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"The Wired Gardener" Online Newsletter
October, 2008
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Web Reviews
More Water
The PHS McLean Library’s latest exhibit, Water, Water, Everywhere (details below) is a font of information about how Philadelphia has used, managed, and enjoyed water. If you would like to soak up even more information on water, surf these websites: Center for Watershed Protection, the Water Education Alliance for Horticulture, and the Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership.
Fall Foliage Fest
Planning a trip to New England to take in the fall color? Before you go, visit Yankee Foliage to see where the foliage is at its best. The interactive map will help you plan the most colorful route. Share your photos with other foliage fans in the photo gallery. Help your little ones to appreciate the how and why of the autumnal change in the Kids Zone. You’ll certainly fall for this site.
Turn the Kids on to Bulbs
Brighten up your day with this low cost, high energy bulb site. The Bulb Project will enlighten parents and teachers looking to bring a bit of nature indoors as the cold months approach. It provides activity ideas, information, resources, and forums with the goal of teaching about the joys of growing bulbs and encouraging their use in cross-curricular lessons.
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PHS McLean Library News
New Exhibit in McLean Library!
Water, Water, Everywhere: Let’s Keep It Safe To Drink!
Exhibition at the McLean Library
Through December 15, 2008
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library
100 N. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA
This informative exhibit addresses the efforts of Philadelphia, from the time of its founding to the present day, to ensure safe drinking water for its citizenry. The fresh water springs of the Revolutionary War period; the Watering Committee of 1799 that initiated the construction of the first water works; and the Philadelphia Fountain Society, founded by Dr. Swann; are all hallmarks of the city’s early history. Streetside stormwater planters that capture and filter runoff, designed through the collaborative efforts of PHS and the Philadelphia Water Department’s Office of Watersheds, represent the future. Come learn about these projects and more at the McLean Library, open 9 - 5, Monday through Friday.
New Books in the Library
See the "What's New in the Library" page of our web site.
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FREE Lecture on Green Infrastructure
Greensource Lecture: Planning for Green Infrastructure
Wednesday, October 1, 6 - 8 pm
PHS Auditorium
100 N. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Please join us for a presentation and lively discussion about the benefits and challenges of green infrastructure and ways to promote sustainable design in Philadelphia. Presenters include Dr. Melissa Keeley of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, and David Bier and Karl Nack of Futurity, Inc. This free lecture is followed by a wine and cheese reception. Pre-registration is requested. Contact Regina Cobbs, 215-988-8896 or rcobbs@pennhort.org
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Perennial Plant Conference October 17
Perennial Plant Conference
Friday, October 17
Lang Performing Arts Center
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; Scott Arboretum; Longwood Gardens; Chanticleer; and the Hardy Plant Society, Mid-Atlantic Group, this day-long conference features internationally-known speakers, a perennial plant showcase, and books for purchase with author signings. [more]
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PHS Co-Sponsors “Greening Our Streets” Conference
2008 Urban Watersheds Revitalization Conference
Friday, October 31, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Community College of Philadelphia
17th Street & Spring Garden
Philadelphia, PA
This one-day conference will explore improvements in stormwater management on public rights-of-way, while also beautifying communities, providing economic incentives, and creating other environmental benefits and amenities. The conference will focus on demonstration projects and case studies in Philadelphia and in the nearby suburbs. [more]
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PHS Events
Coach Tour: Ladew Topiary Gardens
Wednesday, October 1, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Ladew Topiary Gardens
Monkton, MD
Topiary, the art of creating living sculpture from trees and shrubs, has origins in ancient Rome. In the spirit of celebration of Bella Italia, the theme of the 2009 Flower Show, travel with us to Monkton, Maryland, to experience one of the most extraordinary topiary gardens in the country. [more]
Book Club: Stories from the Garden
Thursday, October 2, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
McLean Library
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
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. October selection: Bill McKibben, “Hope, Human and Wild: True Stories of Living Lightly on the Earth.” [more]
Fall For Your Park
Saturday, October 4, 8 am - Noon
Olney Recreation Center in Tacony Creek Park
North Philadelphia, PA
Please join us for the 9th annual Fall For Your Park, when hundreds of volunteers will gather for a day of transformation at Olney Recreation Center and Tacony Creek Park in North Philadelphia. Volunteers are needed to assist with improvement projects including woodland restoration, tree planting, garden creation, weeding, litter collection, and painting. [more]
City Gardening Series: Evergreens in Containers
Saturday, October 4, 10 - 11 am
Lucien E. Blackwell Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
125 S. 52nd Street
Philadelphia, PA
Community gardener Janet Carter demonstrates “no fuss-no muss” evergreen shrubs in containers that give year-round beauty and color. [more]
City Gardening Series: Growing Herbs Indoors
