Welcome to the Swarthmore Horticultural Society Website!
|
Contact us at
Swarthmore Horticultural Society P.O. Box 394 Swarthmore, PA 19081-0394 swarthmorehortsociety@gmail.com |
|
|
Welcome Summer and Smell The Roses at the Cresson Garden Tour - June 3 - BYOB optional!
To benefit SHS, on Sunday, June 3, from 4-7 pm, SHS founder, Charles Cresson, will open his internationally acclaimed garden, Hedgleigh Spring, for self-guided tours. The Cresson garden, which has been featured in the New York Times and Martha Stewart Living is comprised of two acres, divided into cleverly designed green “rooms” that showcase the many facets of gardening, including a fern dell, a sunken perennial garden, a stream-fed pond garden, a wildflower meadow, and a tranquil shade garden. This garden is a true visual feast at any time of the year, but particularly when the roses are at their peak! (See photos to the right and below!)
Feel free to celebrate the season by bringing some wine or your favorite beverage to sip as you take in the sights and fragrances of this magnificent garden.
Visitors are welcome to tour the garden at their own pace, and Charles Cresson will be available for questions. The Cresson garden is located at 32 Amherst Avenue in Swarthmore. Visitors should enter through the garden gate on the left side as you face the residence. If you do bring a beverage, don’t forget to bring glasses/ cups.
This event is free and open to the public, but donations will be solicited on behalf of the SHS. If thunderstorms or dangerous weather is forecast, check back to this site for updates
Feel free to celebrate the season by bringing some wine or your favorite beverage to sip as you take in the sights and fragrances of this magnificent garden.
Visitors are welcome to tour the garden at their own pace, and Charles Cresson will be available for questions. The Cresson garden is located at 32 Amherst Avenue in Swarthmore. Visitors should enter through the garden gate on the left side as you face the residence. If you do bring a beverage, don’t forget to bring glasses/ cups.
This event is free and open to the public, but donations will be solicited on behalf of the SHS. If thunderstorms or dangerous weather is forecast, check back to this site for updates
|
|
|
🌺 🌺 New SHS Board Begins Planning for a New Year!
L. to R. Seated: Jen Pflugar, MaryLouParker, Margie Linn, Katie Crawford. Standing: Julie Vrooman, Gladys Snively,Margie Baker, Judy Penney
On January 19, 2018, the new Officers and Directors elected at the SHS Annual Meeting in October 2017, met for the first time to begin planning for the 2018 gardening season. Some of the special events being considered for the new year include a special public information session on the Emerald Ash Borer, a plant-buying trip to Lancaster nurseries, a fall bulb sale, a fabulous annual party for members, and periodic tours of Charles Cresson's nationally-recognized garden to appreciate the beauty and variety of its transformations throughout the growing season.
✿ Be sure to check back for updates on the events offered by SHS in the upcoming year.
✿ For a full list of the SHS Board members, visit the Board Updates page by clicking the "MORE" tab at the top of this page or by clicking HERE for a quick link.
Thanks to All Who Supported the SHS Bulb Sale !
Many thanks to everyone who purchased bulbs at our October 14 sale! It was a financial success, and we look forward to a spring filled with color and fragrance as the hundreds of bulbs that were sold blossom throughout our community!
🌷 A special thank you to Carolyn Hayden who chaired the sale and tended to the hundreds of details necessary to insuring its success. Also many thanks to the volunteers who packed the bulbs and staffed the sale booth with Carolyn.
Click HERE to see the COLOR CATALOGUE --photos, prices, and information about the bulbs! Selections include the strikingly beautiful Narcissus 'Extra-Vaganza,' shown in the photo on the left. Yes, it IS coral and white!
🌷 A special thank you to Carolyn Hayden who chaired the sale and tended to the hundreds of details necessary to insuring its success. Also many thanks to the volunteers who packed the bulbs and staffed the sale booth with Carolyn.
