Virtual Class

Bob Gutowski, Retired Director of Education and Visitor Experience, Morris Arboretum

A noted garden historian quipped, “All great gardens had the three M’s: money, manpower, and manure.” This illustrated lecture follows the money by exploring the family tree of Arboretum founders John and Lydia Morris concurrent with the sources and transfer of wealth between generations. The journey visits not only the ideas that shaped the creation and physical development of the Compton (1887-1932), the private estate that became the Morris Arboretum, but also the broader context of Philadelphia’s cultural and industrial history.

Bob Gutowski recently retired after 36 years of service with the Morris Arboretum. Among other activities, he was the primary resource for Arboretum historical research and documentation.

Wednesday, January 27 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

Holly Merker, Pennsylvania's eBird State Coordinator 

Come learn how eBird benefits birders and researchers alike. These community/citizen science efforts make a difference in conservation science by using powerful data that demonstrate where birds are based on observations submitted to eBird by people like you. If you are new to eBird, we will go over how to submit data, and how to use eBird to learn more about birds, using free online educational tools provided by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Holly Merker is an eBird data reviewer, hotspot reviewer, and an avid eBirder herself.  She recently co-authored the book Ornitherapy For Your Mind, Body, and Soul that highlights the incredible power of birds to support our overall well-being.

Tuesday, March 9 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Members:  $10 | Non-members:  $15

Virtual Class

Sharon Meeker, Experienced Birder

Across North America birders eagerly await spring migration.  During this amazing annual phenomenon, birds leave their winter homes in the south and journey north using the same route that their ancestors once used.  Spring migration occurs in a mass movement. It takes place over a shorter period of time than the fall migration since birds are anxious to reach their breeding grounds and begin mating. During this time, the males are in their beautiful plumage to attract mates so you will see birds in their most vibrant colors.  Sharon will fill you in on the Atlantic Flyway and how it is a major north-south path for migratory birds in North America.  She will tell you about some of the beautiful birds you may see and good places in the area to go birding.  Get ready to enjoy the show!

Friday, March 26 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Members:  $10 | Non-members:  $15

Virtual Class

Jehane Samaha, Pennsylvania Horticulture Society Trees Specialist and Arborist

Woody plants closely guard their buds throughout the winter, full of precious pre-formed leaves and flower petals. These buds are awaiting the perfect springtime moment to bloom while avoiding risk of frost. Different species bloom and "leaf out" at different times during spring, and this timing is shifting with climate change. In preparation for your upcoming springtime walks, join arborist and PHS Trees Specialist Jehane Samaha in a discussion of the science of springtime phenology (or the timing of natural events), and learn to keep an observation notebook from year to year.

Wednesday, February 24 | 1:00 - 2:00pm

Members:  $10  | Non-members:  $15

Virtual Class

Delainey Williams, Natural Lands Intern, Morris Arboretum

Get out your vases and clippers for a virtual, follow-along floral arranging demonstration with Arboretum intern, Delainey! Delainey will share her florist background and approach to designing large and small arrangements from start to finish, including her favorite flowers and tips for a cohesive design. Follow along with Delainey as she arranges or sit back and soak in the information to use later. A list of recommended flowers and materials will be sent to participants prior to class date.

Friday, April 9 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

Mandie Curtis Banks, Education Programs and Events Assistant and Youth/Wellness Educator, Scott Arboretum

Cooking with springtime vegetables can bring bright colors and flavors to the table. Join Mandie Curtis Banks to create beautiful and bold dishes that celebrate the season’s best veggies. Mandie will guide viewers through a step-by-step process for how to make a healthier, but still delicious, spring vegetable quiche featuring tender asparagus, a sweet and surprising spring pea salad, and an easy pea pesto recipe that can be served on a crusty crostini or smothered on your favorite protein. An ingredients list will be provided for all registrants in advance of the class so you can check your pantries or visit your local grocery store. You can create a dish during the class or just observe Mandie’s process. This class will be fun and appropriate for all levels of home cooks. Time will be set aside to answer questions.