Monday, October 6, 6 - 7 pm
Haverford Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
5543 Haverford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Horticulturist Charlotte Kidd will discuss what every gardener should know about growing and caring for fresh herbs throughout the winter. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Late-Season Containers
Tuesday, October 7, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Seasonal color need not end after the summer. Many perennials and frost-tolerant annuals may be combined in planters and window boxes to extend your moveable garden and provide color for many more weeks. Join Diana K. Weiner and see how texture, color, and flower arrangement can brighten your doorstep or patio containers for the autumn months. [more]
City Gardening Series: Bus trip to Nemours Mansion and Gardens and Terrain at Styer's
Thursday, October 9, 9:30 am - 4 pm
Nemours Mansion and Gardens
Wilmington, DE
Nemours is the beautiful 300-acre estate of Alfred I. DuPont north of Wilmington, Delaware. Join us as we tour the 47,000 square foot mansion and the French-style gardens. [more]
City Gardening Series: Houseplants that Keep You Healthy
Monday, October 13, 1 - 2 pm
Walnut Park Plaza Senior Residence
6250 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
Plants add more than beauty to the home. Janet Carter shares information on how they can actually make your home healthier! [more]
Botanical Illustration with Watercolor
Eight Tuesdays: October 14 - December 2, 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 or have wondered how botanical artists create the illusion of reality, this is the class for you. Presented by Eileen Rosen, this basic introduction will include mixing the colors of nature, making a color journal, exercises to create form and dimensionality, and discussion of brushes and paper. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Walk: The Late-Season Garden
Wednesday, October 15, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
As many summer plants begin to wane, don't forget those late-season flowers that come forward to brighten the fall garden bed. Tom Reber will introduce you to some great flowering perennials to keep your interest going well past the first hard frost in our region. Planting, care and instruction on plant combinations will be discussed. [more]
City Gardening Series: Fall Houseplant Care
Wednesday, October 15, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Tacony Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
6742 Torresdale Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Join us as horticulturist Mia Mengucci gives seasonal care of houseplants with tips on plant selection, design, watering, and fertilizing. [more]
Tree Tenders Basic Training
Wednesdays, October 15, 22 & 29, 5:45 - 8:45 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
Join us for nine hours of hands-on training that will cover tree biology, identification, planting, proper care, and working with your community. [more] LINK to
Green City Teachers: Fall Course
Registration Deadline: September 29
Course starts Thursday, October 16, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 N. 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
Thursdays: October 16, October 23, October 30, and November 6, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, plus Saturday, October 25, 10 am to 1 pm. Integrate horticultural and environmental education into your classroom, join a network of green teachers, and participate in a forum for sharing ideas. Topics include horticulture, food gardening, trees, indoor gardening, and habitat gardens. (Act 48 credit available for Philadelphia educators.)
[more]
City Gardening Series: Fall-Planted Bulbs for Spring Beauty
Saturday, October 18, 2 - 3 pm
Fox Chase Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
501 Rhawn Street
Philadelphia, PA
Fall is upon us, this is the time to be planting bulbs. Master Gardener Robin Potter shares great tips for buying, storing, and planting. [more]
City Gardening Series: Bulbs for the Spring Garden
Monday, October 20, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Walnut Street West Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
201 S. 40th Street
Philadelphia, PA
At this workshop, environmental educator Lori Hayes will offer ideas on how to have a breathtaking and beautiful spring garden with bulbs you plant now. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Lecture & Walk: Ethnobotany
Tuesday, October 21, 10 am - Noon
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Know the plants that can improve your health! There are numerous plant species used for medicinal and healing purposes that grow right under our noses in our homes and gardens. There are many more that are threatened in North America. Tom Reber & Glenn Ashton will take you on a hunt through the gardens and greenhouses and show you the treasures being conserved at Meadowbrook Farm. [more]
Film Discussion Group
Tuesday, October 21, 6 - 7:30 pm
McLean Library
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
Do you love to watch movies and talk about them? Join us in this film discussion series where we’ll talk about movies in which nature, gardens, or the environment play starring or supporting roles. We’ll look at themes of redemption and restoration, what happens when nature goes awry, and our never-ending quest to live in harmony with the environment. [more]
City Gardening Series: The Indoor Landscape - Designing with Houseplants
Wednesday, October 22, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Welsh Road Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
9233 Roosevelt Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Using flowering and non-flowering houseplants and various containers, Master Gardener Mary McKnight will focus on practical ideas for designing an indoor landscape. [more]]
In the Garden: Koi Harvest at Nisei Koi Farm
Thursday, October 23, 10 am - Noon
Nisei Koi Farm
