FLORA, FAUNA + FRESH AIR

Fresh air, open space, trees, flora and fauna abound around Philly.  If you live in the city or suburbs your are not far from a number of spectacular Arboretums.  In the dictionary an arboretum is defined as  a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes.  Thus visiting an arboretum is more than a stroll through a well manicured and maintained acreage, it is a lesson that you don’t even realize that you are learning.  It is a valuable experience for children of all ages.  Education, plants sales, inspirations, cultural events often are scheduled throughout the year allowing visitors to enrich their knowledge and experience in the natural world.  All Arboretums have memberships available to help fund these events, internships, and educational programs. The memberships are minimal compared to the benefits of the experience within.

 

Images via Instagram (Swarthmore College and Haverford College)

I have been privileged to live near one of Philadelphia’s premiere arboretums, The Morris Arboretum.  When my kids were little is was a wonderful world for them to explore and experience nature.  They chose special places in the arboretum where they would visit and claim year after year.  The garden Railway and the Fernery were always coveted attractions that my kids would spend endless hours exploring. New installations lure us back and we are never disappointed.  The beauty of this gem is that it is affiliated with University of Pennsylvania and offers extensive educational courses that further its’ value to the public.   It is a never ending wealth of knowledge and I guarantee the landscape will amaze you all year long.  The next event scheduled at The Morris Arboretum is the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival allowing visitors a Japanese inspired cultural experience complete with Taiko drumming, Tea demonstration and a Japanese elements tour throughout the grounds.

 

Images via Instagram of The Morris Arboretum

I encourage everyone to visit and join an Arboretum, through your membership you become a steward and a student.  Your blood pressure will lower, your senses will heighten, and you can only benefit from a healthy stroll around the property.  It’s no wonder that three of our local colleges have realized the physical and mental benefits of incorporating an arboretum within their campuses, Temple University (Ambler Campus), Swarthmore and Haverford Colleges all are open to visitors, check them out. One thing that I love most about arboretums is that they join people of all ages together, they strengthen communities with programming, and protect valuable green space for future generations.  And I would venture to say that the real estate values surrounding these properties is increased immensely.

Perfect for spring birthdays, anniversary presents, mother’s and father’s day outings – you guessed it, a membership to an Arboretum!  I have listed a couple more around town-get out there and enjpy!

Awbury Arboretum

Jenkins Arboretum

The Barnes Arboretum

Chanticleer

Tyler Arboretum

Go NATIVE-a healthy approach to landscaping this Spring

After the last of the snow has melted, and the fear of frosty mornings has subsided, a few fresh sprouts push up through the soil, spring beckons. Maybe a couple of your trees were damaged this winter or your shrubs have seen better days.  Right now, the weather and conditions are ideal for sprucing up your landscaping.  Before replacing them consider your neighbors, the surrounding wildlife.  Opt for indigenous plants and trees instead of the usual exotic varieties.  They not only beautify but provide important environmental benefits.  Too often landscaping companies have been all about “the show,” and avoided the nutrients essential in providing a healthy Eco system.  An environment that will thrive starts with the insect and caterpillar population, they are essential for birds, fish and wildlife.  Planting beautiful and beneficial trees that attract and house caterpillars and insects are your best bet. 

A couple native tree varieties - bountiful and beneficial!

Garden centers often highlight the exotic and showy trees, shrubs and plants.  They may create a burst of color here and there, but that is it.  Instead, wouldn’t it be better to plant a vibrant garden that will attract and feed brightly colored birds, butterflies and bees?  Yes, bees!  They are pollinators and are a vital part of about 1/3 of our crops.  If plants are not pollinated they will not produce fruit.  So we need bees in order to keep eating the delicious fruits and veggies that we love.   Bees = food!  Just one more incentive to go Native in your landscaping.  

Some pretty Native flowering plants to spruce up your garden and feed the Bees!

A little research and a visit to local garden centers that specialize in native plant species will provide you with an abundant amount of information.  Imagine your yard blooming with a kaleidoscope that creates a healthier environment for future generations of people, plants, insects, and wildlife, nothing could be more beautiful.  Happy and Healthy Spring!

Great local resources for Native Plants

http://www.redbudnativeplantnursery.com/

http://www.yellowspringsfarm.com/

http://www.gonativetrees.com/index.html

http://www.edgeofthewoodsnursery.com/