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May 2008
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Digital Photography

Section A: Five Tuesdays:
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
7 – 9 p.m. FULL!

Second Section added in May - Click here for more info

Arnold Winkler - Photographer

So you just bought a digital camera…what now?? This five-session class starts by introducing you to the vocabulary of digital cameras. After mastering the language of pixels, mega pixels and giga bytes the
instructor will review photography basics including exposure, aperture, shutter speed and focal length. You will learn how to upload images into your computer and how to organize them for easy access. Arnold will
discuss modifying and enhancing images and you will become familiar with the basic features of Adobe Photoshop, a program commonly used for photo manipulation. Turning your digital images into prints will be
discussed along with e-mailing images and putting them on the web. Some of the online services that can help you with these operations will be reviewed.

Members: $125
Non-members: $150

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Landscape Design Studio

7 Days
Tuesdays, April 1, 8, 22, 29,
Tuesday, May 6, 13
7 – 9:30 p.m.
and
Saturday, April 19
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Mark Alexander - Director of Landscape Programs for the Center City District in Philadelphia
Core Course in the Landscape Design Series

In this course, students will develop a conceptual design for a residential site. Brief lectures each week will cover the following topics: client relationships, site analysis, concept development, graphic communication techniques, landscape material (plants and hardscape construction), and conceptual design. A majority of the course will be
devoted to studio work and gaining a basic understanding of the design process. The Saturday session will be a trip to the selected landscape site for in-the-field experience. Individual design critiques will be given to
each student as their work progresses. No previous drawing or design work is necessary in order to take this course. This class meets seven times.

Members: $195
Non-members: $225

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Advanced Climbing and Rigging Techniques for Arborists: A Special Seminar

2 Days
Thursday and Friday, April 3 and 4
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mark Chisholm - New Jersey Certified Tree Expert, Arborist, Aspen Tree Expert Company
ISA CEUs

This two-day course, designed for experienced arborists, will feature two-time International Society of Arboriculture world champion tree
climber, Mark Chisholm, who will discuss and demonstrate the most-up-to-date techniques for static and dynamic climbing as well as fixed
rope ascension. On the second day, Mark will review safe and efficient methods for rigging and lowering wood and demonstrate the use of
blocks and pulleys as well as other removal techniques. Mark is employed as an arborist in his family's business, Aspen Tree Expert
Company, and is also winner for 12 consecutive years of the ISA New Jersey Chapter's climbing competition. This course is sponsored by the Stihl Northeastern Corporation, makers of Stihl chain saws. Space is limited so please sign up early.


Fee: $350 (includes lunch)

Garden Discovery Series: Build a Bird’s Nest

Saturday, April 5
11am-3pm

Look at the intricate and precise design of different kinds of bird nests in the Arboretum’s Meadow Garden. Try to build a bird nest using only your thumb and forefinger, mimicking a bird’s beak.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Celebration

Event is free with admission

Japanese Garden Elements Tour:
Saturday, April 5, 2:00 pm

This tour highlights the Japanese influence on many areas at the Arboretum, featuring the Hill Garden, the Rock Garden in the Fernery and the Overlook Garden

Additional events on the 12th, 14th, and the 19th of April

Early Spring Bloom: A Special Tour with the Director

Saturday, April 5
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Paul Meyer - The F. Otto Haas Director of the Morris Arboretum

Take a walk in the garden with Arboretum Director, Paul Meyer, and learn some of his favorite plants for early spring bloom. In this illustrated lecture and walk we are likely to see blooming magnolias and varieties of cherries and pieris. Since bloom times vary depending on the temperature, Paul will also discuss great plants that bloom later in the season that you can watch for and enjoy. A true plant expert, Paul will also discuss how to best use these plants in the landscape and the cultural conditions that they require.

Members $30
Non-members $36

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Turtles and Lizards and Snakes, Oh My! A Live
Reptile Program

Saturday, April 5
1 – 3 p.m.
Irene Safren - Naturalist, Churchville Nature Center and the Eagles Mere Conservancy

Join us for an exciting intergenerational program for all ages. Come meet a variety of reptiles and learn about these often misunderstood but beneficial animals. The cast of characters will include a bearded
dragon and blue tongued skink lizard, both from Australia; a variety of snakes both small and large, and a local turtle that is now a species of special concern and federally protected. Bring a camera if you would like a picture taken with one of our reptilian guests. After the live animal program there will be a craft activity for those who would like to take
home their own non-living reptile. Please register by March 29 for this program.

