Gardening and Horticulture

Pruning Rhododendrons
Sunday, June 9, 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Pruning rhododendrons is a great way to improve their appearance and create beautiful spaces in your garden. Join Jerry O’Dell, gardener for Tyler’s Wister Rhododendron Garden, for a practical workshop on how to prune your
rhododendrons to best effect. The program will include both theory and hands-on practice with proper pruning techniques. Part of the class will be held outdoors. Bring gloves and hand pruners.
Pre-registration required; $12 members, $15 non-members

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National Mall Garden Tour
Tuesday, June 11, 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Join us for a day of garden exploration in our nation’s capital. We will begin with a guided tour of the United States Botanic Garden. The Garden houses an incredible variety of plant life both inside its conservatory and in its outdoor collection, including a gallery of rare and endangered plants. Following the tour, you will have the chance to explore the garden on your own before lunch at the National Museum of the American Indian. After lunch, we will have a guided tour of the NMAI gardens. The afternoon will conclude with a special opportunity to visit your favorite Smithsonian gardens, including the new garden at the Air and Space Museum, the Butterfly and Bird Habitats at the Natural History Museum, and the Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden. Horticulturists will be available in each garden to answer questions.
Pre-registration required; $40 members, $50 non-members; Price includes voucher for lunch.

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Scarborough Faire — Are you going?
Saturday, June 15, 10:00 – 11:00 am
This old, old tune fills our hearts and draws on ancient memories. Sung long before Simon and Garfunkel made it famous; what does it mean? Get some background on the song and the medieval festival. Learn everything you need to know about growing the useful culinary herbs parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Presented by Holly Cusumano from
the Philadelphia Unit of the Herb Society of America.
Pre-registration required; $10 members, $12 non-members

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Creative Vegetable Gardening: Structures and Spaces
Saturday, June 22, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Wouldn’t it be nice if we had more space around our houses to grow fresh produce? Unfortunately for many of us, digging up a swath of land for a traditional garden is not an option. In this hands-on workshop, Tyler’s vegetable gardener will show you how to use vertical structures and containers to maximize space, as well as other ways to integrate fruit, vegetable, and herb plants into your existing landscape. We will be discussing general techniques that will work in many types of spaces, but please bring pictures of your property so we can discuss ideas specific to participant needs. Bring gardening gloves.
Pre-registration required; $12 members, $15 non-members

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Mornings in the Fragrant Garden FREE FOR MEMBERS!
Wednesdays, July 10 and August 14,
10:00 – 11:30 am
Throughout the summer, volunteer Aldys Davis and other members of the Philadelphia Unit of the Herb Society of America tend Tyler’s Fragrant Garden. Drop by on these special Wednesday mornings to see what goes on in the
garden in summer and to learn more about the cultivation and use of herbs from long-time experts.
Free with admission; no pre-registration required

Woody Plant Conference
Friday, July 19, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
This annual, one-day conference is a great opportunity for anyone interested in trees and shrubs. Speakers this year include Tony Aiello, Dan Herms, Maurice Horn, Julie Messervy, and Andrea Wulf. Tyler Arboretum co-sponsors the event along with Chanticleer, Longwood Gardens, The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania Horticulture Society, and The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College. The conference is held at Swarthmore College.
For more information see www.woodyplant-conference.org or call 610-388-1000 x516

Weeds and Pests in the Vegetable Garden
Saturday July 20, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Anyone who has spent time trying to grow plants knows all too well how frustrating bugs, animals, and unwelcomed flora can be. Join Tyler’s vegetable gardener for an exploration of ways to limit weeds and pests in your garden. Topics for discussion include the use of row covers, mulch, predator bugs, crop rotation, companion planting, beneficial insect-attracting plants, natural insecticides, fences, and repellents. The workshop’s focus will depend on participant interests and needs. Bring gardening gloves.
Pre-Registration required; $12 members, $15 non-members

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Nurturing Friendly Soil
Saturday, August 17, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Traditional folk wisdom has it that a poor gardener grows weeds, a good gardener grows vegetables, and a very good
gardener grows soil. In this workshop, Tyler’s vegetable gardener will show you how to become a very good gardener
by creating “black gold” for your home garden. You will get hands-on experience with composting, cover crops, and organic fertilizers and a host of practical tips for how to use these techniques in your garden. Other topics for discussion include soil testing and recommended soil amendments that can alter your soil in a variety of
beneficial ways. Bring gardening gloves.
Pre-registration required; $12 members, $15 non-members

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Botanical Arts

Polymer Clay Tile Workshop
Saturday, June 29, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Engage your artistic side in this fun, hands-on workshop. Artist Denise Pettit will show students how to mold and color polymer clay to make decorative tiles imprinted with natural materials from the Arboretum. Polymer clay is an exciting and versatile medium which is easy to work with at home and can be baked in your own oven. Materials provided.
Pre-Registration required; $25 members, $30 non-members

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Through Our Own Eyes – Nature Study & Photography
Saturday, June 29, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Seeing, photographing, collecting,
making, and sharing fill this morning of observations of the world around us. Explore nature with Patti Kelly of the Wallingford Community Arts Center during this intergenerational workshop. We will use our senses to create artworks using leaves, sticks, stones, and other found materials. Then we’ll capture these moments of beauty through the lens of a digital camera. We will also photograph trees, plants, insects, and the natural environment of the beautiful grounds of the Tyler Arboretum.
This class is a partnership between Tyler and the Community Arts Center. $65 members, $70 non-members. Tyler members call the Center at 610-566-1713 to register. Others may call or visit www.communityartscenter.org.

