SAM BUCCIARELLI, President of the Philadelphia Mycology Club

Join the Philadelphia Mycology Club on a walk around the Morris, looking for fungi growing behind the scenes of the main garden display! We will explore the grounds for fungi growing in the garden beds and amongst the trees and discuss how to document and identify them. We'll also discuss the important roles these fungi might be playing in the overall health of the gardens.
Leading the tour is Sam Bucciarelli, president of the club. Sam is an educator with a passion for ecology, especially as it pertains to fungi and the role they play in helping our ecosystems thrive.

Saturday, November 1
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Members: $25 | Non-members: $30

SHARON MEEKER, Experienced Birder and Trip Leader

Each fall, migrating raptors begin their journey southward by the thousands. The Militia Hill Hawk Watch has been running for 27 years to record their passage, and the Hawk Watch Observation Deck is a great place to see migrating broad-winged hawks and many others. After spending time at the observation deck, we will also enjoy the surrounding trails in Fort Washington State Park, hoping for the arrival of a variety of sparrows including the white-throated sparrow. Woodpeckers and late migrants are all on our target list!

Bring binoculars. Meet at the Militia Hill Hawk Watch Observation Deck at 420 Militia Hill Road, Fort Washington, PA 19034.

Monday, November 3
9:00 – 11:00 am

Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

Dr. Cindy Skema, Botanical Scientist, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Do you hope to install “living systems” or self-sustaining habitats in your garden/landscape designs? To do so, you need to understand the fundamentals of why and how plants evolve and reproduce, as well as how we capitalize on these natural processes to propagate plant materials for our own use. Expand your concept of designing landscapes to include a need to design plants themselves as genetically and evolutionarily unique entities. We will learn what ecotypes are, how they could impact the success of a landscape project, and why plant provenance really matters. You will be introduced to the plant phenotype and learn what underlies it biologically, what plant plasticity is, and how it may show up in your garden. The course format is two in-person lectures. 

This course is open to the public, with priority registration offered to individuals enrolled in Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ Certificate in Ecological Horticulture. Completion of this course counts toward the requirements of the certificate program. This course has been submitted to carry 3 CEUs with LA CES, ISA, PLNA, and the NJ Board of Tree Experts. 

TWO WEDNESDAYS
December 3, 10
6:00 – 7:30 pm

Members: $80 | Non-members: $85

Please go to our Certificate Program in Ecological Horticulture section to register for this course.

MARGARET SAYLOR, Artist; Member, American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) and the Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators

Join us online for a five-week Botanical Art Exploration, where you’ll create detailed study sheets centered around a plant, plant family, or theme of your choice. Using graphite and watercolor, we’ll dive into the finest details of your subject, including its structure, growing habit, and natural habitat. Throughout the course, you’ll learn essential drawing skills and painting techniques to help you accurately render botanical subjects, while also gaining insight into the exciting world of contemporary botanical art. This class welcomes all levels and offers a supportive environment for both beginners and those looking to refine their botanical illustration skills.

A Zoom link and recommended materials list will be emailed to all participants prior to the program.

Margaret Saylor is the editor/designer of ASBA’s The Botanical Artist journal. She earned a certificate in botanical art and illustration, graduating with distinction from the NYBG.

5 TUESDAYS: October 21, 28; November 4, 11, 18
6:30 – 8:30 pm

Members: $160 | Non-members: $185

OLIVER BUZZARD (they/xem), Artist, Educator, Song Carrier

Songs can call us into witnessing our individual and collective change, and the grief and joys that come with transition and release. In this singing workshop, we will come together for nourishment, play, and connection. If there is collapse, how do we tend to each other and ourselves? How do we love one another, and hold one another in celebration, in emptiness, despair, and hope? Holding these questions, we will sing songs of resilience and healing. 

All voices are welcome! Non-singers, shower singers, professional singers—anyone who can make a noise, you are welcome here in this community tending space. We will learn songs from the community singing movement, where melodies and stories are passed from song carrier to song carrier. These short potent songs are taught in the oral tradition using call and echo, or call-and-response form. The class will meet in front of the Welcome Center. If the weather allows, we’ll sing together outdoors. Dress accordingly.

Thursday, November 6
2:00 – 3:30 pm

Members: $20 | Non-members: $25

JESSICA LIDDELL, Owner, Bella Mosaic

Mosaic art is an amazing medium for creating unique pieces for both indoor and outdoor spaces. In this hands-on, two-session course, students will learn about mosaic design, cutting tile, assembling, and grouting projects. You will work on creating your own unique wall hanging for indoor use.

Instructor Jessica Liddell has been teaching ceramics to adults and children since 1995. She has exhibited her work nationally and has directed collaborative public arts projects in community centers, camps, and schools. This is a two-session class. Materials will be provided.