Members: $12
Non-members: $15

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Vase Arranging for Floral Stems

Section B: Wednesday, April 9
10 a.m. – 12 noon
or
Section C: Wednesday, April 9
6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Cheryl Wilks - Floral Educator and Owner of “Flowers on Location”

Cut flowers may be a wonderful bounty from our gardens or even from the grocery store, but what do you do with them when you bring them indoors? This class will show you the many tricks of the trade to arrange flowers so that they will look their very best. You will learn techniques such as gridding and stuffing, and florist gel will be demonstrated. The elements of design will be covered in depth.

Cheryl Wilks has been a guest lecturer at the Philadelphia Flower Show since 1990, so she really knows her stuff! Please bring a box to take home your creation. All materials are provided by the instructor. Another section are being offered on June 22.

Members: $44
Non-members: $46

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Haibun: The Wandering Poet’s Journal

2 Saturdays
April 12, 26
1 – 3 p.m.
Andrea Ross - Poet and Essayist

Come spend two afternoons in the Arboretum learning about and trying your hand at writing the ancient art of haibun, which is a writing style that combines brief prose sections with haiku. We will spend part of each class inside, and part outside exploring the budding spring plants, the weather, the animals and insects, and learning to use this ancient
writing method as a gateway for new, exciting writing of our own. No previous creative writing experience is necessary. Please bring
a notebook and pen, sun/rain protection, walking shoes, and a water bottle.

Members: $50
Non-members: $60

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Japanese Cherry Blossom Celebration

Events are free with admission

Origami for Kids:
Saturday April 12, 11:00-12:00pm
Discover how an ordinary piece of paper can be transformed into the extraordinary. Talk to paper puppets, catch a leaping frog, or model an emperor’s crown. This visually exciting program weaves together storytelling, music and art done by Oragami Master and award winning author Barbra Pearl.

Swarthmore Taiko Drummers – Music & Dance in the Garden:
Saturday, April 12, 1:00pm-2:00pm

This unique group will perform traditional and traditionally based new works in Japanese style drumming. Always a favorite of the arboretum, the audience will also be invited to experience playing the drums at the end of the program.

Creating an Asian Dragon

Sunday, April 13
1 – 2:15 p.m.
Allison Zito - Artist/Teacher, Harcum College

The dragon in Japan and China is a friendly symbol of good luck, not the scary creature of Medieval Europe. Children will learn a bit of Asian dragon folklore while they create their own colorful animated dragon toys to take home. Children will color, glue and assemble their paper dragon and add arms, hands and a tail. Ideal for ages 3 to 7. All materials are
provided.

Members: $16
Non-members: $18

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Lenape Life: A Journey Back in Time

Sunday, April 13
1 – 3 p.m.
Irene Safren - Naturalist, Churchville Nature Center and the Eagles Mere Conservancy

In this hands-on, intergenerational program for all ages you will learn about the original inhabitants of this area before the coming of the European settlers. Try your hand at pottery, making pinch pots and other small items using natural clay. You will learn to make rope and other “cordage” using the basic method still in practice today. The pottery and
cordage will be yours to take home. A fire bow, spindle and fireboard will be available for those who would like to try out their fire making skills (no matches allowed!). Join in a variety of Lenape games and enjoy some Native American storytelling – a few “scary” ones guaranteed. Learn about some of the animals they hunted and some of the great variety of plants used for food, medicine and shelter.

Members: $16
Non-members: $18

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Japanese Cherry Blossom Queen

Tokyo Japanese Cherry Blossom Queen:
Monday, April 14, 9:30 - 11:00am.
The public is invited as the newly crowned Tokyo, Japan Cherry Blossom Queen takes a tour of the Arboretum to celebrate our rich Japanese culture and heritage.

The Art of Pressed Flowers

Wednesday, April 16
Section A: 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
or
Section B: 6:45 – 9 p.m.
Cheryl Wilks - Floral Educator and Owner of“Flowers on Location”

There is something special about preserving nature's bounty with all of her colors, textures and shapes. This introductory class will focus
on the pressed flower process, designing greeting cards, floral candles, small framed pictures and key chains. The vast use of pressed flowers is innumerable, and the outcome will bring happiness, joy and long
lasting memories to yourself and others. Ideas are endless, so bring your imagination and creativity.

