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"The Wired Gardener" Online Newsletter
October 2006
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Register Now!
Growing Greener Cities: Symposium on
Urban Environmental Issues in the 21st Century
October 15 - 17
University of Pennsylvania, Perelman Quad, Philadelphia, PA
Inspired by the PBS film series Edens Lost & Found, this national symposium promotes urban environments and the role of community-based participation.
Featured speakers:
- Wangari Maathai, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize; Founder, Green Belt Movement
- Alexander Garvin, President and CEO, Alex Garvin & Associates, Inc.
- Neal Peirce, Columnist, Washington Post
- Lily Yeh, Founder and Emeritus Executive Director, The Village of Arts and Humanities
Online registration; the complete program, featuring over 60 leading practitioners and researchers; speaker biographies; hotel information; and directions are available on the PHS web site.
Hosted by:
- The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
- The Penn Institute for Urban Research
- The Media & Policy Center Foundation
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Web Reviews
Forcing Bulbs
For a remembrance of springs past and a peek at those to come, force bulbs indoors in early autumn. This fact sheet from the University of Rhode Island will tell you how.
Hey! Hey! Hay!
Hay in Art [LINK to http://www.hayinart.org ] is a searchable database, compiled by Alan Ritch, that features images of hay in poetry, paintings, and photographs and includes essays on various aspects of hay in these media. Mr. Ritch writes: “Like the pencil, hay is so much a part of our cultural environment that its ubiquity makes it virtually invisible except to those whose livelihood directly depends on it.
”The Leaves are Falling!
Once again, it’s time to take up the rake. Fortunately, raking is considered moderate physical exercise, so, have at those leaves!
Now that you have mountains of leaves at your disposal, what will you do with them? Instead of bagging them up for the trash, why not add them to the compost pile, or mulch them.
The beautiful colors and textures of freshly gathered fall leaves will bring autumn indoors, especially when combined with elements of the harvest. Here are some ideas from About.com and Home and Garden TV (HGTV).
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Book Sale: Tuesday, October 3
Mark your calendar to attend the PHS McLean Library Book Sale on Tuesday, October 3, from 9:30 am to 5 pm in the library. Buy new gardening books at a discount and used gardening classics at exceptional prices. At 11:30 Eriko Takahashi will give a demonstration of the Japanese art of wrapping gifts. Ms. Takahashi is a book artist and practitioner of Japanese paper craft, paper making, and printmaking. [more]
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PHS Events
Class: Autumn Accents in the Garden
Three sessions: Tuesday, October 3 & 10, 6:30 - 8:30 pm;
Saturday, October 13, 1 - 3 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
After the heat of summer, autumn comes as welcome a relief to the garden as well as the gardener! [more]
Coach Tour: Historic Trees of Philadelphia
Wednesday, October 4, 8:30 am - 5 pm
Various Sites
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has an august history as home to some of the world’s greatest plantsmen. On this tour we will experience their legacy through the living evidence of their passion: the trees they planted. [more]
Book Club 'Stories from the Garden'
Thursday, October 5, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
In this book discussion group we read and discuss works of fiction or non-fiction having to do with gardens, plants, or the land. Participants need to obtain books and read each month's selection prior to the discussion. This month's selection: Robert Frost, Selected Poems. [more]
Green City Teachers
Four Wednesdays: October 11, 18, 25; November 1, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Saturday: October 21, 10 am to 1 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
Integrate horticultural and environmental education into your classroom. For Philadelphia educators only. Act 48 accreditation pending. [more]
Demonstration: Bringing your Tender Tropicals Inside
Thursday, October 12, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
The season for relaxing in your garden outdoors may be coming to an end, but how can you part with those tender container plants that still look so robust just before the first autumn frost? [more]
Trolley Tour: Edens Lost & Found
Wednesday, October 18, 9 am - 3 pm
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA
This trolley tour offers a unique opportunity to view the sights and meet the inspiring people featured in the Philadelphia segment of the acclaimed PBS series Edens Lost & Found. Filmmakers Harry Wiland and Dale Bell will personally lead the tour [more]
Walk: Putting the Garden to Bed
Thursday, October 19, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
It’s time to think about cleaning up the garden and preparing your hardy plants for the cold months ahead. [more]
Class: Five Centuries of Botanical Illustration
Three Mondays, October 23 & 30; November 6, 6 - 7:30 pm
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library
100 N. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Taught by Dr. Alfred E. Schuyler, this class will explore how botanical illustrations have communicated information about plants for medicinal, botanical, and aesthetic purposes. [more]
Botanical Illustration with Watercolor
Eight Tuesdays: October 24 & 31; November 7, 14, 21, & 28;
December 5 & 12; 10 am - 1 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 North 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
If you feel challenged by the medium of watercolor and have wondered how botanical artists create the illusion of reality, this is the class for you. [more]
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Family-Friendly Gardening
Garden Sprouts: Gardening in the House
Tuesday, October 3, 1 - 2 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Decorate a pot, then fill it with a plant to take home. For kids ages 4 - 5 accompanied by an adult. [more]
Tiny Trackers: Falling for Leaves
Thursday, October 5, 1 - 2:30 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
We’ll go on a leaf-collecting spree and sponge-paint the designs of some of our favorites. Ages 4 to 6 accompanied by an adult. [more]
Teeny Tiny Trackers: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
Monday, October 9, 10 - 11 am
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
We’ll learn about fall fruits, create a seedy craft and hear a story. Age 3 accompanied by an adult. [more]
Garden Sprouts: Pumpkin Party
Tuesday, October 10, 1 - 2 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Learn about big and little pumpkins, play a seed guessing game, decorate a Jack-o-Lantern, and eat a pumpkin seed snack. For kids ages 4 to 5 accompanied by an adult. [more]
Pre-School Reading Program
Wednesday, October 11, 10 - 11 am
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Parents and children ages 3 to 5 will hear a story about the outdoors followed by a walk through the Preserve in search of the plants and critters in the stories. Kids will also make a nature craft to take home. [more]
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Pumpkin Day Celebration
Saturday & Sunday, October 21 & 22, 10 am - 5 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Haunted Barn, hay wagon rides, scarecrow-making, dancing to music for children, delicious festival fare. [more]
Fairies of the Harvest: Flower Fairy Tea
Saturday, October 21, 3 pm
Triple Oaks Nursery and Herb Garden
2359 Delsea Drive
Franklinville, NJ
Find the elusive fairies of Triple Oaks, pick a pumpkin, make a fairy craft and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Call Lorraine Kiefer at 856-694-4272.
