Amanda Wood

Urban Forestry Intern, Morris Arboretum

Learn about Madagascar from more than just the movies in this cooking class with a focus on Northern Madagascar cuisine. The class will cover some of the history, culture, and issues in Madagascar while also giving you a taste of what Malagasy people of the North eat. You will get to try a traditional northern dish, a side dish, and a sweet snack in class and will receive recipes to make it at home!

Saturday, March 16

12 noon—1:30 p.m.

Becky Diamond
Author and Vice President, Historic Foodways Society of the Delaware Valley
Using Lydia Morris’ own handwritten cookbook from 1883 and other sources, food historian and author Becky Diamond will explain how entertaining and hosting teas from the Victorian era to the early 20th century was integral to the lives of middle and upper class Philadelphia ladies. The importance of sweets is well-documented, as is evidenced with the majority of the 125 recipes in Lydia’s recipe book, categorized as “Sweet Cakes, Puddings and Desserts; Tea Cakes and Desserts of a Different Kind.” Learn the social protocol of the time, how food was served, and the popular from Lydia’s own recipes and other cookbooks of the time. This class meets at the Arboretum’s Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center.

Sunday, April 28
1:00–3:00 p.m.

Kevin Paschall
Head Chocolate Maker, Shane Confectionery

This class will trace the human consumption of cacao from the ancient Mayans to modern chocolate while exploring the history of cacao farming, harvesting, and brewing. We will make a tasty chocolate tea based on a 17th century recipe from Antonio Colminero de Ledesma’s Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke with ground cacao nibs and historical botanicals. You will also be guided on a chocolate tasting with three varieties of chocolate made in Shane Confectionery’s Chocolate Works. Shane’s mission is interpreting the historic candy and chocolate-making traditions. Craft chocolate and confections will be available for purchase at the end of the class. This class meets at the Arboretum’s Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center.

Sunday, May 5
1:00–2:30 p.m.

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

The Morrises’ home, Compton, was a conspicuous symbol of the financial success of John T. Morris and his sister, Lydia T. Morris, and it deserved a name. Built in the English Gothic style on a high plateau in Chestnut Hill, Compton was variously called “magnificent,” “unfortunate,”  and “quirky.”  We will examine the house in detail as we take a virtual tour floor by floor. Along the way we’ll discuss why the Morris siblings chose the name Compton and what occurred within the walls during its eighty-year existence. And like any proper house tour, refreshments will be served, though not on Lydia’s Haviland Limoges china with the gold-embellished berries and leaves.

Please be aware that this "Behind the Scenes" class is a presentation using photographs, maps and records, since the mansion no longer exists. 

Wednesday, April 3
4:30–6:00 p.m.

Bob Gutowksi
Director of Education and Visitor Experience, Morris Arboretum

Erin Conley and Lucy Dinsmore

Horticulturists, Morris Arboretum

Join us for an exclusive night at the Arboretum with wine and hors d'oeuvres exploring three remarkable parts of the garden after hours with our very own staff sharing how they experience these sites.  You will be able to wander through the garden at your leisure and explore the history of the Summer House with Bob Gutowski, 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 favorite wines and small bites to enjoy as you learn about these remarkable locations.  Sites will be open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and guests can arrive when it is convenient.  Last arrival should be no later than 6:30 p.m. to allow time to visit each site.

Wednesday, May 15
5:30–7:30 p.m.

Valerie Solitrin
Landscape Designer

Heavier rains and dry periods are making water management in your landscape more challenging.  Whether you must comply with your township's impermeable surface code or just want to be more earth-friendly, this two-hour lecture will introduce you to a wide array of affordable solutions. We will consider local municipal codes and what you can do to comply with them. Permeable hardscape options will be reviewed and we will discuss seepage beds, problem downspouts, and rain water erosion. Valerie will also discuss rain gardens and important factors to consider when installing one.

Saturday, March 9
1:00–3:00 p.m.

