Ever wondered about the incredible journey honey takes to get from the neighborhood’s flowers to the hive, and then from the honeycombs to the jar? Join your local beekeeper  and dive into everything honey – although not literally, of course!

Expect a few surprises as your beekeeper gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the process of artisanal honey extraction and the inside scoop on the unique qualities of urban honey. This program is sponsored by the Swarthmore College Office of Sustainability, the Environmental Studies Committee, and the Scott Arboretum.

The post From Hive to Honey Jar: The Inside Scoop appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

Learn more about one of our favorite pollinators, bees.

Join us for #BranchOut, a digital learning series from the Scott Arboretum. Improve your gardening skills with how-to tutorials, learn more with in-depth plant discussions, and explore with great kid and family nature activities.

The post #BranchOut: Notes from a Beehive Installation appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

Looking for planting inspiration for your rain garden this spring? Check out our latest take on rain gardens by PPR Apartments!

The Palmer Residence Hall rain garden has wonderful fall color. photo credit: R. Robert

Rain gardens are traditionally small depressions, typically on a natural slope, containing perennials designed to temporarily hold and soak in rainwater runoff. As a result of the PPR Apartment construction, a rain garden was installed in the front circle drive of Palmer and Pittenger Hall to handle their rainwater runoff. This rain garden was placed in a prominent location inspiring some different plant choices.

Unlike our other large rain garden, the BioStream, where water flows and infiltrates through the garden stream path, the Palmer Residence Hall rain garden retains and absorbs rain water in a large depression. To date, we have observed water standing for short periods of time. The rainwater is effectively being absorbed by the plantings and into the ground water.

Pops of red from the winterberry will add interest through the winter season. photo credit: R. Robert

Communities are trying to mitigate rainwater runoff because water runs off impermeable surfaces, such as roofs or driveways, collecting pollutants such as particles of dirt, fertilizer, chemicals, oil, garbage, and bacteria along the way. Rain gardens collect rainwater runoff and filter the water with vegetation before the water percolates into the soil.

There are many ways to plant a rain garden. Landscape architect Bryan Hanes identified a unique group of plants to create a multi-seasonal, screening planting in front of Palmer Residence Hall.

Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’ produces showy white flowers in April. photo credit: R. Robert

Planted along the end of the garden are several Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’, apple serviceberries, creating a screening effect from the residence hall and Chester Road. This wonderful native, multi-stemmed, understory tree can handle full sun to part shade. Producing showy white flowers in April and developing to blue drupe fruits that are favorites of our feathered friends. In addition to the benefit for our wildlife, Autumn Brilliance has brilliant red to orange-red color, completing a fabulous array of multi-season interest.

Our native Ilex verticillata ‘Red Sprite’ has wonderful reaching branches loaded with red berries courtesy of the pollination from Ilex verticillata ‘Jim Dandy’. photo credit: R. Robert

Ilex verticillata ‘Jim Dandy’, winterberry; Ilex verticillata ‘Red Sprite’, winterberry; and Callicarpa americana , American beautyberry, have been added for winter interest. Our native Ilex verticillata ‘Red Sprite’ has wonderful reaching branches loaded with red berries courtesy of the pollination from Ilex verticillata ‘Jim Dandy’. From fall into winter the American beautyberry has delightful arching branches of purple berries.

Salix purpurea ‘Canyon Blue’ has steely blue-gray foliage and purple stems. photo credit: R. Robert

With its moist low ground, this garden has two purpleosier willows, Salix purpurea ‘Canyon Blue’ and Salix purpurea ‘Nana’. Both are dwarf cultivars; ‘Canyon Blue’ has steely blue-gray foliage and purple stems. Both willows produce interesting white-flowered catkins in the spring, while ‘Nana’ grows purplish young shoots that mature to grayish-brown foliage.

While not traditionally found in a rain garden, Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Seward’, Summer Wine™ ninebark adds color to the green palette of summer with its purple foliage. photo credit: R. Robert

A traditional rain garden shrub, the fragrant Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘SMCOSS’, Sugar Shack® buttonbush can be found in the planting. While not traditionally found in a rain garden, Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Seward’, Summer Wine™ ninebark adds color to the green palette of summer with its purple foliage. Arching branches of white flowers in the late spring and exfoliating bark in the winter, add great interest to the garden.

