May 3, 2007 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

Home and Garden Festival

Morris Arboretum to host annual spring plant sale

Visitors stroll through annual Spring Plant Sale of Morris Arboretum during Mother’s Day weekend last year.

A sure sign that warmer weather is definitely on the way is the Spring Plant Sale of the Morris Arboretum. Every year on Mother’s Day weekend the Arboretum stages this annual sale at Bloomfield Farm, across the street from the Arboretum entrance.

Hundreds of trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials, many of which are unusual or difficult to find at other garden centers, will be available for the public on Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, May 13, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special members-only day on Friday May 11, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Arboretum experts will be on hand to answer questions and advise visitors with their choices. Those who come are welcome to become members on Friday to take advantage of membership benefits. Household memberships start at $65 a year. This includes a year of free admission to the Arboretum for two adults and all household children under 18, a 10 percent discount on the entire purchase at the Spring Plant Sale, one free bonus plant, a Morris Arboretum ultra-soft garden kneeler, a 10 percent discount in the gift shop, a 10 percent discount on classes, free admission to annual events, free admission to evening summer concerts and much more.

Spring is a good time to start planning a garden, and wandering the Morris Arboretum’s 92-acre horticulture display garden is an excellent way to get ideas.

The Arboretum features a spectacular collection of mature and rare trees in a Victorian landscape with numerous picturesque spots such as a formal rose garden, Japanese gardens, a swan pond, meadows, and an elegant fernery.

The Arboretum’s educational classes are also a great way to prepare for a successful summer of gardening. Classes are offered in several categories including: Arts and Crafts, Floral Design, Fun for Families, Landscape Design, Horticulture, Special Interest, Trips, Lecture Series, and Professional Training. Does a few nights of yoga in the garden intrigue you or is learning how to control the deer in your garden more your style? The Morris Arboretum has something to fit a wide range of interests.

For more information, call 215-247-5777 or visit the Morris Arboretum at www.morrisarboretum.org.

The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is located at 100 Northwestern Ave. in Chestnut Hill. In addition, the Morris Arboretum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.