Click HERE to see the COLOR CATALOGUE --photos, prices, and information about the bulbs! Selections include the strikingly beautiful Narcissus 'Extra-Vaganza,' shown in the photo on the left. Yes, it IS coral and white!
Annual Meeting Report - New Bylaws and New Board Members
The SHS Annual Meeting and Party, held at the beautiful home of Fariha Khan and Michael Carey, was a great celebration of the 2017 gardening season! Special recognition was given to the SHS Garden Managers who create and maintain the 13 SHS gardens, notwithstanding all the challenges Mother Nature can send their way.
At the meeting, the SHS membership, on the recommendation of the SHS Board, voted to adopt the proposed revisions of the SHS Bylaws. These changes were made to clarify the responsibilities of Board members and to allow more flexibility in the selection of Board members. For a copy of the newly-revised Bylaws click HERE. Also, current VP Jennifer Pflugar was elected President; Katie Crawford was elected as Interim VP, Ginny Scott was elected as Publicity Chair, and Margie Linn was elected Volunteer Coordinator. A very special acknowledgment goes to Margie Baker, for more than a decade of service on the Board. Many thanks to Margie for her hard work, calm wisdom, and excellent leadership! |
Our First President - Margie Baker
|
Thos. Hawkins Inspires All at SHS Gardening Workshop
An example of the Hawkins' magic!
Thanks to Thomas Hawkins, great gardening wisdom was gained by all who attended SHS's close-of-the-season Gardening Workshop on Sunday, October 22, 2017. Thomas is a professional horticulturist and the owner of The Gardener's Arms, a local garden design and maintenance business. In that capacity he designs, plants, and maintains the beautiful gardens at Kings Automotive on Chester Road, but he also volunteers his time and skill as Garden Manager of the SHS garden at the War Memorial (photo at left).
The October event was an informal, but information-filled workshop on site at Kings Automotive, where Thomas discussed the plantings and shared his ideas and tips for creating a beautiful, multi-seasonal garden, even in a location as challenging as busy Chester Road.
All who attended enjoyed the chance to tap into Thomas's experience and expertise, and left inspired with ideas for their 2018 gardens. Many, many thanks to Thomas for his time and generosity, and to Jay King for allowing us to hold the workshop on his property.
The October event was an informal, but information-filled workshop on site at Kings Automotive, where Thomas discussed the plantings and shared his ideas and tips for creating a beautiful, multi-seasonal garden, even in a location as challenging as busy Chester Road.
All who attended enjoyed the chance to tap into Thomas's experience and expertise, and left inspired with ideas for their 2018 gardens. Many, many thanks to Thomas for his time and generosity, and to Jay King for allowing us to hold the workshop on his property.
Cresson Garden Tour: A Great Day in the Garden
Thanks to all who joined us to support SHS in a farewell-to-summer tour of Charles Cresson’s nationally renowned garden, Hedgleigh Spring, on Sunday, September 10. The event was a success in every way: a beautiful day in a perfect garden setting, great garden conversation, and much appreciated support of our organization!
A special thanks to Charles Cresson (in a rare moment of rest, in the photo at the left) for opening his wonderful garden to our community!
A special thanks to Charles Cresson (in a rare moment of rest, in the photo at the left) for opening his wonderful garden to our community!
Many, Many Thanks to Our Community for Its Support of Our Spring Plant Sale!
Borough Hall goes green!
