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"The Wired Gardener" Online Newsletter
February 2009
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Web Reviews
Human Flower Project
It’s easy to take for granted the fragrant and beautiful role flowers play in our lives. The Human Flower Project aims to remind us of their connections to our religious rituals, secular customs, medicine, ecology, and other aspects of our life. This site is written by correspondents from three countries. You are invited to submit photos and content as well.
Now That’s Italian!
Steal a glance at what will be in store for visitors to the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show, Bella Italia, at Grandi Giardini Italiani (Great Italian Gardens) Here, you will see photos of gardens and read their histories and descriptions, in both English and Italian. For even more Italian gardens, visit the McLean Library's current exhibit, The Garden as Theater: Italian Renaissance and Baroque Gardens (described below). Che bella!
Dry Stone Walls Are Anything But Dry
Commonly found in the British Isles, dry stone walls are free-standing walls built without mortar on a foundation laid in a trench. Flora of Dry Stone Walls is a website dedicated to investigating and conserving the plants, lichen, and fungi that grow on these structures. Through text and photos, you can learn how these plants differ from those that grow on mortared walls, whether dry-stone-wall flora is distinct from the flora that grows in the area around the wall, and what you can do to help conserve these walls and the plant life they support.
University of Cambridge Takes You Back in Time
University of Cambridge’s Plant Evolution Timeline was originally designed for the plant scientists at Cambridge, but they have made a simpler version available to the public. Using their highly interactive site, you can trace the evolution of your favorite plants through various geologic and evolutionary events and eras. A quick orientation using the help pages is highly recommended before you begin your trip.
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PHS McLean Library News
New Exhibit in the Library
The Garden as Theater: Italian Renaissance and Baroque Gardens
Through March 31
Drawing on illustrated books and images from hand-painted glass lantern slides, this exhibit examines key design elements of a selection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque gardens and is inspired by the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show theme, Bella Italia. It is an accompaniment to landscape architect Harriet Henderson’s February 10 evening lecture, Italian Gardens: Roman Origins, Renaissance Expressions and American Reflections.The McLean Library is open 9 - 5, Monday through Friday.
New Books in the Library
See the "What's New in the Library" page of our web site:
What’s in Your Attic?
The McLean Library is seeking memorabilia from past Philadelphia Flower Shows for our archives. Please call 215-988-8779 if you are interested in donating show-related memorabilia such as medals, posters, or other items.
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2009 Horticultural Speakers’ List Deadline
Monday, February 16
The McLean Library is updating its list of speakers on gardening and related topics. The updated list will be available to PHS members, local gardening clubs, and the public in March 2009 after the Philadelphia Flower Show. If you are a horticulturist living in the Mid-Atlantic region and would like to be included on the 2009 list, please contact Priscilla Becroft at pbecroft@pennhort.org or 215-988-8772 for a questionnaire
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Special Events at the Flower Show
Bartlett Day at the Philadelphia Flower Show
Thursday, March 5
Sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts, “Bartlett Day” at the Philadelphia Flower Show is a seminar for professionals in the landscape, nursery, and design trades. Speakers include: Dan Benarcik, speaking on “must-have” plants for Zone 7 gardens; Kelby Fite, lecturing on how management practices influence the growth and performance of tree roots; Mike Sherwood, who will describe the whys and hows of conducting tree inventories; and Mark Raupp, who will lecture on the importance of planting diverse species for healthy, sustainable landscapes. Registration deadline is February 20. Registration includes lunch and a ticket to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Call Carol Dutill, 215-988-8869.
Lectures and Demonstrations at the Show
These FREE daily lectures, range from flower arranging to container gardening to gardening at your desk, and are suitable for all experience levels.
We are happy to have again, speaking twice on opening day, Sunday March 1, crowd pleaser P. Allen Smith. Also, on March 1, representing Lectures and Demonstrations sponsor Smith & Hawken will be garden designer Rebecca Cole. George Ball of Burpee (another sponsor) will speak 3 times throughout the week. New to the show this year is local author Sharon White, author of "Vanished Gardens." Believing that nature has the power to heal, public green-spaces activist Tom Stoner will speak. Tom is author of "Open Spaces, Sacred Places." And don’t miss the authoritative expert on heirloom tomatoes, Amy Goldman, author of "The Heirloom Tomato: From Garden to Table: Recipes, Portraits, and History of the World's Most Beautiful Fruit.” Visit the Flower Show web site in February for a complete schedule of the lectures and demonstrations.
