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"The Wired Gardener" Online Newsletter
January 2009
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Web Reviews
Working Together to Conserve Nature
The volunteer scientists at the International Union for Conservation of Nature work with over 1,000 government and NGO organizations to create solutions, laws, and best practices to deal with environmental and developmental problems throughout the world. This organization is the “world’s oldest and largest global environmental network.” Visit the website to learn the latest news about its work and research, and check out its Red List of Threatened Species.
Plants Work
Studies show that indoor plants in the workplace lead to happier, healthier, more productive employees. Use the Green Plants for Green Buildings website to find the latest studies and articles about the benefits plants bring to a variety of work settings. Architects and facility managers can even get Continuing Education Credits at no cost by scheduling an “Authentically Green Interiors” presentation at their chapter meetings.
Dedicated to Sustainable Food
The Chefs Collaborative is an organization of chefs, farmers, specialty store owners, fishermen, ranchers, and other professionals in the food system. Its goal is to make “sustainable practices second nature for every chef in the United States.” You can search for local food, see a schedule of programs, comment on their blog, or join the collaborative all via the website.
You may also be interested in exploring Terra Madre, an organization developed by the Slow Food Movement. It provides provide resources for food producers and the public about the ecological, healthful, and tasty benefits of traditional foods and food systems.
Take Flight
Soar along with the monarch butterflies in their journey from Canada to Mexico via MonarchLIVE. By participating in the scheduled webcasts, implementing suggested lesson plans, and participating in a bit of citizen science, teachers, students, and everyone else can learn about butterfly biology, the butterfly migration instinct, and what can be done to insure that this spectacular but endangered biological event will continue. Teachers, be sure to check out the Butterfly Garden Grants page.
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PHS McLean Library News
Monthly Book and Film Discussion Groups in the McLean Library
Join “Stories from the Garden,” the McLean Library’s long-running book discussion group. Each month we’ll read and discuss works of fiction or non-fiction having to do with gardening, plants, nature, or the land. On Thursday, January 8, from 5:45 to 7:45, the group will discuss selected stories from Rick Bass’s The Lives of Rocks. Participants must read books prior to each meeting. [more]
Do you love to watch movies and talk about them? Join us in the McLean Library’s film discussion series, where we’ll talk about movies in which nature, gardens, or the environment play a role. Join us on Tuesday, January 20, 6 to 7:30 pm, when the group will discuss Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams, a collection of tales based upon the actual dreams of director Akira Kurosawa. There will be a free screening of this film in the library conference room at 4 pm.
Both groups meet in the PHS McLean Library, 100 N. 20th Street, in Philadelphia. Participation is free and open to all, but pre-registration is requested. For complete schedules, reading list, and film selections, and to register for either group, please contact Priscilla Becroft at pbecroft@pennhort.org or 215-988-8772, or visit the PHS website, www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org, and click on “Calendar.”
New Books in the Library
See the "What's New in the Library" page of our web site.
Library Exhibit Coming Soon!
The Garden as Theater: Italian Renaissance and Baroque Gardens
January 15 - March 31
Drawing on illustrated books and images from hand-painted glass lantern slides, this exhibit examines key design elements of a selection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque gardens. This exhibit is inspired by the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show theme, Bella Italia. The McLean Library is open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
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2009 Horticultural Speakers’ List Deadline
Monday, February 16
The McLean Library is updating its list of speakers on gardening and related topics. The updated list will be available to PHS members, local gardening clubs, and the public in March 2009 after the Philadelphia Flower Show. If you are a horticulturist who lives in the Mid-Atlantic region and would like to be included on the 2009 list, please contact Priscilla Becroft at pbecroft@pennhort.org or 215-988-8772 for a questionnaire.
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Free Lecture Series
PHS and the Wagner Free Institute of Science will co-sponsor two multi-session courses: Grasses, Rushes and Sedges and Park, Cemetery and Garden: The Landscapes of Philadelphia. These courses are free and open to the public and will be held in the PHS Auditorium. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Participants will receive a syllabus and reading list as part of their registration acknowledgement. To pre-register, please call 215-763-6529 ext. 23.
Grasses, Rushes and Sedges
Mondays, January 12 to February 23, 2009 (no class January 19), 6:30 pm
PHS Auditorium
The grasses are arguably the most important family of plants in terms of human impact. Nearly every world food culture has a member of the grass family as its major protein source. Grasses are also the dominant group of plants in many ecosystems. The productive farmlands in the central United States, as well as in other parts of the world, owe their existence to many years of grassland foliage decomposing to produce rich topsoil. Taught by Dr. Karen Snetselaar, this course will provide a general overview of grasses and their relatives. Karen Snetselaar is associate professor of biology at St. Joseph’s University and professor of biology at the Wagner Free Institute of Science. She specializes in botany and plant diseases.