|
The weather was a bust, but the plant selling was blooming at the SHS INDOOR "Blooms or Bust" Plant Sale on May 13. This was our biggest sale ever in terms of plants (1,200 plants), and we really had to scramble when the forecast predicted heavy rains and winds. But our community really came through. Borough administration, the Library staff, and the Police Department all made our move indoors to Borough Hall possible in the most accommodating way. The Swarthmorean and Town Center readily posted last minute information about the relocation. And the plant-loving community came out on Saturday in impressive numbers and supported our sale with their purchases. We have so many to thank for our success, but would be remiss if we didn't give specific (and deep) thanks to Jane Billings and the entire Borough Hall staff, to the Swarthmore Public Library staff and administration, to Swarthmore Police Department, to Anita Barrett of Town Center, to the Swarthmorean, to Lora P. of HOM (for loaning us tables), and to everyone who braved the rain to support us so enthusiastically. |
At the sale (photos by Melissa Husted-Sherman)
We haven't calculated the exact profit from our sale, but will post it soon. We do know that we did cover our costs (whew!), and more importantly, provided local gardens with some beautiful plants that will bring smiles and pleasure throughout this summer!
Thanks to our tireless sale co-chairs, Judy Penney and Katie Crawford and the many, many SHS volunteers who made this sale a success!
🌸 Again, to all - many thanks from the SHS! 🌸
☃️ Fall Changeover/ SHS Gardens Tucked in for Winter...
 Alex's Garden - Oct. 2016
The October 2016 changeover of the SHS Town Center Gardens marked the end of a beautiful summer gardening season in Swarthmore. Some SHS gardens, such as Alex's Garden at the Post Office (at left), sported some colorful mums throughout October, and then, in late November, underwent a second changeover to ornamental kale and cabbage. Other SHS gardens, such as the War Memorial (at right), donned kale and cabbage early, but paired them with perky pansies. As in past years, the town containers were replanted by Fine Garden Creations (thank you, FGC, for your gift!) and now feature hardy winter shrubs.
One autumn surprise (in a season of surprises...) was the bumper crop of peanuts in the Co-op Garden. In the photo below/ center, Judy Penney (Co-op Garden Manager) admires the peanut harvest with Charles Cresson. By December, the Central Park planters were decked with holiday colors and berries. Happy New Year to all! |
War Memorial - Oct. 2016
|
October Changeover for the Containers
|
Peanut harvest at the Co-op Garden
|
Central Park containers - Dec. 2016
|
SHS Unveils TWO Newly Renovated Gardens in Town Center!
Bill begins to plant -June'16
garden fans
|
a small section of the Butterfly Garden in August
|
⬅︎ Park Slope Garden is transformed into the Park Avenue Butterfly Garden! 🐝🐝🐝 As a part of this spring's Central Park construction, the former SHS garden that sloped down from the Park Avenue sidewalk to the Borough Hall parking lot is now a level landscape, full of colorful native plants specially selected to attract and sustain pollinators. Garden Manager Bill Pinder designed this magical space with the help of Amy Hart, who funded the purchase of all the plants. In the middle of June's first heat wave, Bill planted the garden, and he has watered and lovingly maintained it over this hot, dry summer. By July, the crowds of butterflies, honeybees, and human fans were gathering to admire his work. 🐝 Many thanks to Bill and Amy for making this amazing metamorphosis possible. 🐝 |
Dotty on (a very hot) planting day
Central Park Container Garden Adds Dramatic Sparkle to the Central Park Town Green! ➜
When the bulldozers tore up the Borough Hall parking lot this spring, they also tore up the SHS Dartmouth Avenue Garden, managed by Dotty Lee. In place of the shady Dartmouth Avenue Garden, Dotty was asked to take on the care of the plantings in the newly designed (and very sunny) Central Park Town Green. Moreover, she was tasked with figuring out how to complement the Green's plantings with seasonal interest. The answer? Six sleek, tall containers to be filled twice a year with beautiful flowers and greenery! With the help of her husband, Rick, Dotty had the first iteration of the snazzy pots ready in time for Central Park's July 4th dedication. The containers, which are designed to withstand Swarthmore's winters, have a special irrigation system designed by Rick Lee. Thanks to the Centennial Foundation for supporting this project and paying for the containers. Thanks to Dotty and Rick for their amazing work!
