We will leave from the Arboretum by van.  Park in the grass lot next to the Arboretum entrance kiosk.

Friday, September 20
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Will Ryan, Ph.D.
Botanist/Restoration Ecologist
Autumn is alive with colors and textures that differ greatly from the rest of the year. Explore the late season of blooms in the beautiful Wissahickon Valley Park with a terrestrial ecologist. We will wander through meadows and forests in search of plants in foliage, flower, and/or fruit. Expect a leisurely two to three mile walk through hilly, but gentle terrain. Wear close-toed sturdy footwear and long pants. We will meet at the concrete picnic tables at Bell’s Mill Rd. and Forbidden Drive. Please bring your lunch and something to drink in a backpack.

Saturday, October 12
10:00 a.m.–2:00 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.

Katharine Sui Ping Lee
Classically Trained Calligraphy Artist

 

Capture the beautiful colors and shapes of fall—one of the most exciting seasons at the Arboretum.  Learn the techniques of traditional Chinese calligraphy painting from Katharine Siu Ping Lee, and take home a beautiful creation of your own. This class focuses specifically on painting woody plants such as trees, bushes and shrubs.  All materials will be supplied.

Sunday, September 22
10:00 a.m.–12 noon

Henry Martin
Artist

We all respond to the beauty of the trees at Morris Arboretum, and some of us can’t resist painting them.  In this class, we will draw and paint trees, focusing specifically on their structure as living organisms and how to present that structure through drawing and painting.  On the first day, a demo in oil paint presents these ideas in a clear and concrete manner, and students may work in the medium of their choice.  We will discuss all aspects of the trees’ anatomy: branch patterns, proportion, structure, sky holes and foliage masses, with the objective of arranging these visual components into a cohesive whole.  Previous drawing experience is preferred but not required.  Be ready to draw on the first day.  Please bring art supplies of your choice to the first class; beginners should bring assorted pencils and a sketchbook.   Sundays can be busy at the Arboretum.  Plan to arrive early in case you need to park in the overflow lot at the bottom of the hill and get a shuttle to the Visitor Center.

Four Sundays: September 22, 29, October 6, 13
11:00 a.m.–2:00 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.  Come to class dressed to paint.  All supplies are provided.  

Sunday, October 13 
10:30–12:45 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.

Section 1: Friday, December 6   12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.
Section 2: Saturday, December 7   10:30 a.m.–12:30 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 21 
1:00 p.m.– 3:00 p.m.

Sharon Meeker
Birding Enthusiast and Trip Leader

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Delaware Bay near Smyrna, Delaware is nearly 16,000 acres in size and includes lots of great birding habitat including pristine tidal salt marshes, freshwater impoundments, croplands, and woodlands. Unquestionably Delaware’s single best-known birding site, Bombay Hook justifies its fame with exceptional birding throughout the year. Songbird migration south takes place in September and October and waterfowl migration begins in early fall and brings many species of ducks and geese to the refuge to spend the winter in the fresh water impoundments. We may also see bald eagles that are known to nest at the refuge.  Sharon will supply field guides and a spotting scope. Bring binoculars, lunch, and a drink, and dress for the weather.  We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by van.  Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk.

Tuesday, September 17
7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Ruth Pfeffer
Expert Birder and Trip Leader

Join us for a morning of birding in the Wissahickon section of Fairmount Park.  We will meet at Forbidden Drive and stroll along the beautiful Wissahickon Creek, a designated Important Bird Area by the Pennsylvania Audubon Society.  In this green corridor that features a variety of good habitats for birds, we hope to see fall migrants to our area as well as resident and nesting birds.   Meet in the Wissahickon section of Fairmount Park at the concrete picnic tables at the intersection of Bells Mill Road and Forbidden Drive.  Bring binoculars.

Saturday, September 21

8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

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.  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 Ruth there.  You may sign up for one or multiple sessions. 

Session 1:  Evening Birding: Tuesday, September 24
4:00–6:30 p.m.

Session 2:  Morning Birding–Wednesday, October 16
8:00-10:30 a.m..

Sharon Meeker
Birder and Trip Leader

Join us on a trip to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, a 2,380 acre preserve where thousands of migrating hawks, eagles, and falcons cross over the Kittatiny Ridge on their way south.  It is the best observation point for autumn raptor migration in the United States and is located near Kempton, Pennsylvania.  The mountain views from the North and South Lookouts are spectacular.  Hawk Mountain volunteers are at the lookouts pointing out and recording birds. We will stop at the impressive visitor’s center with exhibits and photos about the history and preservation of the sanctuary. Please wear sturdy shoes as we will be walking on uneven surfaces.  Bring your lunch, binoculars, a cushion to make sitting on the rocks more comfortable, and something to drink.  Dress for the weather.  We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by van. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk.

Thursday, October 10 
7:30 a.m.–4:00 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.