Everyday Landscapes
Tuesdays, July 16 – August 6 (4 weeks), 6:00 – 8:00 pm
What do you notice when you take a walk outdoors? Maybe you will focus on stones, or trees, or perhaps the tiniest plant along the edge of the sidewalk. With guided experiences in plein air (a.k.a. outside) drawing under the expert eye of Gail Herring from the Wallingford Community Arts Center, students will explore the landscape of Tyler Arboretum and create a series of field studies. One field study (or more) will be used as a reference to develop a larger composition in mixed media using materials such as ink, watercolor, and collage.
This class is a partnership between Tyler and the Community Arts Center. $160 members, $180 non-members. Tyler members call the Center at 610-566-1713 to register. Others may call or visit www.communityartscenter.org.

Natural Studies

Summer Bird Walks FREE FOR MEMBERS!
Every Wednesday,
8:15 – 10:15 am
With acres of unbroken forest interior, Tyler is recognized by the Pennsylvania Audubon Society as an “Important Bird Area” site. Join Sue Lucas and other enthusiasts in a search for summer residents. Both beginners and experts are
welcome. Bring bird guides and binoculars.
Free with admission; no pre-registration required

Wildflower Walks FREE FOR MEMBERS!
Every Wednesday,
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
As summer heats up and the trees spread their leaves, sun-loving wildflowers bloom in the open meadows. Tyler’s expansive space and diverse ecosystems support a wide
variety of plant life all year round. Discover the beautiful and fascinating summer wildflowers at Tyler with experts Richard Brenner and Dick Cloud every Wednesday morning.
Free with admission; no pre-registration required

Historic Building Tours FREE FOR MEMBERS!
Sundays, June 2, July 7, and August 4, 1:00, 2:00, or 3:00 pm
Tyler’s historic Lachford Hall and Painter Library are open to the public for tours. Learn about the daily lives of the eight generations of the Quaker family who owned what is now Tyler Arboretum. Begun in 1738, Lachford represents over two centuries of residence by the Minshall-Painter-Tyler family. See the fascinating collection of 19th century scientific equipment and books assembled by the Painter brothers, and tour the beautiful library they built in 1863.
Free with admission; no pre-registration required

Introductory Bird Walks FREE FOR MEMBERS!
Saturdays, June 8 and 15, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Have you been wondering about the birds in your backyard? This is the perfect opportunity to learn how to identify our local summer residents by sight and sound. Join Sue Lucas for an introductory exploration of Tyler’s birds. This program is particularly geared toward beginners. Families welcome. Bring bird guides and binoculars if you have them, or borrow them from us!
Free with admission; no pre-registration required

Beekeeping Basics – Part I
Saturday, June 8, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
(Rain Date June 15)
Keeping bees provides the opportunity for great local honey while also providing a service to the environment. Learn the ins and outs of beekeeping from apiarist Paul Strommer at the first of a two part introduction to beekeeping. Participants will explore the most important aspects of bee and hive maintenance in the spring and summer months, learn about equipment, management techniques, and bee biology. Veils will be provided for all participants, allowing for a hands-on, interactive experience. The second part of this workshop will occur in September and will focus on preparing hives for the winter. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone interested in exploring beekeeping. All equipment will be provided. Though bee stings happen rarely, they are always a possibility. Please take any necessary precautions before attending the workshop.
Pre-registration required; Single Class – $30 for members, $35 for non-members; Two-Part Series – $50 for members, $60 for non-members

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Invasive Plant Removal Corps
Sundays, June 9, July 14, August 11,
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Help keep Tyler natural and beautiful by removing alien thugs from the Arboretum’s woodlands and meadows. Dick Cloud leads this invasive plant removal effort. Wear work clothes and sturdy shoes or boots, and bring work gloves.
No admission fee or pre-registration required

Sunday Wildflower Walks FREE FOR MEMBERS!
Sundays, June 9, July 14, and
August 11, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Can’t attend our weekly wildflower walks? Join Dick Cloud for these special Sunday walks and spend the afternoon searching Tyler’s meadows for beautiful summer blooms.
Free with admission; no pre-registration required

