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WLS – Mt. Cuba’s Resilient Tree Canopy (Online)

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Trees are the backbone of any landscape. With current pest and disease threats and the predicted change in our climate, we must adapt our practices to protect our trees from these stressors. Please join Mt. Cuba staff as we discuss our strategies for preparing our garden’s tree canopy for a changing climate. We will share the thought process and models used to shape our current strategy, our ongoing data collection and tree monitoring tactics, and how we intend to use the information gathered to implement practices that will help nurture a resilient future tree canopy. This program is part of

$25

Residential Landscape Design Workshop

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Learn new gardening skills with professional landscape designer Lee Armillei. Analyze a site, create a basic plan, apply design principles to layout paths, planting beds, and other features in your garden. You’ll explore various design options, evaluate landscape materials, and develop a practical planning document for your specific landscape project. Bring lunch. A list of required materials is provided upon registration. All are welcome. Class is designed for the practicing professional. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Two Fridays: 2/14 & 2/21 (Rain Date: Friday, February 28). About the Instructor: Lee Armillei, APLD, is the

$165

Gardening for Watershed Conservation: Section A

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Learn how to implement various sustainable gardening and landscaping techniques that manage and conserve water. Reduce the demands of water management infrastructure by capturing rain and keeping it onsite. Discover the changes you can make to help build a resilient garden in a changing climate while improving the water quality in the local watershed. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Two Thursdays 3/6 and 3/13 (Rain Date: Thursday, March 20). About the Instructors: Lucy Dinsmore is a horticulturist and certified arborist who loves learning and teaching about all things growing. She worked in public gardens

$199

How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard

Temple University Ambler Campus, Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, PA, USA 580 Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, PA, United States

Join author and entomologist Doug Tallamy at Temple Ambler Arboretum for a deep discussion about concrete ways each of us can make a positive environmental impact. Nearly every day Doug receives emails from people who have read his books and heard his talks and yet still have questions about ecological land care. These are good, thoughtful questions about ecology and evolution, biodiversity, invasive species, insect declines, native and non-native plants, conservation and restoration, residential and city landscapes, oak biology, supporting wildlife at home, and more. Join us as Doug addresses as many of these queries as he can. His answers

sliding scale

Gardening for Watershed Conservation: Section A

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Learn how to implement various sustainable gardening and landscaping techniques that manage and conserve water. Reduce the demands of water management infrastructure by capturing rain and keeping it onsite. Discover the changes you can make to help build a resilient garden in a changing climate while improving the water quality in the local watershed. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Two Thursdays 3/6 and 3/13 (Rain Date: Thursday, March 20). About the Instructors: Lucy Dinsmore is a horticulturist and certified arborist who loves learning and teaching about all things growing. She worked in public gardens

$199

Bring Bluebirds and Others to Your Garden: Section B

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Bluebirds are a delightful native thrush that would be a welcome addition to anyone’s garden. Learn all about the biology of bluebirds and the best ways to install nest boxes so you can attract these colorful birds to your yard. Creating a landscape with native plants will provide food for the young bluebirds and may even persuade them to stay year-round. Learn which shrubs and trees you can plant to provide nest sites for several other common birds. Your garden will become a home for a multitude of beautiful birds! This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center

$29

WLS – Homegrown Conservation

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Climate change and biodiversity loss are creating existential threats to people and nature. But we can help. In this presentation, you’ll learn about how traditional landscape management is contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss and discover small steps we can all take in our own backyards and communities to steward our landscapes for nature and wildlife. This program is part of the online Mt. Cuba Lecture Series. This program takes place online Wednesday, March 19, 2025. About the Instructor: Danae Wolfe is an award-winning conservation photographer, writer, educator, and TEDx speaker focused on fostering appreciation and stewardship of backyard

$25

The Beginner’s Native Perennial Garden

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Need help creating a stunning garden with a variety of textures and colors that thrive throughout the year? Nancy will break down the planning process, explain how to choose the best plants for different areas, and define the considerations when it comes to maintaining a healthy garden. By the end, you’ll have a layout that suits your site and benefits the ecosystem. Bring a scale drawing of your yard and a snack. All are welcome. Class is designed for the beginner gardener. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Friday, March 21, 2025. About the Instructor:

$39

Introduction to Bonsai Using Native Trees

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

The art of Bonsai has a long and rich history in Japan and other Eastern Asian countries – one that can translate easily to our region using native trees and proper techniques. Join members of the Pennsylvania Bonsai Association to explore the history and fundamental elements and styles of this ancient art. Students will learn how to choose, plant, train, and provide long-term care to a young specimen tree. Go home with a new Bonsai tree of your own. Please bring sharp pruners/scissors, gardening gloves, and a flat box to transport your tree home. This program takes place in person

$85

The Cultivar Conundrum (Online)

Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

Dig deeper into the business of cultivars. The concept of a native plant seems simple, until you start hearing about cultivars, nativars, selections, ecotypes, and hybrids. In this class we’ll dig into what all those terms mean, where named plant selections come from, and how they impact the ecosystem that is your garden. This program takes place online on Saturday, March 22, 2025. About the Instructor: Joseph Tychonievich is a life-long lover of plants and gardening. He got his degree in horticulture from Ohio State University and went on to work for specialty rare plant nurseries in Japan and Michigan.

