Blog

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn-redwood) is a deciduous conifer from Central China that is often referred to as a “living fossil,” and the Morris Arboretum currently cultivates forty-eight of these majestic trees.

As we all prepare for colder months, many of our plants are doing the same: dropping their leaves, slowing glucose production, and storing excess food in their root systems. Some plants in our gardens are still displaying vibrant fall color, and others have even begun to bloom. I hope you enjoy stumbling upon these plants at the Arboretum and discovering new ones along the way.

Our very own Jason Lubar (Associate Director of Urban Forestry, Morris Arboretum) is featured on the latest episode of the Plant A Trillion Trees podcast.

Fall is finally upon us at the ArBOOretum! Complementing the creative and colorful scarecrows along the garden paths are spectacular hues from the plants in our collection. From bright purple berries and vibrant pink flowers to fiery fall color, there is lots to see and explore.

My day started with an accidental decapitation. Blades whirred above me, and time seemed to slow. Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! The plant I was holding recoiled with each impact. A streak of light green fell to the floor.

Welcome to the September issue of the What’s in Bloom blog at the Morris Arboretum! Recent heavy rain storms have been a welcomed end to this summer’s drought, and although the peak flowering season has passed, there are still lots of beautiful blooms to appreciate in our gardens.

Have you noticed a blue vane trap hanging around the Morris Arboretum? It's part of the Pennsylvania Bee Monitoring Program, which studies regional bee diversity across the state.

If you didn't get a chance to experience the Morris Arboretum from the high up on a swing, you're in luck—by popular demand, Summer of Swings has been extended through October 2!