Also unique to rain gardens, Monarda didyma ‘Raspberry Wine.’bee balm, can be found in this planting. photo credit: R. Robert

Also unique to rain gardens, two speices of bee balm can be found in this planting, Monarda bradburiana, eastern bee balm and Monarda didyma ‘Raspberry Wine.’ A member of the mint family and loved by pollinators, monarda offers summer long bloom.

Tough disease resistant plants, Carex molesta, troublesome sedge,  were added to the garden.

Tough disease resistant plants, Carex molesta, troublesome sedge, and Carex pensylvania, Pennsylvania sedge were added to the garden. Troublesome sedge can be found toward the interior of the planting as it loves wetlands, while Pennsylvania sedge enjoys well-drained soil and can be found on the edge of the garden.

Finally, adding lovely texture to the garden in winter is Panicum virgatum ‘RR1’, Ruby Ribbons® switchgrass. Ruby Ribbons ® develops showy burgundy-red foliage which only intensifies through the fall. photo credit: R. Robert

Finally, adding lovely texture to the garden in winter is Panicum virgatum ‘RR1’, Ruby Ribbons® switchgrass. Ruby Ribbons ® develops showy burgundy-red foliage which only intensifies through the fall. This North American native prairie grass develops red flower panicles often described as clouds blowing in the wind in mid-summer. These panicles persist into winter adding movement to the garden in the winter winds.

Fall color of the Palmer Residence Hall rain garden. photo credit: R. Robert

Take a walk by Chester Road throughout the growing season to see our latest take on rain gardens evolve. I hope this plant list will inspire your next garden creation.

The post Leveling Up your Rain Garden appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

This summer, we discussed the techniques and benefits of gravel gardening. The Scott Arboretum’s experimentation with gravel gardening began with the planting of the Swarthmore Roundabout two years ago. In that short period of time, the garden has matured into a show-stopper that slows traffic down in the circle.

Our first planting in the center of the circle consisted of three Emerald Sentinel TM eastern redcedar, Juniperus virginiana ‘Corcorcor’ and three Espresso TM Kentucky coffeetrees, Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Espresso-JFS’. photo credit: R. Robert

One of PennDot’s requirements for the establishment of this roundabout was to plant evergreen and deciduous trees in the circle. Research has proven that trees in the circle are very effective at slowing people down through the roundabout and reducing accidents. Thus, our first planting in the center of the circle consisted of three Emerald Sentinel ^TM eastern redcedar, Juniperus virginiana ‘Corcorcor’ and three Espresso ^TM Kentucky coffeetrees, Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Espresso-JFS’.

Gravel gardens can be found throughout campus. photo credit: R. Robert

After filling this requirement, we had time to consider our options for underplantings. Using techniques learned from Cassian Schmidt, a German garden designer and professor, we developed a matrix to plant a combination of tough perennials. (See previous posts on this technique.)

Before the planting could begin, gravel was incorporated into the topsoil in the bed. Because the concept behind this technique is sustainability, we sourced our clean granite gravel locally. The key here was to use the local material, as it is more sustainable and allows our plants to adapt to local conditions.

Gardeners planting the roundabout in the spring.  photo credit: J. Jabco

After removing the top 6 inches of soil, 4 inches of gravel was tilled into the soil and topped with 3 inches of gravel. As noted in earlier posts, this creates a harsh environment for weeds to grow, while nurturing the planted material. Once the gravel was in placed, planting could begin.

Jeff Jabco’s planting matrix worksheets can be found hanging on the backside of his office door. photo credit: R. Robert

With a planting matrix, we planted 5% structural plants (Panicum, Baptisia, Amsonia, Schizachyrium), 35% companion plants (Aster, Pycnanthemum, Salvia, Liatris), 50% ground layer plants (Geranium, Ruellia, Eragrostis), and 10% filler plants (Coreopsis, Dalea, Allium). All were planted in late spring. (See complete list.)

Allium blooms are a show stopper in late spring. photo credit: R. Robert

After two years, we have learned some lessons and hope to continue to improve. Some Coreopsis and Geranium were lost, as they were planted in a small liner size. Thus, we’ve learned to ideally use plants in the 21 size (21 plugs per flat).

