Gardening on a higher level
Program Guide
Fall - Winter 2016 - 2017
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CONTENTS Mr. and Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland established Mt. Cuba Center as a botanical garden that inspires an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a commitment to protect the habitats that sustain them.
Program Index
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Visit Our Gardens
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Plan Your Visit
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Lecture Series
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Featured Programs
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Events
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Ecological Gardening Certificate
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Certificate Classes
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Weekend Gardening Series
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Redesigned South Garden
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Gardening Classes
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Conservation Classes
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Art Classes
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Wellness Classes
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Instructor Profiles
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Program Calendar
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Student Information
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Mt. Cuba Center’s Founding Intention: “I want this to be a place where people will learn to appreciate our native plants and to see how these plants can enrich their lives so that they, in turn, will become conservators of our natural habitats.” Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland
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VISIT OUR GARDENS Hours
Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm Through October 30th
Admission
Season Passholders Free Adults $10 Children ages 6 – 17 $5 Children 5 and under Free Explore the gardens on your own or join a Garden Highlights Walk offered at 11 am and 2 pm. Each walk lasts about 45 minutes and is free with admission.
Season Passes
Season Passholders enjoy unlimited admission during regular hours. Passholders also receive complimentary guest passes, a Mt. Cuba Center Selections plant, a 10% discount on Ecological Gardening Certificate courses, and a discount on regularly priced plants at Gateway Garden Center in Hockessin, DE. Season passes are available for purchase onsite and online via www.mtcubacenter.org
Season Pass Prices
$45 Individual $90 Friends & Family (Admits Passholder and 3 guests per visit)
Guided Garden Tours Saturdays at 9:30 am
Explore our gardens with an experienced Docent, learn about notable native plants, and receive tips about sustainable gardening practices. Tours are two hours in length and include walking over rolling terrain and mulched paths. Tickets are $15 and include admission, so pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens after your tour has ended. Purchase tickets online at www. mtcubacenter.org or by phone at 302.239.4244. Walk-ins are accepted as space allows.
PLAN YOUR VISIT Location
Mt. Cuba Center is located at 3120 Barley Mill Road in Hockessin, DE 19707.
Picnicking
Please bring a picnic to enjoy as food and beverages are not sold onsite. Guests may take advantage of our picnic area, shaded by mature native trees; find a seat in the gardens; or borrow one of our picnic blankets to use on the grounds. Visitors are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize waste and support Mt. Cuba Center’s commitment to conservation.
Accessibility
Due to our rolling terrain and mulched paths, wheelchair access is limited. Golf cart transportation to the ponds is available upon request. Reservations are not required; inquire upon arrival.
Second Saturdays Mt. Cuba Center participates in the Hockessin Business Association’s Second Saturday events by offering special programming on the second Saturday of each month. Enjoy family-friendly activities and themed garden walks, and take home your own free native plant. All activities are included with admission. For a description of upcoming themes and activities, visit www.mtcubacenter.org
Group Visits Self-Guided Visits Self-Guided visits are ideal for groups that would like to explore the gardens at their own pace during regular hours. Docents are located throughout the gardens to provide information and answer questions. A discounted group rate of $9/person is available for groups of 10 or more when scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Call 302.239.8895 or email grouptours@mtcubacenter.org to make a reservation. Due to limited parking, all groups traveling by bus must make arrangements in advance. Guided Tours Groups may schedule a personalized two-hour guided tour with a knowledgeable and friendly Docent. Guided Tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday. Please schedule at least two weeks in advance. Groups of 10 or more receive a discounted rate of $12/person, which includes admission. Call 302.239.8895 or email grouptours@mtcubacenter.org to make a reservation.
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LECTURE SERIES MT. CUBA CENTER LECTURE SERIES We are pleased to present Mt. Cuba Center’s first Lecture Series. Discover how new technologies are revolutionizing plant conservation; explore the roles of native woodland wildflowers in our local ecology; and learn how to follow nature’s cues to achieve striking, sustainable landscapes that will persist for decades to come. Light refreshments will be served.
Conserving Rare Plants in the Internet Age
With Joel Dunn Saturday, January 28 (Snow Date: Saturday, February 4) 11 am – 12 pm $20
Increased land development, forest fragmentation, and climate change threaten rare plants with extinction. Scientists have determined that many species need large and contiguous protected areas to sustain their populations and adapt to changing conditions. Recognizing this urgent need, conservationists have built partnerships that leverage technology, funding, and land conservation to save rare plants on a landscape scale. Using case studies, Joel Dunn will discuss “internet age” technology and partnerships that have revolutionized the conservation movement. Joel Dunn is President and CEO of Chesapeake Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting landscapes that are vital to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its cultural heritage. He leads the Conservancy’s efforts to strengthen the connection between people and the Bay’s watershed as a way to promote the need to conserve the watersheds and special places that sustain the Chesapeake’s unique natural and cultural resources. Dunn was co-editor of A Sustainable Chesapeake: Better Models for Conservation and has written numerous opinion editorials for newspapers in the Chesapeake region.
Wildflower Ecology: A Naturalist’s Perspective With Carol Gracie Saturday, February 11 (Snow Date: Sunday, February 12) 11 am – 12 pm $20
Our native woodland wildflowers are more than just a delight for the eye: they have adapted to their environment over millennia and play important roles in the ecology of their region. Join naturalist Carol Gracie and learn the fascinating life histories of spring ephemerals. Topics include adaptations for early blooming, pollination and seed dispersal, and the latest scientific research on the ecology of these beautiful plants. Copies of Carol’s book, Spring Wildflowers of the Northeast: A Natural History, will be available for purchase and signing after the lecture. Carol Gracie is retired from The New York Botanical Garden, where she worked in the Science Division. She has since returned to her earlier interest in local flora and has co-authored, with Steven Clemants, Wildflowers in the Field and Forest: A Field Guide to the Northeastern United States. Her latest book, Spring Wildflowers of the Northeast: A Natural History, was published by Princeton University Press in 2012. Carol is currently working on a book on the natural history of summer wildflowers.
LECTURE SERIES Liberate Your Home Landscape Plants With Larry Weaner Saturday, March 18 11 am – 12 pm $20
All too often we design our gardens and landscapes with static compositions of carefully placed and managed plants. But our approach can be more dynamic—and arguably more rewarding—by building upon ecological processes as well as plants’ innate tendencies to reproduce and proliferate. Using examples from client projects and his property, Larry Weaner illustrates how this organic, give-andtake approach to design can result in low-maintenance, beautiful landscapes that marry human intent with the patterns and processes of nature. Copies of Garden Revolution: How Our Landscapes Can Be a Source of Environmental Change, which Larry coauthored with Thomas Christopher, will be available for purchase and signing after the lecture. Larry Weaner has been creating native landscapes since 1977. His firm, Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, has a nation-wide reputation for combining ecological restoration with fine garden design. The firm’s work has received numerous awards and been featured in Garden Design, The American Gardener, and Landscape Architecture Magazine. Larry founded the New Directions in the American Landscape conference. Continuing Education Units are available for all lectures.
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FEATURED PROGRAMS Tastings on the Terrace
With Lytton John Musselman and Peter Schafran Friday, October 14 6 – 8 pm $35 Aperitifs and bitters stimulate appetite before a meal while cordials are traditional after-dinner drinks. Learn how unique and delicious spirits can be prepared from native plants using only one or two ingredients and no specialized equipment. Then join us on the terrace to sample and evaluate a selection of fifteen hand-crafted beverages. Celebrate your next special occasion with your own signature cocktail! (Ages 21 and over).