Emily Clark
Education Intern, Morris Arboretum

Do you want to start reducing your family’s footprint but are not quite sure where to start? This is the class for you! Come learn the basics of reducing the waste production from just about every room in the house. This class will be specifically targeted for the Philadelphia metro area, and include tips and tricks to living a lower waste lifestyle in this region (although general principles can be applied anywhere!). Bring your questions and ideas for a discussion afterwards.

Thursday, March 28
6:00–7:00 p.m.

Eva Monheim
Horticultural and Environmental Consultant and Educator

What does sustainability really mean in the landscape? Creating sustainable landscapes can mean less work for you. You will be amazed at all the techniques you can use to enhance your garden while you focus on sustainable practices. Ideas include planting no-mow lawns, easy-care groundcovers, and plants that need minimal pruning. Other sustainable practices include composting, capturing and reusing rain water, selecting a diverse palette of plants, using new native cultivars that are more attractive for wildlife, planting in layers to reduce weeds, and bringing greater visual interest to areas that were once lifeless.

Tuesday, April 9
7:00–8:30 p.m.

Bess Trout
Horticulturist, Tyler Arboretum

Did you know every third bite of food we eat is the direct result of a pollinator? Bees, birds, bats, and butterflies are all environmentally and economically important! Invite pollinators into your garden by providing the food sources they need. Bess will explain the elements of a successful pollinator garden and discuss native perennials and shrubs that grow in this area, have seasonal interest year round, and provide the proper food and
shelter for these important garden visitors.

Saturday, May 11
10:30 a.m. –12 noon

Aaron Greenberg
Arborist and Horticulture Specialist, Laurel Hill Cemetery

 Anthony Aiello
The Gayle E. Maloney Director of Horticulture and Curator, Morris Arboretum

Come and explore the picturesque setting, big trees, and fascinating gravestones of Laurel Hill Cemetery.  The cemetery opened its gates in 1836 and with its series of winding paths and carefully designed terraces became the first architecturally designed cemetery and the second garden-type cemetery in the country.  It is the popular resting place for many of Philadelphia’s leading families including John and Lydia Morris. By 1844, John Jay Smith, the cemetery’s founder had planted 2,400 trees in the cemetery.  That history of tree planting continues with the Legacy Tree Fund that plants new specimen trees throughout the site.  We will see many old and beautiful trees and pay our respects at the Morris family grave. 

We will leave from the Morris Arboretum by van.  Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk.

Walking on uneven surfaces and up and down stairs is a big part of the tour. Wear good walking shoes.

Friday, April 26
8:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Mill Fleurs, the garden of Barbara and Robert Tiffany in Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania, is both personal and unique. It occupies a streamside site with massive rock outcroppings and steep, wooded slopes. The design objectives are to bring cohesiveness to a great diversity of plants by grouping them by genus whenever possible; to organize the garden into color families; and to present plant collections in an interesting way. The Tiffany’s stretch horticulture and hardiness zones by planting every possible species of any genus they can grow. We will tour the garden with Barbara and get insights into her garden philosophy. After lunch, we will visit the studio of George Nakashima in New Hope, Pennsylvania. George was an American woodworker, architect, and furniture maker who was one of the leading innovators in 20th century furniture design and a father of the American craft movement. While the architect and woodworker died in 1990, his family continues his legacy. They run the Nakashima furniture business from the workshop he set up in the 1940s and 50s. We will tour the wooded multi-acre estate that includes experimental architecture, an inside look at their unique handmade solid-wood furniture, and a real insight into the man, his history, his legacy, and his family. Be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces. We will leave from the Arboretum by van. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk. The cost of the trip includes admission, lunch, and transportation.

Thursday, May 2
9:00 a.m.–4:30 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, May 18
1:00–3:00 p.m.