Park, Cemetery and Garden: The Landscapes of Philadelphia
Mondays, March 23 to April 27, 2009, 6:30 pm
PHS Auditorium
William Penn promised that Philadelphia would be “a green countrie towne” and indeed, with its five open squares, it is the first American city to be planned around landscapes. Taught by Dr. Michael J. Lewis, this course will examine the landscape tradition in Philadelphia, covering such topics as Quaker attitudes toward the useful and practical arts, the role of parks in promoting public health and safe drinking water, and the development of the modern public cemetery. Each lecture will focus on a case study of a particular landscape and its place in American history, including Fairmount Park, Laurel Hill Cemetery, and Bartram’s Garden. The course will include an optional field trip.
Michael J. Lewis is Faison-Pierson-Stoddard Professor of Art at Williams College, where he teaches the history of American art. He has written extensively about the history and culture of Philadelphia, including Frank Furness: Architecture and the Violent Mind (2001). Among his other books are American Art and Architecture (2006) and the prize-winning Politics of the German Gothic Revival (1993). In 2008 he received a Guggenheim Grant for his forthcoming book, City of Refuge: The Alternative Utopian Tradition.
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PHS Events
Book Club: Stories from the Garden
Thursday, January 8, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
The McLean Library
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA
For January’s discussion we will read selected short stories from The Lives of Rocks, by Rick Bass. [more]
City Gardening Series: Designing Hanging Baskets
Friday, January 9, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Perzel Community Center
2990 St. Vincent Street
Philadelphia, PA
Horticultural therapist Mona Gold shows why color and texture are the two most important elements of designing a pleasing mixed basket. [more]
Brown Bag Lunch: Tournament of Roses Parade
Tuesday, January 13, Noon - 1 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 North 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia,
In January 2008, Philadelphia Flower Show designer Sam Lemheney was invited to be one of three judges for the Tournament of Roses Parade. A group of Flower Show exhibitors, led by Jane Pepper, joined Sam in Pasadena. The group helped decorate two floats and was hosted by Jim Folsom, director of the Huntington Botanical Gardens, for a personal tour of the garden. Please join us as Melinda Moritz shares photos taken by members of the group into a “behind the scenes” look at how the floats are decorated and the visit to the Huntington
Melinda Moritz shares “behind the scenes” photos taken by members of the group. [more]
Evening Book Reading: Vanished Gardens by Sharon White
Tuesday, January 13, 6 - 8 pm
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
100 North 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
New to living and gardening in Philadelphia, Sharon White begins a journey through the landscape of the city, past and present, in her book Vanished Gardens. She explores Philadelphia's gardens as a part of the urban ecosystem and animates the lives of individual gardeners and naturalists working in the area around her home. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Workshop: Glass Bowl Terrarium
Wednesday, January 14, 10 am - Noon
Snow date: January 15
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
In the depths of winter, what could be better than to brighten your home with a lush, green, miniature world under glass? Only certain plants can grow in a glass terrarium, and the planting procedure requires special attention. But once assembled, your mini-plant world is easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and limited watering. Led by Meadowbrook horticulturist Sharon Kaszan, this hands-on workshop offers all the necessary ingredients. [more]
City Gardening Series: Tips for Better Houseplants
Wednesday, January 14, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Whitman Free Library of Philadelphia
200 Snyder Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
Houseplants bring life into a room. Horticulturist Ginny Page teaches how to choose and care for plants that will thrive in your home. [more]
Film Discussion Group
Wednesday, January 20, 6 - 7:30 pm
The McLean Library
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. This month we will discuss Akira Kurosawa’s 1990 film, “Dreams”. (There will be a free screening of this film in the library conference room at 4 pm.) [more]
City Gardening Series: Seed Saving, Swapping, and Starting
Sunday, January 25, 1 - 4 pm
Bartram’s Garden
54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Spend a winter’s afternoon learning about seeds and planning for spring. Horticulturist Liz Dailey will demonstrates how to successfully start plants from seeds. This will be followed by Seed Saving with Bartram’s gardener, Nancy Wygant, who will demonstrate how to collect, clean, and store seeds from your garden and how to keep heirloom vegetable and flower seeds free from cross pollination. [more]
City Gardening Series: Blooming Houseplants
Monday, January 26, 4 - 5 pm
Charles Santore Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
932 S. 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Houseplants in bloom bring enjoyment to the home or office. Ginny Page offers suggestions for flowering houseplants and ways to encourage them to bloom. [more]
Meadowbrook Farm Walk: Winter Plant Identification
