Ladew Topiary Gardens

“The Most Outstanding Topiary Garden In America”

Picture of a Lecture Series at Ladew Gardens

Lecture Series : Spring 2012

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Held in Harvey Ladew’s Studio, lectures are $25 for members, and $30 for non-members.

Lunch, $12 is optional and by reservation. Reservations should be made in advance and accompanied
by
payment. Seating is limited. Coffee is served at 10 am. Lectures begin at 10:30 am promptly.

Registrants’ names are checked at the door on the day of the program (tickets are not mailed).

Please call (410) 557-9570, ext. 224 to register.

 

 


 

 

Picture of Lenny Wilson's Green Art ShoesThe Story of Green Art Shoes
with Lenny Wilson


Wednesday, March 21  |  10:30am in the Studio

Join artist, horticulturalist and shoemaker, Lenny Wilson, for an exploration into how he has used traditional shoemaking methods to create unique works of art out of leather, leaves and other plant materials. Lenny Wilson first learned the art of shoemaking in 1987 at a leather trades college in London, England. Shortly afterwards he began a career in public horticulture working for a local landscape designer in Wilmington, DE, then as a garden manager at Swarthmore College and garden designer at Scott Arboretum. Today, Lenny is the Assistant Director of Horticulture and Facilities at the Delaware Center of Horticulture, a non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of life in Delaware’s diverse communities through horticulture. Several of Lenny’s works will be available for sale. For more information, visit
www.thedch.org.

 

Picture of Frederick Law OlmstedGenius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted

with Justin Martin


Wednesday, March 28  |  10:30am in the Studio


Explore the story, as told by Justin Martin, of one of the most important figures in American history, Frederick Law Olmsted. Olmsted was a fervent abolitionist, noted journalist, Civil War hero, and early environmentalist. Most notably, he was the pioneering landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park, Boston’s Emerald Necklace, Stanford University, the Biltmore Estate, and dozens of other green spaces around the U.S., including Baltimore and other urban Maryland landscapes. Justin Martin is a 1987 graduate of Rice University in Houston, TX. In addition to authoring Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted, Martin is the author of two biographies: Alan Greenspan and Ralph Nader. Martin was married in Olmsted’s Central Park and lives with his family in Forest Hills Gardens, NY, a neighborhood designed by Olmsted’s son. A book sale and signing will follow the presentation.

 

 

Picture of Water GardenWater Gardening with Kelly Billing


Wednesday, April 4  |  10:30am in the Studio


Join horticulturalist Kelly Billing for an overview of water gardening principals and practices. From containers to larger koi ponds, this presentation will inspire beginners and broaden the knowledge of even the most seasoned water gardener. Kelly will also address attendees’ specific water gardening challenges. Kelly Billing has acquired over 20 years of experience in the water gardening industry working for Maryland Aquatic Nurseries, Inc. in Jarrettsville, MD. She compiled and maintains the Aquatic Plant Invasive Species List for the nursery trade in the United States. She writes regularly for various trade magazines, including the International Water Lily & Water Gardening Society. She recently co-authored, The Water Gardeners Bible, with Ben Helm, as well as The Lotus, Know It and Grow It, with Paula Biles. A book sale and signing will follow the presentation. For more information, visit www.marylandaquatic.com and www.aboutthelotus.com.

 

 

Picture of Hotel du SullyThe Gardens of Paris with CeCe Haydock


Wednesday, April 11  |  10:30am in the Studio


Paris gardens were originally inspired by the classical and romantic styles found in Italy and England. Over the past two hundred years, designers have created a uniquely Parisian look in their gardens, as they have become a cultural way of life. Today, Paris boasts more than 400 private and public gardens, each one appreciated for its distinct place in the fabric of the city. Parisians pride themselves in making their city’s parks and gardens places of elegance, artistic detail, and symmetry—even the romantic gardens have been carefully planned to imitate nature. This visual tour will include such well-known parks as Luxembourg, Tuileries and Bagatelle, smaller gardens such as Monceau, Rodin, and Carnavalet, and also a few surprises such as Promenade du Plantee, Hotel du Sully and Mosque du Paris. CeCe Haydock is a lecturer on historic gardens and a practicing landscape architect. In 2007, she researched Roman villas as a Visiting Scholar at the American Academy in Rome. She recently traveled to France, where she studied more than 25 large and small Parisian parks and gardens. For more information, visit
www.constancehaydock.com.



