August 2007

Groovin’ in the Garden – Twilight Concert Series
Thursday, August 2, and Thursday, August 23
7:00-8:30pm (August 2) and 6:00-7:30pm (August 23)

On Thursday, August 2nd, the Morris Arboretum welcomes Philly Gumbo to the Arboretum’s outdoor stage. Philly Gumbo’s distinctive blend of New Orleans funk, blues and reggae, in combination with great vocalists, have made it a unique and popular presence on the Philly music scene for more than 25 years. The City Paper calls Philly Gumbo, “a personal pastiche of rhythm and blues, rock and reggae that’s not just irresistible but positively transcendant!”

On Thursday, August 23rd, at 6:00 PM, the Morris Arboretum welcomes the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble. Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble will bring the garden to life with their unique fusion of jazz, African, Brazilian, rhythm and blues, and hip-hop music. Temple Public Radio calls the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble “the most innovative, progressive jazz band in our listening area.” Headed up by Warren Oree, Arpeggio has been playing since 1979, touring the Caribbean, Europe, South Africa, and all over the United States, and now, at the glorious gardens at the Morris Arboretum. Arpeggio is back by popular demand from the ’06 Groovin in the Garden series. On the 23rd, free beer tastings begin at 5:30 PM.

Concerts begin at 7PM until 8:30PM. Free beer tastings, sponsored by Flourtown Beverage, will be part of the Arboretum summer concert fun prior to concerts from 6:00 – 7:00 PM.

Tastings from breweries include:

Magic Hat of Vermont (Aug 2)
Flying Fish of Cherry Hill (Aug 23)

Free tours of the garden available at 6:30. Meet at the Visitors Center, and the tour will end at the the Azalea Meadow where the concerts will take place.

This is your chance to experience the summer garden in its glory, on a summer evening. Bring a picnic dinner, or pre-order dinner from our Bruno’s Café’ at 215-247-5777 x160. Then sit back and relax to the sounds of music in the garden. Blankets or chairs are recommended. Concerts are free with regular admission.

Garden Railway
"Great American Train Stations"
Daily through October 8, 10:00am-4:00pm
The Garden Railway is a miniature world of model trains running on a quarter mile track, set in the splendor of the Arboretum’s summer garden. The miniature world features historic buildings created entirely of natural materials, each meticulously detailed with leaves, bark, vines and twigs. Logs and branches are also used to create unique tunnels and overhead trestles. Nestled among woody plants, colorful annuals and perennials, the finished product is an enchanting landscape that never ceases to delight visitors both young and old. Free with regular admission.

Circus Weeks at the Garden Railway:
June 30-July 9 and
August 25-September 3.
The first circus was held in Philadelphia in 1793. Come see the Big Top and the circus trains, learn the history of the circus and watch for a few surprises. Free with regular admission.

Garden Discovery Series
Join us on the 1st Saturday of each month anytime from 11AM to 3PM for a chance to experience the Morris Arboretum like never before. Explore little known parts of the garden, learn some secrets of nature, and create something magical. These events are free with regular garden admission and are fun for everyone. For event locations, check the Discover the Garden Cart.

August 4 – Flower Petal Pictures: What do you do with roses after their blossoms have faded? “Paint” a picture from nature or create a colorful rainbow using the petals for your palette. Like the Pressed Plant Material classes at the Philadelphia Flower Show, this art form results in beautiful little pictures, but these you’ll be able to take home! Stop by anytime from 11:00am-3:00pm. For event locations, check the Discover the Garden Cart.

Members-Only Bring a Friend for FREE night
Thursday, August 16
5pm - 8pm.

Members of all levels are invited to pack a picnic supper or purchase dinner at our café. This is a great opportunity to introduce a friend, family or neighbor to the Morris Arboretum for free on one special evening. Music & Motion Dance group will be performing for your entertainment. Members are welcome to bring more than one guest, but are asked to accompany their guests to the Arboretum. Reservations are NOT required.

Invasive Plants: Research, Removal and Renewal

Certain plants that have been introduced to ecosytems cause a great deal of harm and have become a threat to biological diversity. These invasive plants reduce populations of other plants and the animals that depend upon them. This is a problem we all face and we can all contribute to the solutions. Our quality of life ultimately depends on the health of our natural resources. In this seminar you will find out:

• the extent of the invasive plant problem in the mid-Atlantic region;
• the latest invasive plant control technologies;
• native plants that are good alternatives for invasive garden plants;
• Federal invasive plant efforts;
• how deer contribute to the spread of invasive plants;
• new technologies to measure and monitor invasive plant populations; and
• how native plant recovery prevents the spread of invasive plants.
  

Click here for a pdf of the complete conference brochure.

Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council

August 15 and 16, 2007
at the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA

New Members' Lecture and Tour
Sunday, August 26, 2007
1:30PM - 3:30PM

If you have become a member of the Arboretum in the last two years, please join us for a lecture by the F. Otto Haas Director of the Arboretum, Paul W. Meyer, titled "Past, Present and Future of the Morris Arboretum".   The lecture will be followed by a tour led by one of our fabulous Arboretum guides.

Reservations are required.  Deadline: August 21, 2007.  Please email members@morrisarboretum.org or call 215.247.5777 ext.155.