Carney's Point, NJ
The majestic and shimmering color and motion of koi brings a whole new level of aesthetic to any garden setting. Our visit to Nisei Koi Farm, home of Quality Koi Company in nearby Carney’s Point, NJ, will introduce us to the fascinating process of raising and selecting quality koi in the Japanese style for the American market at affordable prices. [more]
City Gardening Series: Fresh Flower Arranging
Saturday, October 25, 10 - 11 am
Roots Community Garden - Fisher Park
6th & Spencer Streets (Spencer Street entrance)
Philadelphia, PA
Environmental educator Eva Monheim will provide handy hints and tips to bring flowers into your life every day. [more]
City Gardening Series: Windowsill Gardens - Cacti and Succulents
Monday, October 27, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Northeast Regional Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
2228 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Horticultural therapist Beverly Agard demonstrates tips and tricks about the cultivation and care of succulents and cacti. [more]
Book Club: Stories from the Garden
Thursday, November 6, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
McLean Library
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
November selection: Gary Wills, “Lincoln at Gettysburg: the Words that Remade America.” [more]
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Family-Friendly Gardening
Guided Wildflower Walk
Daily, Wednesday, October 1 - Friday, October 31
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Join a staff person or trained naturalist for an informative walk on the preserve’s trails. For all ages. [more]
Garden Sprouts: Gardening in the House
Tuesday, October 7, 1 - 5 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
The Garden Sprouts program is designed to introduce kids ages 4 to 5 to the world of plants and gardens. Children will decorate a pot and fill it with a plant to take home and grow indoors. [more]
Introducing Your Child to Nature
Saturday, October 11, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Pam Newitt, volunteer naturalist and author of “Nature Inside Out,” will share activities to delight and inspire you and your child. For all ages. [more]
A Walk in the Moonlight
Saturday, October 11, 6 - 7:30 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Learn about the adaptations of plants and animals to life after dark as we walk the trails in fall. For all ages. [more]
Junior Gardeners: Harvest Pumpkins
Sunday, October 12, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Move beyond the typical jack-o-lantern to create pumpkin and gourd creatures that will be the talk of the neighborhood. Junior Gardener programs are for kids ages 6 to 9. [more]
Garden Sprouts: Pumpkin Party
Tuesday, October 14, 1 - 2 pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
Little gardeners will 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. [more]
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2008 Plant Sales and Events
See the 2008 Plant Sales and Events on our website for major plant sales and garden tours in the greater Philadelphia region. [more]
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Other Gardening News & Events
Workshops and Events
October 2008
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
During the month of October, classes on fungi, mosses and native trees will employ slide presentations followed by identification walks on the grounds of the preserve. [more]
Continuing Education Courses
October 2008
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
On the Trail of Champion Trees, Floral Design, A Tour of Green Gardens, and Trick-or-Treat Designs are just a few of the fun and informative classes offered at Longwood Gardens in October. [more]
Scott Arboretum Events
October 2008
Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA
Take a course on identifying a myriad of oak species, learn about the newest cutting-edge woody plants growing in the arboretum, explore exceptional yet underused fruit trees suitable for Delaware Valley backyards, and more. [more]
Continuing Education Courses and Certificate Programs
October 2008
Temple University Ambler
580 Meetinghouse Road
Ambler, PA
Temple University Ambler offers a variety of non-credit courses for adults in the areas of horticulture, landscape design, and floral design. Courses starting in October include Herbaceous Plant ID, Woody Plant ID, Xeriscaping, and Making Compost Makes Sense. [more]
Tyler Arboretum’s Fall Happenings
October 2008
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Road
Media, PA
The Pumpkin Days Celebration, a Fall Photo Foray, and field trips to the Pine Barrens and Bombay Hook are among the happenings at Tyler during the month of October. [more]
Lecture: “Inspired by the Wagner: Mark Dion Speaks on his Work”
Wednesday, October 1, 4 - 7 pm, lecture at 5:30
Wagner Free Institute of Science
1700 W. Montgomery Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Mark Dion is an internationally known artist whose work playfully explores the history of science and museums, travel and landscape genres, and the culture of nature. In this illustrated presentation, he will discuss twenty years of his wide-ranging endeavors, including some of his more permanent projects. [more]
Lecture and Reception
Wednesday, October 8, 6 - 8:30 pm
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
Speaker Debra Landwehr Engle, author of “Grace from the Garden: Changing the World One Garden at a Time,” will focus on stories about gardeners who teach, inspire and heal. [more]
2008 Show of Specimen Plants & Arrangements
Saturday, October 11, Noon - 6 pm, and
Sunday, October 12, 11 am - 4 pm
Lighthouse Fellowship United Methodist Church
137 North Easton Road
Glenside, PA
Presented by the African Violet Society of Philadelphia, this judged show features a display of specimen African violets and other gesneriads. Contact Betsy at 610-489-6124, Judy at 215-233-2579, or Marianne at 215-393-0852.