Picture of Succulent ContainerUsing Succulents in Container Designs

with Fran Scully and Tina Gibson


Wednesday, April 18 |  10:30am in the Studio

 

With increased focus on sustainability and water-wise gardening, succulent plants are taking center stage. Do you find yourself fascinated by these plants, yet overwhelmed by the array of choices? Join Fran Scully and Tina Gibson as they demonstrate the design process and how to use succulents and other drought-tolerant plants to create eye-catching, low maintenance containers. Fran Scully has worked in horticulture for over 20 years with experiences at Longwood Gardens, country clubs, private residences and the National Park Service. She has a Master’s degree in Historic Preservation and has worked at Ladew since 2006. Tina Gibson has a B.A. in business and is working towards a degree in Sustainable Horticulture. She has worked at both public and private gardens (including Ladew) since 2007.

 

 

Succulent Container Workshop  SOLD OUT

 

Wednesday, April 18 |  12:45 – 1:45pm

 

After the lecture, have fun with Fran and Tina as you design your own container using succulents and other drought-tolerant plants. Containers and materials will be provided (costs are included in the workshop fee). Fran and Tina will assist you through the process of creating a long-lasting container for you to take home. Attendance in the morning’s demonstration is required to attend the workshop. Workshop fee is $30.  The workshop is sold out.

 

 
 



PAST LECTURES

2011 Archives | 2010 Archives

2011 - Fall Lecture Series


Growing Fresh Air: Houseplants and Tropicals
with Carrie Engel
 
Houseplants offer many benefits to the grower. We will discuss them and go over techniques for keeping houseplants healthy and beautiful in homes and offices. The program will feature a live plant “show and tell” featuring some of Carrie’s favorite plants. Carrie Engel began working at Valley View Farms in 1972 while attending Hereford High School. She has managed Valley View’s greenhouse since its construction in 1985. Carrie enjoys exploring and photographing others’ gardens hoping to ‘borrow’ some good ideas for her own. She appears on WBAL TV every Sunday and Tuesday. For more information, visit www.carrieengel.com

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In Pursuit of Authenticity: Furnishing George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 1860-2010 with Laura Simo
 
For more than 150 years, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association has preserved George Washington’s private residence and sought to present each visitor with an authentic view of how the Washingtons lived. However, the appearance of the Mansion’s rooms during George Washington’s lifetime and their state of preservation today is vastly different from what it was when Mount Vernon opened to the public in 1860. From barren spaces, to rooms bursting with relics, to painstakingly-researched recreations informed by the latest advances in historical, decorative arts, and scientific scholarship, this talk explores Mount Vernon’s interiors, past, present, and future. Laura B. Simo is the Associate Curator at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, where she works with the fine and decorative arts collections in the Mansion, historic area, and Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. She helped curate Mount Vernon’s current special exhibition, Bringing Them Home: 150 Years of Restoring the Washington Collection, as well as the 2009-2010 exhibition, George Washington & His Generals. For more information, visit www.mountvernon.org.

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Silk Purses and Sows’ Ears: Scratching Out a Garden in the Promised Land with Arabella Dane
 
Award-winning floral designer, educator and conservationist, ArabellaDane, will share her experiences transforming her derelict property in New Hampshire into an oasis—with gardens for all ages, and the trappings of a working farm. Arabella is a Garden Club of America Flower Arranging, Horticulture and Photography Judge and a National Garden Clubs, Inc. Landscape Consultant and Master Flower Show Judge. She is Past President of the World Association of Flower Arrangers Inc., USA 2008-2011, and the founder of the GCA Flower Arranging Study Group. Arabella has created (and copyright-protected) a computerized, flower show program and a comprehensive horticulture database of approximately 95,000 plants used by America’s gardeners for the benefit of garden club members, and those who participate in flower shows.