Workshop: Designing Plant Communities that Stand the Test of Time With Claudia West Wednesday, November 9 10 am – 3:30 pm $90 (Lunch Included)
Dig deeper into the art and science of planting design by understanding how native plants fill ecological and spatial niches in the landscape. Review the structure and composition of wild plant communities and learn how to incorporate those principles into your designs. Claudia West, coauthor of Planting in a Post Wild World, leads you through several hands-on exercises that help you visualize complex planting schemes, prepare installation guidelines for crews, and create adaptive management plans you can apply to upcoming projects. Prior experience with landscape design is recommended.
Northern Saw-whet Owls: Enigmas of the Night With Scott Weidensaul Friday, November 11 (Rain Date: Saturday, November 12) 6:30 – 8:30 pm $30
The smallest owl of the eastern seaboard is also the most mysterious of our Piedmont raptors. Scott Weidensaul, who has studied saw-whet owls for almost 20 years, presents the ecology, behavior, and migration routes of the northern saw-whet owl. Join him as he lures migrating owls into nets then harmlessly bands and releases them. Scott will have copies of his latest book, Peterson Reference Guide to Owls of North America and the Caribbean, available for sale and signing.
FEATURED PROGRAMS
Exploring Wildflowers of the Shenandoah Mountains With Karen Travers Four Days/Three Nights April 30 to May 3, 2017 $595 (Limited to 15 people) From sheltered stream valleys to soaring mountain peaks, Virginia’s Shenandoah region is home to over 1400 species of wildflowers, ferns, shrubs, and trees. Explore these diverse habitats with Mt. Cuba Center staff and tour leaders as you hike past the cascading waterfalls of White Oak Canyon and along the botanically-rich Rose River Trail watching for trilliums, native orchids, and squawroot. Stops along the Skyline Drive reveal panoramic views of the Blue Ridge mountains and their verdant river valleys. A visit to the historic gardens of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello completes this extraordinary immersion into the springtime beauty of the Virginia highlands. Hikes accommodate various abilities, from beginner to experienced. Comfortable accommodations with remarkable mountain views include three hearty, family style meals per day prepared from produce grown in on-site gardens and orchards, and time to share photos over wine and cheese in the evenings. Fee includes van transportation from Mt. Cuba Center, double occupancy lodging with private bath, all meals (except in transit), entrance fees, and wine and cheese socials. To register, a $100 nonrefundable deposit is required by February 1, 2017, balance due by April 1. Single supplement is $65. This applies if you request a private room or if you are willing to share but there is no same-gender person for you to share with.
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EVENTS COPELAND NATIVE PLANT SEMINAR: Attracting Birds and Wildlife to Your Garden
Co-sponsored by Delaware Nature Society and Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, April 8, 2017 9 am – 2:30 pm $65 ($50 for DNS members) Join nationally recognized authors C. Colston Burrell and Doug Tallamy for a morning of inspirational talks followed by a bird-banding demonstration, container garden workshop, and garden tours in the afternoon.
Beauty, Integrity, and Resilience: Can a Garden Have Everything?
With C. Colston Burrell 9:15 – 10:45 am Do our gardening practices have a negative impact on the environment? Can we make a difference by changing the way we approach design, plant selection, planting techniques, and maintenance regimes? How do we meet our aesthetic goals while providing the structure and resources necessary to maintain the insects and birds we love? These are a few of the questions Colston explores when melding design considerations with ecosystem form and function. C. Colston Burrell is an acclaimed lecturer, garden designer, award-winning author, gardener, and photographer. A certified chlorophyll addict, Cole is an avid and lifelong plantsman, and naturalist.
Super Plants in Our Landscapes
With Doug Tallamy 11 am – 12 pm Recent studies have shown that a few native plants – “super plants” – produce most of the food that supports local biodiversity. Designing landscapes with lots of plant species helps create stable food webs and productive ecosystems, but the “super plants” must be part of your landscape for the food web to exist at all. Doug explains why this is so and how we can build diverse landscapes that always include “super plants”. Doug Tallamy is a celebrated author and ecologist and a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. He has been awarded the Garden Club of America Margaret Douglas Medal for Conservation and the Cullowhee Conference’s Tom Dodd Jr. Award of Excellence. Afternoon Sessions: (Select One) Private Garden Tour 1 – 2:30 pm Spring Container Garden Workshop 1 – 1:45 pm Mt. Cuba Center Stroll 1 – 4 pm See more details and register by calling Delaware Nature Society at 302.239.2334 or visit www.DelNature.org The Copeland Native Plant Seminar was named in honor of the late Pamela C. and Lammot du Pont Copeland, noted philanthropists and conservationists who created Mt. Cuba Center.
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Autumn Art-In
All artists welcome Friday, September 16 (Rain Date: Friday, September 23) 10 am – 4 pm Free! Let your creativity blossom while you draw, paint, or photograph the fall colors of Mt. Cuba Center’s natural, beautiful, and ever-changing gardens. Meet other participating artists and enjoy a lovely day of art and inspiration. Although this is a free event for participating artists, registration is required. Call Mt. Cuba Center at 302.239.8891, visit our website www.mtcubacenter.org, or register on site. Since parking is limited, arrive before noon to guarantee a space and access to the art shuttle. Please note that Mt. Cuba Center is a carry-in, carry-out facility. For complete information, you can review the guidelines on our website. Art-In participants are invited to submit their finished work for potential inclusion in the next Program Guide. Mary Lou Hamilton’s painting from the Spring 2016 Art-In can be seen on page 19.
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ECOLOGICAL GARDENING CERTIFICATE ECOLOGICAL GARDENING CERTIFICATE Whether you’re a backyard gardener, landscape professional, or just interested in native plants and their wildlife interactions, Mt. Cuba Center’s Ecological Gardening Certificate program offers a comprehensive approach to gardening in harmony with nature using ecologically sound practices. Subjects include the importance of life in the soil, identifying and growing native plants, and the fundamentals of eco-friendly horticultural techniques. Learn how to attract and nurture beneficial wildlife such as birds, bees, and butterflies by creating inviting, biologically diverse landscapes. Use these skills to transform your garden or neighborhood greenspace into habitats that enhance and preserve the ecological integrity of our plant communities. Certificate classes are open to everyone. Complete all classes to earn a certificate, or take only the ones that interest you. Students seeking certification must pass an evaluation (project, quiz, exam, etc.) for each course. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to: •
Identify and use native plants in the landscape
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Apply organic gardening practices to create resilient environments
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Design and create ecologically sound gardens by imitating nature’s patterns and systems
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Manage plant health issues using sustainable techniques
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Become conservators of our natural habitats
ECOLOGICAL GARDENING CERTIFICATE Course Name
Hours
Fundamentals of Ecological Gardening
8
Sustainable Landscape Techniques
8
Botany for Gardeners
8
Enhancing Life in the Soil
16
Ecosystems and Plant Communities
15
Plant Propagation
8
Inviting Wildlife into the Garden
15
Native Plants of Spring
12
Native Plants of Summer
12
Native Plants of Fall
12
Integrated Pest Management
12
Plant Disease Management
8
Invasive Plants
8
Environmental Landscape Design
16
Total Hours for Certificate Completion
158
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CERTIFICATE CLASSES Plant Disease Management With Robert Mulrooney Two Fridays: September 9 & 16 10 am – 2:30 pm $125
Gardening with nature requires knowledge of the various pathogenic fungi, bacteria, and viruses that affect native plants and the environmental conditions that lead to infection. Become your own plant health detective and learn the signs and symptoms of the most common plant diseases in our landscapes. Study disease life cycles and discuss multifaceted management strategies for prevention and control, then implement them in your garden. Bring your lunch.
