A Fresh Vision for the Pennock Flower Walk Compton Horticulturist Jen Monico brings back sunset color theme for historic  Alice & J. Liddon Pennock Flower Walk . If you have visited the Alice & J. Liddon Pennock Flower Walk in the past year or so, you may have noticed a slight difference in the treatment of the center beds. In fall 2023 we decided we wanted to present four seasons of color in this garden, with the vision to increase off-season interest as well as saturate the summer with blooms. We removed all existing plant material and added about 2 inches of compost that was hand-turned into the soil. Into that newly augmented soil we planted over 6,000 pansies in a gradient from deep blue around the center to bright yellow along the outer path. The pop of color looked great throughout the quieter winter months and stepped up in the spring with the arrival of light-yellow narcissus, apricot tulips, and creamy yellow hyacinths.  Image  Pennock Flower Walk transformation from summer to fall. Jen Monico and staff removed the summer display and soil, added compost, turned and smoothed the beds, and planted pansies. Top left: summer display. Top right: removal of the summer display. Bottom left: pansies planted in the refreshed beds. Bottom right: pansies beginning to fill in Image Bright flowers and plants fill the Pennock Flower Walk in the summer. Historically, the Pennock Flower Walk was created with the intention of being filled with a sunset color theme. With the opportunity to design on a fresh planting canvas this year, I brought back that theme and created a cohesive design throughout all four beds. In May we began the daunting task of taking out all of those pansies and installing this new summer sunset planting—full and vibrant with an array of peach, apricot, orange, and a few bright reds, with a foil of purple shades. The show-stopping Aechmea blanchetiana ‘Hawaii’ glows against the airy inflorescence of Calamintha nepeta spp. nepeta and the purples of …

Certificate in Ecological Horticulture Certificate in Ecological Horticulture Image Image     A Systems Approach to Sustainable Land Stewardship    We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new learning opportunity: The Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ Certificate in Ecological Horticulture will offer the opportunity to gain proficiency in creating and maintaining landscapes that are grounded in ecological principles and practice. Geared towards avid home gardeners and landscape professionals looking to develop a deep understanding of sustainable landscape design and management, this classroom and field-based program is a series of 12 courses that are open to the public. The program is self-paced and can be completed in one year of intensive learning or up to several years at a slower pace. The first four courses in the series will be offered in the fall of 2025.   What makes this Certificate Program unique?  The Morris Arboretum & Gardens’ Certificate in Ecological Horticulture is unique in our ecological systems-based approach to landscape design and maintenance. Our program approaches each garden as a complex living system, where plants, soil, water, animals, climate, human activity, and other elements interact with and influence each other. In hands-on and classroom instruction, our program teaches design and stewardship strategies that address these relationships holistically rather than focusing on individual components in isolation.  The program will focus on our region here in Southeast Pennsylvania. Drawing from our deep expertise in this region’s ecology, all instruction will speak to our local ecosystems. Here at the Morris we have a long history in the native plants of Pennsylvania — we have literally written THE book on this topic! Instructors in the Certificate Program will include Morris staff members as well as other local professionals that are regionally and nationally acclaimed in ecological horticulture.   What will I gain in completing this …

Audio Tours Audio Tours Image Wonders of the Wetlands Audio Tour Image Stop 1: Welcome Welcome to the audio tour of the Wallace-Kane Wetland at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens! This program features 10 recordings that dive into the history, ecology, and management of this special place. Go at your own pace and create your own sequence.  Learn More Image Stop 2: Shady Vista This stop on the audio tour tells the story of the Wetland’s history. What did this site look like in the 1800s, and how did the Morrises work to create the conditions you see today? Learn More Image Stop 3: Buttonbush Learn about this gorgeous native shrub and its pollinator patrons. Learn More Image Stop 4: Sweetgum Sweetgum has a long history in relationship with the Lenape people. The Lenape word for Sweetgum tree is, ‘taxkwahoakaniminshi.’ Learn More Image Stop 5: River Birch In addition to being beautiful, river birch trees have amazing wildlife value. Learn More … Audio Tours …