Chanticleer is one of the great gardens of the region. Once the Rosengarten estate, today Chanticleer is a colorful, contemporary garden within a historic setting. Adolph Rosengarten, Sr. and his wife Christine built their country retreat along Philadelphia’s historic Main Line in 1913, and left the entire property for the enjoyment and education of others in 1990. A guided tour will lead us through the Chanticleer house and gardens, providing an insider’s look into the life of the Rosengarten family. Our tour will be followed by lunch, and then we will head to Stoneleigh. Once the estate of the John Haas family, this 42-acre property in Villanova was recently donated to the Natural Lands Trust to become a public garden. Opened in May of 2018, we will tour Stoneleigh’s lush gardens, winding pathways, and stately trees. Be prepared to walk. We will leave from the Arboretum by van. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk. The cost of the trip includes admission, lunch, and transportation.
Wednesday, May 29
9:30 a.m.–3:45 p.m.

Nestled in scenic Bucks County near Newtown, Hortulus Farm is a 100-acre property which features 24 separate gardens on 30 of its acres, linked by paths, lawns, and bridges. Particularly beautiful in early June are the perennial and summer borders, a lush woodland walk surrounding a lake, birch and pine allées, pool and fountain gardens, and kitchen garden. Historic barns and outbuildings at Hortulus Farm are home to a diverse family of farm animals. Hortulus Nursery offers an ever-changing stock of rare and unusual plants including tropicals, standards, espaliers, topiaries, signature caged and framegrown specimens, and a superb collection of hard-to-find perennials, shrubs, and annuals. In 1980, following many years of neglect, Hortulus Farm was acquired by renowned garden designer Renny Reynolds and noted garden author Jack Staub, who restored the buildings and developed the gardens. This tour of the gardens, museum, and house is a rare opportunity to learn about the evolution of the gardens through the eyes of the individuals who created them. Please wear sensible walking shoes and come prepared for a good walk. We will leave from the Arboretum by van or small bus. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk. The cost of the trip includes admission, lunch, and transportation..

Friday, June 14
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Bryan Thompson-Nowak
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 Kirkwood-Cohansey 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 10
8:00 a.m –4:00 p.m.

Elise Hanks
Herbalist and Gardener

Join local herbalist and gardener, Elise Hanks of Terra Luna, to learn the basics of herbal tea blending, an art that nourishes the body from the inside out. Participants will create a personal herbal tea blend based on their needs, and learn the foundations to beginning their very own at-home apothecary. Let this class be your first step into well-being!

This class meets at the Arboretum’s Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center. 

Sunday, March 31
1:00–3:00 p.m.

Libby Felten
Clinical Herbalist

As gardens and open spaces teem with new life, come join us for a hands-on lesson on preserving nature’s medicinal bounty. This workshop will demonstrate the various methods of preserving medicinal herbs in tincture form. The class will discuss how and when to select and harvest plants to capture the peak of their energetic force for medicinal purposes. Participants will leave with their own homemade tincture and knowledge of how to build a herbal home medicine chest.  Libby Felten has been a practicing clinical herbalist for 17 years.

Wednesday, April 24
6:30–8:00 p.m.

Elise Hanks
Herbalist and Gardener

The skin is the body’s largest organ, so why not care for it in a safe and gentle way? Join local herbalist and gardener, Elise Hanks, of Terra Luna, to learn the basics of natural skincare. Learn how to support your skin from the inside out with the help of medicinal herbs. The class price includes a personal tea blend, facial steam, and informative materials to begin your very own at-home apothecary.

Saturday, April 27
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Sara Trohaugh
Yoga Teacher and Therapeutic Massage Practitioner

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

Three Fridays: May 17, 24 & 31
10:00–11:30 a.m.

Jennifer Schelter
Leader, Educator, Artist, Founder –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 www.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.
Ten Tuesdays: May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6
7:00–8:15 p.m.

Members: $180 for ten sessions, $100 for five
Non-members: $200 for ten sessions, $120 for five.

Valerie Solitrin
Landscape Designer

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

Six Thursdays: February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14
7:00–9:00 p.m.