Family Color Walk
Saturday, October 28, 10 am - Noon
Departs from the Scott Arboretum Offices
The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Explore the Arboretum to find out where all the green goes each fall. Geared toward families with children in grades K to 4. [more]
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Other Gardening News & Events
Continuing Education Courses
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
October classes include Winter Interest Containers, Introduction to Garden Design, Planting Trees and Shrubs, Water Color Basics. [more]
Red Trail Ramble
Tuesday, October 3, 9:15 - 10:30 am
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Lois Brooks will lead an invigorating, comfortably paced hike on this 3.1-mile trail, which features two ascents. [more]
Twilight in the Meadow: An Idyllic Evening at Bartram’s Garden
Wednesday, October 4, 5 - 8:30 pm
Bartram’s Garden
54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Moonlight, music, and matchless views of Philadelphia’s skyline at dusk. Contact Theodora Ashmead by email or at 215-729-5281 x 102.
Bus Trip: Virginia is for Garden Lovers
Thursday, October 5, 7 am - Friday, October 6, 9 pm
Bus departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Journey with the Scott Arboretum to the piedmont and mountains of Virginia. [more]
Latest Information on Building a Hobby Greenhouse
Saturday, October 7, 10 am - Noon
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
100 Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Bernie Wiener will discuss the different types of greenhouses on the market and how to plan and use your dream greenhouse. Call 215-247-5777 x 156 or 125.
Bryophytes - The Smallest True Plants in our Forests
Saturday, October 7, 1 - 3:30 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Join Susan Munch of Albright College to learn about mosses and liverworts. Dr. Munch will present a slide show and bring live specimens to examine. [more]
Sunday Wildflower Walk
Sunday, October 8, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Join Dick Cloud in search of late-season bloomers in the arboretum’s meadows and woodlands. [more]
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Meeting: West Jersey Rose Society
Wednesday, October 11, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Carman Tilelli Community Center
Cherry Hill Township Complex
820 Mercer Street
Cherry Hill, NJ
Program on herbs and customs of the Shakers. Call 856-234-6583.
Harvesting Your Herbs
Wednesdays, October 11 - November 1, 7 - 9 pm, and
Saturday, October 28, 9 - 11 am
Triple Oaks Nursery and Herb Garden
2359 Delsea Drive
Franklinville, NJ
Class offered through Gloucester County College, Division of Lifelong Learning. Call 856-415-2218.
Adventures in Hardy Bulbs: Success Stories in my Garden
Thursday, October 12, 6 pm
Henry Foundation for Botanical Research
801 Stony Lane (off Henry Lane)
Gladwyne, PA
Plantsman Charles Cresson will offer advice on growing bulbs in the Philadelphia area. Call 215-525-2037.
Lecture: Gardens of Desire
Thursday, October 12, 7:30 pm
Science Center, Room 101
The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Join Patrick Cullina for an exploration of ideas and inspirations from his travels in the United States and abroad. [more]
The Weekend Gardener: Home Composting 101
Saturday, October 14, 9:30 - 11 am
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Mark Highland will teach you how to create great compost using kitchen and garden waste. [more]
Critter Hunt for Grown-Ups
Saturday, October 14, 10 am - 12 Noon
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Join ecologist and naturalist Steve Tessler to discover the hidden world of insects, fungi, moss and other small wonders of nature. [more]
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Workshop: Digital Photography
Saturday, October 14, 9 am - 2 pm
Scott Arboretum Classroom and Gardens
The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Improve your digital photography skills in this workshop with Robert Lyons. [more]
Make Your Own Trough
Saturday, October 14, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
OH Greenhouse Headhouse
Henry Schmieder Arboretum of Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA
Workshop with Herb Johns. Call 215-489-2283.