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PHS Events
Film Screening: A Man Named Pearl by Filmmaker Scott Galloway
Wednesday, February 4, 7:30 - 9 pm
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
824 W. Lancaster Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA
A Man Named Pearl tells the inspiring story of self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryar. Pearl began work on a 3-acre garden in 1984 in an effort to win a “Yard of the Month” contest. What resulted was a fantastical world of trimmed and twisted trees, a sort of Dr. Seuss meets Edward Scissorhands, that earned him recognition among artists and botanists alike. [more]
Book and Film Discussion of Where Angels Fear to Tread
Thursday, February 5, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
The McLean Library
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
In keeping with the Bella Italia theme of the Philadelphia Flower Show, February’s meeting is a combined book/film discussion of the E.M. Forester novel Where Angels Fear to Tread and the 1991 film based on the novel. The film will be screened in the library conference room at 4 pm. [more]
City Gardening Series: Starting Seeds Indoors
Friday, February 6, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Perzel Community Center
2990 St. Vincent Street
Philadelphia, PA
Penn State Extension educator Loretta Demarco demonstrates how starting seeds indoors gives you a head start on the gardening season. [more]
Evening Lecture: Italian Gardens: Roman Origins, Renaissance Expressions, and American Reflections
Tuesday, February 10, 6 - 8 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 North 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
Get in the mood for the 2009 Flower Show, celebrating Bella Italia, with this enchanting look at Italian gardens through history, with special emphasis on the enormous influence Italianate garden features have had on gardens around the world, and specifically in America. Presenter Harriet Henderson is a landscape architect and architect. She practices western and Asian design as a principal with Cushing & Henderson. [more]
Flower Show Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Meadowbrook Farm
Wednesday, February 18, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
How do all those plants flower out-of-season at the Philadelphia Flower Show? It’s a combination of art and science, and it has its successes and challenges. The magic happens at Meadowbrook Farm. Join John Story as he leads us through the greenhouses, highlighting the unusual plants he is growing for the displays you will see at Bella Italia in just a few weeks. [more]
City Gardening Series: Low Maintenance Houseplants
Thursday, February 19, 1 - 2 pm
Park Towers Apartments
4001 Conshohocken Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Community gardener Janet Carter gives practical information and advice on a low-maintenance indoor garden for the beginner and busy gardener. [more]
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Travel with PHS!
Gardens of Westchester County, New York
May 18 - 21, 2009
Join us for four fun-filled days visiting private and public gardens in and around Westchester County in New York State just north of Manhattan. PHS members and their guests will visit large and small private gardens at the peak of spring bloom. We’ll see gardens on large estates as well as small gardens beautifully designed to create a feeling of space or to take advantage of a view. Included in the itinerary is Wave Hill, a beautiful public garden in the Bronx, with lovely views of the palisades along the Hudson River, and Storm King Art Center, a large outdoor sculpture garden. [more]
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Family-Friendly Gardening
Teeny Tiny Trackers: What’s Up with Groundhogs?
Monday, February 2, 10 - 11 am
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Come and learn about furry winter sleepers and hunt for their cold-weather resting places. For children age 3 accompanied by an adult. [more]
Pancake Breakfast and Maple Sugaring Celebration
Saturday, February 7, 8 am - 1 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Try your hand at putting in a maple tap and learn how sap is made into syrup. For all ages. [more]
Junior Naturalists: Great Backyard Bird Count
Sunday, February 8, 1 - 2:30 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Kids will learn how to identify birds that live at Tyler through the winter in preparation for participation in this “citizen’s science project” later in the month. For ages 7 and over. [more]
Teeny Tiny Trackers: The Art of Tracking
Thursday, February 12, 10 - 11:30 am OR 1 - 2:30 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
We might not see animals, but we are sure to spot some signs that they are still around. Each program includes a lesson, an outdoor walk, and a craft to take home. For ages 4 - 5. [more]
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Other Gardening News & Events
Lectures and Workshops
February 2009
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
Lectures on “The Synergy that Creates Great Gardens,” “Glorious Gardens for Pennies,” and “The Authentic Garden: Five Principles for Cultivating a Sense of Place” are among the offerings this month at the Delaware Center for Horticulture. [more]
Continuing Education Courses
February 2009
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Delve into ikebana, watercolors, and orchids at Longwood this month. [more]
Scott Arboretum Events
February 2009
Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
This month the arboretum offers four lunchtime lectures, including “Baobabs and Lemurs: Exploring Madagascar’s Natural World” and “The Gardens of Montreal and Quebec,” plus workshops and a guided tour. [more]
February Programs at Tyler
February 2009
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Come to the arboretum’s maple sugaring celebration, explore the earliest spring bulbs, or go on a critter hunt for grown-ups only. [more]
Town Square: Science for Citizens
“The Dominant Animal: Human Evolution and the Environment in the Obama Administration”
Thursday, February 5, 5:30 - 7 pm
The Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA
Environmental scientist Paul Ehrlich speaks on “The Dominant Animal: Human Evolution and the Environment in the Obama Administration.” Contact Roland Wall at rwall@ansp.org or 215-299-1108.