Tuesday, March 16 | 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Members:  $10 | Non-members:  $15

Virtual Class

Lori Litchman, Author and Educator

Join Lori Litchman, the author of 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Philadelphia, for a talk about the best spots to get outside in the Delaware Valley. The book is a guide to the top hikes within 60 miles of the city. These selected trails transport you to scenic overlooks, wildlife hot spots, and historical settings that renew your spirit and recharge your body. Lori will also provide a short overview of things to look for on the trail, like spring ephemeral flowers and native plants and trees. Join Lori and take a virtual field trip through the varied trails along the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Piedmont Plateau. Any participants who wish to do so can order signed copies of 60 Hikes directly from Lori.

Lori Litchman grew up in the Pocono Mountains and calls the City of Philadelphia her first true love. She writes about nature and the environment and is a certified word nerd. She holds an MFA in creative nonfiction writing from Goucher College. When she’s not writing or hiking, she’s usually in her tiny backyard gardening.

Sunday, February 21 |1:00 - 2:00pm

Members:  $10 | Non-members:  $15

Virtual Class

Valerie Solitrin,  Landscape Designer

Being at home has given you plenty of time to dream about a new and improved landscape. This comprehensive overview will help you plan your outdoor living upgrades strategically. Design for privacy, four-season beauty, storm water management, and family-friendly functionality. Learn about design principles, hardscape choices, outdoor lighting, tools, trees, perennials, lawns, and soil. Six sessions jam-packed with great information will be the smartest garden investment you make! Class materials will be available prior to the class (you will get an e-mail describing how to access them) and all sessions are recorded and will be e-mailed to you after the class for your convenience.

Six Tuesdays | 7:00pm - 8:30pm 

January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23 - SOLD OUT

Members: $120 | Non-members: $135

Virtual Class

Marc Radell, Master Gardener Emeritus, Penn State Extension

In many ways, woody shrubs are the backbone of the home garden. They don’t require as much room as trees or as much maintenance as flower beds, and they provide year-round structure to your garden design. This class will provide a detailed look at different native shrubs that provide a variety of ecological benefits, including flowers, colorful foliage, edible fruit, and wildlife habitat, in a wide range of landscaping situations.

Wednesday, February 3 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

William Cullina, The F. Otto Haas Executive Director, Morris Arboretum

Although interest in organic gardening and lawncare is growing due to concerns for health and the environment, most Americans still perceive organic solutions as more expensive, more labor-intensive and less effective than conventional, chemical-based approaches.  In this class, Bill will explain low-cost, efficient and very effective organic techniques for both your lawn and garden.

Friday, February 12 | 10:00am- 11:30am

Members:  $15 |Non-members:  $20

Virtual Class

Bess Trout, Gardener, Tyler Arboretum

Rain gardens are an excellent way to absorb rainwater runoff and get started with ecological gardening. Join Tyler Arboretum Gardener Bess Trout to learn how to add rain gardens to your landscape where they will be most effective. In the first part of this two-part series you will see examples of rain gardens and discover how to select and prepare a site. In the second half you will learn more about choosing appropriate plant species and have an opportunity to ask all your rain garden and ecological gardening questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to create a garden that will bring beauty to your back yard while helping to clean up our local rivers and streams!

Meets on two Saturdays | February 20 & 27 | 1:00 pm -2:00 pm

Members:  $20 includes both dates | Non-members:  $30 includes both dates

Virtual Class

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

Join Tony Aiello as he takes us on a tour of central Japan, where he participated in plant exploration trips in the fall of 2018 and 2019.  Tony will highlight the areas of Honshu that he and his colleagues visited and where they collected a diversity of trees and shrubs.  He will also share his experiences in visiting Japanese cultural sites during his travels.  Plus, find out what was holy and what was devilish during his travels.

Thursday, February 25 |1:00pm -2:00 pm

Members:  $10 | Non-members:  $15

Virtual Class

Marc Radell, Master Gardener Emeritus, Penn State Extension

Healthy plants require healthy soil, yet we too often take soils for granted and think of them as only the means to an end (for crop/plant production). This class will help us understand soil as a functioning ecosystem—a key factor in the natural cycle of nutrients and energy.  We will review the basic properties of soil, the living organisms it supports, and the different nutrients required for healthy plants.  We will also discuss the importance of soil fertility testing, how to have it done, and how to interpret the lab results.  We will then explore the nature and application of different fertilizers and conclude with a summery of recommended practices for promoting soil health.

