Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day will look a little different this year as we are all physical distancing. While we cannot gather for a large planting event, you can still enjoy and celebrate nature. Why not honor Earth Day with a scavenger hunt?

How to Create a Scavenger Hunt:

1. Determine where and when you will be searching.  By identifying the trail or area you will be searching, as well as the time of year, you will determine what items you will find.
2. Decide on the type of scavenger hunt. Will participants be searching for items to collect or take pictures of? Will you provide clues for participants to solve riddles?
3. Create a list of items. When creating your list of items, consider the age of your participants and length of time for your hunt. Finding items of color and shape are great concepts for even the youngest. 
4. Choose your prize. Offering a prize is optional for your scavenger hunt, but great fun for each team. It can be something as simple as choosing the morning snack or leading the next scavenger hunt.
   

Check out all the great Scott Arboretum scavenger hunts for Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.

Younger Children

Middle School Kids

Older Kids

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“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” –Warren Buffet

Chain link fences surrounding trees can be seen encircling the BEP construction site. photo credit: R. Robert

As we undergo large construction projects across campus, visitors will observe chain link fences surrounding trees around the construction sites. These are creating tree protection zones to preserve our mature trees.

Trees provide natural beauty and give human scale to built landscapes. They filter air, purify water, lower heating/cooling bills, increase property values, improve social interactions, and provide habitat as well as a food for microorganisms, insects, animals, and humans.

Preserving old trees protects more than green leaves and a spot in the shade. These efforts not only embody the Swarthmore College’s and the Scott Arboretum’s goals of “cultivating plants to sustain the body, enchant the eye, and soothe the spirit,” they also honor the College’s Quaker cultural heritage.

The Quaker founders planted two oak trees in a ceremony to commemorate the college’s inauguration. photo credit: Scott Arboretum Archives

The Quaker founders of Swarthmore College were known for their love of trees. In fact, they planted two oak trees in a ceremony to commemorate the college’s inauguration.

Tree Protection Zone is an area where construction and equipment are prohibited. photo credit: R. Robert

Tree Protection Zone is an area where construction and equipment are prohibited. Tree roots are highly susceptible to damage from machinery/vehicular traffic, foot traffic, and from stockpiling materials on the root zone. The damage is often not evident  until years after construction has ended.

Tree Protection Zones minimally need to extend to the edge of the tree canopy or dripline. photo credit: R. Robert

Tree Protection Zones minimally need to extend to the edge of the tree canopy or dripline. While roots grow out two or more times the height of the tree, trees typically cannot survive when more than 25 percent of the dripline area is damaged.

These same “zones” can be setup around your mature trees. photo credit: R. Robert

These same “zones” can be setup around your mature trees when you undergo construction. Be sure to monitor the protective fencing to prevent people and equipment from violating the perimeter.

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Make sure you plan out your route ahead of time and leave enough time to enjoy the garden, pit stops, and snack breaks! photo credit: R. Robert

1.Make sure you plan out your route ahead of time and leave enough time to enjoy the garden, pit stops, and snack breaks!

One of biggest mistakes people make is not allowing enough time for the essentials: food and bathroom breaks. Being comfortable and well fed allows you to relax and enjoy the gardens.

Check the weather before you head out so you’ll be comfortable with whatever weather decides to blow in. photo credit: R. Robert

2.Check the weather before you head out so you’ll be comfortable with whatever weather decides to blow in.

Gardens can be visited in all conditions. Bring extra layers and an umbrella. Gardens can be magical in a light rain if you have dry toes and an umbrella. Layers are great because you can always to take them off, but you can never put them on if you don’t have them.

When visiting a private garden, if the information is available to you, know the garden owners names and whether they are the ones designing and maintaining their garden. photo credit: R. Robert

3. When visiting a private garden, if the information is available to you, know the garden owners names and whether they are the ones designing and maintaining their garden.

Garden owners are often very gracious in allowing us to visit their properties and sharing their gardening knowledge and experiences. They are often the best resources for learning some great gardening tips.

It can be a nice change to leave your camera behind and just enjoy the garden as you see it. photo credit: R. Robert

4. It can be a nice change to leave your camera behind and just enjoy the garden as you see it.

Sometimes we get so caught up in being behind our cameras and phones that we aren’t enjoying the big picture and taking in the whole experience. But if you must take pictures, be sure to get the garden owners’ permission before you start taking them.