Deadline for Pre-Ordering Bare-Root Trees
Wednesday, October 15
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
Bare-root trees are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to plant. A selection of trees of various species is being offered for sale to the public. [more]
A Celebration of Trees
Wednesday, October 15, 6 - 8 pm
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
The Annual NeighborWoods Dinner will kick off the Trees for Wilmington tree-planting campaign. Contact Annie Acton at aacton@dehort.org or 302-658-6262 x106.
Meeting: West Jersey Rose Society
Wednesday, October 15, 7:30 - 9 pm
Holly Room, Medford Leas Art and Social Wing
One Medford Leas Way
Medford, NJ
September program: Roses and Organic Fertilizers. Contact 856-234-6583.
Cooking Workshop
Saturday, October 18, 11 am - 12:30 pm
Awbury Arboretum Cope House
1 Awbury Road (entrance on Chew Avenue between Haines Street and Walnut Lane)
Philadelphia, PA
The Community Garden Club of Awbury Arboretum and the PHS City Harvest project present “What’s Cooking from the City Harvest Garden?” To register, leave your name and number at 215-224-5872 (no return calls).
The Gardens of New Zealand: A Virtual Tour
Tuesday, October 21, Noon - 1 pm
Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE
Join horticulturist Lenny Wilson for a slide presentation of public and private gardens he visited in New Zealand. [more]
Liberty Bell Gesneriad Society Plant Auction
Tuesday, October 21, 7:30 pm
Cathedral Village
600 E. Cathedral Road
Philadelphia, PA
Plants, equipment and more will be sold at auction. [more] to or contact Stephen Maciejewski at teciu@verizon.net or 215-985-1456.
Roots to Roofscapes
Wednesday, October 22, 1 - 4 pm, and
Thursday, October 23, Noon - 2 pm
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
100 E. Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
A Zone 5 Flower Show presented by the Garden Club of Philadelphia. Contact Jorie Nailor at 610-666-1939.
Dr. H. Marc Cathey Day
Thursday, October 23
The American Horticultural Society
George Washington’s River Farm
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA
A celebration of the connection between plants and people featuring a keynote presentation. [more] or contact Viveka Neveln at vneveln@ahs.org or 703-768-5700 x120.
Philadelphia Botanical Club
Thursday, October 23, 7:30 pm
Marvin Comisky Conference Center
Blank Rome LLP
One Logan Square
(Enter on north side of Cherry Street between 18th and19th Streets.)
Philadelphia, PA
Ann Rhoads of the Morris Arboretum and Alfred E. Schuyler of the Academy of Natural Sciences will speak on “Two Centuries of Philadelphia Botany in Newfoundland.” [more]
Treasures Show and Sale: Timeless Treasures from World Cultures”
Friday - Sunday, October 24 - 26
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Penn Museum)
3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA
Enjoy a fascinating international shopping experience at the 4th annual “Treasures,” Philadelphia’s premier show and sale of antique and unique decorative objects, textiles, and wearable art from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Organized by the Women’s Committee of the University of Pennsylvania Museum, this event benefits the museum’s educational and outreach programs. Hours: Friday, 11 am - 6 pm; Saturday, 11 am - 8 pm; Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm. [more]
Philadelphia County Master Gardeners 2008 Fall Garden Day
Saturday, October 25, 9 am - 3:30 pm
Fairmount Park Horticultural Center
Philadelphia, PA
Workshops, plant sale, food, garden tours and raffles. Only $20 with free parking. Call 215-471-2200 ext. 116 for information and registration materials.
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Garden Q & A
Our gardening experts volunteer their time to answer your questions. Use the form on our web site.
Q. I was wondering what kinds of bedding plants I could put in that would survive the winter here? I had some pansies last year that did very well, but I don't know what else I can try (preferably plants or flowers with some color, and not those winter cabbages). Thanks! Mara H., Philadelphia, PA
A. In addition to pansies, you might want to check out cyclamen, violas, primroses, primula, Iceland poppies, and calendula. Check with your gardening center to see what is available in your area. For more ideas on winter gardening plants, see Suzanne Frutig Bales’s “The Garden in Winter: Plant for Beauty and Interest in the Quiet Season,” Rodale 2007, available in the PHS McLean Library.
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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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