$25

From Milkweed to Migration Gardening for Monarch Butterflies

Morris Arboretum & Gardens 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, United States

Monarchs still need our help! Learn how to support the migration and reproduction of these iconic butterflies in your space. Ecological planting designer Michelle Michelle Detwiler, founder of Wild About Native Plants, will present her favorite native plants to feed all life stages, including local milkweed species as well as essential nectar plants often overlooked in our gardens. Get tips on planting design for the most productive habitat for monarch caterpillars as well as guidance on incorporating a variety of habitat friendly species for wet-to-dry site conditions. Leave feeling empowered to participate in the necessary cooperation for habitat restoration and

$35 – $40

Craft a Colorful Tote

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Create a one-of-a-kind, no-knit, durable tote bag, ideal for carrying a bottle of wine and more! Using merino wool and other fun fiber accents, Sara Setzer walks you through the ancient craft of wet felting, from selecting and arranging your wood fibers to the finished product. Expand your knowledge of fiber arts and go home with a truly unique hand-crafted tote. Please bring your lunch. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, March 29, 2025 (Rain Date: Saturday, April 5). About the Instructor: Sara Setzer is a fiber artist who specializes in the art of

$59

Event Series Native Plants of Spring

Native Plants of Spring

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants to satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for spring. Examine their key identifying characteristics, preferred growing conditions, overall size, and ecological significance. Students seeking the certificate must pass the onsite exam. One hour garden tours follow weekly lectures. Tours include walking over

$249

SGS: Supporting Backyard Birds with Native Plants

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Transform your landscape into an oasis for your local birds! Join Leah Brooks as she explores how native plants that add interest and beauty to the home garden also serve as lifelines for our feathered friends. This program takes place at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The Instructor, Leah Brooks is the Public Programs Coordinator at Mt. Cuba Center. She has dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Delaware in Environmental Science and Wildlife Ecology. She is a Delaware Master Naturalist and Vice Chair of the Delaware Invasive Species Council. She’s an avid contributor to the Delaware

$19

Spring Gardening Package – Saturday

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Discover how to garden in harmony with nature and select the best native plants for your yard. Spring is a season of beauty and conservation. Join us for the day and attend all four classes or register for individual sessions. Saturday 4/5/25, 10 am – 4 pm | $19 per session or $69 for all four • 10:00 am – 11:00 am: Supporting Backyard Birds with Native Plants Transform your landscape into an oasis for your local birds! Join Leah Brooks as she explores how native plants that add interest and beauty to the home garden also serve as lifelines

$69

SGS: Beneficial Bugs in Your Garden

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Did you know that less than 1% of insect species are considered pests? That leaves a lot of room for insects that we can learn to love, like the beneficial bugs in your garden! These insects can control pests, reduce (or eliminate) the need for pesticides, and make your garden healthier and more sustainable. Join us as we learn about the benefits of key insect groups, how to identify them, and how you can attract them to your yard. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, April 5, 2025. About the Instructor: Samantha Nestory is the engagement

$19

SGS: Decaying Wood is Good

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Trees provide many benefits from seed to stump, over the course of their lives and even in their deaths. Leaving stumps or snags, when possible, can provide habitats for many living organisms, recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem, and assist in erosion control in addition to providing many other benefits. Learn about the management techniques the arboriculture team at Mt. Cuba use to convert declining trees into habitat for wildlife in a garden setting and discover what wildlife we have found occupying these spaces.?? This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, April 5, 2025. About the Instructor:

$19

SGS: Lawn-less Yards

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Reducing the American lawn is good for everyone. We can add more native plants, reduce flooding in our watersheds, attract pollinators, and bring balance to our ecosystems. Dive into some example projects where lawns have been replaced by native plant solutions. With a focus on a variety of site conditions such as sunny slopes, low wet spots, and wooded areas, view before/during/after images and learn the plant lists that made them successful. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, April 5, 2025. About the Instructor: Lucy Dinsmore is a horticulturist and certified arborist who loves

$19
Event Series Native Plants of Spring

Native Plants of Spring

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants to satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for spring. Examine their key identifying characteristics, preferred growing conditions, overall size, and ecological significance. Students seeking the certificate must pass the onsite exam. One hour garden tours follow weekly lectures. Tours include walking over

