"The Wired Gardener" Online Newsletter
November December 2007
Click on one of the topics below to jump to to that section.
Web Reviews
Ponder the Pollinators
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has been diminishing the honeybee population across the country. Several interesting websites explain what a world without honeybees or other pollinators might be like. Explore National Biological Information Infrastructure’s Ecological Topics: Pollinators , Celebrating Wildflowers - Pollinators , or the National Academy of Sciences’ Resources on Pollinators to learn about this problem, and about the other animals that make our world productive.
Botany from British Columbia
Get your daily dose of botany from the University of British Columbia’s blog, Botany Photo of the Day. Treat yourself to a beautiful plant portrait and a few descriptive paragraphs each day. Blogger Dan Mosquin welcomes your comments and contributions.
Reacquaint Yourself with Rodale Institute
Help the Rodale Institute celebrate its 60th anniversary. Their website is full of current events, news, activities, and information on organic gardening for all ages.
Plants and People in the Workplace
Want to encourage your employer to incorporate more plants into your workplace? Consult the Plants for People website for facts on how plants in the workplace increase workers’ health, happiness, and productivity. The site also includes many plant-science activities for children.
MedlinePlus Herbal Medicine
Plants were our first medicines and are still used for that purpose today. The National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus Herbal Medicine site is a starting point for investigating the benefits and risks of herbal medicine, learning which plants treat which condition, and finding other information on this topic.
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PHS McLean Library News
New Exhibit in the Library: 100 Years of Community Gardens in Philadelphia: School Gardens, Thrift Gardens, Victory Gardens and Vacant Lot Cultivation from 1897 to 1945 & the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Programs of Today.
This exhibit focuses on Philadelphia community garden projects in the first half of the twentieth century that provided nutrition and well-being during the most difficult times - times of war, economic crisis, and social turmoil. These projects are the precursors to many of the activities sponsored today by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and its partners. The exhibit includes rarely seen items from PHS collections. We are grateful to Temple University Library Special Collections and the Free Library of Philadelphia for their contributions to this exhibit. Visit the library at PHS headquarters, 100 N. 20th Street, 1st Floor (through mid-December).
McLean Library co-sponsors Conservation Workshops in November
The McLean library will be co-sponsoring two workshops organized by Philadelphia’s Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts. Raising the Match: Fundraising for Preservation and Conservation (November 1) and Marketing and Media: Promoting Cultural Collections (November 2). Both full-day workshops will be held in the PHS auditorium on the 5th Floor. [more]
New Books in the Library
See the "What's New in the Library" page of our web site:
http://www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/garden/whatsnew.html
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PHS Events
Book Club: Stories from the Garden
Thursday, November 1, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
This month’s reading is Loren Eisley, Selected Essays. [more]
TreeVitalize East Falls Neighborhood Tree Planting
Saturday, November 3, 9 am - 1 pm
Falls Presbyterian Church
Midvale Ave. and Vaux Street
Philadelphia, PA
Help plant 65 new trees in East Falls! Join this community tree planting coordinated by the East Falls Tree Tenders in partnership with Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia Water Department, and Philadelphia University. [more]
City Gardening Series: Terrariums - Landscapes in Miniature
Saturday, November 3, 2 - 3 pm
Walnut West Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
201 S. 40th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Penn State Extension Agent Doris Stahl shares tips and techniques for creating and maintaining terrariums. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Botanical Imprinting
Wednesday, November 7, 10 - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Learn how to use foliage as a stamp for do-it-yourself personal and home decoration projects, including custom-made tea towels, cloth napkins, aprons, and shirts - the possibilities are endless! [more]
Jewelry Demonstration
Wednesday, November 7, 10 - Noon
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
Have you ever looked at the Jewelry Class entries at the Philadelphia Flower Show and wondered, “How did that person do that?” [more]
City Gardening Series: Decorating with Nature for the Holidays
Wednesday, November 7, 6 - 7 pm
Philadelphia City Institute, Free Library of Philadelphia
1905 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA
Bring the beauty of nature to your holidays. Horticulturist Eva Monheim will give quick and easy ideas for decorating with the seasonal magic of natural materials. [ more]
TreeVitalize West Oak Lane Neighborhood Tree Planting
Saturday, November 10, 8:45am - 1 pm (Rain Date: Sunday, November 11, 12:45 pm)
Oak Lane Presbyterian Church
6637 N. 11th Street (11th & Oak Lane)
Philadelphia, PA
Help plant 60 new trees in Oak Lane. Community Tree Planting coordinated by Oak Lane Tree Tenders in partnership with Oak Lane Community Action Association, LaSalle University students and alumni, Saul High School, West Oak Lane Tree Tenders, and PhillyCarShare. [more]
City Gardening Series: Growing Herbs Indoors
Saturday, November 10, 2 - 3 pm
Frankford Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
4634 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Community gardener Janet Carter demonstrates how to keep your indoor herb garden thriving for year-round enjoyment. [more]
Evening Lecture: Chris Woods, “Let the Beauty We Love be What We Do'”
Monday, November 12, 6 - 8 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 North 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
How can we arrange our lives so that we are spending more time doing things that move us, inspire us, serve others, and bring us joy? [more]
City Gardening Series: Holiday Houseplants
Wednesday, November 14, 6 - 7 pm
South Philadelphia Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
1700 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA
Living plants make great gifts for the holiday season and they last all year long! [more]