We also lost a juniper because a vehicle drove through the circle overnight. photo credit: R. Robert

We also lost a juniper because a vehicle drove through the circle overnight. While we can replace the tree, the perennials are easier to replace as drive error will occur around the circle at times.

We will be adding Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ for the deep purple color. photo credit: R. Robert

Finally, we will be tweaking the plant selections in the circle as the plants evolve. For example, we will be adding Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ for the deep purple color. The Salvia x sylvestris ‘Blauhügel’ currently in the circle is a light purple and the Caradonna will give a nice contrast.

We will also be adding Aslepias tuberosa, butterfly weed, to the planting. photo credit: R. Robert

We will also be adding Aslepias tuberosa, butterfly weed, to the planting. This would expand the season of color in the garden and provide habitat for butterflies and caterpillars.

The planting matrix makes for purple display in late summer/early fall. photo credit: R. Robert

Adjustments are good practice to improve and maintain a garden. Consider your latest planting and evaluate its successes and failures throughout the seasons. Explore adding more color and varying the color to increase your impact.

The post Swarthmore Roundabout: Gravel Gardening appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

“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.

The post Tree Protection Zone appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

Since 2012, the Scott Arboretum has been participating in American Rose Trials for Sustainability (ARTS). This program conducts trials in 15 different locations throughout the United States evaluating on resilience, disease-resistance, drought tolerance, heat/cold tolerance, and soil and nutrient adaptability. After two seasons worth of data, they have announced their first winning roses, all seven for 2018.

The trial requires regimented spacing and no maintenance except mulching and weeding, as seen here. photo credit: R. Robert

From the trial, we have moved two into the Dean Bond Rose Garden. The trial requires regimented spacing and no maintenance except mulching and weeding. Since it is not aesthetically pleasing for them to be located in the heart of campus they are found in the nursery area. With the help of volunteers, Gardener Supervisor Adam Glas lead our participation in the program.

The Dean Bond Rose Garden is planted with a variety of roses and perennials. photo credit: R. Robert

After winning the title of Local Artist and Master Rose, Rosa Double 10^TM and Rosa Icecap^TM were moved into the showcase of the Dean Bond Rose Garden.

Rosa Double 10TM is a vibrant orange hybrid tea rose from the Altman Brothers. photo credit: R. Robert

Rosa Double 10^TM is a vibrant orange hybrid tea rose from the Altman Brothers. It is resistant to black spot, powdery mildew, downy mildew, and rust. The stunning orange color makes a wonderful contrast to its dark-green, glossy foliage.  Adam notes, don’t be fooled by the hybrid tea distinction. This rose has a lovely shrub habit unlike most upright, leggy hybrid tea selections.

Rosa IcecapTM has a classic rose form the color of clean white linen. photo credit: R. Robert

Rosa Icecap^TM has a classic rose form the color of clean white linen. In addition to being highly resistant to black spot, powdery mildew, downy mildew, and rust; R. Icecap^TM  has a light, sweet fragrance for those who like to stop and smell the roses. Adam notes that R. Icecap ^TM  has a wonderful shrub habit with smaller, but very floriferous, roses.

The Scott Arboretum continues to participate in the trial program for 2017 – 2018. photo credit: R. Robert

Experiment with the winners of the 2018 American Rose Trials for Sustainability in your garden. We are looking forward to future awardees as we continue to participate in this program.

The post American Rose Trials for Sustainability appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

At 2.55 acres, the tulip tree-beech-maple forest planting is the largest restoration community with woody plants in the mix. photo credit: R. Robert

At 2.55 acres, the tulip tree-beech-maple forest planting is the largest restoration community with woody plants in the mix. As the name implies, this community consists predominantly of Acer rubrum, Fagus grandifolia, and Liriodendron tulipifera. The understory shrubs consist of Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel), Amelanchier canadensis (serviceberry), and Crataegus crus-galli (cockspur hawthorn).

A tulip tree-beech-maple forest typically occurs in fairly, deep but not strongly acidic soil at a mid to lower slope position. If not over browsed, this community supports a diverse herbaceous layer with plants including spring ephemerals such as common jack-in-the-pulpit, mayapple, yellow trout lily, large-flowered trillium, and wild ginger.