Native Plants of Fall
With Renée Kemmerer and Eileen Boyle Six Wednesdays: September 14 to October 19 Optional exam: October 26 10 am – 12 pm $185 As the days get cooler and nights grow longer, attractive fall plants offer captivating flowers, enticing fruit, and stunning leaf color. They also provide much needed food for resident and migrating birds and other wildlife. Learn to identify 60 beautiful and functional native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials that can enhance your garden. Through lecture and outdoor labs, examine the identifying characteristics, preferred site conditions, and the environmental significance of each plant.
Fundamentals of Ecological Gardening With Susan Boss, Eileen Boyle, Erin McCormick, Vic Piatt, Margaret Shillingford, Jimmy Testa, and Marcie Weigelt Two Saturdays: September 24 & October 1 (Rain Date: Saturday, October 8) 10 am – 2:30 pm $125
Become a better gardener—sustainably. Discover the garden as an ecosystem and look to nature for best management strategies. Learn how to prepare a site, make wise plant selections, and install, establish, and nurture native plants in your garden. Observe demonstrations by Mt. Cuba Center horticulturists on basic sustainable gardening techniques, the proper use of tools, and organic approaches to plant health care. Leave with a guide to seasonal gardening tasks and make every garden an ecologically sound one. Bring your lunch.
Invasive Plants
With Sylvan Kaufman, PhD, and Nathan Shampine Saturday and Sunday: November 5 & 6 10 am – 2:30 pm $125 Is your landscape being invaded by overly aggressive plants? Examine the problems caused by non-native invasive plants and discover management strategies for controlling them. Learn how to identify common alien invaders and how to distinguish them from similar looking native species. Help stem the tide and give natives more room to grow. Bring your lunch. Sylvan Kaufman’s book, Invasive Plants: Guide to identification and the Impacts and Control of Common North American Species, will be available for purchase and signing by the author.
CERTIFICATE CLASSES Enhancing Life in the Soil
With Eileen Boyle, Duncan Himmelman, PhD, David Korbonits, and Margaret Shillingford Four Saturdays: March 4 to April 1 (No class March 18) (Snow Date: Saturday April 8) 10 am – 2:30 pm $245
Environmental Landscape Design With Jenna Webster Five Thursdays: February 23 to March 23 (Snow Date: Thursday, March 30) Optional project evaluation: March 30 (Snow Date: Thursday April 6) 1 – 4 pm $245
Ecologically sound landscapes require less maintenance, fewer inputs, and are adapted to local environmental conditions. Learn how to measure, inventory, and analyze a site; then make a conceptual design and planting plan using the “right plant, right place” approach. Broaden your design perspective, increase biodiversity in the landscape with native plants, decrease space dedicated to lawn, and create habitats that benefit insects, birds, and other fauna. See our website www.mtcubacenter.org for a class materials list. It is recommended that students complete the native plant courses and Sustainable Landscape Techniques before enrolling in this course.
Native plant communities are supported by healthy, balanced soils that contain a diverse array of living organisms including microbes, insects, and worms. Learn the basics of soil science, the value of organic matter and its role in soil structure and nutrition, and the importance of soil organisms. Learn how to make and use compost and compost tea, and how sustainable gardening practices contribute to creating high quality garden soil. Go home with a greater understanding of the life in your soil and knowing why you won’t need to buy fertilizer ever again. Bring your lunch.
Native Plants of Spring
With Eileen Boyle and Margaret Shillingford Six Thursdays: April 13 to May 18 Optional exam: May 25 5 – 7 pm $185 As Earth awakens from its winter slumber, experience the colors, fragrances, and rapid progression of spring-flowering native plants. Through lectures and outdoor labs, learn to identify 60 beautiful and ecologically valuable trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials. Examine the identifying characteristics of each plant and its preferred growing conditions, overall size, and environmental significance. With this knowledge, make informed plant selections for your spring garden.
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WEEKEND GARDENING SERIES FALL GARDENING SATURDAY
SPRING GARDENING SATURDAY
Saturday, October 8 9:30 am – 1:30 pm $35 for all three or $15 per session
Saturday, March 25 9:30 am – 1:30 pm $35 for all three or $15 per session
Autumn is for Asters
Intro to Eco-Gardening
With Eileen Boyle 9:30 – 10:30 am
With Eileen Hazard 9:30 – 10:30 am
Ideal for garden beds, containers, or natural meadows, asters are versatile and easy-to-grow perennials. This large group of low-maintenance plants includes our native New York and New England asters, white wood aster, and showy aster. Learn which varieties do best in sun, shade, and moist or dry conditions.
Eco-friendly gardening is all about working with nature, not against it. Learn how to select and combine native plants to create beautiful habitats, reduce water usage, and maximize your soil’s potential. Save time, energy, and resources by creating environmentally sound, natural gardens.
Fall Trees and Shrubs
Beautiful Native Plants Year-Round
With Duncan Himmelman, PhD 10:45 – 11:45 am
With Nancy Bell 10:45 – 11:45 am
As summer draws to an end, there is no reason why your garden should lose its luster. Many native trees and shrubs offer a dynamic succession of colorful foliage, fruit, and bark throughout the fall season. Leave with a list of exceptional woody plants to add to your garden this year.
Native plants already fit into the landscape because they are adapted to our local growing conditions. Learn easy-to-grow and readily available species that are ideal for home gardens and provide color, texture, ecological services, and seasonal interest all year long. From wildflowers to shrubs, trees, and vines, there’s something for everyone!
Lunch (12 – 12:30 pm)
Lunch (12 – 12:30 pm)
Whether planting native trees and shrubs to diversify your landscape or selecting easy-to-grow perennials that add color to the fall garden, autumn is a busy time of year! Join us for this fun, information filled day and take away a wealth of tips for gardening this season. Enjoy the whole day or register for individual sessions. Bring your lunch.
The Autumn Perennial Garden With Nancy Bell 12:30 – 1:30 pm
A wealth of native perennials provide color, structure, and textural intrigue in the autumn garden. These include goldenrods, New York ironweed, black-eyed Susan, and drought tolerant grasses. Explore the possibilities of creating borders that are beautiful, diverse, and support late-season pollinators.
Your garden can be a place of beauty and tranquility without devoting all your spare time to it. Choosing native plants with multi-season interest, using eco-friendly gardening techniques, and getting the soil off to a great start will make gardening rewarding and fun. Enjoy the whole day or register for individual sessions. Bring your lunch.
Soil Basics: Get it Right!
With Duncan Himmelman, PhD 12:30 – 1:30 pm Healthy soil is alive with microorganisms and contains the food your plants need. Learn how to improve soil quality using compost instead of fertilizers, and why plants are healthier and grow better in a dynamic, living soil. Give your garden a solid foundation and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come!
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WEEKEND GARDENING SERIES HOME LANDSCAPING BASICS New to home ownership or needing some professional guidance when it comes to landscaping your yard? Through lectures, discussions, and site visits, learn how to develop landscapes that balance aesthetics with practicality. Get started on creating a home landscape that works best for you. Take one course or all three! $80 for all three or $30 per course
Getting Started
Shaping Your Garden
With Eileen Boyle Sunday, March 19 1 – 3 pm
With Duncan Himmelman, PhD Sunday, April 2 1 – 3 pm
Explore ways to create diverse, attractive, and functional landscapes using basic principles of naturalistic garden design. Learn how to work with your site to solve problems and maximize its use. Sun, shade, wind patterns, microclimates, existing conditions, and other factors will be discussed.
A welcoming entry to your home can be more than merely a lawn, a tree, and a regimented row of traditional foundation plants. Learn how to design pathways that have purpose, beds that create interest and variety throughout the year, and a yard that is well organized, functional, and meets your needs while supporting local ecosystems.