⬇︎ (Below - the Containers in August 2016) ⬇︎
When the bulldozers tore up the Borough Hall parking lot this spring, they also tore up the SHS Dartmouth Avenue Garden, managed by Dotty Lee. In place of the shady Dartmouth Avenue Garden, Dotty was asked to take on the care of the plantings in the newly designed (and very sunny) Central Park Town Green. Moreover, she was tasked with figuring out how to complement the Green's plantings with seasonal interest. The answer? Six sleek, tall containers to be filled twice a year with beautiful flowers and greenery! With the help of her husband, Rick, Dotty had the first iteration of the snazzy pots ready in time for Central Park's July 4th dedication. The containers, which are designed to withstand Swarthmore's winters, have a special irrigation system designed by Rick Lee. Thanks to the Centennial Foundation for supporting this project and paying for the containers. Thanks to Dotty and Rick for their amazing work!
⬇︎ (Below - the Containers in August 2016) ⬇︎
|
|
|
|
A Wonderful Day in the Cresson Garden -- to Benefit SHS!
the pond garden
|
Despite snow and freezing temperatures on the day before the scheduled tour, Charles Cresson's garden was the perfect picture of early spring when the first visitors arrived on Sunday, April 10, on a self-guided tour to benefit SHS. Over 100 guests explored the two acre, nationally renowned garden, discovering thousands of blooms. Charles Cresson was on hand throughout the tour, giving advice, information, and encouragement.
Many thanks to everyone who came out to the garden and supported SHS. Very special thanks to Charles Cresson, who made everyone's visit so worthwhile, really putting them in a springtime state of mind. |
A Salute to the Sidewalk Container Team
November 2015
In late October, the 24 large sidewalk flowerpots in Swarthmore Town Center shifted into cold weather mode, as their bright tropical contents were replaced by grand evergreens. Fine Garden Creations (FGC), a local landscaping business, first purchased and installed the pots almost a decade ago as a gift to our community, and since then, FGC has donated its services to design and replant the containers twice a year. SHS and Swarthmore Borough split the cost of the plants. Twice weekly summer watering of the containers is done by the Swarthmore Public Works Crew, and regular maintenance, grooming, and fall watering is done by a crew of dedicated SHS volunteers: Peg Morrison, Kay Rinko, Sue Larsen, and Garden Manager Beth Jones. Many thanks to FGC and to all who make the sidewalk containers’ beautiful display possible!
So what plants are featured in the containers? Summer plants in the containers are typically colorful annuals, but the winter pots feature hardy shrubs that can live for many years.
❀ If you want to identify the specific plants in containers this year, CLICK HERE.
So what plants are featured in the containers? Summer plants in the containers are typically colorful annuals, but the winter pots feature hardy shrubs that can live for many years.
❀ If you want to identify the specific plants in containers this year, CLICK HERE.
What happens to the plants when the containers are replanted? If you like the look of the winter container plantings, you can purchase the winter plants at below wholesale cost when we replant the containers in the spring. The plants were selected by experts and are well tended all winter. The tentative date for next spring's sale is May 6 & 7, 2016. Check back closer to that date for more details and prices. All proceeds benefit Swarthmore public gardens.
→ In photo at right, three members of the SHS container garden team with one of their 24 mini-gardens.
(L to R): Peg, Beth, & Kay.
→ In photo at right, three members of the SHS container garden team with one of their 24 mini-gardens.
(L to R): Peg, Beth, & Kay.
At the SHS Annual Meeting on October 10, 2015, two important items were voted on by our membership.
First, the membership approved revisions to the SHS By-Laws that were recommended by the SHS Board. These changes improve the operations of SHS by creating a new Board position (the Volunteer Coordinator), specifying procedures for the creation of an annual budget, shortening the notice requirements for the Annual Meeting, and clarifying the duties of the various committees. For a copy of the revised By-Laws, complete with annotations to describe the proposed changes, CLICK HERE.
In addition, at the Annual Meeting, the membership elected several new Board members. To view the slate of Board Members who were elected, CLICK HERE.