Members: $45
Non-members: $47

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Birding at the New Jersey Shore

Thursday, April 17
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ruth Pfeffer - Expert Birder and Trip Leader

Join us for a day of birding at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. This southern New Jersey refuge, which features over 43,000 acres of protected coastal habitat, is located in one of the Atlantic flyways most active flight paths. It provides tidal marsh and meadow habitats as well as shallow coves and bays that are important resting and feeding
habitats for migratory water birds. We will see birds that have wintered in Central and South America and are returning, in their colorful breeding plumage, to breed or pass through for breeding further north. Ruth will share her knowledge and spotting scope. Dress for the weather as it is usually windy along the coast. Bring binoculars, lunch and something to drink. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk. We will travel by bus.

Members: $75
Non-members: $90

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Orchids: Fascinating Plants for Home or Greenhouse

Thursday, April 17
7 – 9 p.m.
Beth Davis - Waldor Orchids

Orchids are different but not difficult. Learn to grow exquisite orchids as houseplants. By applying the proper cultural techniques to vigorous orchid varieties, you can grow these exotic plants in your home or greenhouse and have them flourish. Beth will review orchid growing supplies, nutritional requirements, and pest and disease control. She will demonstrate how to pot a bare-root plant, and participants will then pot their own beautiful orchid to take home. Additional plants will be available for sale at the conclusion of the lecture. Beth is a third generation orchid grower. She has worked at the Waldor Orchids greenhouses in Linwood, New Jersey, for over 17 years doing many different jobs including orchid growing and lecturing.

Members: $43
Non-members: $48

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Japanese Cherry Blossom Celebration

Events are free with admission

Archery Demonstration
Saturday, April 19 11:00 & 12:00pm
Centuries ago in Japan, archery was regarded as the highest discipline of the Samurai warrior. Today archery has evolved into Kyudo, the ultimate goal of Kyudo is to polish the mind - the same as in sitting meditation. Men and women of all ages practice Kyudo. Physical strength is not a factor. Come and join us for this demonstration and experience this ancient discipline where the qualities of heart and mind at the moment of the arrow's release.

Traditional Japanese Tea Demonstration:
Saturday, April 19, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Join us for the simple yet elegant ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony. The ceremony will incorporate “Sado which is the traditional etiquette of preparing and drinking tea when entertaining guests.

Shenk’s Ferry Wildflower Preserve Trip

Wednesday, April 23
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. FULL!
Tim Block - Director of Botany, Morris Arboretum
Ann Rhoads - Senior Botanist

Shenk’s Ferry is one of the most impressive wildflower sanctuaries in the eastern United States. Located in Lancaster County on the shores of the Susquehanna River, this 50-acre preserve features a display of unbelievable beauty including acres of trillium, bluebells, shooting stars, Dutchmen’s britches, columbine, blue phlox, and many other woodland wildflowers. These wildflower communities are unusually diverse for
Pennsylvania and more typical of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Short walks totaling only a mile or two will take us to several ravines in the lower river valley. Ann and Tim, Arboretum botanists, will help you
identify the wildflowers that you see. We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by small bus. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk. Please bring your lunch and something to drink.

Members: $70
Non-members: $84

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Gardening in the Shade

Wednesday, April 23
7:30 – 9 p.m.
David Culp - Plant Research and Development, Sunny Border Nurseries
Elective in the Landscape Design Series

Learn to look at shade as an asset instead of a liability. Shade gardening allows you to focus on interesting textures and subtle color
nuances. In addition to being a nationally known speaker and nursery professional, David is a hands-on gardener. He maintains that the challenges of shade have made him a better gardener. David will highlight tried and true garden plants as well as recent introductions, and share gardening tips that will give you an interesting shade garden
throughout the seasons.

Members: $25
Non-members: $30

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Cub Scout Badge: Forester Requirements

Saturday, April 26
1 – 3 p.m.
Tom Reeves - Past President Valley Forge Audubon Society and Volunteer Guide, Tyler Arboretum

Learn about the importance of trees and forests in this class especially designed for Webelo Cub Scouts. It will focus on the Forester Badge requirements. Scouts will participate in a variety of activities to help them learn to identify trees and plants found in our forests. They will draw pictures showing the layers of the forest and learn how to tell a tree’s age by examining tree rings. Discussion about tree care and planting and the best kinds of trees to plant in urban and suburban areas will also be included.