Right Plant, Right Place With Nancy Bell Sunday, March 26 1 – 3 pm
Avoid costly errors by choosing the right plant for the right place based on environmental conditions, available space, and desired outcome. Learn how to select native plants and organize them into combinations that reduce maintenance and look good year-round.
WEEKEND GARDENING SERIES GARDENING TECHNIQUES Good horticultural practices are the key to successful gardens, and understanding how to apply them is the first step toward that goal. Learn proper techniques for dividing perennials, making compost, pruning shrubs, and managing your garden tools this year.
Dividing Perennials
With Duncan Himmelman, PhD Session A: Thursday, October 27 Session B: Saturday, October 29 10 – 11:30 am $25 Fall is a good time to divide herbaceous perennials. It allows you to increase the number of plants in the garden, control the size of plants, and rejuvenate them if they’ve started to slow down. Learn the why, when, and how of dividing perennials and caring for the new plantlets.
Home Composting Techniques With Eileen Boyle Session A: Thursday, October 27 Session B: Saturday, October 29 12 – 1:30 pm $25
Duplicate nature’s recycling process by turning leaves, grass clippings, yard trimmings, and kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost. Learn how to set up a compost bin or pile, what materials can be safely composted, and simple techniques to easily make soil-enhancing compost at home.
Winterizing Garden Tools With Scott Freedman Saturday, November 12 10 am – 12 pm $25
As you are putting the garden to bed this fall, don’t forget that your garden tools need a little TLC too. Scott Freedman, a Grounds Maintenance Technician at Mt. Cuba Center, shows you how to properly clean and store hand tools, sharpen pruners and shovels, and winterize motorized equipment. Preventive maintenance now can avoid costly repairs later.
Fundamentals of Pruning
With Duncan Himmelman, PhD Session A: Saturday, December 3 (Rain Date: Saturday, December 10) Session B: Friday, February 24 (Snow Date: Friday, March 3) 10:30 am – 2 pm $50 Proper pruning is the key to maintaining plant health, vigor, and the desired form. In this hands-on workshop, learn basic pruning principles such as how to make proper cuts, the best times of year to prune different species, and how to select and maintain tools. Gain the confidence to prune your plants in a more naturalistic, appealing, and professional way. Bring your lunch, work gloves, and hand pruners.
Garden Equipment Tune-Up! With Scott Freedman Saturday, February 18 10 am – 12 pm $25
With spring just around the corner, it’s time to prepare your outdoor power equipment for the busy season ahead. Scott Freedman shows you how to tune up a lawn mower, string trimmer, and leaf blower, ensuring all parts are functioning properly and safely. Leave knowing how to troubleshoot equipment and stave off any potential problems.
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REDESIGNED SOUTH GARDEN
Painting by Mary Lou Hamilton
Redesigned South Garden Demonstrates Native Plants in a Formal Setting Filled with buzzing pollinators and singing birds, Mt. Cuba Center’s South Garden is in full bloom for the first time since its redesign in 2015. Using only native perennials and shrubs, the garden gradually changes through the seasons as the plants reach their peak bloom, demonstrating the colorful effect that can be achieved with native plants in a sunny garden area. Originally designed by renowned landscape architect Marian Coffin in 1945, the garden layout is formal with brick walls and symmetrical paths lined with beds. Recently opened to full sun after the trees that formerly shaded the site were replaced, the garden suddenly required plants that could tough it out in such bright light. “One of the first criteria of the plants we chose was that they had to tolerate drought and heat,” said Donna Wiley, Mt. Cuba Center’s Formal Gardens Horticulturist. “The brick walls in this garden just radiate heat, so the plants had to be tough as well as pretty.” After coming up with a list of native perennials and shrubs that would thrive in these conditions, Mt. Cuba Center’s horticulturists carefully selected plants whose colors reflected the warm tones of the bricks in the walls and paths, including many hues of purple, silver, red, and orange. These colors inspired the palette of blooms and foliage in the garden beds. “It was complicated,” said Wiley. “We started off with just what was going to survive here, then selected the color scheme we wanted, and then the bloom time. We sometimes had to go back to the drawing board.” The bloom times of the plants overlap so that there is always color in the garden, whether in April or October.
REDESIGNED SOUTH GARDEN
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Conservation Corps
Mt. Cuba Center Orchid Scouts
“We intentionally set it up to start a little soft in the springtime,” said Travis Beck, Mt. Cuba Center’s Director of Horticulture. “It begins with pinks, a gentle blue, and a soft yellow. Then we wanted the colors to intensify somewhat towards mid-season— stronger oranges as well as vibrant purple—and then it will switch to a blue and yellow color scheme towards fall.” These plants have transformed what was formerly a quiet garden area into one humming—and buzzing, and singing—with wildlife. “The garden is so alive,” said Beck. “Even within days of planting, we had not only bumble bees, but monarch butterflies. I think it really does show the potential of using native plants to improve an ecosystem on a very small scale.” Visitors to the garden can expect to see a formal display of plants that provide many ecological benefits to pollinators and birds, as well as beauty that would complement a home landscape. “This is a great way for visitors to get their eyes on native, full sun perennials that are easy to care for with few pest and disease problems,” said Vic Piatt, Mt. Cuba Center’s Gardens Manager. Most plants in the garden are readily available at local nurseries, including Mt. Cuba Center’s own introductions. Docents and ambassadors have the South Garden plant list available upon request, complete with photographs and growing requirements.
We are currently seeking curious and motivated volunteers to monitor Delaware’s native orchid populations. Each “Orchid Scout” will be assigned to a unique population of orchids and will collect field data once per month during a two year research project. If you are interested in participating in this citizen science project, contact Eileen Hazard at ehazard@mtcubacenter.org or 302-239-8812. Mt. Cuba Center is committed to the preser vation of native plants and their habitats, and the conservation and restoration of open space. To help achieve those goals, we have organized a variety of citizen science projects for our Conservation Corps of volunteers. Stay tuned for other Conservation Corps opportunities •••
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GARDENING CLASSES Propagating Native Ferns With Stephen Pyne Saturday, September 10 10 am – 12:30 pm $45 (Materials Included)
Discover how simple it is to grow ferns from spores. Steve Pyne, Greenhouse Assistant at Mt. Cuba Center and skilled fern propagator, reviews the life cycle of these ancient plants, how to properly collect and dry fertile fronds, and the basic steps for successfully propagating native ferns. Learn when and how to divide ferns, prepare a spore-starting medium, sow spores, and set up a simple growing system to take home with you.
Rejuvenate Your Garden With Nancy Bell Saturday, September 17 11 am – 12:30 pm $25
Early fall is a great time to take stock of your yard and make changes for next spring. Look for plants that are overgrown, have not provided the landscape impact you were hoping for, or are simply in the wrong place. Take a fresh approach and replace them with hardy, better adapted native trees, shrubs, and perennials that will flourish in your garden.
Tree ID Basics
With Eileen Boyle and Duncan Himmelman Session A: Saturday, September 17, 1 – 4 pm Session B: Friday, September 30, 10 am – 1 pm $45 The native trees of the Appalachian Piedmont form the backbone of our local landscapes. Learn simple techniques to identify the most common species by examining bark, leaves, twigs, fruit, and overall form. This class includes a garden walk to observe trees in their natural habitats.
Autumn Groundcovers
With Duncan Himmelman, PhD Session A: Thursday, October 13, 10 – 11:30 am Session B: Sunday, October 16, 1 – 2:30 pm $25 Natural landscapes consist of multiple layers of plants: groundcovers, shrubs, and trees. Although mulch is a commonly used groundcover, a tapestry of plants is more visually appealing and ecologically valuable. Learn ten attractive, tough, and versatile native plants to use as groundcovers for late fall and early winter appeal. Gardeners of all levels will benefit from this addition to their horticultural expertise.
