Carex are a diverse and versatile, yet underutilized genus of native plants that are overflowing with garden merit. They can fill various niches in landscapes as groundcovers and living mulch, while some can even be used on their own as specimen plants. Traditionally thought of as shade perennials, some Carex species exhibit remarkable tolerance to
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Join ecological landscape designer Jeff Lorenz of Bala Cynwyd-based Refugia Design/Build for expert tips and insight on creating a native habitat that is immersive, functional, and resilient. In an effort to reimagine their landscapes, homeowners often seek plants that manage stormwater runoff. How can we get creative with design and materials to create a beautiful
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Many backyard plants are listed as “toxic” to cats and dogs, but toxicity can range from simple stomach irritation to life-threatening illness. Learn how to identify the most common garden plant offenders and which ones are cause for real concern in this talk. Basic at-home care will be discussed, as well as when, and how,
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Many experienced gardeners spend very little money on plants – they have mastered the techniques of seed collection, plant division, plant swaps, and other frugal methods to create a diverse and vital garden without constant trips to the nursery or garden center. Learn how to divide and propagate your most prolific perennials to grow your
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Native Pollinators of Pennsylvania Samantha Nestory Horticulturist, Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden “Pollinators” is a term that has gained massive popularity over the past couple of decades as our knowledge and understanding of their importance has grown. Unfortunately, many people only associate this term with popular pollinators, such as European honeybees and butterflies—but there’s so much
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A Piet Oudolf Story Deborah Chud Garden Designer, Consultant, and Educator Instructor Deborah Chud traces her discovery of the work of the Dutch garden designer, Piet Oudolf, her research on his plant combinations, and her use of that research to create a garden in his style. The class explores the historical context in which Oudolf
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illustrations by Nicholas Massarelli 1. September means it’s hot, hot, hot!The peppers are bursting in your garden right now. Try drying some of your chilies this year to give your winter chili fest a homemade pop of flavor and heat. 2. Enjoy a hidden river viewEveryone knows about Spruce Street Harbor Park, but the hidden
MoreIllustration by Nicholas Massarelli 1. Protect those paws August heat is hard on everyone, but if you have a dog, don’t forget that the blacktop of roads and red brick can get hot enough to seriously burn your pet’s pads. 2. Try a barbecue without the beasts! See this issue for a full plant-based menu
MoreIllustration by Anne Lambelet 1. It’s time to weed again!Even if you don’t have a garden plot, you probably have a walkway or patio that could use some attention. Don’t let the grass go to seed, or you’ll never keep up! 2. Listen to some tunesThe XPoNential Music Fest is at the end of the
MoreIllustration by Chris Bernhardt 1. Protect your petsVeterinarians recommend keeping pets on flea and tick preventatives all year round, but if you’ve fallen behind, now really is the time. Mosquitoes and ticks are out in full force. 2. Harvest your early cropsYoung potatoes and peas—direct from your garden plot—should be part of your home-cooking menu.
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