Vince Marrocco
Chief Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

Late winter is the time to prepare your garden to guarantee gorgeous summer roses.  This class will present an overview of rose care including pruning, planting, fertilizing, and disease prevention. A pruning demonstration with help from members of the Philadelphia Rose Society will follow, and then you will have the opportunity to test your pruning skills on our roses.  This class starts indoors in the Widener Visitor Center and finishes outdoors at the Rose Garden.  Be sure to dress for the
weather.  Bring your hand pruners, gardening gloves, and kneeling pad.

Saturday, March 9
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Lucy Dinsmore
Azalea Meadow Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

This class explores the many soil amendments available to improve your garden and the soil that supports it.  What is biochar and how do I use it?  How can I improve my compost pile?  Which manure is best for my vegetable garden? Should I add topsoil to my garden?  Will pine needles acidify my soil?  We’ll answer all these questions and explore the techniques we use at the Morris Arboretum to improve the growth of our plants.  This class meets at the Arboretum’s Bloomfield Farm Horticulture  Center.

Saturday, March 16
10:30 a.m.–12 noon

Vincent Galatolo
Plant Propagation Intern, Morris Arboretum

You can grow mushrooms organically in your home and it’s easier than you think!  Vinnie will show you the proper methods for growing culinary fungi. We will explore the basics of mushroom cultivation from substrate sterilization to inoculation with spores and liquid culture.  The class with provide written instructions as well as a firsthand demonstration on how to create your very own indoor mushroom cultivation setup. The class will also have a brief identification segment that will highlight the differences between varieties of cultivated fungi.  With the right materials, growing this healthy addition to any dish is simpler than it seems.

Saturday, March 23
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Vincent Galatolo
Plant Propagation Intern, Morris Arboretum

Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny is the most visited garden in all of France and is revered throughout the entire world. In this lecture we will explore the unique history and origins of the inspiration for some of the most breathtaking impressionist artworks in human history.  Learn about the day-to-day horticultural operations that are required to run one of France’s most renowned world heritage sites.  View original photos of the gardens, stunning plant collections, and Monet’s picturesque lily pond.

Sunday, March 24
1:00–2:00 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 give you a way to bring nature inside. Houseplants have become an important part of a room’s décor and they help purify the air, muffle sound, and even control humidity. There is an endless variety of houseplants and Julie, who has about 100 of her own, will share her favorites. Julie will give you tips for how to take the guesswork out of house plant care so you can enjoy growing plants throughout the seasons.  Each student will go home with a houseplant grown at Meadowbrook Farm.

Sunday, March 24
1:00–3:00 p.m.

Tony Dufour
Registered Landscape Architect Certified Arborist, and Owner, Anthony Dufour Gardens

Local, "native" materials are as important as native plants in creating and maintaining gardens with local flavor. Landscape architect, Tony Dufour, will explore what access to low priced, global, ‘big boxed’ materials has done to dilute our identity, and what we can do to re-establish our garden footprint here in the Delaware Valley.  Put aside your notions of concrete, composites and polyvinyls, and consider such things as reclaimed stone, locally-produced brick, and urban wood. This class is appropriate for homeowners as well as landscape designers and architects.

Saturday, March 30
10:30 a.m.–12 noon

Samantha Nestory
Horticulturist, Stoneleigh

Did you know that less than 1% of insect species are considered pests?  That leaves a lot of room for insects that we can learn to love, like the beneficial bugs in your garden!  Beneficial insects can control pests, reduce (or eliminate) the need for pesticides, and make your garden healthier and more sustainable, so it’s important to be knowledgeable about them.  In this class, we will learn about the benefits of some key insect groups, how to identify them, and how you can attract them to your yard.  Feel free to come with questions about your own mystery insects and let’s learn just how cool bugs can be!

Saturday, March 30
10:00 a.m.–12 noon

Louise Clarke
Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

Join us for a delightfully messy, hands-on, hypertufa trough-making workshop. Hypertufa is a lightweight, porous concrete mixture made from Portland cement, peat, and perlite. This weatherproof container is great for plants that like well-drained conditions such as sedums, hens and chicks, and rock garden plants. Ideal for those with limited space, troughs can be planted as miniature gardens or to display choice specimens. Your instructor will provide individual attention and step-by-step instructions from mixing and molding to aftercare. Please bring a pair of sturdy kitchen-type rubber gloves (mandatory) for working with the cement mixture. Dress for the weather and wear clothing that can get dirty. This class meets at the Arboretum’s Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center.