GARDENING CLASSES Plants with Winter Interest With Anna Wik, PhD Thursday, January 26 (Snow Date: Thursday, February 2) 10 am – 1 pm $45
A winter landscape has a beauty all its own. Colorful and striking stems and bark, unique branching patterns, and persistent berries and cones provide a wealth of visual interest in the garden throughout the winter. Learn the cultural requirements and ecological benefits of our native evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and perennials that create naturally beautiful winter gardens.
Unravelling Botanical Names With Amy Highland Wednesday, February 15 (Snow Date: Wednesday, February 22) 10:30 – 11:30 am $15
Scientific names offer precision and accuracy when identifying plants, but they are also a bit intimidating. Amy Highland, Director of Collections at Mt. Cuba Center, explains how to pronounce botanical names and reveals how they provide an extra layer of understanding about plants: where they come from; who discovered them; what groups they belong to; and even how they were used in native cultures. Learn ways to conquer the secret language of plants and add another level of skill to your gardening talents.
Landscape for Life
With Kathleen Salisbury and Margaret Shillingford Five Wednesdays: March 8 to April 5 (Snow Date: Wednesday, April 12) 5 – 7:30 pm $110 Create healthy, beautiful landscapes using a toolkit of basic skills that work in harmony with nature. Learn how compost is useful in helping you manage water responsibly, along with plants that are both attractive and provide habitats for beneficial insects. Discover the value of using locally sourced materials. It doesn’t matter whether you garden in a city or suburban lot, a 20-acre farm, or the common area of your condominium, it is possible to have a great looking garden that is healthier for you, your pets, and the environment.
Resilient Rain Garden Plants With Connie Schmotzer Friday, March 24 10 am – 12 pm $30
Rain gardens do double duty in our landscapes: they clean and infiltrate storm water and become an oasis for butterflies, songbirds, and pollinators. Proper plant selection and placement are vital to a well-designed, functional rain garden. Learn how to select and plant colorful, hardy plants for these specialized gardens based on sun/shade patterns, wet/dry conditions, and seasonal flowering habits.
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CONSERVATION CLASSES Insects: Hunters, Gatherers, and Grazers
Plan, Install, and Maintain a Native Plant Meadow
Take a closer look at the world of insects living in your garden. Learn to distinguish those that are native to Delaware and pollinate our plants from others that prey on insect pests or simply graze the floral landscape for whatever comes their way. Walk Mt. Cuba Center’s gardens to see this biodiverse group in action.
Meadows are unmatched in their ability to provide year-round beauty and long-term, high quality habitats for beneficial insects and resident birds. Learn the “why, how, what, when and where” of turning an area of lawn into an aesthetically rich and environmentally functional native plant community that conserves limited resources and requires fewer inputs. Get started today!
With Faith Kuehn, PhD Saturday, September 10 1 – 3 pm $30
Wild Mushroom Foraging With Tugrul Deluce Saturday, October 1 (Rain Date: Sunday, October 2) 10 am – 1 pm $45
There are many species of magnificent mushrooms to discover in your own back yard. Join Tug DeLuce of the Chester County Mycological Association in search of seasonally available wild mushrooms in Mt. Cuba Center’s natural lands. Learn how to identify and harvest edible mushrooms, including chicken of the woods, black trumpets, and red chanterelles, and become familiar with the distinguishing features of toxic and medicinal types. Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and snacks, and be prepared for hilly terrain.
The Garden After Dark
With Judith Provencal, PhD Wednesday, October 5 (Rain Date: Thursday, October 6) 7 – 9 pm $15 From Perseus and Hercules to Pegasus and Leo, the autumn sky abounds with mesmerizing constellations. Join Judi Provencal of the Mt. Cuba Observatory as she briefly reviews the array of stars that inhabit these astral beings, then head to the garden to observe and identify them using telescopes and a unique app on your smartphone. Bring a blanket and dress appropriately for a night in the garden gazing at stars.
With Mark Gormel Two Saturdays: October 15 & 22 10 am – 12 pm $60
Full Moon Walk: Nature at Night With Eileen Hazard and Lou Schurter Wednesday, October 19 (Rain Date: Thursday, October 20) 6:30 – 8:30 pm $25
Discover the animals that prowl our fields and forests while you sleep: foxes, opossums, coyotes, bats, raccoons, and deer. Gain an appreciation of the habitats they call home and learn about their sources of food and shelter, adaptations that allow them to thrive in the dark, and the roles they play in our local ecosystem. Begin with a brief presentation followed by an outdoor moonlit walk in our natural lands. Sturdy shoes are recommended; bring a flashlight or headlamp if possible.
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CONSERVATION CLASSES
Second Saturdays This Fall
Grow a Living Birdfeeder With Dana Lynch Friday, October 21 10:30 am – 12 pm $25
The variety of plants in your yard plays a vital role in providing the nutrient-rich food birds need to complete their migratory routes as well as survive and thrive year-round here at home. Discover which native perennials, shrubs, and trees to plant as “living birdfeeders” in your home garden. Support our precious bird populations and enjoy the beauty and value they bring to your landscape.
Visit Mt. Cuba Center on September 10 for our Gardening for the Birds Second Saturday Program. While you stroll through the gardens, enjoy the hands-on interpretive stations and learn how to grow a bird feeder using native plants. On October 8, discover the important ecological services provided by Native Trees in Your Landscape. Find a good picnic spot as food and beverages will be available for purchase from a local food truck on both days. Each visitor receives a complimentary native plant as well as a $5 coupon that can be applied to any available course l i s te d i n t h e 2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 7 Fall – Winter Program Guide. •••
Hike the Mt. Cuba Center to Ashland Loop With Joe Sebastiani and Nathan Shampine Wednesday, October 26 (Rain Date: Wednesday, November 2) 9 am – 1:30 pm $20
Join Nathan Shampine, Natural Lands Manager at Mt. Cuba Center, and Joe Sebastiani, Manager at Ashland Nature Center, in this rare “behind the scenes” trek from Mt. Cuba Center through Red Clay Reservation, to Ashland Nature Center, and back. Traverse this unique Piedmont landscape while passing an American chestnut plantation; walking through meadows and forested habitats; visiting a reforestation experiment; and enjoying the colors of fall along the way. Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and snacks, and be prepared for an extensive hike through hilly terrain.
Owl Howl
With Jim White Session A: Wednesday, January 25 (Snow Date: Thursday, January 26) Session B: Wednesday, February 8 (Snow Date: Thursday, February 9) 4:30 – 7 pm $15 Many people have heard an owl but few have ever seen one. Mt. Cuba Center’s varied landscapes and topography provide the ideal habitats for four of Delaware’s native owl species – the barred, barn, great horned, and Eastern screech – and winter is the best time to spot them roosting in our trees. Owls are nocturnal so join us as we search for them just after dusk. Following a brief introductory lecture, we’ll head out into the garden and listen for their unique calls. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy winter boots.
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ART CLASSES GARDEN CRAFTS UNCORKED!
(Ages 21 and over) Enjoy a night out with friends at Mt. Cuba Center. Unwind as you sip wine and create garden masterpieces from native plants, recycled materials, and organic products. We provide the crafts—you bring the wine and company! With Mt. Cuba Center Staff Fridays: September 9, October 7, and November 4
Pressed Flower Keepsake Box Friday, September 9 6 – 7:30 pm $25 (Materials Included)
Create a charming keepsake box using colorful pressed flowers, lacy fern foliage, and preserved leaves of native plants. Begin by painting a small wooden box; then attach flowers and leaves in any pattern you wish, making a unique memento of the garden or a special gift for a loved one.