Visit private gardens at the Scott Associates Garden Day on Sunday, June 14 and use these tips to get the most out of your time. In addition to exploring amazing private properties, Garden Day attendees will have Chanticleer to themselves from 5 to 7 pm during the Garden Day reception.

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While cottage-style gardening is not often used in our modern landscapes, most modern gardeners will recognize some of the genera of plants used. Let’s explore some of the modern cultivars of the plants represented by these painters.

The Crimson Rambler by Phillip Leslie Hale c. 1908 featured the Rosa ‘Crimson Rambler’.

The Crimson Rambler by Phillip Leslie Hale c. 1908 featured the Rosa ‘Crimson Rambler’. This bright red rambling cultivar was introduced in 1893. It can often be found in cemeteries and along roadsides today. It is not found in the modern garden because it is subject to mildew.

It is a bright red climber/rambler that will grow to 8 feet like R. ‘Crimson Red’. photo credit: www.agel-rosen.de

A great modern alternative is Rosa ‘Floretina’. It is a bright red climber/rambler that will grow to 8 feet like R. ‘Crimson Red’. Introduced in 2011, it is an old-fashion rose with large slightly fragrant, fully-double flowers.  It is very floriferous and is an award-winning rose.

Peonies depicted in this stained glass window: Peony Window Panel, Richard Beatty Mellon Mansion in Pittsburgh, by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Another plant found in many of the paintings is the peony. This garden gem is even depicted in this stained glass window: Peony Window Panel, Richard Beatty Mellon Mansion in Pittsburgh, by Louis Comfort Tiffany. A cultivar from the turn of the century that is still a gem in the modern garden is Paeonia ‘Krinkled White’. It was selected in 1928 by Brand A. M. and received the American Peony Society’s Award of Landscape Merit in 2009.

A proven performer in all regions of the country, P. ‘Krinkled White’ withstands drought well and is noted for its performance under adverse conditions. photo credit: E. Tickner

A proven performer in all regions of the country, P. ‘Krinkled White’ withstands drought well and is noted for its performance under adverse conditions. It has medium-sized single flowers with pure white taffeta-textured petals surrounding a yellow mound of stamens, with white-tipped carpels peeking through. This selection has stood the test of time and is often sold by the Mid-Atlantic Peony Society’s sale.

Frederick Carl Frieseke (1874–1939), Lady in a Garden, depicts phlox along with other garden plants.

Another plant depicted in the turn of the century garden is phlox.  Known to modern gardeners for its susceptibility to mildew, plant breeders have introduced some great mildew-resistant cultivars over the last couple of years.

 Phlox PaparazzeTM is a stunning late spring bloomer with a mounding habit. photo credit: R. Robert

A new favorite here at the Scott Arboretum is Phlox Paparazze ^TM. Paparazze^TM is a stunning late spring bloomer with a mounding habit. The flush of fragrant rose-pink flowers look great in containers, rock gardens, and along garden edges. The pathways along Magill Walk are draped in this butterfly attractor.

Explore some of our gardening history with The Artist’s Garden: American Impressionism and the Garden Movement, 1887-1920 at PAFA until May 24. Scott Arboretum members receive a $5 discount (Members should contact the office for details.) Experiment with these great old/new plants in your garden.

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The beautiful root flare of a newly planted Quercus rubra. photo credit: R. Robert

Mulch mounding can be so devastating to trees that the Scott Arboretum only applies mulch on the ground around the tree. When we plant, we even pull back the ground to expose the dramatic root flare.

Gypsy moth have infested this Betula nigra Heritage. photo credit: R. Robert

These colossal mounds of mulch retain moisture around the tree trunk, encouraging the development of adventitious root growth. These roots grow straight up through the mulch, are the first to die during a drought,  and ensure that your tree is the first to die as well. This excessive retention of moisture around the bark also weakens the tree; making it the first to succumb to pest and diseases.

Just say NO to improper mulching. photo credit: R. Robert

Hear Mike McGrath’s plea to halt this practice, the testimony of several other plant experts, and Andrew Bunting’s insight (45:15 min.) on You Bet Your Garden website. For the health of your trees and your landscape, we join Mike McGrath in saying “stop improper mulching and just say no!”

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As an April Fools joke this year, Swarthmore engineers students "extended" the Crum Creek Meander into Sharples Dining Hall, claiming the Meander had overflown. photo credit: R. Robert

Installed in the fall of 2013, Stacy Levy’s temporary piece has generated much conversation, passionate opinions for and against the piece, imitation, and it has been the platform for other pieces of art. Designed to generate awareness and generate conversation, this piece succeeded in creating a buzz across campus.