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Simply Beautiful Floral Design with Rennie Friedlander
 
 
Join Rennie Friedlander as she demonstrates several floral arranging designs and styles, and presents digital images of her work. She will share her knowledge, experience and tricks of the trade to help you become a more confident and empowered floral designer. You’ll see “how-to” mechanics and techniques used to design with floral foam, water and hand-tied bouquets. Rennie has been in the floral business for 20 years. Her business, Simply Beautiful Flowers, is fortunate to serve Baltimore’s most discerning clientele with all of their floral needs. They are proud to have earned a reputation for providing perfect, custom floral designs with integrity and thoughtful service for special gifts, dinner parties, weddings, photo shoots and corporate events. For more information, visit www.simplybeautifulflowers.com.

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Plant Collecting in Western China with Andrew Bunting
 
Join Andrew Bunting as he shares his plant collecting experiencesduring a recent three and a half week journey through Sichuan, China with the Scott Arboretum, Quarryhill Botanical Garden, University of British Columbia Botanical Garden and Arboretum Wespelaar. Learn about their important conservation work with several magnolia species, the extremely rare Acer pentaphyllum, as well as some of the 188 collections made along their travels in western China. Andrew Bunting is the Curator of Plants at Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College and President of the Magnolia Society International. Prior to working at the Arboretum he was Curator at the Chanticleer Foundation in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Other work experiences include the Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Garden, Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Tintinhull House in England and Titoki Point in New Zealand. For more information, visit www.scottarboretum.org.

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2011 - Spring Lecture Series

Birds, Bees and Butterflies: Gardening for Wildlife with the National Wildlife Federation ®

Learn how to create your own mini-sanctuary for wildlife. A representative of the National Wildlife Federation® will teach you how to create a Certified Wildlife Habitat ® in your own yard by providing food, water, cover and places for animals to raise their young. Environmentally-friendly gardening practices will also be discussed. Visit www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife for more information.
 

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Natural Garden Design: Meadows, Woods and Water with Larry Weaner

Larry Weaner will discuss how to incorporate patterns and processes of nature into the designed residential landscape. He will show examples of landscapes where native plants have been used in a variety of settings from wild to formal. Larry Weaner has been practicing landscape design professionally since 1977, and in 1982 he founded Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, Inc. His projects have spanned more than 10 states and have been featured in national and international publications. In 1990, Larry developed the New Directions in the American Landscape conference series, which has developed a dedicated following within the professional landscape community. It has been offered at numerous institutions throughout the U.S., including the Morris Arboretum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Atlanta Botanic Garden, the New England Wildflower Society, and Morton Arboretum. Visit www.lweanerdesign.com for more information.

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The Photo-Graphic Garden: Mastering the Art of Garden Photography with Matthew Benson

Internationally renowned photographer Matthew Benson will present the fundamentals of successful garden photography, with an emphasis on creative technique and technical literacy. Matthew Benson was raised and educated in Europe and earned a Masters Degree from Columbia University. His photography is in the permanent collection of the International Center of Photography, New York, as well as numerous private and gallery collections. His work has been awarded both DESI and Society of Publication Designers Awards and appears regularly in magazines, books, catalogs and folios. Magazine clients include House & Garden, Traditional Home, Better Homes & Gardens, Conde Nast Traveler, Esquire, GQ, This Old House, The New York Times, Garden Design, Country Home, Country Living, Country Gardens, Martha Stewart Everyday Food, and Martha Stewart Everyday Baking. He is also the author of the forthcoming book, The Photo-Graphic Garden, to be published by Rodale Press in January 2012. For more information, visit www.matthewbenson.com.