Rustic Autumn Wreath Friday, October 7 6 – 7:30 pm $25 (Materials Included)
Assemble a rustic wreath for your door using wood slices cut from fallen branches on Mt. Cuba Center’s property. Accent your design with dried flowers, leaves, grasses, and acorns; then add a fabric bow of your choice. This wreath makes a great addition for your home no matter what the holiday or season.
Wine Glass Illuminators Friday, November 4 6 – 7:30 pm $25 (Materials Included)
Harry Potter has nothing on us! Light up your next special event with illuminators made for a wine glass or champagne flute. Decorate opaque vellum lamp shades with colorful pressed flowers and leaves, add a battery operated tea light, and voilà, you have beautiful lamps for added tabletop glow! Bring a wine glass to test run these delightful shades.
ART CLASSES Drawing Plants: Quick and Simple! With Margaret Saylor Five Thursdays: September 8 to October 6 10 am – 1 pm $190
Discover the fascinating details of autumn plants in this relaxed, beginner-level class. Develop basic drawing skills by observing and sketching a variety of leaves, fruit, and branches. Using graphite, watercolor, or colored pencil, explore line, shape, form, texture, and value. Through demonstration, individual instruction, and plenty of exercises, gain confidence in drawing plants this season. No previous art experience needed. A detailed materials list is available on our website www.mtcubacenter.org
Nature Art Cards
With Diana Heitzman Wednesday, September 28 10:30 am – 1:30 pm $30 (Materials Included) Use the natural beauty of autumn leaves to craft simple, colorful notecards that can easily be framed as gifts for friends and family. Choose from a selection of leaves to paint and use as living stamps for your art cards. These one-of-a-kind handcrafted greeting cards from the garden are sure to be a hit! Beginners are welcome.
Rustic Garden Tuteur
With Mt. Cuba Center Staff Friday, October 14 10 – 11:30 am $30 (Materials Included) Give flowering vines something to climb on so they don’t run rampant in your garden. Tuteurs, or pyramids, have been around for hundreds of years and are ideal supports for vining species. Using invasive plant materials and minimal construction supplies, create a rustic tuteur to add visual interest to the garden while keeping vines in check. Bring work gloves and pruners.
Painting Woodland Wonders: Foliage and Fungi
With Margaret Saylor Thursday to Saturday, October 20 – 22 10 am – 3:30 pm $190 Discover the uncommon beauty in fungi, lichens, fallen leaves, and mossy stumps as you explore the gardens at Mt. Cuba Center. Observe a variety of mushrooms, colorful vignettes of foliage and bark, and the muted earth-tones of the autumn garden before selecting a subject to draw. Arrange, sketch, and create a unique composition guided by demonstrations, individual instruction, and selected examples of Margaret Saylor’s art. All levels of ability are welcome! Bring your lunch and be prepared to walk outdoors. A detailed materials list is available on our website www.mtcubacenter.org
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ART CLASSES Fall Photography Stroll With Chris Starr Saturday, October 29 7 – 11 am $20
Enjoy this early morning opportunity to photograph the unique gardens of Mt. Cuba Center as fall color nears its seasonal peak. Photographers of all experience levels receive professional guidance on technical and aesthetic elements of picture-taking from Chris Starr, a gifted photographer. Gain insights, advice, and encouragement and leave with a better understanding of how to take outstanding shots. Bring your camera, lenses, tripod, and camera manual.
Botanical Art: Guided Studio Time With Margaret Saylor Session A: Five Thursdays, November 3 to December 15 (No class 11/24 and 12/1) Session B: Five Thursdays, March 2 – 30 (Snow Date: Thursday, April 6) 10 am – 1 pm $190
Enjoy drawing and painting in the company of others in a relaxed, supportive environment. Begin a new work of art, continue working on pieces already started, or simply refresh your drawing skills in this dedicated studio time. Explore a variety of techniques and mediums used in creating botanical art while the instructor provides individualized direction. All levels of experience are welcome! Bring art materials you are familiar with and are comfortable using: watercolor, graphite, colored pencil.
ART CLASSES NATURAL INSPIRATIONS Dress up the holidays with easy-to-make, long-lasting decorations for your front door, mantelpiece, or dining table. Using a variety of botanicals including flowers, berries, and fruit, as well as aromatic pine and cedar, craft beautiful, individually inspired pieces in these fun, relaxing courses.
Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece
Classic Winter Centerpiece
Create a beautiful harvest-themed centerpiece for Thanksgiving using autumn flowers, berries, and dried botanicals. Accent it with gourds, small fruits, and nuts, and see how this unique, simple, and colorful arrangement enhances your holiday table. Bring hand pruners and a medium to large box to transport your finished arrangement home.
Imbue your dining room with the aroma of freshly gathered evergreen boughs using this classic winter centerpiece. Embellish it with assorted accents of magnolia, holly, pine cones, and berry-filled branches. Finish it with a decorative bow for added holiday elegance. Bring hand pruners and a medium to large box to transport your finished arrangement home.
With Ken Norman Wednesday, November 16 10:30 am – 12:30 pm $50 (Materials Included)
Magnolia Holiday Wreath
With Ken Norman Session A: Thursday, December 1 10 am – 12 pm Session B: Thursday, December 1 1 – 3 pm $60 (Materials Included) Create a decorative holiday wreath using magnolia leaves combined with fresh evergreen boughs, including cedar and pine. Adorn it with foraged pine cones and berries to enhance the natural design style. A festive bow adds eye-catching seasonal flair. Bring hand pruners and gloves.
With Ken Norman Friday, December 16 10:30 am – 12:30 pm $50 (Materials Included)
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WELLNESS CLASSES Gift Certificates
Share Mt. Cuba Center with someone special by giving the gift of inspiration! Treat a friend or family member with a gift certificate this season. We offer many engaging and enriching classes throughout the year, from basic gardening skills to in-depth certificate courses in sustainable landscape techniques, plant identification, and habitat development. Discover the value of native plants, the diversity of pollinators and birds they support, and the many ways that you can make a difference in your community! Gift certificates are available in any denomination and may be redeemed for classes, admission, Season Passes, or merchandise. Call 302.239.4244 for more information. •••
Yoga
With Michael Fahey Session A: Six Wednesdays: September 7 to October 12 Session B: Six Wednesdays: February 15 to March 22 5 – 6 pm $60 Increase your range of motion, core body strength, and flexibility through the practice of yoga in a lovely garden setting. Focus on stretching techniques that safely promote proper spinal position, balance, and joint health. No experience is necessary. Use of props, including blankets and chairs, helps students achieve correct body alignment. Bring a yoga mat and towel, and wear comfortable clothing. (Ages 18 and over)
Fall Fitness Walks
With Eileen Hazard and Lou Schurter Six Fridays: September 16 to October 21 (Rain Date: October 28) 8:30 – 9:30 am $30 Experience the natural beauty of Mt. Cuba Center’s gardens, forests, and meadows as they take on the vibrant colors of fall. During this invigorating hour-long walk, you will get to know the native flora as you improve your health, engage with our staff, and enjoy our extensive walking trails. Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and be prepared for hilly terrain. Participants in any exercise program are encouraged to make sure exercise is approved by their doctor.
