Landscape Design Series

In order to promote a wider knowledge of landscape theory and practice, the Morris Arboretum offers a Landscape Design Series. Instructors provide participants with a well-rounded curriculum focusing on home landscape design. The Arboretum will award a Certificate of Completion to participants who finish the prescribed Series consisting of four required core courses and six elective courses. For more information, please call the Education Department at (215) 247-5777, ext. 156. If you are interested in enrolling in the Landscape Design Series, please check the box on your registration form. Note: Those students not enrolled in the Certificate Series may take Landscape Design classes individually.

Constructing the Landscape
Core Course

This course offers an overview of landscape basics including: choosing and buying healthy plants appropriate for your setting, guidelines for planning and installing hardscape elements in your garden, and planting and maintaining trees, shrubs and groundcovers. Local instructors with years of experience teach this six-session course.

Session 1: Placing Plants in the Landscape
Robert Gutowski (Morris Arboretum)

Session 2: Pick-a-Plant
Kate Deregibus (Morris Arboretum)

Sessions 3 & 4: Architectural Elements in the Landscape
John Shandra (Gale Nurseries)

Sessions 5 & 6: Tree and Shrub Installation and Maintenance
Hal Rosner (Arborist, Bartlett Tree Experts)

Five Wednesdays: September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24
7 – 9 p.m and
Saturday, October 27
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Members: $140
Non-members: $156

Mapping and Site Analysis
Core Course
Vince Marrocco
Chief Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

To effectively landscape an area, you should first map and analyze your site. In this class we will complete a base map of an area to be landscaped. We will draw our maps using simple measuring devices and then show buildings, plants and other important physical features to scale. Sessions include lecture, practical hands-on applications and final project critiques. This class meets four times.

Four Tuesdays: October 30 and November 6, 13, 20
7 – 9 p.m.
Members: $86
Non-members: $96
Less than 5 reservations left!

Planning and Planting a Mixed Border
Elective
Mary Boyle
Horticulturist, Trees in Travel

Mixed borders have a permanent backbone of shrubs, interplanted with perennials, annuals and bulbs. They are often a good option for small and medium sized gardens because with careful planning they can provide interest throughout the seasons. Learn design ideas
and tips for how to plan a mixed border including creating attractive color combinations and using foliage texture and color to your advantage. Mary will also review soil preparation including the use of compost, fertilizer and mulching materials. She will recommend plants that should perform well in Delaware Valley gardens.

Thursday, October 4
7 – 9 p.m.
Members: $24
Non-members: $26
Less than 10 reservations left!

Creating an Intimate Garden
Elective
Eva Monheim
Horticulture Instructor, Temple University

Just because you have a small space doesn’t mean that you can’t have a wonderful garden filled with a great assortment of plants. Walled gardens or garden rooms provide microclimates that create many plant selection options. In fact, small gardens can enhance the opportunity to add striking foliage textures, subtle color palettes and fragrance to the garden. In addition, an intimate garden provides a perfect relaxing retreat away from the hectic pace of everyday life. We will discuss plant choices including perennials, ground covers, shrubs and small trees as well as garden accents, water features and furnishings.

Thursday, October 11
7:30 – 9 p.m.
Members: $24
Non-members: $26
Less than 10 reservations left!

Japanese Garden Elements
Elective
Harriet Henderson
Landscape Architect

Learn about the elements commonly found in traditional Japanese gardens. This workshop includes a lecture followed by a walking tour
of Japanese features at the Morris Arboretum. A slide presentation will include examples of design techniques featured in traditional Japanese garden settings and in interpretative American gardens. Elements include rock groupings, stone paths, gates, fences and walls, water features, decorative basins, lanterns and significant plants. John and Lydia Morrises’ strong interest in Japanese gardens can be seen in the Fernery rockwork, the Japanese Overlook Garden, and a comprehensive collection of Asian trees and shrubs.

Saturday, October 20
1 – 3:30 p.m.
Members: $29
Non-members: $32

Landscaping for Birds and Wildlife
Elective
Steven J. Saffier
Audubon at Home Coordinator, John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove

Is it possible to create a beautiful home landscape and connect to nature at the same time? In this presentation, you’ll learn it’s not only possible, but beneficial to both the birds and your bank account. Native plants in your landscape require less maintenance, less water, and NO pesticides. By creating a healthy environment for birds and other wildlife, you will be rewarded with a toxic-free environment that is alive and dynamic. Learn what birds are looking for and how to support resident populations and migratory species. Steven will
also discuss native plants that can be used instead of common non-native landscape plants.

Sunday, October 21
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Members: $24
Non-members: $26
Less than 5 reservations left!

The Well-Mannered Perennial Garden
Elective
Harriet Cramer
Garden Designer

An artfully designed perennial garden can be a great delight. But, for a perennial garden to reach its full potential it must be managed after planting with great care and deliberation. How do you know, for instance, which plants need to be pinched back and when this should be done? Which perennials have a tendency to run aggressively through the garden and what can you do about this? What plants are best suited for our hot, humid summers? Successful gardens do not happen by accident. Learn what you can do to ensure that your garden is a source of pleasure and not one of frustration and disappointment.

Wednesday, October 24
7:30 – 9 p.m.
Members: $24
Non-members: $26