Wednesday, March 3 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

Lucy Dinsmore, Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

In this class, Lucy will teach practical ways to convert your lawn to something more. With less lawn, you can create a more beautiful and balanced ecosystem that will attract insects, birds, and other wildlife.  We will examine the environmental and ecological benefits of making this change. Using her own yard as a case study, Lucy will expand upon her successes and failures. You will learn about sheet mulching, killing tough weeds, and the beauty you can create on a small budget. Over the years Lucy’s motto has become, ‘If you build it, they will come’ due to the incredible life that is supported by her gardens. Whether you start small or bite off more than you can chew, we will cover all types of plants you can use and learn about some beneficial insects too! 

Friday, March 5 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

Eloise Gayer, Assistant Horticulturist, Chanticleer Garden

Winter is a tough time for houseplants as cold drafts, drying heat, and limited light conditions create stress indoors. In spring, these plants will begin to emerge from their dormant state – some care and attention at this stage is important to ensure a successful growing season. In this class, we will cover the cultural requirements for a variety of common houseplants, including light, humidity, pest control, soil and watering, with special attention paid to tricky winter care and the transition to an active growing season. We will also cover several methods of propagation for houseplants that are best conducted in the spring. Bring any unwell houseplants to class and ask for care advice at the end of class.

Thursday, March 11 | 10:00am - 11:00am

Members $10 | Non-Members $15

Virtual Class

Kathleen Salisbury, Director, Ambler Arboretum of Temple University

When we choose plants to add to our garden, many of us think only about how a plant looks. But there can be so much more! During this illustrated talk, we will explore plants that offer something for all the senses.  A carefully selected diverse landscape including trees, shrubs and perennials can delight the senses year-round with amazing color, wonderful textures, great aromas, and even the sounds of foliage rustling in the breeze. Kathleen will provide lots of recommendations for great plants to increase interest in your garden.  During our discussion we will also see if we can find the elusive plant that has everything it needs to engage all the senses!

Wednesday, March 10 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

Adi Shiloh, Urban Forestry Intern, Morris Arboretum

Tree advocacy is a critical practice for property managers and homeowners in order to contribute to a healthy green urban canopy, mitigate potential damage, and improve your property’s curb appeal. This class will cover why protecting and advocating for your trees matter, and how to do so in various situations, whether they are on your property, they are street trees, or they are trees you wish to plant in the future. This class will also put you in a more informed position to guide lawn maintenance staff, contractors, or volunteers regarding tree placement, planting, care, and protection.

This class is intended for landlords, as well as people who own or manage businesses or community organizations, including any staff or volunteers that assist with your tree care and landscaping.

Friday, March 12 | 10:00am - 11:00am

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

Irene Barber, Horticulture Educator, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

In this online lecture and demonstration, you will learn the fundamentals of pruning, enjoy a refresher or, if you are new to it, gain the confidence to know what, how, and when to prune.  Perhaps you have attempted to prune in the past and have had unsuccessful results, or you have been afraid to prune because you are not sure if you will damage your plants.  If so, this class is for you! We will discuss appropriate tools, timing, goals, and techniques that will assist you in your pruning projects.

Friday, March 12 | 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Members: $15 | Non-members: $20

Virtual Class

Andrew Brand, Plant Curator, Coastal Maine Botanical Garden

If you are not currently growing hellebores, give them a try!  They are great additions to your garden because they bloom so early. In our area their flowers can last from March to the end of May. They are shade tolerant and have foliage that is evergreen and surprisingly frost resistant. In addition, they are long lived and susceptible to few diseases and pests, such as deer. Learn about the different kinds of hellebores, get tips for how to care for them, and add interest to your garden from late winter to early spring.

Wednesday, March 17 | 10:00am - 11:00am

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

Samantha Nestory, Horticulturist, Stoneleigh: a natural garden

The beauty of butterflies has been extolled for centuries – and with good reason! These delicate insects are a hallmark of warm weather and lend grace to the garden with their vibrant colors and gentle demeanor. However, butterflies need more than just flowers and nectar. They need overwintering sites, host plants, and shelter. Luckily, with some work, our gardens can provide these! Join us to learn about common and not-so-common butterfly species found in southeastern Pennsylvania and how you can transform your garden to support these beautiful insects.