This diversity also supports a variety of wildlife: short-tailed shrew, white-footed mouse, long-tailed weasel, and eastern chipmunk. One can also find red-backed salamander, gray treefrog, American toad, black rat snake, and spicebush swallowtail butterfly. Nesting habitat for many forest birds such as wood thrush, scarlet tanager, rose-breasted grosbeak, red-eyed vireo, ovenbird, hooded warbler, American redstart, cerulean warbler, barred owl, and pileated woodpecker can found in this forest community.

The yellow color of Liriodendron tulipifera adds fabulous autumn splendor in the space this time of year. photo credit: R. Robert

The Arboretum uses these native canopies – tulip trees, beeches, and red maples – through the campus as great garden plants too. Tulip trees, Liriodendron tulipifera, tower over the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater. Its stick-straight habit makes it ideal for creating a tall canopy with dappled shade for visitors and nesting habitat for birds. The yellow color adds fabulous autumn splendor in the space this time of year. The spring flowers attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

One of the most commonplace native trees, red maple do not disappoint when it comes to fall color. photo credit: R. Robert

Red maples, Acer rubrum, are great deciduous trees for your garden. One of the most commonplace native trees, red maple do not disappoint when it comes to fall color. On campus we have several striking cultivars including A.rubrum ‘Brandywine’ and A. rubrum ‘Red Sunset’, both selected for their brilliant fall color. This canopy also provide cover for screech owls and pileated woodpeckers while common flickers nest in the cavities.

The dark green toothed leaves of Fagus grandifolia brighten to a golden bronze in the fall. photo credit: R. Robert

Finally the American beech tree, Fagus grandifolia, is a large deciduous tree known for its smooth, grey bark. These specimen trees have a dramatic presence in the landscape with low branching and mature trunks of 2- to 3- feet in diameter. The dark green toothed leaves brighten to a golden bronze in the fall. The beech nut, which ripens in the fall, is a great food source for birds and mammals like mice, squirrels,chipmunks, black bear, deer, foxes, ruffed grouse, ducks, and bluejays.

I invite you to visit the newly open area around the SEPTA Viaduct to see the restoration and watch it mature. photo credit: R. Robert

I invite you to visit the newly open area around the SEPTA Viaduct to see the restoration and watch it mature. I also invite to you find the young plants we have planted and compare them to the matures ones that have been gracing the campus for generations. Consider planting native trees in your own garden to help ecosystem as a whole.

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This article is part of an ongoing column called the Crum Woods Chronicle. The Crum Woods Chronicle will be periodic updates and observations about subjects related to natural history, interesting species found in and around the Crum Woods, and exciting events you can get involved in. My hope is that some of these topics will interest you, strengthen your connection to the Crum Woods, and inspire you to explore your backyard a little more often.

Natural areas do not maintain their character and quality independently, especially when they are heavily used by people and embedded in urban environments. Educating yourself about aspects of the Crum Woods that interest you and understanding how your individual use of the Crum Woods impacts it (and how you can reduce that impact!) are important steps every one of us should take.

“In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.” –Baba Dioum

The post Restoring the Crum Woods appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

As we reach fall foliage peak here in the Delaware Valley, it is a great time to take a walk in our native woodland the Crum Woods. While exploring the trails, you may discover the native gem Chimaphila maculata, spotted wintergreen, tucked under the colorful fallen leaves.

This small evergreen perennial is conspicuous during this time of year with its white and green mottled leaves against the yellows, reds, and browns of fall. This delicate groundcover is often found in dry oak-heath forests.

Here you can see the brown capsules that persist until the next flowering season. photo credit: R. Robert

Nodding, fragrant white to pink flowers bloom in small clusters during the summer months. They ripen into brown capsules that persist until the next flowering season. In addition to seed propagation, this slow-grower reproduces with underground runners.

As you hike, explore the forest floor native gems like Chimaphila maculata. Consider adding this delightful  groundcover to your shade garden.

