Beat the Winter Doldrums with Signs of Spring

By March, signs of spring will be evident everywhere on a walk outside, especially at the Morris Arboretum. March is a time of the “vernal garden” with hellebores, camellias, early cherries, winter hazels, early bulbs, dogwoods (Cornus mas and officinalis), Mahonia, Pieris, and early Narcissus showing their stuff. You just have to keep your eyes open and observe.

Morris Arboretum also offers virtual classes this March to get you ready for spring. To register please visit https://morrisarb.org/onlineclasses   or call 215-245-5777, ext. 125.

Soil Health: Understanding, Testing, and Maintaining Home Garden Soil

Virtual Class

Marc Radell, Master Gardener Emeritus, Penn State Extension

Healthy plants require healthy soil, yet we too often take soils for granted and think of them as only the means to an end (for crop/plant production). This class will help us understand soil as a functioning ecosystem—a key factor in the natural cycle of nutrients and energy.  We will review the basic properties of soil, the living organisms it supports, and the different nutrients required for healthy plants.  We will also discuss the importance of soil fertility testing, how to have it done, and how to interpret the lab results.  We will then explore the nature and application of different fertilizers and conclude with a summary of recommended practices for promoting soil health.

Wednesday, March 3 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Morris Arboretum is one of more than 30 Philadelphia gardens in America’s Garden Capital. This 92-acre horticultural display garden features a spectacular collection of mature trees in a beautiful and colorful landscape.  The Morris Arboretum, which is part of the University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Business Services, offers educational programs for many audiences ranging from youth to professional and is a leader in botanical and horticultural research.  The official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Morris Arboretum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and accredited by the American Association of Museums.  For more information, visit: www.morrisarb.org