Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Are you involved in a new community garden or looking to start one? Join us to learn what it takes to get a community garden started, and how to sustain it. This is not a gardening class -- we will cover recruiting and keeping volunteers; assessing and finding resources in your neighborhood; garden management; land ownership/security; forming partnerships, and How to Get Stuff Done!  Philadelphia groups who complete the course and meet additional requirements are invited to apply for project support. More Information: gardentenders@pennhort.org This class takes place on five Wednesday evenings: March 27, April 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 6

Join PHS for this informative discussion on the power of gardening and greening to decrease gun violence and improve health and quality of life. This talk will feature PHS’s Vice President of Healthy Neighborhoods, Keith Green, two PHS Healthy Neighborhoods Staff panelists, and Dr. John MacDonald, Professor of Criminology and Sociology, and Director of the Master of Science in Criminology at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. MacDonald conducted the citywide study on the impact of street cleaning on gun violence, which will be discussed alongside data collected through PHS’s ongoing work through our LandCare, Same Day Work and Pay, and Community

Unveiling the Wonders of Gardening: The Know to Grow Webinar Series PHS is delighted to present the Know to Grow Webinar Series, a vibrant and inclusive program designed to nurture your love for gardening. This reimagined lecture series welcomes everyone, from seasoned gardeners to those with a budding curiosity about the plant world. Join us as Claudia West, a leading voice in the field of ecological planting design, paints a spectacular picture of the new pollinator garden at the Arboretum at Penn State. Described as a marriage of brilliant space making, expert science, innovative planting, and skillful installation methods; designers

Bartlett Tree Experts and PHS are delighted to co-sponsor the 21st Annual Tree Care Update, a seminar for tree and landscape professionals, and those committed to planting and maintaining trees. This seminar will highlight the latest research, best practices, pests and diseases in arboriculture and urban forestry. It will also explore the importance of biodiversity and proper tree selection. Attendees will receive content materials, lunch, refreshments, and an all-day pass to the Philadelphia Flower Show. REGISTER HERE Speakers include: Dr. Chris Riley, Bartlett Tree Research Rashid Poulson, Brooklyn Bridge Corporation Dr. Deb Hilbert, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Join us for a dialogue with undergraduate researcher and land activist Bakari Clark, and a panel of gardeners and growers who have made a change in Germantown’s Community Gardens and Food Systems.  We will be creating an intentional space and time for gardeners to tell their history and speak on the impact and importance of their gardens and growing efforts. This will also be an opportunity for fellow community growers to learn about the different initiatives that are taking place within neighboring hoods, and ways in which they can get involved in developing safe, culturally rich, and fun third spaces

Discover how to create stunning, resilient gardens that thrive in dry conditions. Taught by horticulturist and master gardener Lisa Roper, this class explores innovative dry gardening techniques and xeric planting schemes, offering inspiration and practical strategies for designing beautiful, water-wise landscapes. PHS members receive a $5 discount for this class. REGISTER HERE Through engaging discussions and real-world examples, you’ll explore a variety of dry garden settings, including steep slopes, gravel-amended sites, and container-based trough gardens. Lisa will highlight standout plants that are blooming or texturally striking in May, demonstrating successful plant combinations that enhance both aesthetics and ecological resilience. Whether you're

A fresh look at the ecological and horticultural roles of non-native plants! Have you ever gotten into a discussion about the “goodness” or “badness” of a non-native plant? How about a lecture on why native-only landscapes are the only correct direction for horticulture to go? Join horticulturist David McKinney for a thoughtful discussion on the value and complexity of non-native plants in our landscapes. While native plants are essential to ecosystem health, many non-native species also provide important benefits including supporting pollinators and offering habitat for wildlife. Unveiling the Wonders of Gardening: The Know to Grow Webinar Series PHS is

Experience the horticultural excellence and the summer splendor of PHS Meadowbrook Farm. Tour the diverse gardens while learning about gardening design and the array of trees, shrubs, perennials and seasonal annuals. Offered monthly, each PHS Meadowbrook Farm tour will be led by a different horticulture expert that will share their knowledge and unique personal connection to the gardens. Our July tour will be led by Meadowbrook Farm Head Gardener, Glenn Ashton. REGISTER HERE Guests will also have the special opportunity to experience the gardens from originally designed viewpoints from inside the house and will go home with “In the Garden Now” gardening tips

DATE August 28, 2025 TIME 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm COST General Admission: $15 PHS Members: $10 LOCATION PECO Building 2301 Market St Philadelphia, PA 19103 Join PHS on an hour-long tour of the green roof at PECO’s downtown Philadelphia headquarters. At 45,000 square feet, the PECO green roof offers stunning views of the city. It includes an observation deck and an “intensive” area featuring large planters filled with native grasses and perennials such as switchgrass, little bluestem grass, Agastache, and Amsonia. Pre-registration of all participants is required one week in advance of the tour. No walk-ins allowed. REGISTER HERE

Did you know North America has its very own “tropical” fruit tree? Meet the pawpaw! With custard-like fruit that tastes like mango, banana, and melon all in one bite, this native North American tree is a hidden gem grown across USDA Zones 5–8. Join pawpaw grower and expert Andra Nus to learn how to grow, care for, and enjoy this unique fruit tree. You’ll get practical tips on everything from planting to harvesting. Unveiling the Wonders of Gardening: The Know to Grow Webinar Series PHS is delighted to present the Know to Grow Webinar Series, a vibrant and inclusive program

Join local urban forester and content creator Andrew Conboy for an inspiring talk! Learn about how everyday people can help restore nature in their own backyards, parks, and neighborhoods. From planting native trees to removing invasive species and rallying volunteers, Andrew shares simple, powerful ways to make a real ecological impact in communities, both online and in real life. REGISTER HERE Unveiling the Wonders of Gardening: The Know to Grow Webinar Series PHS is delighted to present the Know to Grow Webinar Series, a vibrant and inclusive program designed to nurture your love for gardening. This reimagined lecture series welcomes