Friday, March 19 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

Emily Conn, Horticulturist and Plant Care Specialist, Grow, Sip, Repeat Houseplant Boutique

Have you ever marveled at the color and form of a pitcher plant or watched a sundew trap its prey? Take a walk on the wild side with this introduction to carnivorous plant propagation. We will focus on three common carnivorous houseplants: Nepenthes (pitcher plant), Sarracenia (trumpet pitcher plant), and Drosera (sundew). This class will explore the cultural conditions required for these plants to thrive, as well as propagation via seed, division, and cuttings with a live demonstration of Nepenthes propagation. Finally, we will review resources for acquiring carnivorous plants with a focus on regionally local growers and nurseries, as well as how to find the materials to build container gardens for your carnivorous plant collection.

Friday, April 2 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Members:  $10 | Non-members:  $15 

Virtual Class

Vince Marrocco, Chief Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

Get the best out of your lawn this summer with some well-timed prep work this spring.  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 commonsense approach to applying fertilizer and controlling weeds.

Tuesday, March 23 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

William Cullina, The F. Otto Haas Executive Director, Morris Arboretum

Eastern North America is blessed with some remarkable forests; forests that have suffered from 400 years of logging, plowing, pollution, and invasive plants and pests. As our human population grows, so does pressure on our remaining forested lands, and we as individuals, communities, and nations need to act now to curb their continuing degradation, for the sake of the trees and all that depend on them, including ourselves. It would be nice to think that you could just scatter a handful of seeds around in a degraded forest and come back a few years later to find the understory teeming with wildflowers, birds, and insects. Of course, nothings is that simple, but in this talk Bill Cullina will look at what makes our eastern forests special and what we can do in our own backyards and communities to restore the diversity our woodlands.

Wednesday, March 24 | 10:00am - 11:30am

Members: $15 | Non-members: $20

Virtual Class

Anthony Aiello, The Gayle E. Maloney Curator, Morris Arboretum

Japanese flowering cherries are one of the great highlights of spring and among the most beloved ornamental flowering trees.  Regarding cherries, a famous expert wrote, “there are to be found among the cherries some of the loveliest trees in the world”. Flowering cherries have long been a captivating presence in Japan and throughout the U.S. since their introduction over 100 years ago.  In this lecture, Tony Aiello, will detail the introduction of flowering cherries into various locations in the eastern U.S, with a focus on those planted throughout Philadelphia. Tony has been using the Morris Arboretum’s cherry collection as a model for preserving its horticultural heritage and at the same time providing best practices of veteran tree care.  He has also been working with other botanic gardens in the northeast to identify, propagate, and share rare varieties of flowering cherries.

Friday, April 9 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

Samantha Nestory, Horticulturist, Stoneleigh: a natural garden

“Pollinator” is a term that has gained massive popularity over the past couple of decades as our knowledge and understanding of their importance has grown. Unfortunately, many people only associate this term with popular pollinators, such as European honeybees and butterflies – but there’s so much more to the world of pollinators! Join us as we learn about our native pollinators that don’t get the spotlight – mining bees, moths, beetles, birds, bats, and more!

Friday, April 16 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

Jenny Rose Carey, Author and Renowned Gardener

In this lecture Jenny Rose Carey will take us on a journey to show you an array of flowering bulbs that peak in spring and continue throughout the year.   Beyond standard daffodils, look to expand your bulb palette with these easy to grow plants that have diverse shapes, cheerful colors, and different bloom times.  They are an easy way to enliven your garden!  Jenny will illustrate this online program with photos of gardens in England, Holland and America.

Wednesday, April  21 | 10:00am - 11:00am

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

Eloise Gayer, Assistant Horticulturalist, Chanticleer Garden

With thousands of varieties of roses to choose from, variable in size, growth habit, cultural requirements and blooming time, caring for roses in your garden can feel a bit daunting. With the right tools and knowledge, any gardener can enjoy a fragrant, colorful, beautiful rose in their garden. This class will provide an overview of rose care including pruning, planting, fertilizing, and disease prevention, as well as resources for independent study. We will learn about different types of roses and their particular cultural requirements, the best roses to grow for the Philadelphia area, and we'll explore some of the Morris Arboretum's most exciting rose varieties, which will be at their peak in early June. A question-and-answer session will follow the lecture. 

