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The Morris will be closing at 3 pm on Friday, June 5 as we prepare for Moonlight & Roses. Last entrance into the gardens will be 2 pm.

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What's in Bloom: October www.morrisarboretum.org/whats-bloom-october

What's in Bloom: October What's in Bloom: October Image October at the Morris Image strawberry bush Euonymus americanus Native Azalea Collection Inconspicuous spring flowers become showy seed pods in early fall. The textured pink seed pods of this native shrub burst open, exposing striking orange fruit that contrast against its bright green leaves and stems. Image stiff dogwood Cornus foemina Morris Pond Clusters of deep blue fruit adorn these small trees native to the southeastern United States. The genus name Cornus means “horn” and is in reference to the tree’s strong wood. Image Chinese osmanthus Osmanthus armatus Orange Balustrade Small white flowers produce a sweet, wafting fragrance throughout this area of the garden. This large evergreen shrub is similar to the evergreen hollies ( Ilex ) planted nearby, but the leaf arrangements on Osmanthus are opposite, while Ilex is alternate. Image false holly Osmanthus heterophyllus Hillcrest Pavilion Blooming from late fall into early winter, this evergreen tree produces small, fragrant cream-colored flowers. Unlike Osmanthus armatus , this species’ leaves tend to have toothed margins rather than smooth. Image common baldcypress Taxodium distichum (common baldcypress) This stately deciduous conifer produces a showy display of fall color, with needles turning a deep orange color before falling off. When growing near water, baldcypress trees produce cone-like, above-ground root shoots called “knees”. Image American beautyberry Callicarpa americana Native Azalea Collection These native shrubs produce clusters of bright purple fruit along its branches, hanging on to the plant into early winter after the leaves fall …

Discover Witchhazel Season at Morris Arboretum & Gardens: A Must‑See Winter Bloom www.morrisarboretum.org/blog/discover-witchhazels

Discover Witchhazel Season at Morris Arboretum & Gardens: A Must‑See Winter Bloom Witchhazel season has officially arrived, bringing unexpected bursts of color and fragrance to the winter landscape. If you’re searching for the best place to experience these spectacular cold‑season blooms, Morris Arboretum & Gardens is home to one of the largest and most diverse witchhazel collections in the United States. Witchhazel season has officially arrived, bringing unexpected bursts of color and fragrance to the winter landscape. If you’re searching for the best place to experience these spectacular cold‑season blooms, Morris Arboretum & Gardens is home to one of the largest and most diverse witchhazel collections in the United States. Image Hamamelis x intermedia 'Livia' WHAT MAKES WITCHHAZEL SO SPECIAL Witchhazels ( Hamamelis ) are native to eastern North America, China, and Japan. Gardeners and plant lovers treasure them for their mid‑to-late-winter flowers, which unfurl in shades ranging from pale yellow to fiery orange, deep red, and even purple. Their distinctive ribbon‑like petals and sweetly spiced fragrance make them one of the most captivating winter‑blooming shrubs. The genus name Hamamelis comes from the Greek hama (“at the same time”) and melon (“apple” or “fruit”), referring to the plant’s unusual habit of producing flowers and fruit simultaneously. And if the common name sounds familiar, it’s because witchhazel extract, commonly found in skincare products, is derived from the bark and leaves of the plant. Image Hamamelis mollis 'Princeton Gold' (Princeton Gold Chinese witchhazel) Image Hamamelis vernalis 'Christmas Cheer' VISIT NOW FOR PEAK WITCHHAZEL BLOOM Witchhazels are currently in bloom across the Morris, and we anticipate peak color by mid‑March. Plan a visit over the next several weeks to enjoy these remarkable winter flowers at their best. For a deeper dive into the collection, join one of our guided Witchhazel Tours , where an expert will introduce …

Events

Yellow flowers growing on the branches of a magnolia tree.

Magnolias and More

Saturday, April 25 •
11 am
Meet at the entrance kiosk

Explore a unique view of the Morris while walking up the gentle Magnolia Slope. Magnolias, dogwoods, and conifers are spread all across the entrance, greeting visitors. This rarely walked area captures the spring beauty of flowering trees contrasted with the majestic conifers. This tour is off path, and visitors are advised to wear walking or hiking shoes. Meet at the kiosk as you enter the Morris. Park to the left of the garden entrance. Free with general admission 

Events

A decorative water fountain surrounded by orange and purple tulips.

Water Features Tour

Saturday, August 9 •
11 AM
Meet at Welcome Center

Join knowledgeable guides for a walking tour highlighting natural and man-made water features throughout the Morris. Water features, an integral part of the landscape, offer visual, auditory, and tactile appeal. Cascading waterfalls, natural streams, and the striking Morris Pond become essential to the beauty of the Morris. Free with general admission.  

Events

Small pink and orange flowers (azaleas native to PA) in bloom with with green foliage.

Shrubs For All Seasons

Saturday, April 11 •
11 am
Meet at Welcome Center

This tour focuses on evergreen and deciduous shrubs for the home gardener. Shrubs provide showy foliage, vibrant blooms to attract pollinators, and structures to be used as natural screens. Come and discover new and old-time favorite shrubs. Free with general admission. 

Events

Bright red roses with a sculpture

Pruning for the Homeowner

Friday, March 20 •
9:30 am
Registration required
REGISTER
Members: $35 • Non-members: $40

Join Gayle E. Maloney Director of Horticulture Vince Marrocco to learn how to skillfully prune shrubs and small trees to achieve a natural shape and abundant flowering. After an in-door lecture, you will have the opportunity to see demonstrations designed to help you master pruning concepts and gain confidence. Formative pruning for young trees and proper pruning techniques for larger, older trees will be covered, as well as naturalistic techniques for creating attractive hedges and methods for reducing the size of overgrown shrubbery.

We will meet in the Welcome Center.  Please bring hand pruners and a small pruning saw to the class. 

Events

A young girl running through a public garden.

Building Fairy Houses (Ages 5+)

Saturday, April 25 •
10:30 am
Registration required
REGISTER
Members: $35 • Non-members: $40

Let your imagination run wild as we create whimsical fairy houses together! We will use a combination of found natural materials, clay, and other special bits and bobs in this magical, hands-on experience for all ages. We will start indoors and use tools to construct our bases and create some one-of-a-kind accessories for our fairies. From there, you are free to join us in bringing your creations down to the enchanting Whimsical Woods and continuing to decorate with found natural materials! Each child should be registered as a participant.  

Events

A group of all different kinds of trees growing in a natural area.

Mid-Atlantic Plant Research Conference

Friday, May 8 •
9 am
Upper Gallery

Plants in our region are facing new challenges to their survival, growth, and reproduction due to a variety of threats, including land use change, habitat loss, climate change, and more. Invited speakers will address new research in plant science that can help us understand the challenges at hand in our wetland and coastal regions, including mechanisms of plant resistance and adaptation, and possible solutions.

Speakers will include: 

Morgan Gostel, Director of Plant Science, Morris Arboretum & Gardens
LeeAnn Haaf, Director of Estuary Science, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
Dr. Jay Kelly, Co-Director, Center for Environmental Studies, Raritan Valley Community College
Erin Lacour, Biologist, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
Patrick Megonigal, Associate Director for Research, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Catherine Seavitt, Chair, Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Pennsylvania

The program will be held in person at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens; live virtual attendance is also available. Please indicate ‘In-Person’ or ‘Virtual’ attendance at registration. Lunch is provided to all attendees.

In-person fee: $155
Students: $80
In-Person Registration →
Virtual fee: $125
Students: $80
Virtual Registration →