2 Fridays: November 7, 14
12:30 – 2:30 pm

Members: $90 | Non-members: $100

SARA ROBBINS, Award Winning Fiber Artist; Educator

Do you have a garden? Do you not have a garden? Either way is fine, because this basket has as many uses as you can think of. For the gardener, it will carry your small plants to be put in the ground, your gardening tools or your harvested flowers and herbs. If you’re not a gardener, this basket can be used as a catch-all, mail basket, and so much more! 

The basket is appropriate for beginners and experienced weavers alike—no experience necessary. Your finished basket will measure about 14"L x 11"W x 4"H (not including the handle). 

Second session added!!  Choose from the 2 dates below.

Friday, November 14 or Friday, November 21
10:30 am – 2:00 pm

Members: $135 | Non-members: $140

HEATHER BISHOP, Horticulturist & Artist, HSB Garden Designs; Calluna Plants & Gifts

Create a festive winter wreath for your home this season! In this 90-minute guided workshop, you will combine fresh cut seasonal foliage along with ribbons and natural embellishments to adorn your greenery wreath. All materials will be 
provided! Please bring a pair of pruners and gardening gloves.

This is a single-session class that will be held twice on the same day, register for the time that works best for you!

Friday, December 5
10:00 – 11:30 am
OR
1:00 – 2:30 pm

Members: $65 | Non-members: $70

Al Paris, Professional Chef/Restaurateur

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

The class meets at the Sheep Barn parking lot at Erdenheim Farm (5051 Flourtown Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444).

A different seasonal menu is offered, and typically changes monthly. Please sign up for each session separately.   Registration and menus located below.

NEW MENUS FOR 2026 added below!!

MENU: Sumac-onion herb buns. Jerusalem artichoke bisque with a garlic leek confit. Black Angus beef and feta stuffed eggplant with Georgia Candy Roaster chard gratin. For dessert, Chef will serve an almond galette with rosewater petal mascarpone. The meal features Erdenheim Farm beef, eggs, squash, sunchokes, honey, and greens. 

Saturday, November 15
12:00 – 3:00 pm

Members: $110 | Non-members: $120

MENU: Pennsylvania yule bread. Farm greens with a honey-poppyseed vinaigrette. Thai basil-basted beef tenderloin with chard, vermicelli cakes, and baby beech mushrooms. For dessert, Chef will serve individual lemon curd and clementine tartlets, with a quick cranberry coulis. The meal features Erdenheim Farm honey, beef, eggs, and greens. 

Saturday, December 13
12:00 – 3:00 pm

Members: $125 | Non-members: $135

MENU: Warm, buttery, homemade buns. Smashed fried potato salad including farm greens and sweet onion vinaigrette. Pomegranate leg of lamb with rainbow chard and garnet yam polenta. For dessert Chef will make a coconut cream tart and quick cherry jam. The meal features Erdenheim Farm lamb, eggs, and greens.

Saturday, January 24
12:00-3:00 pm 

Members: $115, Non-members: $125 

MENU: The class will start with classic cheddar scones. Chef will also make a beet salad with pickled eggs, goat cheese and microgreens. The main course will include beef tenderloin Guinness pies. For dessert Chef will serve fresh lemon fritters with star anise apple raisin compote. The meal features Erdenheim Farm beef, eggs, and microgreens. 

Saturday, February 28
12:00-3:00 pm 

Members: $130, Non-members: $140

Preserve the Harvest
JOANNA EUN AND DENNIS TEO, Artisanal Crafters

Celebrate the abundance of fall with a hands-on pickling workshop using fresh ingredients from our garden and yours! Bring your extra green tomatoes, peppers, or other harvest favorites to class. We’ll explore two distinct styles of pickling (soy sauce and vinegar base) and learn techniques to safely preserve seasonal produce for long-term enjoyment. Perfect for beginners and seasoned home fermenters alike, this class will leave you with jars of goodness and the skills to savor your harvest year-round. 

Joanna Eun and Dennis Teo are the founders of the Cultured Pear, preserving cultural traditions through food, craft, and community.

Saturday, November 1
1:00 – 3:00 pm

Members: $40 | Non-members: $45

TAMA MATSUOKA WONG, Forager, Meadow Doctor, Lawyer, Author, and Owner of Meadows + More

Join master forager and author, Tama Wong, at the Morris as we discover the fascinating world of one of the oldest living tree species on Earth: Ginkgo biloba! Known as a "living fossil," the ginkgo tree offers a unique lens into plant evolution, cultural heritage, and urban ecology. We’ll delve into the ginkgo’s symbolic and medicinal roles in East Asian cultures, as well as its uses in traditional and modern cuisine in this engaging and sensory-rich course! 