Pine Barrens Wildflower and
Birding Trip: Webb’s Bog and Pygmy Forest
Tuesday, June 18, 7:45 am – 6:30 pm
Join Richard Brenner and Jado Foot for an exploration of some “jewels” of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Webb’s Bog features many wildflowers including rare and endemic orchids, bog asphodel, the carnivorous pitcher plants, sundews, and other beautiful flowering plants. The pygmy forest is a fascinating and unique pitch pine based ecosystem. Plan to view the wildflowers and birds of both areas with a lunch stop at rustic and delicious Lucille’s (dutch treat), but you may bring a brown bag lunch if desired. Bring field guides and binoculars if you have them. Wear shoes that can get wet; insect repellant is suggested. Fee includes transportation,
beverages and snacks.
Pre-registration is required; $55 members, $65 non-members

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Naturalist Walks FREE FOR MEMBERS!
Thursdays, June 20, July 18,
and August 15, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Join Tyler educators for seasonal walks exploring the excitement of summer at Tyler.
• June 20 – Summer Exploration
• July 18 – Stream Investigation
• August 15 – Butterflies
Free with admission; no pre-registration required

Firefly Night Hike
Saturday July 13, 8:00 – 9:30 pm
July is the perfect time to see fireflies at the Arboretum! Join Dick Cloud and Steve Tessler on a Tyler night hike
dedicated specifically to these magical insects. You will learn more about the different types of fireflies that call Tyler home, what makes them glow, and experience the majesty of a field full of fireflies. After the hike, continue the firefly conversation over a glass of wine and some light refreshments.
Pre-registration required; $12 members, $15 non-members

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Stargazing at the Arboretum
Friday, July 26, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
(Cloud Date August 2)
Bring a date or a group of friends for an evening of star gazing at the Tyler Arboretum. Members of the Chester County Astronomical Society will guide your observations and provide an introduction on how to read a star map. Enjoy this opportunity to observe the sun before it sets and to explore the evening sky. A CCAS led constellation tour will also teach you to recognize the constellations in the summer sky.
Pre-registration required; $15 members, $20 non-members

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Health and Wellness

Fitness Walk About – FREE for Members
Every Tuesday, 10:00 – 11:00 am  (Beginning  March 5, 2013)

Get outdoors, get some exercise and celebrate the warmer temperatures, blooming flowers and singing birds as we celebrate one of the most joyful seasons of the year. Enjoy a comfortably paced walk on the paved paths of the Rhododendron Garden and the new Scenic Loop through the Pinetum Meadow. These guided walks are perfect for seniors and other walkers looking for moderate exercise in a safe, vehicle free setting surrounded by nature. Each walk covers about one and a half miles with an option for more.

No pre-registration required; non-members pay Arboretum admission fee

Night Hike
Saturday, May 25, 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Experiencing Tyler’s natural areas after dark has a magic all its own, especially if lit by moonlight. Enjoy night sounds and watch for nocturnal creatures; there are lots of interesting things going on at night that you can’t experience in the daytime. Guides Dick Cloud and Rachel Ndeto lead a brisk hike that will include moderate to steep trails. This walk is suitable for adults and teens. Please bring a flashlight and wear shoes suitable for uneven terrain.

Pre-registration is required; $6 members, $8 non-members
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National Trail Day FREE FOR MEMBERS!
Saturday, June 1,
9:15 – 11:00 am
What better way to celebrate National Trail Day than by hiking the trails at Tyler Arboretum? Join Lois Brooks for a comfortably paced exploration of Tyler’s Middle Farm Trail and beyond. The Middle Farm Trail (previously
the Yellow Trail) features a two mile exploration of expansive meadows full of flowers and beautiful dogwoods. Wear shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
No pre-registration required; non-members pay Arboretum admission fee

Night Hikes
Saturdays, June 15, July 20, and August 17, 8:00 – 9:30 pm
Experience the magic of Tyler’s natural areas after dark. Listen for night sounds, watch for nocturnal creatures, and enjoy the treasures the Arboretum shares only at night. Guide Dick Cloud will share points of special interest and seasonal highlights while leading a brisk hike. This walk is for adults and teens. Bring a flashlight and wear shoes suitable for uneven terrain that may include moderate
to steep trails.
Pre-registration required; $6 members, $8 non-members

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Cooking with Summer Vegetables
Wednesday, August 21, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
What can we make with those vegetable plants in our gardens that are over-producing? What does one do with ten pounds of squash when everyone you know is “squashed out?” Most of us have our old standards that we love, but chances are you have wondered what you can do differently as you harvest the same produce week-after-week or receive repeats in your CSA. In this evening workshop, Tyler educator Karen McDonald will share some delicious and creative ideas for what to do with those extra vegetables. We will begin with a casual stroll through Tyler’s Vegetable Garden, a cooking demonstration, and of course, some time to taste what we prepare. Participants will also be taking home some new recipes to try out on their loved ones, and are encouraged to bring their own successful ideas to share!
Pre-registration required; $15 members, $20 non-members

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