Tree Vitalize Fairmount Neighborhood Tree Planting
Saturday, November 17, 9 - 1 pm
Ward Park
N. 24th St. and Aspen St.
Philadelphia, PA
Help plant 29 new trees in Fairmount. Community Tree Planting coordinated by the Fairmount Tree Tenders in partnership with Fairmount Civic Association and Fairmount Community Development Corporation. [more]
City Gardening Series: Easy Care Houseplants
Saturday, November 17, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
McPherson Square Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
601 East Indiana Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Horticultural therapist Beverly Agard shares suggestions for a variety of plants that are easy to care for. [more]
City Gardening Series: Designing Hanging Baskets
Monday, November 26, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Fishtown Community Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
1217 E. Montgomery Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Environmental educator Lori Hayes shares tips and ideas for creating lush baskets, including plant selection, watering, fertilizing, and maintenance. [more]
TreeVitalize South Philly Neighborhood Tree Planting
Saturday, December 1, 9 - 1 pm
Columbus Recreation Center
S. 13th St. & Reed St.
Philadelphia, PA
Help plant 87 new trees in and around the Passyunk Square neighborhood. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Holiday Topiary
Wednesday, December 5, 10 - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Filling your home with fresh greens from the garden has never been easier! [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Tour: The Legacy of Liddon Pennock
Thursday, December 6, 10 - 11:30 am OR 1 - 2:30 pm
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
This program includes an in-depth tour of Meadowbrook Farm’s noted Robert McGoodwin-designed estate house and garden, dressed in all its gorgeous holiday finery. [more]
Book Club: Stories from the Garden
Thursday, December 6, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
December selection: Laura Waterman, Losing the Garden: The Story of a Marriage. [more]
City Gardening Series: Houseplants - Your Indoor Garden
Monday, December 10, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Richmond Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
2987 Almond Street
Philadelphia, PA
Community gardener Janet Carter will discuss what every gardener should know about growing and caring for houseplants. [more]
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Family-Friendly Gardening
Train Festival
Camden Children’s Garden
Saturday, November 10
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
Contact Betsy Payne at bpayne@camdenchildrensgarden.org or
856-365-8733.
Preschool Reading Hour
Thursday, November 15, 10 - 11 am
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Children ages 3 to 5 and parents are invited to this reading hour followed by a walk through the Preserve. Kids will make a simple craft to take home. [more]
Tree Decorating and Santa’s Afternoon Arrival
Saturday, November 24
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
Premier of the Holiday Festival of Lights will take place in the evening. Contact Betsy Payne at bpayne@camdenchildrensgarden.org or
856-365-8733.
Holiday Festival of Lights
Friday and Saturday evenings through December
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
Contact Betsy Payne at bpayne@camdenchildrensgarden.org or
856-365-8733.
After-School Wonder Walk
Tuesday, December 11, 4 - 5 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Discover secrets hidden in the Preserve as you find animals, plants, insects, and tracks with volunteer naturalist Pam Newitt. For kids in grades 2 through 4. [more]
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Other Gardening News & Events
Continuing Education Courses
November - December, 2007
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Bountiful Harvest Designs and Creating Outdoor Holiday Light Displays are just two of the courses offered at Longwood during November and December. [more]
Scott Arboretum Workshops and Events
November - December, 2007
Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
“When, Why and What Should I Prune?” and “Green Wreaths” are two of the workshops offered at Scott Arboretum during November and December. [more]
Continuing Education Courses
November - December, 2007
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
100 Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
“Drawing from Nature for the Reluctant Beginner” and “Maintaining Tree Health” are two of the classes offered at Morris Arboretum in November and December. [more]
American Begonia Society
Saturday, November 3, 10 am - 12 Noon
Cathedral Village
600 East Cathedral Road
Philadelphia, PA
Russell Windle will speak on “Growing Ivies Both Indoors and Outdoors” and will bring an assortment of his favorite ivies for sale. Contact Bernie Wiener at wiener1@verizon.net or 610-446-2160.