Stacy Levy, a leading environmental artist, is drawn to water and how it flows through the natural landscape in seen and unseen ways. She was struck by how the Blue Route (Route 476) is a human stream over Crum Creek. Crum Creek Meander is designed “to bring a sense of the creek to people’s minds” by creating a “ghost” of the creek in a highly visible space.

Enjoying the sheer delight of dashing through the strips of the Crum Creek Meander. photo credit: R. Robert

Designed to be interactive, clear vinyl strips allow viewers to see wind interact with the piece and allow visitors to cross the virtual creek. This is often a favorite feature for children visiting the Arboretum. Several can often be found running in and out with sheer delight.

The Crum Creek Meander is sited along Magill Walk. photo credit: R. Robert

Art in your garden can inspire conversation and introspection. Contemplative moments in the garden can be the most impactful; consider adding art to your landscape. Come experience Stacy Levy’s Crum Creak Meander  and add your voice to the campus opinion about this piece of art. PS…Don’t forget to run through the vertical strips, it is great fun!

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Dig and dividing in the Dean Bond Rose Garden to reinvigorate the older speciemens. photo credit: R. Robert

1. To reinvigorate your perennials. Over the years, perennials can begin to produce fewer flowers or develop a “sickly zone” in the center of the plant. Dividing the plants allows for new growth and vigor resulting in improved foliage display and flowering.

Gardeners and volunteers dig and divide Liriope "taking over" the John W. Nason Garden. photo credit: R. Robert

2. To stop the  take over! Some perennials are so happy in their location they begin to take over your entire garden. Dividing allows you to control the plant’s growth and make room for other less aggressive plants to compliment your happy camper.

Amsonia is a wonderful plant often shared at the Members Plant Exchange and Sale. photo credit: D. Mattis

3. To share with friends. Gardening friends can be one of the best sources for interesting plant material. Digging and dividing your star performers allows others to appreciate their superstar performances. Your friends will probably give you some winners in return as well.

Volunteers dig and divide in the Cherry Border. photo credit: R. Robert

Digging and dividing allows you maintain the health of your garden and its plants. Great friendships can also be made through the sharing of a plant. Come share your garden superstars as well as acquire some new ones at the Members Plant Exchange and Sale (MPE) on Saturday, May 10. Follow MPE on facebook to learn some dividing techniques.

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You may ask, “What is a cultural landscape?” The Cultural Landscape Foundation answers this question: “Cultural landscapes provide a sense of place and identity; they map our relationship with the land over time; and they are part of our national heritage and each of our lives.” Essentially, it is any landscape that has cultural significance—whether it is historical, design, or ethnic.

Prouty Garden is a cultural landscape property. photo credit: Clare Cooper-Marcus courtesy of The Cultural Landscape Foundation

Visit the What’s Out There® searchable database to see the cultural landscapes near you or to gather vacation ideas. You may find a landscape or site you didn’t know existed!

In the Terry Shane Teaching Garden when placing yourself in the designer's shoes, you recognize the use of bold repetitious color in the border. photo credit: R. Robert

While visiting, explore and study the site with an eye for what the intended purpose was. Put yourself in the designer’s (or former resident’s) shoes and take a look at all the elements in the landscape. How does the landscape lend itself to its use? Perhaps the site is a public park; is there a view? Are there places to enjoy the view from? How do people use the space and how is the space organized to facilitate those uses (or how isn’t it)? Make note of the qualities you appreciate and could incorporate in your own garden.

Looking for pathway inspiration? Try combining pavers and blacktop as seen here in the John W. Nason Garden. photo credit: R. Robert

Upon returning to your residence, take a look around with the same questions in mind. By looking at your garden with a new perspective, one informed by visiting and experiencing cultural landscapes, you just might find yourself tweaking your garden design this coming spring and summer.

Large rocks add texture to the spring floral display in the Harry Wood Garden. photo credit: R. Robert

Come to the Scott Arboretum’s Spring Celebration on Sunday, March 16 at 4 pm to learn how to better “read” the landscapes around you and to learn more about The Cultural Landscape Foundation’s efforts from its founder, Charles A. Birnbaum.