First, the membership approved revisions to the SHS By-Laws that were recommended by the SHS Board. These changes improve the operations of SHS by creating a new Board position (the Volunteer Coordinator), specifying procedures for the creation of an annual budget, shortening the notice requirements for the Annual Meeting, and clarifying the duties of the various committees. For a copy of the revised By-Laws, complete with annotations to describe the proposed changes, CLICK HERE.
In addition, at the Annual Meeting, the membership elected several new Board members. To view the slate of Board Members who were elected, CLICK HERE.
Facebook Fans -- "Like" SHS, and Get Social with Gardening Matters
Be sure to check out the SHS Facebook Page for more photos of SHS Gardens as well as an assortment of postings pertaining to gardening and horticulture. Feel free to join in the conversation, post your own photos of SHS gardens, and be sure to "Like" us. For a quick link to the SHS Facebook Page, just scroll to the very top right-hand corner of this webpage (above the page title and header ), and click on the small Facebook icon.
❀ Special thanks to Melissa Husted-Sherman for all her work in overseeing our Facebook page.
❀ Special thanks to Melissa Husted-Sherman for all her work in overseeing our Facebook page.
Time to Dig Into Your Wallet - Annual Membership Campaign Begins!
 War Memorial Garden - April 2014
This past winter has been a rough one to love--at least weather-wise, but that only makes the spring flowers that much sweeter to see. Help us fill Swarthmore's public gardens with beautiful plantings -- flowers are the best non-fattening, non-caffeinated way to hoist your low spirits!
If you're already an SHS member, look for a renewal form in the mail. If you're not (yet) an SHS member, you can click HERE for a membership letter to print and mail. Basic membership costs $15, but if you can donate more, we certainly will be able to put your dollars to good use. All donations are tax deductible, and we will send you a receipt for your donation. Join us to make Swarthmore bloom! |
April 2014- Co-op Garden
|
|
 Co-op tulips - Spring 2014
Revisit Your Favorite SHS Gardens electronically!
Take a horticultural walk down memory lane. If you click on the "Our Gardens" tab at the top of this Home page, you can see the many iterations of our 13 gardens. We have an archive of photos of our gardens from 2014 until now. ⬅ Remember this beauty? It's a camassia blooming in Centennial Park in spring 2014. Camassia were also featured in the SHS 2013 fall bulb sale. |
Lincoln Way - viewed from Myers Ave.
Lincoln Way Garden Is Launched!
The last weekend of October marked the debut of SHS's newest garden, located at the corner of Myers Avenue and Lincoln Way -- right across from the SHS Co-op Garden. Co-Garden Managers Sharon Mester & Grace Evangelista are to be congratulated on their fine efforts and amazing success in transforming the former empty lot. And there's more planned for the spring! Be sure to stroll by to see our new undertaking.
The last weekend of October marked the debut of SHS's newest garden, located at the corner of Myers Avenue and Lincoln Way -- right across from the SHS Co-op Garden. Co-Garden Managers Sharon Mester & Grace Evangelista are to be congratulated on their fine efforts and amazing success in transforming the former empty lot. And there's more planned for the spring! Be sure to stroll by to see our new undertaking.
 Judy , Larry, and Grace on planting day.
Many thanks go to Leonard Ellis, Carolyn Hayden, Hilary Belanger, Abe Evangelista, Susan Brake, J.W. Clements, Geoff Anderson, & Larry Anastasia, who all helped plant over 150 plants in the new garden. Special thanks to Judy Penney and Lisa Ffrench for their invaluable advice.
|
Volunteers are needed to maintain & water the Lincoln Way Garden. If you can help, please contact SHS at the gmail address listed above.
|
|
Lincoln Way: Before (above) & After (left)
|
❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧❧ ❧
Mimi Nenno works magic at Raised Bed
Many, many thanks to our garden managers and all garden volunteers who help to replant the town garden beds during Spring and Fall Changeover Days! You are the heart of SHS!