Wednesday, June 2  | 10:00am - 11:00am

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Virtual Class

Jason Lubar, Associate Director of Urban Forestry, Morris Arboretum--ISA, BCMA

Trees are significant elements and the largest living component in your designs and your clients’ landscapes but there is so much more needed for a tree to thrive than just placing an icon on a plan.  These living organisms are resilient, but their landscape performance is largely dependent on your design and arboricultural understanding.  If your projects include existing or planned trees, understanding them can make the difference between a successful project and problem project. 

This two-hour course will expand your tree-related knowledge so you and your team can make critically informed decisions. Knowing how to create designs that not only allow trees to survive, but to truly thrive results in clients that are happy with their short- and long-term landscape performance. Myths about trees will be discussed and your questions will be answered. 

Topics to be covered:

• Trees are giant green pumps
• the LA/arborist team, a powerful pair!
• We can’t see what’s under our feet, but it really matters.
• Nursery hunt for high-quality trees – your time (and your clients) well spent.
• Tree-related specifications, yours are probably out-of-date
• Planting, just follow 340 million years of evolution Simple, right? Nope!
• Protecting existing trees from construction impacts – working with the project arborist.
• Is a Limit of Disturbance (LOD) really an LOD?
• Questions

This course carries 2 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=0.5, P=0.5, M=1) and LA CES credits for landscape architects.

Friday, February 26 | 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Fee:  $50

Virtual Class

Richard Buckley, Manager, Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station

Part 1- Foliage and Branch Tip Diseases
Part 2- Diseases of Woody Tissues, the Vascular System, and Roots

Diseases of trees in the urban forest carry a wide range of health implications for each specimen. Many diseases have a spectacular visual impact, but are inconsequential to overall tree health, while others sneak up on the arborist and cause great harm to the tree. This three-hour program covers most of the common shade tree diseases found in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. The program will be presented in two sessions that focus on the plant part affected--working from the foliage down to the root system and everything in between. Find out what diseases to celebrate and which ones to be concerned about and what you can do about it. Field identification, diagnostics, and control options will be covered within the context of a proper Plant Health Management program. 

This course carries 1.5 CEUs for each session for ISA certified arborists (S=0.5, P=1, M=0).

Part 1—Wednesday, March 24 | 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Part 2—Wednesday, March 31 | 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Fee for both dates: $75

Virtual Class

Hasan Malik, Owner, Tree Authority, LLC

Learn from an experienced nurseryman how to select trees that will thrive in urban and suburban landscapes.  Hasan will describe different nursery growing methods including bare root, balled and burlapped, and containerized planting.  He will review the pros and cons of each method.  He will also consider modern nursery production techniques including how plants are potted, kept upright, watered, fertilized, and pruned. Learn about the emerging technology for growing trees in root-pruning fabric pots. During this on-line class Hasan will take you on a tour of his nursery in nearby Perkasie where he goes over 200 varieties of fruit, shade, and ornamental trees including a diverse selection of native. 

This class carries 1 CEU for ISA certified arborists (S=0.5, P=0.5, M=0)

Wednesday, April 14 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Fee: $25

Virtual Class

Larry Weaner,  Principal, Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, FAPLD and founder of New Directions in the American Landscape

Ian Caton,  Founding Principal, Wood Thrush Nursery

Demand for high performing, ecology-based landscapes is increasing faster than the availability of the specialized knowledge to achieve them. This intensive, live, virtual course (three and a half hours on Day 1 and Day 2) provides real-world guidance for designing and documenting all phases of native landscape development, including native plants and ecological processes specific to the mid-Atlantic U.S. Attendees will receive a 100+ page, password-protected digital manual that documents all aspects of the program, including plant selection criteria, plant recommendations, ecological process-based management specifications, and guidance for maximizing the aesthetic and experiential landscape appeal.

This course carries 6 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (3 per day) (S=2, P=2. M=2). and LA-CES credits for landscape architects.

Thursday and Friday, July 15 and 16 | 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Fee for both sessions:  $150