Saturday, April 27
10:00 a.m.–12 noon

Robin Rick
Facilities and Landscape Manager, The Woodlands

In this class, offered at The Woodlands in West Philadelphia, we will focus on creating colorful 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 general topics such as plant choices for small spaces and how to maintain blooms all summer.  She will provide specific information about the history of the grave garden form and will discuss using historic plants, and how to grow them from seed.  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.  Still active today, The Woodlands Cemetery was named a National Historic Landmark District and provides an oasis of nature amid the bustling University City neighborhood.

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 mansion.   You may park on the internal roads of The Woodlands near the mansion.

Saturday, May 4
10:00 a.m.–12 noon

Tom De Simone
Founder and Current President, Bonsai Society of South Jersey

In this course, we will cover bonsai history, trees, design standards, seasonal care, watering, fertilizing, disease/insect control, and tools. There will be an up-close demonstration of techniques focused on styling, pruning, wiring, and potting along with time for questions and answers. Each student will receive their own tree, pot, soil, and wire and have the chance to create their own bonsai for outdoor display. At the end of the course, each student goes home with a table-top bonsai and written instructions on caring for their tree. If given reasonable care, your bonsai should last for many years. Tom DeSimone worked for and studied with Chase Rosade of Rosade Bonsai Studio in New Hope, PA and has his own collection of more than 25 bonsai trees.

This class meets at the Arboretum’s Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center.

Saturday, May 18
10:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m.

Nicky Beadle
Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist

Enjoy planting your own colorful and long-lasting container garden using specially selected miniature hostas.  These hostas can have the same great characteristics as larger hostas, but their tiny size makes them more versatile. Nicky has chosen a number of these diminutive beauties, which are as varied as their full-size counterparts, to create a distinctive container garden that you can take home and enjoy for years.  Learn how to design and maintain this small garden, then plant your own unique container, perfect for a shady patio or back porch.

This class meets at the Arboretum’s Bloomfield Farm Barn.

Saturday, June 15
10:00 a.m.–12 noon

Dr. Tim Block
The John J. Willaman Director of Botany, Morris Arboretum

And you thought all trees look alike in winter!  Learn to see both the obvious as well as the more subtle characteristics that make winter tree identification  interesting.  The class will begin indoors with a lecture introducing essential identification techniques and a review of important winter characteristics such as bud morphology, habit, leaf and bundle scars, bark, and fruit.  The group will then move outside for a stroll through the Arboretum to put your knowledge to work.

Dress for the weather. Wear good walking shoes.

Tuesday, March 26
10:00 a.m.–12 noon

Dr. Tim Block
The John J. Willaman Director of Botany, Morris Arboretum
At 7,730 acres, French Creek State Park is an integral part of the 114-square mile area designated by Natural Lands Trust as the Hopewell Big Woods.  This is an area of great ecological and historical importance in Berks and Chester Counties in the Schuylkill River Watershed.  Join us as we explore the forests of French Creek State Park in search of spring ephemerals, ferns, shrubs, and trees.  Learn about the diversity of plant communities supported by the varied geology of the park, and see for yourself how human activities over the past 200 years have shaped this landscape. 

We will meet at the Morris Arboretum and travel by van. Park in the meadow to the left of the entrance kiosk.  Please bring your lunch and something to drink. Wear good walking shoes. This trip involves walking over uneven surfaces.

Wednesday, May 15

7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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

There is a trend to design floral jewelry with colorful aluminum wire, beads, and fresh flowers. It is based on the book by Wendy Andrade, a highly regarded British freelance floral designer, educator and author. Whether you are preparing for a wedding, a party, prom, or another special event, you can use these new techniques to create stunning floral jewelry and accessories. You will make a few reusable structures that you can wear with anything from blue jeans to an evening gown. The possibilities are endless. Cheryl will demonstrate various techniques, and give you ideas. You will have time to create and experiment. Bring a box to transport home your creations and extra supplies.