Members: $12
Non-members: $15

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Poppy Profusion

Sunday, April 27 - June 29

Something magical is sprouting at the Morris Arboretum. 300 giant red poppies will “spring to life” in the unlikely habitat of the Northwestern Meadows. Just inside the gates this sculptural installation of captivating poppies, “Papaver Rubrum Giganteum”, is the creation of artist, Gary G. Miller. This collaboration with Woodmere Art Museum will be on display at the Morris Arboretum through June 29.

The sculptural installation “Papaver Rubrum Giganteum” will consist of 300 giant red poppies randomly “planted”. Each structural element, or ‘poppy’ is made of aluminum and will consist of a dark green-black stem, approximately ten foot tall topped by a bright red flower, approximately twenty inches in diameter. And just as real poppies do, Miller’s giant poppies will sway and bend in the wind, creating a dazzling effect of color and movement in the otherwise subdued landscape

75th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, April 27
12 noon - 4:00 p.m.
Free Admission into the Garden

The Morris Arboretum will celebrate its 75th Anniversary as a public garden and publicly launch Always Growing: A Campaign for Morris Arboretum on Sunday, April 27 from 12 noon to 4PM. Visitors are invited to participate in the celebration with free admission and family activities throughout the garden. The fun will begin in the Arboretum’s gardens where there will be scavenger hunts, craft stations for headdress and critter making, seedling plantings, demonstrations of tree climbing, costumed guides enacting scenes from the Morrises’ Victorian era, and more.

Click here for the day's activities throughout the gardens

Dependable Perennials for Low Maintenance Gardening

Monday, April 28
7:30 – 9 p.m.
Eva Monheim - Horticulture Instructor, Temple University
Elective in Landscape Design Series

Careful selection of perennials can lead to a successful long-term investment in your garden. You can start with a few really great plants and divide them over the years to fill in your garden. Eva will consider the whole growing season and give you tips for planning your garden, how and when to divide perennials, when to collect seed, and when it is best to cut plants back. Students will be introduced to new perennial varieties and favorite classics.

Members: $25
Non-members: $30

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Central Park Tour: New York City’s Crowned Jewel

Tuesday, April 29
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Join us for a guided walking tour of New York City’s Central Park. Since its completion in 1873 as the first landscaped public park in the U.S., Central Park has continually been one of the top tourist destinations in New York City. New Yorkers depend on it as the one true refuge and sanctuary the city offers. Tourists flock to such treasures as Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Terrace, The Ramble, and the secluded, beautiful Conservatory Gardens. Our lunch will be at Tavern on the Green, a
grand café in the heart of Central Park and one of New York's most dazzling dining experiences overflowing with crystal chandeliers, hand-carved mirrors, and stained glass. Our trip features two guided walks.
The first begins at Tavern on the Green and covers the lower portion of the park. After lunch we will be taken by bus to the Conservatory Gardens at the upper end of the Park. The trip includes two guided tours, lunch and bus transportation. Meet at the Morris Arboretum. Park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk. Registrations or refunds will not be made after April 15.

Members: $150
Non-members: $160

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125

Hedgleigh Spring Garden Tour

Section A: Wednesday, April 30
10 a.m. – 12 noon FULL!
Charles Cresson

Take a tour of Hedgleigh Spring with avid gardener, author and plantsman, Charles Cresson, who will personally guide you through his residential garden in Swarthmore. This two-acre garden has been part of Cresson family life for more than a century. The house sits on a sweeping lawn surrounded by ancient oaks and black gum underplanted with mature azaleas and dogwoods. The central flower garden of roses and perennials contains over 100 feet of flower borders. A combination of stone retaining walls, grade changes, and shrub plantings divide the property into intimate spaces and microclimates that include woodland gardens, a small pond, a creek with a waterfall, a vegetable garden, and a lowland perennial meadow. The group will meet at Hedgleigh Spring in Swarthmore. Travel directions will be sent prior to the trip. Another section is being offered on May 17

Members: $30
Non-members: $35

Call to register for classes (215) 247-5777 ext 156 or 125