Morris Arboretum’s Lecture Series Continues March 21 with Richard T. Olsen,

“Collections Breed Success at the National Arboretum.”

 

Morris Arboretum’s Lecture Series continues to present talks that are about more than gardening, all with a theme of connecting us to our natural, green world.  On Wednesday, March 21 at 2pmArboretum members and non-members are invited to meet Richard T. Olsen, Director of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC, for his lecture, Collections Breed Success at the National Arboretum.

From your old favorite azalea, to your new favorite hydrangea, the National Arboretum’s plant breeding and exploration programs have contributed to diverse and sustainable American landscapes.  Learn about the National Arboretum’s comprehensive collections, its collaborations and exchanges with peers, including the Morris Arboretum. These efforts as well as exciting new ones will continue to expand the relevance and impact of the National Arboretum.

In addition to his current role in administration, Mr. Olsen has been a research geneticist at the National Arboretum guiding urban tree breeding and plant genetic resource programs. Mr. Olsen has degrees in horticulture from NC State University (BS & PhD) and the University of Georgia (MS).

Lectures are supported in part by the Klein Lecture Endowment given in memory of Dr. William M. Klein who served from 1977-1990 as the Arboretum’s first full-time director; the Laura L. Barnes Lecture Endowment of The Philadelphia Foundation, given in memory of Laura Barnes by students and alumni of her school of horticulture; and the Byron Lukens Lecture Endowment, given in memory of educator and Arboretum volunteer, Byron Lukens and his wife Elizabeth.

Join Morris Arboretum for this engaging talk followed by a reception with refreshments at the Widener Visitor Center.  The cost for this lecture is $15 for Arboretum members and $20 for non-members, which includes admission to the garden for the talk.  Advanced registration and payment are required.  Please call 215-247-5777, ext. 125 or http://bit.ly/morrislectures to make your reservation.

The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is located at 100 East Northwestern Avenue in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia.  The 92-acre horticulture display garden features a spectacular collection of mature trees in a beautiful and colorful landscape. The Arboretum includes numerous picturesque spots such as a formal rose garden, historic water features, a swan pond, and the only remaining freestanding fernery in North America. A new permanent nationally award winning exhibit, Out on a Limb – a Tree Adventure Exhibit adds to Morris Arboretum’s allure by transporting visitors 50 feet up into the treetops on a canopy walk that requires no climbing.  The Morris Arboretum’s new Horticulture Center Complex has received Platinum Level LEED® Certification , the highest sustainability rating of the U.S. Green Building Council. For more information, visitwww.morrisarboretum.org.

Photo Credit:  Courtesy, Richard T. Olsen

Photo Caption:  On Wednesday, March 21 at 2pmMorris Arboretum presents a lecture by Richard T. Olsen, Director of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC, Collections Breed Success at the National Arboretum.  The cost for this lecture is $15 for Arboretum members and $20 for non-members, which includes a reception with refreshments.  Advanced registration and payment are required.  Please call 215-247-5777, ext. 125 or http://bit.ly/morrislectures to make your reservation.