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Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' spring leaves emerge deep purple. photo credit: R. Maurer

This European purple beech was planted as a class tree, commemorating the class of 1881. It’s beautiful smooth bark added interest in the winter. Its lovely leaves emerged deep purple and faded to a purple-green during the summer, adding color to the garden. The sweeping branches provided shade and privacy. While majestic in the garden, the symptoms of decline have been evident for a number of years.

The sweeping branches provided shade and privacy in the garden. photo credit: E. Lyon

One of the first symptoms of problems was visible during the spring flush of new growth. The tree would leaf out beautifully with vibrant deep purple leaves, but within several weeks, many of those leaves would shrivel and die. This is a symptom of Phytophthora bleeding canker which disrupts the water transportation inside a plant. The weeping sticky sap from the canker was visible on the west side of the trunk.

In 2010, the tree lost a major limb allowing more light into the garden. photo credit: D. Mattis

A dramatic indictor of decline was the loss of a major limb in 2010. This loss changed the landscape allowing more sunlight into the rear entrance of the garden, thus resulting in some new plantings along the pathway.

The weeping of the Phytophthora canker was evident on the west face of the tree trunk. photo credit: D. Mattis

An observer may have also noticed the growth of fungi throughout the crotches of major tree branches. In more recent years, the root rot symptoms of Phytophthora canker were evident and gardeners observed the bark around the roots coming off in chunks.

Within the past year, over 50% of canopy was lost. photo credit: R. Robert

As a landscape observer, we often look up and marvel at the majestic canopy of trees. Within the past year, over 50% of the European purple beech’s canopy was lost, leaving it a skeleton of its former self.

Extensive dry rot contributed to the decay of this specimen. photo credit: M. Fochs

Many living things succumb to old age and our tree friends are no different. At over 133 years old, this beech also suffered from extensive dry rot in addition to its various other ailments. After assisting our green giant for many years it was time to say goodbye before someone or something was injured by falling debris.

The death of the tree will allow more sunlight into the garden and an opportunity for new plantings. photo credit: M. Fochs

The garden has become less shaded with the death of this tree, allowing the cycle of life to continue by opening up this space to the realm of sun-loving plants.

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Clematis orientalis 'Bill Mackenzie' is blooming along the Route 320 fence. photo credit: R. Robert

These two to three blooms provide glimpses of the diversity of Clematis taxa with flat open discs, nodding bells, singe, double, or tubular flowers. If you take a moment to inspect the newly renovated Dean Bond Rose Garden, you will discover a plethora of small newly planted clematis plants beginning to clamor among climbing roses and up new metal obelisks.

While the Arboretum has been trialing new selections of clematis for the past several years, this explosion of clematis cultivars on the grounds is in preparation for the International Clematis Society annual gathering to be held in the Delaware Valley in June 2014. We are one of three local institutions trialing 52 cultivars from Poland, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands for release in the United States.

Clematis 'Purple Dream' in bloom along side Rosa Graham Thomas. photo credit: R. Robert

A member of the clematis trial selection team, Jeff Jabco, our coordinator of horticulture, was ecstatic to see blooms on trial plant Clematis ‘Purple Dream’. These large nodding bell-shaped flowers are creamy-crimson on the outside and light-pink inside with a pleasant grapefruit scent.

Clematis AlainaTM is climbing this trellis in the container trials. photo credit: R. Robert

Our growing area is also overwhelmed with clematis being trialed for containers. This week Clematis Alaina^TM has opened some wonderful pink blooms as it climbs the trellis. This soft pink clematis is underplanted with Heuchera ‘Delta Dawn’ and variegated Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’.

Clematis Diana's DelightTM is caughting everyone's eye on the Plant Sale field. photo credit: R. Robert

All this clematis excitement has also spilled onto the Plant Sale field.  The Scott Associates Plant Sale is offering a record number of 15 clematis this year. Currently in bloom and looking exquisite is Clematis Diana’s Delight ^TM. The lavender tones of the huge 6” to 7” blooms attract plant lovers from around the field and the creamy yellow centers add interest as they approach the plant. This cultivar is ideal for containers and small spaces.

Clematis chiisanensis 'Lemon Bells' blooms along the McCabe Library. photo credit: R. Robert

We hope to bring you more updates throughout the coming growing seasons as our exploration of clematis genera for the Delaware Valley continues. Conduct your own exploration with the numerous offers at the Scott Associates Plant Sale this weekend. To have a chance to own all 15 varieties, attend the Special Friends Preview Party tonight.

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