INSTRUCTOR PROFILES
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INSTRUCTOR PROFILES Nancy Bell: Nancy is the Education and Garden Coach Coordinator at Gateway Garden Center in Hockessin, DE She has Certificates of Merit in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design from Longwood Gardens and currently hosts The Garden Clinic, a radio call-in talk show. Susan Boss: Sue is the Mt. Cuba Center Entrance Landscape Horticulturist responsible for the gardens along the entrance drive. Previously, she was a gardener at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library for 11 years. Eileen Boyle: Eileen is the Director of Education and Research at Mt. Cuba Center. She loves teaching, especially about plants and their relationships with birds and butterflies. Previously, she was the Director of Horticulture at the Philadelphia Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden. Tugrul Deluce: Tug grew up near Kennett Square, the mushroom cultivation capitol of the world. With eight years of field experience leading walks and forays, his expertise lies in mushroom identification. Tug has a lifelong desire to learn how to accurately identify any mushroom he comes across. Michael Fahey: Michael, a co-founder of the Awareness Center in Newark, DE, is in his 44th year as a yoga practitioner. He instructs at F.I.T. in Wilmington, and his classes emphasize the essentials of Iyengar yoga – focused attention on breathing and precise postural alignment – in a supportive and fun atmosphere. Scott Freedman: Scott is a Grounds Maintenance Technician at Mt. Cuba Center. Prior to this he managed a commercial maintenance company where he oversaw operations, equipment maintenance, scheduling, and purchasing. Mark Gormel: Mark is the Horticultural Coordinator for the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art. He is a nature photographer, frequent lecturer, and native plant consultant emphasizing the design, installation, and management of native plant meadows. Eileen Hazard: Eileen is the Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator at Mt. Cuba Center, promoting our mission of ecological gardening and habitat conservation to surrounding communities and overseeing the volunteer program. Previously she worked as an environmental engineer and an educator for a local watershed organization.
Diana Heitzman: Diana is an art instructor and watercolorist. She earned a BFA from Tyler School of Art, is a member of the ASBA and Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators, and shows her work at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Amy Highland: Amy is the Director of Collections at Mt. Cuba Center. She is developing the Core Collections policy and expanding the genetic diversity of specific garden genera. Duncan Himmelman, PhD: Duncan is the Education Manager at Mt. Cuba Center. He has advanced degrees in ornamental horticulture, has taught at colleges in Canada and the US, and has practiced horticulture for more than 35 years. Sylvan Kaufman, PhD: Sylvan is an adjunct professor for George Washington University and participates on the Maryland Invasive Plant Advisory Committee. She consults, writes, and teaches ecology, botany, and restoration topics. Renée Kemmerer: Renée is Mt. Cuba Center’s Dogwood Path Area Horticulturist who continues her lifelong dream of working with native plants and exploring their natural communities. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. David Korbonits: Dave is the Meadow Area Horticulturist at Mt. Cuba Center and author of The Meadow Plants at Mt. Cuba Center. He is also a member of Mt. Cuba Center’s compost program team. Faith Kuehn, PhD: Faith is the Environmental Program Administrator for the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Plant Industries. She catalogs native bees in vegetable production regions of the state and works with farmers to establish bee conservation practices on their farms. Dana Lynch: Dana is a former biologist with the Endangered Species Program of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. She has been with Mt. Cuba Center for the past 9 years as a docent and a Visitor Experience Assistant. Erin McCormick: Erin is a horticulturist at Mt. Cuba Center who rotates throughout the different garden areas. She is a graduate of Longwood Gardens’ Professional Gardener Program and has over 15 years of gardening experience.
INSTRUCTOR PROFILES Robert Mulrooney: Bob is a retired Extension Plant Pathologist with the University of Delaware. He was in charge of the Diagnostic Clinic and Nematode Assay Service and conducted educational programming in Plant Pathology.
Connie Schmotzer: Connie is the Consumer Horticulture Educator for Penn State Extension in York County. She coordinates the county Master Gardener Program and the statewide Pollinator Friendly Garden Certification Program.
Lytton John Musselman, PhD: Lytton teaches ethnobotany at Old Dominion University where he is the Mary Payne Hogan Professor of Botany. His most recent books are Plants of the Chesapeake Bay and The Quick Guide to Edible Plants.
Lou Schurter: Lou is a Natural Lands Steward at Mt. Cuba Center where he has managed both flora and fauna since 1993.
Ken Norman, AIFD, PFCI: Ken is a third-generation florist and has been a featured designer at the Philadelphia Flower Show. He conducts hands-on workshops, lectures, and presentations for professional and public audiences. Vic Piatt: Vic is a graduate of Longwood Gardens’ Professional Gardener Program. He has worked at Mt. Cuba Center for 24 years, where he has held many positions including Plant Evaluation Gardener and Rock Outcrop/Scree Gardens Horticulturist. Vic is now the Gardens Manager. Judith Provencal, PhD: Judi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware, and Director of the Delaware Asteroseismic Research Center (DARC). Stephen Pyne: Steve is a Greenhouse Assistant at Mt. Cuba Center and works in the Victorian Fernery at Morris Arboretum. His current projects include propagating ferns, lycopods, and terrestrial orchids. Kathleen Salisbury: Kathy is the Tree Fruit and Green Industry Extension Educator for Penn State Extension in southeast Pennsylvania. She is also co-owner of DeVosBury Designs, an ecological design and horticulture consulting firm.
Joe Sebastiani: Joe is the Ashland Nature Center Manager for the Delaware Nature Society. He is passionate about birds and wildlife, founded Ashland Hawk Watch, and edits Delaware eBird, an online checklist program, for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Nathan Shampine: Nate is Mt. Cuba Center’s Natural Lands Manager responsible for land conservation and developing healthy and functional ecosystems. He earned his degree in Environmental and Forest Biology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Margaret Shillingford: Margaret is the Education Coordinator at Mt. Cuba Center and a former docent. She earned her master’s degree in education from Wilmington University and is passionate about conserving the environment. Chris Starr: Chris is a talented, experienced, and knowledgeable photographer who has had many roles at Mt. Cuba Center. At present, he is a member of the grounds team. Jimmy Testa: Jimmy is the Woods Path Horticulturist/ IPM Liaison at Mt. Cuba Center and a graduate of the Professional Gardener Program at Longwood Gardens. His horticultural background includes propagation, arboriculture, and pest management.
Margaret Saylor: Margaret is the editor/designer of ASBA’s The Botanical Artist journal. She earned a Certificate in Botanical art and Illustration, with distinction, from the New York Botanical Garden.
Karen Travers: Karen is a professional field biologist and educator who has led natural history field trips for more than 25 years. She is a docent at Mt. Cuba Center and the past president of the Pennsbury Land Trust.
Peter Schafran: Peter is a PhD student at Old Dominion University studying the evolution of quillworts (Isoetes) in the southeastern United States. He and Lytton Musselman have spent five years creating over 200 cordials, aperitifs, wines, and beers from wild edible plants of the eastern United States.
Jenna Webster: Jenna is a designer with Larry Weaner Landscape Associates where she’s worked on meadow and habitat plans for public parks and preserves as well as landscape master plans for residential properties. She holds a Master of Science in Ecological Design from the Conway School.
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INSTRUCTOR PROFILES Scott Weidensaul: Scott is the author of more than two dozen books on natural history, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist Living on the Wind about bird migration. He lives in the mountains of eastern Pennsylvania where he studies the migration of hawks, owls, and hummingbirds. Marcie Weigelt: Marcie is the Pond Area Horticulturist at Mt. Cuba Center where she develops, maintains, and showcases our exceptional pond landscapes. She is an experienced and avid moss and fern gardener. Claudia West: Claudia is the Ecological Sales Manager and Lead Consultant at North Creek Nurseries. She and her team focus on the development of stable, layered planting systems for habitat and functional planting. She strives to bring American native plants and their essential functions and beauty back into our landscapes. Jim White: Jim has worked for the Delaware Nature Society for 34 years, currently serving as the Senior Fellow for Land and Biodiversity Management. In addition to insects, amphibians and reptiles, Jim is also keenly interested in birds, especially owls. He has led many field trips in pursuit of owls and presents programs on them throughout our area using his own photography. Anna Wik, RLA: Anna is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Delaware and a registered landscape architect. She has designed and managed the construction of many projects in the region. Anna teaches Herbaceous Plants at UD, emphasizing plants as key players in design and their ability to connect humans with nature.