______________________________________________________________________________________

This article is part of an ongoing column called the Crum Woods Chronicle. The Crum Woods Chronicle will be periodic updates and observations about subjects related to natural history, interesting species found in and around the Crum Woods, and exciting events you can get involved in. My hope is that some of these topics will interest you, strengthen your connection to the Crum Woods, and inspire you to explore your backyard a little more often.

Natural areas do not maintain their character and quality independently, especially when they are heavily used by people and embedded in urban environments. Educating yourself about aspects of the Crum Woods that interest you and understanding how your individual use of the Crum Woods impacts it (and how you can reduce that impact!) are important steps every one of us should take.

“In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.” –Baba Dioum

The post Chimaphila maculata appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

Mineral-based herbicide was applied to suppress some aggressive patches of white clover. photo credit: R. Robert

It was applied to suppress some aggressive patches of white clover. Prior to this treatment young turfgrass seedlings were planted among the white clover. This herbicide application allows the turfgrass seedlings to develop the size and maturity needed to compete on their own.

As a general rule, I address perennial weeds by hand digging, then dropping grass seed in the hole. photo credit: R. Robert

Anyone who has worked with me should have been indoctrinated to the fact that grass seed is the best weed control. Any product– organic or not– has risks and drawbacks. As a general rule, I address perennial weeds by hand digging, then dropping grass seed in the hole. And I expect routine overseeding by tractor to steadily crowd out annual weeds, while their seeds are prevented from germinating by landing in a dense stand of grass. Products are several rungs down in my line of weed defense.

I utilized a product called Fiesta, whose active ingredient is chelated iron and is generally considered to be “low-risk,” although it is not OMRI approved. photo credit: R. Robert

In this case, however, I utilized a product called Fiesta, whose active ingredient is chelated iron and is generally considered to be “low-risk,” although it is not OMRI approved. The organic lawn team sprayed the dense clover patches with this product, then seeded the area.

Temporary signage helps teach visitors about the organic practices we employee to maintain the lawn. photo credit: R. Robert

Where clover re-grew alongside the delicate grass seedlings, we re-sprayed about a week later. We also followed up with more “scratch and seed” by hand anywhere that didn’t have a strong new crop of grass.

The blue dye allows the applicator to see where they have sprayed already. photo credit: R. Robert

But why the blue dye? Imagine zig-zagging across a lawn with your head down, concentrating on spritzing clover with the mosaic of species. When you lift your gaze, you’ll be grateful to have that indicator of where you have been and where you have yet to treat.

The post Organic Lawn Goes Blue appeared first on Scott Arboretum & Gardens.

Have you ever notice a “fishy” smell coming from the Dean Bond Rose Garden? This is part of our organic rose garden procedure. Applied roughly every two weeks depending on conditions, a mixture of fish hydrolysate and water (1.5 ounces per gallon) is sprayed liberally on the plants of the Dean Bond Rose Garden.

Black spot on leaves in the Dean Bond Rose Garden. photo credit: R. Robert

In addition to working as a fertilizer, fish hydrolysate applications function as a fungicide. Similar to a chemical fungicide, fish emulsion is applied while wearing protective gear; the entire plant is coated. This prevents the spread of funguses like black spot.

Fungal spores can splash onto healthy leaves from fallen infected leaves on the ground. photo credit: R. Robert

Besides fertilizing the roots and building microbial activity in the soil, a drenching of fish emulsion suppresses the fungus spores from splashing on other plants to spread disease. We are currently working on identifying and removing cultivars of roses highly susceptible to black spot. The remaining resistant cultivars will enjoy the benefit of a restored healthy balance in the soil structure created by these applications which will increase in their resistance to disease.

If you see a gardener in a spray suit applying a smelly substance in the Dean Bond Rose Garden, it is not chemical based even though these treatments are applied with equipment similar to traditional treatments. photo credit: R. Robert

So if you see a gardener in a spray suit applying a smelly substance in the Dean Bond Rose Garden, it is not chemical based even though these treatments are applied with equipment similar to traditional treatments.

Similar equipment is used to apply fish hydrolysate. photo credit: R. Robert

Consider these organic alternatives for your garden. The fishy smell lasts only until the liquid dries, allowing everyone to smell the roses. For more information on the Dean Bond Rose Garden efforts, check out the 2015 Winter issue of the Hybrid.

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