Wednesday, January 28, 10 am - Noon
(Snow date: January 29)
Meadowbrook Farm
1633 Washington Lane
Abington Township, PA
Trees, shrubs and perennials give the winter landscape its form and function. They serve many uses in the landscape, as protection from winter winds, providing homes for birds and other wildlife, and giving us the promise of spring! Take a walking tour with Tom Reber through the gardens of J. Liddon Pennock Jr. and the grounds of Meadowbrook Farm. [more]
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Back Issues of Begonian Available
Back issues of the Begonian available on DVD
Two indexed DVDs, covering 1934-58 and 1959-79 respectively, are available for order from the American Begonia Society. They contain information about begonia species, cultivation and propagation, vintage advertisements, Begonia Society personalities, and the history of the Begonia Society. [more]
Family-Friendly Gardening
Recycle! Making Art from your Holiday Cards and Calendars
Saturday, January 24, 1:30 - 3 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Visit often to experience nature’s changing palette in the preserve’s 134-acre site. For ages 12 and up. [more]
Creatures of the Night
Saturday, January 24, 4 - 6 pm
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Diane Nickerson of Mercer County Wildlife Center will present an indoor program with live owls and other nocturnal animals. Then volunteer naturalist Pam Newitt will lead a twilight walk on the preserve’s trails. For all ages. [more]
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Other Gardening News & Events
Camden Children’s Garden receives “2008 NCCC Hero” Award
December 10, 2008
Executive director Mike Devlin and education director Valerie Frick received the award from the Eastern Region of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corp for the Garden’s work in Camden with AmeriCorps volunteers from all over the country. For information about events and programs at the Garden click [here]
Programs and Workshops
January 2009
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
1635 River Road
New Hope, PA
Start the new year with learning and inspiration by attending the Winter Lecture Series, winter native plant walks and a plant identification class at the preserve. [more]
Non-Credit Courses and Webinars
January 2009
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 January include Creating an Intimate Garden, Sustainability in Your Garden, and Floral Design I. Contact Rhonda Geyer at rgeyer@temple.edu or 267-468-8500. [more]
Continuing Education Courses
January 2009
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
In January you can enjoy a Fun Floral Friday, learn the advantages of using the scientific names of plants and discover that cacti and succulents thrive on neglect! [more]
American Begonia Society, Delaware Valley Branch
Saturday, January 3, 10 am - Noon
Huntingdon Valley Library
625 Red Lion Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA
Program: Grandmother’s favorite begonia, cane-like plant. Contact Bernie Wiener at wiener1@verizon.net or 610-446-2160.
Native Landscape Design: Exploding Into the Mainstream
Tuesday-Wednesday, January 13-14
Arboretum Villanova
Villanova, PA
As ecological design becomes common practice, designers will need to expand their scope of services, learn to design on a larger scale, and reassess their criteria for selecting and arranging plants. This conference will go beyond buzzwords like “green” and “sustainability,” providing designers with a real world blueprint to thrive in this exciting new professional environment. Contact jlm@exchange.upenn.edu or 215-247-5777 x156.
Demonstration: “Compounding and Buying Quality Potting Mixes”
Saturday, January 17, 11 am
Cathedral Village Meeting Theater
600 Cathedral Road (corner of Ridge Pike and Henry Avenue in Roxborough)
Philadelphia, PA
Presentation and demonstration by three experienced indoor gardeners. Each attendee will receive a small bag of potting mix. Contact Hope at hopestone@hotmail.com
Liberty Bell Gesneriad Society Meeting
Tuesday, January 20, 7:30 pm
Cathedral Village
600 E. Cathedral Road
Philadelphia, PA
Charlene Marietti presents “On the Prowl for Gesneriads: Go Prepared!” relating what she encountered while searching out Gesneriads in their native habitat. Contact Stephen Maciejewski at teciu@verizon.net or 215-985-1456. [more]
Symposium: “Today’s Horticulture”
Friday, February 6
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
The Professional Gardener Alumni Association presents a day of speakers on horticultural topics, plus a plant sale, designed for horticulture professionals, landscape designers/architects, passionate gardeners and students of horticulture. Contact mrichardson@LongwoodGardens.org or 610-388-1000 x507. [more]
Symposium: “Branching Out: Cultivating community Engagement”
Friday, March 6
Registration opens: Thursday, January 1
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
The Symposium will offer insights and ideas into how public horticulture and other non-profit organizations can effectively engage their communities and help their institutions grow beyond their walls. Contact Barnabas Seyler at longwoodgrad@udel.edu or 302-831-1369. [more]
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Garden Q & A Reopens on January 5
Our gardening experts volunteer their time to answer your questions. Use the form on our web site.
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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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