“Not a Drop to Waste: Gardening to Improve the Watershed”
Thursday, February 5, 7 pm
Radnor Library, Winsor Room
114 West Wayne Avenue
Wayne, PA
The Community Garden Club at Wayne sponsors this talk by Crystal Gilchrist of Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy. Contact Jane Golas LINK to golasjane@gmail.com.
American Begonia Society, Delaware Valley Branch
Saturday, February 7, 10 am - Noon
Huntingdon Valley Library
625 Red Lion Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA
Program: Workshop on growing begonias from seeds. Contact Bernie Wiener [LINK to mailto: wiener1@verizon.net ] or 610-446-2160.
Winter Walk: “Silhouettes in the Winter Landscape”
Sunday, February 8, 1:30 pm
Haverford College Arboretum
370 Lancaster Avenue
Haverford, PA
Join arboretum director Bill Astifan in exploring the outlines of trees and shrubs in the winter. Contact Martha Van Artsdalen, 610-896-1101.
Liberty Bell Gesneriad Society Meeting
Tuesday, February 17, 7:30 pm
Cathedral Village
600 E. Cathedral Road
Philadelphia, PA
A presentation by member Russ Strover on “Growing Gesneriads from Seed” will be followed by a seed-starting workshop for members. Contact Stephen Maciejewski at teciu@verizon.net or 215-985-1456. [more]
Meeting: West Jersey Rose Society
Wednesday, February 18, 7:30 - 9 pm
Holly Room, Medford Leas Community Building
One Medford Leas Way
Medford, NJ
Program: A slideshow presentation of California rose gardens and prominent nurseries. Contact 856-234-6583.
Philadelphia Botanical Club
Thursday, February 26, 7:30 pm
Comisky Conference Center
Blank Rome LLP
One Logan Square
(enter on north side of Cherry Street between 18th and19th Streets)
Philadelphia, PA
Chris Hardy of Millersville University will speak on “Notes on the Natural History and Evolution of the Cape Flora, Southern Africa.” Reception will follow. [more]
13th Annual Garden Wise Symposium:
“Grow Your Gardening Knowledge”
Saturday, March 14, 8 am - 3:30 pm
York Suburban High School
1800 Hollywood Drive
York, PA
Presentations and breakout sessions include “Attracting Birds to Your Backyard,” “The Woods in Our Backyard,” and “What’s Buzzing in Your Garden?” Sponsored by York County Master Gardeners. Contact Connie at 717-840-7408.
Sixth Annual Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposium
Friday - Saturday, April 24 - 25
Mirror Lake Inn and Resort
Lake Placid, NY
Make plans now to hear Paul Tukey speak on organic lawn care, Tara Dillard on landscape design, and [more]
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Garden Q & A
Our gardening experts volunteer their time to answer your questions. Use the form on our web site. Note: this service is not available in December.
Q. Where's the best place to get seeds for planting flowers and when do I plant them? Thanks in advance. Alex D., Philadelphia, PA.
A. Shops that sell outdoor plants usually sell seed packets. Supermarkets in early spring will have racks of seed packets for sale as will hardware stores Home Depot and Lowe's. Mail-order from individual seed sellers are also possibilities. And of course the Philadelphia Flower Show with over 150 retailers, is a great place to buy your seeds.
The time for setting out plants here in Philadelphia is May 15th. That is (usually) the last date that a frost might occur which could kill tender young plants. Many gardeners start seeds in February or March depending on the plant. Peas are started indoors as are other cool-weather crops such as lettuce. Some growers start tomato seed indoors very early so the plants will be sizable when set outdoors in hot weather.
The McLean Library here at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has many books on seeds and planting. Book stores and your local library are other sources.
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How to Submit News & Events
The Wired Gardener is issued 10 times a year (no July or December issue) on the 1st of the month. We post notices of gardening events and give precedence to Philadelphia-area events. Deadline: the 15th of the month for listing in the next month's issue. Send brief details and contact information by email and reference "Wired Gardener" in the subject line. Press releases are not accepted. Please review and follow the format used in our Other Gardening News and Events section.
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About the Wired Gardener
Edited by Janet Evans, McLean Library manager, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, with contributions by Elena Sisti and Priscilla Becroft.
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