Knowing Native Plants: Trees of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
Saturday, October 14, 10 am - 1 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Learn tips for identifying native tree species in the glory of their fall color. Slides and discussion followed by outdoor tour. [more]
Annual Show and Plant Sale: A Zoo Full of Violets
Saturday, October 14, Noon - 7 pm, and
Sunday, October 15, Noon - 4 pm
Glenside-Abington United Methodist Church
137 North Easton Road
Glenside, PA 19038
Sponsored by the African Violet Society of Philadelphia. Call Judy at 215-233-2579 or Margaret at 215-793-9793.
Floral Bows - Tie One On the Healthy Way
Saturday, October 14, 1:30 - 3 pm
Morris Arboretum
100 Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Learn how easy it is to make your own bows for holiday decorations. Call 215-247-5777 x 156.
Autumn Wreath Workshop
Sunday, October 15, 1:30 - 3 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Deborah Hemphill will guide you in working with a variety of fall materials to make your own beautiful arrangement. [more]
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Pruning Workshop
Sunday, October 15, 2 pm
Valentine Gardens
358 N. Sandy Hill Road
Coatesville, PA
Free workshop on pruning. Valentine Gardens offers plants for the rock garden, water garden, herb garden, shade garden, and perennial border. To register, call 610-857-9584 or email.
Guided Tour: A Walk with the Curator
Monday, October 16, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Departs from Scott Arboretum Offices
The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Andrew Bunting provides an in-depth look at the collections, gardens, and plant selections of the Arboretum. [more]
Exploring the Fascinating World of Carnivorous Plants
Wednesday, October 18, 7:30 pm
Student Center Music Room
Henry Schmieder Arboretum of Delaware Valley College
700 East Butler Avenue
Doylestown, PA
Founders Lecture with Randy Heffner. Call 215-489-2283.
Perennial Plant Conference
Friday, October 20, 8 am - 5 pm
Lang Performing Arts Center
The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
This year’s topics range from botanical nomenclature in the real world to gardens that reflect their settings. Co-Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Chanticleer, the Hardy Plant Society/Mid-Atlantic Group, and Longwood Gardens. [more]
Flora Americana: Propagation Workshop
Saturday, October 21, 9 am - Noon
Henry Foundation for Botanical Research
801 Stony Lane (off Henry Lane)
Gladwyne, PA
Mike Creel will demonstrate his low tech methods for propagating native plants. Call 215-525-2037.
Classes: Bulbs and Terrarium Bowls
Sunday, October 22, 1 pm (bulbs); 3 pm (Terrarium Bowls)
Triple Oaks Nursery and Herb Garden
2359 Delsea Drive
Franklinville, NJ
Learn how to add bulbs to your landscape and make an old-fashioned winter terrarium bowl with woodland and outdoor plants. Call Lorraine Kiefer at 856-694-4272.
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Batsto Village and Pine Barrens Trip
Wednesday, October 25, 8 am - 5:30 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Join trip leaders Marlise Rice and Richard Brenner for a day exploring the history and culture of this unique South Jersey community and the rich flora of the surrounding Pinelands. [more]
Floristic Diversity in the Western Cape Region of South Africa
Thursday, October 26, 7:30 pm
Marvin Comisky Conference Center, Blank Rome LLP
One Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA
Ann F. Rhoads of the Morris Arboretum will lecture at the monthly meeting of the Philadelphia Botanical Club. [more]
Chrysanthemum Festival
Saturday, October 28 - Sunday, November 19
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Garden vignettes evoke Asian cultures throughout the conservatory, while the central greenhouse blossoms with 20,000 autumn-hued chrysanthemums. On opening weekend, the Chinese Floral Art Society from Taiwan will construct a number of floral displays and Ikebana arrangements in the Exhibition Hall. [more]
Fall Photo Foray
Saturday, October 28, 9 - 11 am
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Join ecologist and macro-photographer Steve Tessler on a moderately paced hike to scenic locations at Tyler, with 30 to 40 minutes at each site to take pictures and share tips. [more]
Music and Herbs of the Medieval Monastery
Sunday, October 29, 3 pm
Cathedral of Immaculate Conception
642 Market Street
Camden, NJ
Lorraine Kiefer will show and discuss herbs used by medieval monks, and Ted Kiefer will play the pipe organ to demonstrate early music. Contact Fr. Michael T. Mannion at 856-225-1077 or Dr. Kiefer at 856-694-3693 or email.
Conference: "Food Chains: Provisioning, Technology, and Science"
Thursday - Saturday, November 2 - 4
Hagley Museum and Library
Wilmington, DE
Hagley’s Center for the History of Business, Technology and Society hosts this conference. [more]
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How to Submit News & Events
The Wired Gardener is issued 11 times a year (no 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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Ask a Gardening Question
Our 20 gardening experts volunteer their time to answer your questions. Use the form on our web site.
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About the Wired Gardener
Edited by Janet Evans, library manager, McLean Library, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; contributions: Jane Alling and Priscilla Becroft.
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