A highlight of the program will be a hands-on workshop focused on the preparation and roasting of ginkgo nuts. Students will learn safe handling techniques, explore its culinary uses, and participate in a tasting session—connecting botanical science with cultural tradition. This afternoon of experiential learning will be centered around one truly remarkable tree!

Saturday, November 15
1:00 – 3:00 pm

Members: $45 | Non-members: $50

Growing Minds at Morris Arboretum & Gardens is a program series for kids and families that inspires a sense of wonder about the natural world within the beautiful setting of the Morris. The classes represented in this section offer children and their caregivers the opportunity to connect meaningfully with nature through a wide variety of creative and educational programs. Parents and caregivers are asked to stay with children for classes.

GINGER MIMMO ROHLFING, Artist and Art Educator 

Children (Ages 6-11) will discover the magic of patterns and textures found in nature by pressing leaves, pinecones, acorns, and other gathered treasures into air-dry clay. We will have fun exploring how each material leaves its mark, then bring 
our creations to life with colorful paints. These clay ornaments will be a joyful way to celebrate the season and highlight nature’s quiet beauty. 

Materials will be provided. Siblings should register as participants, and parents and caregivers are asked to stay with children for classes. Our instructor, Ginger, teaches art to students of all ages at Woodmere, Abington Art Center, and Moore College of Art. 

Saturday, November 8
1:00 – 3:00 pm

Members: $40 | Non-members: $45

Anisa George, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, 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 from this practice. 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 & Gardens. Leave the hectic world behind and come explore this ancient wisdom. 

This single session course is held monthly through November, providing a different experience as the season changes. Choose one or register for all! Meet at the Welcome Center.  The class is all outdoors. Dress for the weather.

Friday, November 21
10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Members: $35 | Non-members: $40

KELLY McLEOD, Holden Qigong Certified Teacher; Founder, Chee Gong with Kelly Kel

Join experienced practitioner Kelly McLeod for six weeks of Five Elements Qigong amidst the tranquil beauty of the Morris Arboretum & Gardens. Embrace the arrival of the autumn season with this ancient Chinese art for fitness and healing. We will practice routines that include breathing techniques, warm-ups, stretching, invigorating exercises, gentle flowing movements, and a brief closing meditation.

Each session will let you explore the Five Elements theory of qigong as you connect your energy with the energy of the natural surroundings to feel grounded, revitalized, and at ease. Regardless of your prior experience, all are welcome to join and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.

6 TUESDAYS: October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 11
10:30 – 11:30 am

Members: $110 | Non-members: $120

JUDE THACHET, School Outreach Coordinator, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Looking toward the winter holidays, many of us want to build strong bonds and create lasting memories in our families, but how? Looking to the natural world can help us create small rituals that connect to something larger and foster a sense of belonging. For this workshop, we’ll use the approaching winter equinox to explore how we might create family traditions that remind us of our connection to nature and our intentions for each other. 

Jude Thachet, from the education Department at Morris, will lead participants through a fun and joyful process of identifying what’s important in your family, connecting those values to nature, and developing simple but intentional ways to enact and embody them. After some guided and playful exploration and discussion, the group will engage in an activity using beeswax and other natural materials that can aid in your family’s celebrations. It will grow and change with the seasons and reflect your unique family identity. This program is for adults only.

Saturday, December 6
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Members: $30 | Non-members: $35

LISA ZAHREN, Mindful Dance Instructor

The invitation is to keep moving, warm ourselves from the inside out.  Each week we will combine elements of Open Floor Dance, Nia Technique and mindfulness practices as we explore the hidden gems of The Morris in winter. We will begin indoors to warm up before hiking to a location in the Arboretum to dance and move with the quiet of the season. Several scientific studies have shown that getting exposure to natural light on winter mornings helps improve mental health and sleep. (Read more HERE)
 
These classes are appropriate for all abilities and fitness levels, no experience necessary, just a willingness to explore on a winter adventure. This will be a hybrid indoor/outdoor class so please dress appropriately and in layers. In the case of very cold weather or precipitation, we will spend more time indoors. We will meet at the Welcome Center.

Lisa has been teaching embodied movement classes using the tools of the Nia Technique for more than a decade, including classes for cancer support groups. Nia combines elements of martial arts, yoga, mindfulness, and dance to create a movement practice that balances and energizes the body. She is also a teacher-in-training/apprentice through Open Floor International, a conscious dance practice. 

We are offering three sessions this Winter. Sign up for one or all three below!