Sunday, March 17
12:30–3:30 p.m.

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 they 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.

Section 1: Saturday, March 23 - 10:00 a.m.–12 :30 p.m.
Section 2: Tuesday, April 2 - 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Katharine Sui Ping Lee
Classically Trained Calligraphy Artist

Roses are splendid in the spring and a painting captures their beauty all year round! In this class, students will learn the time-honored techniques of Chinese calligraphy painting from Katharine Sui Ping Lee, a formally trained calligraphy artist. Each participant will have the opportunity to learn traditional techniques and make their own beautiful creation. All materials will be supplied.

Thursday, April 4
10:00 a.m.–12 noon

Mindy Shapiro
Papercut Artist and Certified Zentangle Teacher

Papercutting is an ancient art dating back to the creation of paper during the first century in China.  Since that time, artisans have used paper, scissors, and knives to create both ornamental and functional objects.  Perhaps you made a snowflake in grade school or have seen silhouettes. These are forms of papercutting.  In this class you will make flower papercuts based on a template.  For those who prefer to design your own papercut, there will be real flowers and/or leaves to inspire your drawing.  Please bring an #11 X-acto knife and a cutting mat.

Sunday, April 7
10:00 a.m.–12:30 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 class meets at the Arboretum’s Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center. 

Saturday, April 13
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Allison Zito
Artist

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. 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, April 14
12:00–2:30 p.m.

Allison Zito
Artist

Bees, butterflies, and birds are precious tiny creatures responsible for the flowering of spring, the fullness of summer, and the harvest of autumn. From Dutch tulip paintings to the natural world around us, pollinators are integral to our enjoyment of life. We will make a statement with our painting and bring awareness to these tiny life-giving animals. We will discuss composition, brush stroke, color theory, value, shape, line, content, and symbolism during the class. Bring an image that inspires you or choose from those provided.  We will use quick drying acrylic paint on canvas.  Come to class dressed to paint, all supplies will be provided.

Monday, April 15
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Liz Howard
Writer, Editor, Professor

In this class, we will use the nature around the Arboretum as inspirational fuel for our works of art.  You can write poetry, fiction, a memoir, essay, or any genre and form that bests suits your writing style and the allotted time. The first half hour of class will be used to review specific structures, styles, or literary devices.  We will then spend one hour drafting a piece, inspired by the nature around us.  After that hour, the final half hour of class will be time for those who wish to share to read their drafts aloud.  These two classes will take place in and around the Rose Garden; if weather does not permit us to be outside, we will move into a classroom.  Please bring a notebook and a pen or pencil.

Two Sundays, May 5 and 12
12:30–2:30 p.m.

Sydney Hernandez
Natural Dyer and Educator

With spring in full bloom, come learn the art and science of natural dyeing, and unlock colors from locally grown and foraged botanicals.  Using pattern and print techniques like shibori, you will add your unique touch to a hand-dyed piece.  All materials will be supplied and everyone will take home a large cotton handkerchief.

Sunday, May 19
12:30–2:30 p.m

Eileen Rosen
Art Teacher and Illustrator

What happens when you combine two very different mediums to paint a flower, fruit, or vegetable?  First, a flat, one-color, simple shape becomes the underpainting.  Then layering and blending with wax-based colored pencils adds realistic depth to the painting. Step-by-step demonstrations will explain the process. Fruits, vegetables, and other plants will be provided. No previous experience is required.  Please bring the following supplies: A set of 48 sharpened Prismacolor Premier colored pencils packaged in a black tin box that says “smooth color laydown.”  Do not purchase “water soluble,” which also comes in a black tin box.  Seven tubes of Cotman watercolors: Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Light or Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Red, Permanent Rose, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, and Chinese White.  Also bring a pencil sharpener, a small container for water, a palette for mixing watercolors, a watercolor brush, and a small pad of either: Strathmore Bristol, smooth finish, or Strathmore Mixed Media, vellum surface.   Michaels and A.C. Moore should carry these supplies.  Please bring your lunch.