$249

Weeds 101: Spring Section

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Think of what gardening would be like without the world of weeds. Learn how to identify the most common annual and perennial lawn and garden weeds using leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. Ecologically friendly methods of managing weed infestations are discussed. Join the instructor on a walk through the gardens. Class is rain or shine. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Friday, April 11, 2025. About the Instructor: Lucy Dinsmore is a horticulturist and certified arborist who loves learning and teaching about all things growing. She worked in public gardens for ten years and now

$29
Event Series Hybrid Native Plants of Spring

Hybrid Native Plants of Spring

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Our highly popular Native Plants Series is available in a new course format. View the prerecorded lectures at your own pace prior to joining Mt. Cuba staff for scheduled onsite 2-hour garden tours. Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants that satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba Center’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for

$249

Trillium Treasure Land: Field Trip to Shenks Ferry

Shenk's Ferry Wildflower Preserve Green Hill Rd, Pequea, P, United States

Experience the beauty of thousands of trilliums surrounded by Virginia bluebells, Dutchman’s breeches, columbines, and other spring ephemerals at Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve. Learn the ecology and geology of the area and how this unique wildflower treasure came to be. Bring your lunch and be prepared to hike uneven terrain. You must provide your own transportation, directions provided upon registration. This program takes place in person (field trip) Saturday, April 12, 2025 (Rain Date: Saturday, April 19). About the Instructor: Chris Hoess teaches biology and biochemistry at Delaware Technical Community College and is Chair of the Friends of the State

$74
Event Series Native Plants of Spring

Native Plants of Spring

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants to satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for spring. Examine their key identifying characteristics, preferred growing conditions, overall size, and ecological significance. Students seeking the certificate must pass the onsite exam. One hour garden tours follow weekly lectures. Tours include walking over

$249
Event Series Hybrid Native Plants of Spring

Hybrid Native Plants of Spring

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Our highly popular Native Plants Series is available in a new course format. View the prerecorded lectures at your own pace prior to joining Mt. Cuba staff for scheduled onsite 2-hour garden tours. Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants that satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba Center’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for

$249
Event Series Native Plants of Spring

Native Plants of Spring

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants to satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for spring. Examine their key identifying characteristics, preferred growing conditions, overall size, and ecological significance. Students seeking the certificate must pass the onsite exam. One hour garden tours follow weekly lectures. Tours include walking over

$249

The Secret Lives of Spring Wildflowers

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Skunk cabbage, bloodroot, and trout lilies are among the first signs of spring and warmer weather ahead. Spring ephemerals and wildflowers must complete part of their life cycles before the tree canopy leafs out, reducing light levels at the forest floor. These plants face many challenges including unpredictable weather and pollinator availability. Spring wildflowers have special adaptations to overcome these challenges and intricate relationships with pollinators and seed dispersers. Learn more about these wildflowers, their life histories, and plant-insect interactions, and look for them during a guided walk in the gardens. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba

$29
Event Series Hybrid Native Plants of Spring

Hybrid Native Plants of Spring

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Our highly popular Native Plants Series is available in a new course format. View the prerecorded lectures at your own pace prior to joining Mt. Cuba staff for scheduled onsite 2-hour garden tours. Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants that satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba Center’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for

$249
Event Series Native Plants of Spring

Native Plants of Spring

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants to satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for spring. Examine their key identifying characteristics, preferred growing conditions, overall size, and ecological significance. Students seeking the certificate must pass the onsite exam. One hour garden tours follow weekly lectures. Tours include walking over

$249

Hybrid Native Plants of Spring

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Our highly popular Native Plants Series is available in a new course format. View the prerecorded lectures at your own pace prior to joining Mt. Cuba staff for scheduled onsite 2-hour garden tours. Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants that satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba Center’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for

$249

Health & Well-Being Tour: The Benefits of Experiences in Nature

This tour introduces concepts surrounding the value of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Explore the gardens and discuss the evolutionary and environmental phenomena behind concepts like forest bathing, mindfulness, stress recovery, and the biophilia hypothesis. Learn how elements of landscape design shape our emotional and behavioral experiences in nature. One hour, $7 in addition to admission, free for members. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

$749
Event Series Native Plants of Spring

Native Plants of Spring

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants to satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for spring. Examine their key identifying characteristics, preferred growing conditions, overall size, and ecological significance. Students seeking the certificate must pass the onsite exam. One hour garden tours follow weekly lectures. Tours include walking over

$249

Hybrid Native Plants of Spring

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Our highly popular Native Plants Series is available in a new course format. View the prerecorded lectures at your own pace prior to joining Mt. Cuba staff for scheduled onsite 2-hour garden tours. Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants that satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba Center’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for

$249

Hybrid Native Plants of Spring

Mt Cuba, 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, 19707, United States

Our highly popular Native Plants Series is available in a new course format. View the prerecorded lectures at your own pace prior to joining Mt. Cuba staff for scheduled onsite 2-hour garden tours. Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants that satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba Center’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for

$249