LISA ZAHREN, Mindful Dance Instructor

3 Wednesdays: December 3, 10, 17
10:15-11:30 am

Members: $70 | Non-members: $80

**Single-session walk-ins always welcome on fair-weather days $30. Exact change cash payment is required; please arrive 10-15 minutes early. (no member discount)

LISA ZAHREN, Mindful Dance Instructor

3 Wednesdays: January 7, 14, 21
10:15-11:30 am

Members: $70 | Non-members: $80

**Single-session walk-ins always welcome on fair-weather days $30. Exact change cash payment is required; please arrive 10-15 minutes early. (no member discount)

LISA ZAHREN, Mindful Dance Instructor

3 Wednesdays: January 28, February 4, 11
10:15-11:30 am

Members: $70 | Non-members: $80

**Single-session walk-ins always welcome on fair-weather days $30. Exact change cash payment is required; please arrive 10-15 minutes early. (no member discount)

Digging, Dividing, and Storing Dahlia Tubers
BILL CULLINA, F. Otto Haas Executive Director, Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Digging, dividing, and storing your dahlia tubers is the most crucial task to get right for increasing your stock, keeping your plants healthy, and saving money on expensive tubers. In this program, led by the Morris’s own Bill Cullina in his personal garden, you’ll learn tips for how and when to dig your tuber clumps for maximum storage life and minimum damage, how to identify and divide viable tubers, how to wash tubers, and get advice on different storage techniques here in our climate. 

This class will meet at the Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center before heading outdoors.

Saturday, November 1
2:00 – 4:00 pm

Members: $35 | Non-members: $40

BETH DAVIS, Fourth-Generation 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.  There will be an emphasis on transplanting, grooming, and some of the different ways to re-pot your orchid.

Students will pot up their own beautiful orchid to take home and enjoy (included in the cost of the class). She will have additional plants for sale. Bring a box to take your orchid home. 

Monday, November 10
10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Members: $50 | Non-members: $55

BRIAN TUEL, PA Bonsai Society

The art of Bonsai has a long and rich history in Japan and other eastern Asian countries—one that can translate easily to our region using native trees and proper techniques. Join members of the PA Bonsai Association to explore the history and fundamental elements and styles of this ancient art. Students will learn how to choose, plant, train, and provide long-term care to a young specimen tree. Instructor Brian Tuel has over 20 years of experience working with bonsai. He has numerous trees in his personal collection and has displayed at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Each participant will go home with a new Bonsai tree of their own, and will receive a year-long membership to the PA Bonsai Society (pabonsai.org) –a $45 value!

Please bring sharp pruners/scissors if you have them, garden gloves, and a flat box to transport your tree home. This class will meet at the Bloomfield Farm Horticulture Center.

Sunday, November 16
1:30–4:30 pm

Members: $120 | Non-members: $130

LEE ARMILLEI, Principal, Landscape Designer, APLD

Welcome to the world of ecological design, where environment and art intersect. Get your creative juices flowing as you combine design process & design principles with the ecology you’ve learned in prior certificate courses. Students will design a predetermined site to create a beautiful and immersive space, supportive of people and the planet.

This intensive two-day workshop starts with the basics of understanding the client, analyzing the site and drafting plans, and builds as students shape the landscape using design principles and ecological themes. Students will then develop a site-specific plant palette and apply it to foundation plantings, natural areas, and the spaces in between. Through a combination of lecture, studio-time, and homework, students will gain real time practice and feedback, learning to make informed decisions in ecological design. Although the class will be working on a predetermined site, each design is sure to be unique!

This course is open to the public; with priority registration offered to individuals enrolled in Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ Certificate in Ecological Horticulture.  Completion of this course counts toward the requirements of the certificate program. This course has been submitted to carry 10 CEUs with LA CES, ISA, PLNA, and the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts. 

2 FRIDAYS, January 23, 30
10:00 am – 3:30 pm

Members: $250 | Non-members: $260

Please go to our Certificate Program in Ecological Horticulture section to register for this course.

LORI LITCHMAN, Mindful Outdoor Guide, Author

Walking through a meadow in the wintertime is nourishing for the body and mind. Meadows tend to be rare in urban environments, but Houston Meadow is an exception and is stunning at any time of year. While the colorful blooms have faded, we’ll enjoy the quiet beauty of paper birch trees beginning to show off their bark, and wisps of seed fluff dancing in the wind. The hike will follow a 2.5-mile loop around Houston Meadow, which will take us about 2 hours at a slow pace. The path features gentle rolling hills, and relatively even terrain on a rock and dirt trail.

Park at Houston Playground, where we will meet to start the hike. If you are new to hiking, or exploring the Wissahickon, this hike will be a great introduction. If you are a hiking pro, you’ll enjoy slowing down to take in the beauty of the meadow in the winter. Bathrooms are available at the playground. Dress for the weather. Bring water and a snack. We’ll reschedule if weather presents a danger.

Lori Litchman is the author of 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Philadelphia. She is a certified mindful outdoor guide through the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership and has training in wilderness first aid.

Saturday, November 8
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Members: $25 | Non-members: $30