Three Saturdays, June 8, 15, 22
11:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.

Kelly Grace Gibbons
Owner of CraftingSpace with Kelly Grace, Paper Florist

Learn how to make beautiful crepe paper Icelandic poppies in this workshop.  You will choose from a range of beautiful high-quality crepe paper colors and be guided through the sculpting and assembly techniques of paper floristry.  You’ll get to make your very own realistic, lasting Icelandic poppies and learn the skills to make them again or apply them to other paper flowers.  We’ll begin with a brief botanical study of the poppy elements and move on to form the intricate centers, lovely petals, and end with finishing the stems for an overall realistic appearance.  You will leave the class with 2 poppies, templates and enrollment into an Icelandic poppy video course so that you can make more at home and refer back to the video for instruction any time you wish.

Sunday, June 9
12:00–3:00 p.m.

Nicky Beadle
Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist

A piece of sculpture adds a whimsical accent to any garden. Learn how to turn a live leaf into stone and add year-round interest to that perfect nook in your garden during this two-hour workshop.  The concrete leaves make great bird baths, stepping stones, or even wall art. Bring your favorite leaf— perhaps a hosta, rhubarb, or magnolia.  If you don’t have access to leaves, we will have several available.  Fee includes all materials to make one large or two small leaf sculptures.  Dress to get messy. 

This class meets at the Arboretum’s Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center. 

Saturday, July 13
10:00 a.m.–12 noon

Ruth Pfeffer
Expert Birder 

With spring almost here, learn about the wonders of the Wissahickon!  

The Wissahickon Valley Park with its dramatic geography and dense forest is a haven in the city for wildlife. A variety of habitats including creek, woodland, and meadow provide a refuge and breeding ground for approximately 200 bird species. Pennsylvania Audubon designated it an Important Bird Area and two sections of the park, Andorra and Houston Meadows have been recently restored to improve wildlife habitat. Ruth has been birding and photographing in the Wissahickon for years and it is one of her favorite spots. She will show you her pictures of birds she has seen and beautiful scenes she has captured. She will highlight the birds and wildlife that make the Wissahickon Park their home, discuss park history, and consider the role of the Friends of the Wissahickon in maintaining and advocating for the park.

This class meets at the Arboretum’s Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center.

Saturday, March 16
1:30–2:30 p.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 at Bloomfield Farm, an area of good birding across the street from the public garden entrance. These sessions are for beginning or experienced bird watchers. Bring your binoculars. Park in the meadow next to the Arboretum entrance kiosk and meet Ruth there. You may sign up for one or multiple sessions.

Session 1: Saturday, March 23 8:00–11:00 a.m.

Session 2: Wednesday, April 24 8:00–11:00 a.m.

Session 3: Evening Birding: Tuesday, May 14 4:00–6:30 p.m.

Session 4: Nesting Birds: Wednesday, June 5 8:00–11:00 a.m.

Ruth Pfeffer
Expert Birder and Trip Leader

We will start our day in the Morris Arboretum wetland, the best place on the Arboretum grounds to observe birds.  We will walk through the wetland looking for spring migrants, raptors, and birds that live in the area year round.  We will then take a short van ride to nearby Dixon Meadows Preserve.  With its preserved 14 acres and boardwalk measuring nearly two-thirds of a mile, it is a haven for birders, walkers and those who enjoy the area’s flora and fauna. Over 130 species of birds have been spotted here, plus fox, deer, and other native wildlife.  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.

Meet at the Morris Arboretum. Park in the meadow to the left of the Entrance Kiosk. Due to limited parking at Dixon Meadow we will all drive together by van and return together to the Arboretum.

Thursday, March 28
8:00–11:30 a.m.