Second Saturday Weed Patrol
Saturday, November 10, 9:30 am - Noon
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Join groundskeeper Sebastian Brown and other Weed Patrol volunteers to learn about and weed out invasive plant species at the Preserve. [more]
Winter Botany
Saturday, November 10, 10 am - 1 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Discover the fascinating ways plants prepare for and survive winter. Learn tips for recognizing woody plants after they have shed their leaves. [more]
Lecture: Shrubs - The Backbone of the Garden
Sunday, November 11, 2 pm
Sharpless Auditorium
Haverford College Arboretum
Haverford College
370 Lancaster Avenue
Haverford, PA
Bruce Crawford, director of the botanic gardens of Rutgers University, will speak on shrubs that work well with perennials and provide interesting combinations of color and texture throughout the growing season. Call Martha Van Artsdalen at 610-896-1101.
West Jersey Rose Society
Wednesday, November 14, 7:30 - 9 pm
Carman Tilelli Community Center
Cherry Hill Township Complex
820 Mercer Street
Cherry Hill, NJ
Frank Bernardella will present “New Roses for 2008.” Call
856-234-6583 for more information.
Gardening with Hardy Ferns
Wednesday, November 7, 7:30 pm
Student Center Music Room
Henry Schmieder Arboretum of Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA
Founders Lecture with Shelley Dillard. No registration necessary. For more information call 215-489-2283.
Philadelphia Botanical Club
Thursday, November 15, 7:30 pm
Comisky Conference Center
Blank Rome LLP
One Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA
(enter on north side of Cherry Street between 18th and19th Streets)
James C. Lendemer of New York Botanical Garden will speak on “Lichens of the Limestone Barrens of the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland.” Reception will follow. [more]
Holiday Floral Design
Wednesdays, November 21 - December 5, 7 - 9 pm
Triple Oaks Nursery and Herb Garden
2359 Delsea Drive
Franklinville, NJ
Learn basic floral techniques, then focus on decorating naturally for the Christmas season. Sponsored by Gloucester County College. [more]
Hobby Greenhouse Association
Saturday, November 24, 10 am - Noon
The Horticulture Center
West Fairmount Park,
Philadelphia, PA
Jim Duffin will speak on “The Ways of an Avid Cymbidium Grower.” Contact Bernie Wiener at wiener1@verizon.net or 610-446-2160.
Holiday Garden Railway Display
Friday, November 30 - Wednesday, December 31, 10 am - 4 pm
(Closed Christmas Eve and Day)
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
100 Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Twinkling lights and holiday décor adorn the Garden Railway. [more]
Holiday Trees Display
Monday, December 1 - Friday, December 21
The American Horticultural Society
George Washington’s River Farm
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA
Holiday trees will be on display at the Estate House. [more] or call
703-768-5700 x137.
Breeding and Introducing New Plants
Wednesday, December 5, 7:30 pm
Student Center Music Room
Henry Schmieder Arboretum of Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA
Founders Lecture with Grace Romero. No registration necessary. For more information call 215-489-2283.
Annual Holiday Greens Sale
Friday, December 7, 3 - 7 pm (Members’ Preview)
Saturday, December 8, 10 am - 2 pm (Public Sale & Open House)
Bartram’s Garden
54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Fresh greens, wreaths, poinsettias and more, plus free Bartram House tours and children’s activities. For more information call
215-489-2283.
Second Saturday Weed Patrol
Saturday, December 8, 9:30 am - Noon
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Join groundskeeper Sebastian Brown and other Weed Patrol volunteers to learn about and weed out invasive plant species at the Preserve. [more]
Wreath Workshop
Saturday, December 8, 10 am - Noon
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Executive director Miles Arnott will teach you how to make a holiday wreath of native plants and natural materials, providing a step-by-step demonstration and hands-on instruction. [more]
Philadelphia Botanical Club
Thursday, December 20, 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
Erin A. Tripp of Duke University will speak on “Botanical Collections in the Tepui Highlands of Guyana.” Reception will follow. [more]
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Garden Q & A
Our wonderful volunteers will be taking a well-deserved break in December. Please hold on to your gardening questions and submit them in January 2008.
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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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