PROGRAM CALENDAR Date
Course
9/7 – 10/12
September
Time
Page
Yoga: Session A
5 – 6 pm
31
9/8 – 10/6
Drawing Plants: Quick and Simple!
10 am – 1 pm
28
9/9 & 9/16
Plant Disease Management
10 am – 2:30 pm
13
9/9
Pressed Flower Keepsake Box
6 – 7:30 pm
27
9/10
Propagating Native Ferns
10 am – 12:30 pm
21
9/10
Insects: Hunters, Gatherers, and Grazers
1 – 3 pm
24
9/14 – 10/19
Native Plants of Fall
10 am – 12 pm
13
9/16 – 10/21
Fall Fitness Walks
8:30 – 9:30 am
31
9/16
Autumn Art-In
10 am – 4 pm
10
9/17
Rejuvenate Your Garden
11 am – 12:30 pm
21
9/17
Tree ID Basics: Session A
1 – 4 pm
21
9/24 & 10/1
Fundamentals of Ecological Gardening
10 am – 2:30 pm
13
9/28
Nature Art Cards
10:30 am – 1:30 pm
28
9/30
Tree ID Basics: Session B
10 am – 1 pm
21
October 10/1
Wild Mushroom Foraging
10 am – 1 pm
24
10/5
The Garden After Dark
7 – 9 pm
24
10/7
Rustic Autumn Wreath
6 – 7:30 pm
27
10/8
Fall Gardening Saturday
9:30 am – 1:30 pm
16
10/13
Autumn Groundcovers: Session A
10 – 11:30 am
21
10/14
Rustic Garden Tuteur
10 – 11:30 am
28
10/14
Tastings on the Terrace
6 – 8 pm
7
10/15 & 22
Plan, Install, and Maintain a Native Plant Meadow
10 am – 12 pm
24
10/16
Autumn Groundcovers: Session B
1 – 2:30 pm
21
10/19
Full Moon Walk: Nature at Night
6:30 – 8:30 pm
24
10/20 – 10/22
Painting Woodland Wonders: Foliage & Fungi
10 am – 3:30 pm
28
10/21
Grow a Living Birdfeeder
10:30 am – 12 pm
25
10/26
Hike the Mt. Cuba Center to Ashland Loop
9 am – 1:30 pm
25
10/27
Dividing Perennials: Session A
10 – 11:30 am
18
10/27
Home Composting Techniques: Session A
12 – 1:30 pm
18
10/29
Fall Photography Stroll
7 – 11 am
29
10/29
Dividing Perennials: Session B
10 – 11:30 am
18
10/29
Home Composting Techniques: Session B
12 – 1:30 pm
18
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PROGRAM CALENDAR Date
Course
Time
Page
11/3 – 12/15
Botanical Art: Guided Studio Time: Session A
November
10 am – 1 pm
29
11/4
Wine Glass Illuminators
6 – 7:30 pm
27
11/5 & 6
Invasive Plants
10 am – 2:30 pm
13
11/9
Workshop: Designing Plant Communities
10 am – 3:30 pm
7
11/11
Northern Saw-whet Owls: Enigmas of the Night
6:30 – 8:30 pm
7
11/12
Winterizing Garden Tools
10 am – 12 pm
18
11/16
Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece
10:30 am – 12:30 pm 30
December 12/1
Magnolia Holiday Wreath: Session A
10 am – 12 pm
30
12/1
Magnolia Holiday Wreath: Session B
1 – 3 pm
30
12/3
Fundamentals of Pruning: Session A
10:30 am – 2 pm
18
12/16
Classic Winter Centerpiece
10:30 am – 12:30 pm 30 January
1/25
Owl Howl: Session A
4:30 – 7 pm
25
1/26
Plants with Winter Interest
10 am – 1 pm
22
1/28
Conserving Rare Plants in the Internet Age
11 am – 12 pm
5
2/8
Owl Howl: Session B
4:30 – 7 pm
25
2/11
Wildflower Ecology: A Naturalist’s Perspective
11 am – 12 pm
5
2/15
Unravelling Botanical Names
10:30 – 11:30 am
22
2/15 – 3/22
Yoga: Session B
5 – 6 pm
31
2/18
Garden Equipment Tune-Up!
10 am – 12 pm
18
2/23 – 3/23
Environmental Landscape Design
1 – 4 pm
14
2/24
Fundamentals of Pruning: Session B
10:30 am – 2 pm
18
3/2 – 3/30
Botanical Art: Guided Studio Time: Session B
10 am – 1 pm
29
3/4 – 4/1
Enhancing Life in the Soil
10 am – 2:30 pm
14
3/8 – 4/5
Landscape for Life
5 – 7:30 pm
22
3/18
Liberate Your Home Landscape Plants
11 am – 12 pm
6
3/19
Home Landscaping Basics: Getting Started
1 – 3 pm
17
3/24
Resilient Rain Garden Plants
10 am – 12 pm
22
3/25
Spring Gardening Saturday
9:30 am – 1:30 pm
16
3/26
Home Landscaping Basics: Right Plant, Right Place
1 – 3 pm
17
4/2
Home Landscaping Basics: Shaping Your Garden
1 – 3 pm
17
4/8
Copeland Native Plant Seminar
9 am – 2:30 pm
9
4/13 – 5/18
Native Plants of Spring
5 – 7 pm
14
4/30 – 5/3
Exploring Wildflowers of the Shenandoah Mountains
All Day
8
February
March
April
STUDENT INFORMATION Registration: All classes are available for registration online at www.mtcubacenter.org or by calling 302.239.4244. Many classes fill quickly, so please register early to avoid disappointment. If your confirmation states “Wait List”, you will be called or emailed if an opening occurs. Season Passes: Passholders receive a 10% discount on Ecological Gardening Certificate courses. To purchase a Season Pass, please call 302.239.4244 or go online to www.mtcubacenter.org Payment & Refunds: Payment is required upon registration. Refunds are issued if registration is withdrawn at least seven days in advance of the scheduled start date or if the class is cancelled. Class Cancellations & Garden Closures: Occasionally we may cancel classes due to inclement weather, insufficient registration, or unforeseen circumstances. For updated information regarding closures and cancellations, call 302.239.4244 (option 3) or visit www.mtcubacenter.org/visit/cancellations Student Information: • Many classes are held outdoors. Please dress for the weather conditions and wear sturdy shoes as walking paths may be uneven. • Sunscreen, hats, and insect spray are recommended. • Due to our rolling terrain and mulched paths, the use of wheelchairs is limited. • Programs are held rain or shine unless specified otherwise. • Be advised that certain classes may be recorded and videotaped for educational or promotional purposes. • Please call 302.239.4244 or email education@mtcubacenter.org with questions or concerns. Continuing Education Units Most Mt. Cuba Center classes are approved for continuing education credits through organizations that serve arborists, certified nursery professionals, landscape architects and designers, organic growers, and other green industry professionals. Class descriptions with the CEU icon qualify for professional development hours with accrediting agencies. For more up-to-date information, please visit www.mtcubacenter.org/education
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