Sharon Meeker
Birding Enthusiast and Trip Leader

On this trip we will visit Philadelphia’s new Discovery Center, a collaboration between the National Audubon Society and Philadelphia’s Outward Bound School.  This area, surrounding the East Park Reservoir in the heart of East Fairmount Park, is a critical stopover point for migrating birds, particularly wading birds, and diving ducks. More than 100 bird species have been seen here and it is one of Philadelphia’s most unusual natural wildlife habitats.  We will visit the new center and bird on the trails around it.  The center’s creation was an effort to preserve East Park Reservoir that was built in 1889 to provide clean water for city residents.  The goal of the center is to establish a worldclass educational center for environmental conservation and leadership development. 

Bring your binoculars. Dress for the weather.  We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by van.  Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk.

Tuesday, April 9

7:30 a.m.–12 noon

Sharon Meeker
Birding Enthusiast and Trip Leader

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, in New Hope PA, has been a hotspot among birders in Bucks County for many years.  More than 110 species can be seen over the course of a year, including 31 species of warblers during peak spring and fall migration.  We will walk through the preserve stopping
at a wide variety of bird habitats.  The Visitor Center, with an enormous bank of windows that overlook the forest canopy, provides an unrestricted view of several bird feeders.  In the afternoon we will visit Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow, a National Historic Landmark and a great place for birding with over six miles of natural, unpaved trails that meander through fields, woods and streams. 

Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars, your lunch, and something to drink. We will leave from the Arboretum and travel by van. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk.

Wednesday, May 8
7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Sharon Meeker
Birding Enthusiast and Trip Leader

On this trip we will visit nearby Mill Grove, John James Audubon’s first home in America.  At 18 years of age Audubon came here to live and pursue his passion for drawing birds. Today, 175 acres of Mill Grove’s original estate remains largely as Audubon found it, a haven for birds and wildlife.  In this historic spot we will have the chance to go birding at the height of spring migration in some of the same spots used by Audubon himself.  Miles of trails, some with beautiful views of the Perkiomen Creek, wind through the sanctuary.  Feeding stations, nesting boxes, and specially planted trees and shrubs offer food and nesting sites for a variety of bird species. We will also visit the original stone farmhouse that serves as a museum displaying Audubon prints, oil paintings, and memorabilia. 

Bring binoculars, your lunch and something to drink. We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by van.  Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk.

Wednesday, May 22

7:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Sharon Meeker
Birding Enthusiast and Trip Leader

Our first stop is Belleplain State Forest, a real treat for spring birding.  It has some of the best and most easily accessed birding habitat in southern New Jersey.  At over 20,000 acres, Belleplain is a great place to see nesting birds. Diverse habitats, including pine, maple, oak, and Atlantic white cedar forests, and Lake Nummy make it possible to see nesting warblers, vireos, tanagers, orioles, and other songbirds.  Elements of both southern and northern nesting bird communities can be found here.  We will visit Heislerville, Thompsons Beach and East Point Lighthouse. Heislerville Wildlife Management Area is four impoundments near the mouth of the Maurice River.  This is a Delaware Bayshore Important Bird Area.  Four hundred species of birds have been reported here.  The East Point Lighthouse is newly restored and sits at the mouth of the Maurice River.  We will be looking for shore birds and horseshoe crabs.

Bring your binoculars and your lunch with 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, June 6
7:15 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Margaret Rohde
Naturalist, Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association (WVWA)

We will visit Crossways Preserve in Blue Bell, PA and meet with WVWA Naturalist, Margaret Rohde, to see bird banding by an expert in action!  Learn about bird conservation and research techniques, and find out what information can be collected by catching and banding wild birds.  We will then explore the 100-acre Willow Lake Farm in nearby Whitemarsh Township.  This pastoral landscape, which makes you feel like time has stood still, offers the greatest variety of wildlife habitats of any WVWA preserve and it attracts a wide range of breeding birds.  We will tour the Farm with a  naturalist. 

Dress for the weather.  Bring your binoculars and your lunch with something to drink.  Space is limited.  We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by van.  Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk.

Wednesday, June 26
8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.