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Garden-Worthy Plants with Kathy Beam

Join Kathy Beam of Seasons Past as she shares new and underused plants that are worthy of space in the garden. Kathy’s presentation includes live samples of each plant that she discusses. Following the lecture, participants can place orders with Kathy, to be picked up during Ladew’s Garden Festival on May 7. Kathy Beam is owner of Seasons Past Farm & Gardens, a specialty nursery located in Littlestown, Pa. Seasons Past’s niche is native, rare and unusual plants. Kathy has owned the nursery for 12 years and has gardened for over 35 years. She also designs gardens in the Baltimore, Washington and Pennsylvania regions. www.seasonspast.com

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The Artful Garden with Elizabeth Schumacher

Changes over time and seasons create both challenges and opportunities to create a garden that is a work of art. Objects of art can help personalize your garden and serve as focal points deserving a proper setting. Join award-winning designer Elizabeth Schumacher of Philadelphia’s Garden Accents for a presentation considering the garden itself as art. Elizabeth Schumacher grew up in the Orient. Moving to Philadelphia 40 years ago, she became interested in gardening and studied horticulture at the Barnes Foundation. This inspired the founding of Garden Accents in 1979, a showroom, garden and shop featuring a unique collection of over 4,000 items from around the world. Elizabeth is also a frequent lecturer, as well as an exhibitor and participant in the PA Horticulture Society’s annual Philadelphia Flower Show. Visit www.gardenaccents.com for more information. 

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Seasonal Splash: Pots and Combinations to Transform Your Patio or Garden with Dan Benarcik

Join Dan Benarcik as he shares tips and techniques on how to design, combine, install and display your pots for maximum impact! He will share some new plants that we can play with in the Mid-Atlantic region for some real seasonal success. Dan Benarcik has been a display horticulturist at Chanticleer Garden for 18 years, specializing in container and non-hardy displays. Prior to Chanticleer, he worked with Imperial Nurseries and Mt. Cuba Center. Dan is a contributing author to MSL, Fine Gardening and Rodale’s garden books. He is also Regional Director of the Garden Writers Association and he designs and builds garden furniture. For more information visit www.chanticleergarden.org

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2010 - Fall Lecture Series

 Exploring the High Line: Past, Present and Future with Patrick Cullina

One of the country’s most exciting new park landscapes, the High Line is an elevated park built on top of a formerly abandoned freight railway viaduct thirty feet above the
west side of Manhattan. With its beautiful, diverse plantingsand it sweeping views of the City and the Hudson River, the High Line has attracted more than 3 million visitors since the first phase of the park opened in June, 2009. This talk will cover the various aspects of this first phase, and will offer glimpses of the park to come and the wild landscape that still exists at the High Line’s northern end. Patrick Cullina is the Vice President of Horticulture and Park Operations for Friends of the High Line. Previously, he was Vice President of Horticulture, Operations and Science Research at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. His work in public horticulture has been recognized by a number of organizations, including the Garden Club of New Jersey/National Garden Clubs Inc.’s Gold Medal in 2005 and the Garden Club of America’s Zone Horticulture Commendation in 2010. For more information visit,
www.thehighline.org.

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The Research and Restoration of George Washington’s Gardens and Grounds with Dean Norton

In the late 18th century, landscape styles were changing from the formal to the naturalist. In 1785 George Washington transformed his landscape and gardens to reflect this new landscape movement. Join long time, award winning director of horticulture J. Dean Norton, as he tells the wonderful story of a great man’s efforts in creating an exceptional country seat. Washington’s transitional landscape has stood the test of time, being enjoyed by those visitors in the 18th century and admired by guests today.
Norton’s presentation is an informative yet entertaining look at the landscape and gardening world of George Washington. Dean Norton is responsible for applying the latest plant science and management techniques to horticulture in a historic setting. For 30 years, Dean has devoted considerable time to researching 18th century gardens and gardening practices. Besides being interviewed on television and radio, he has lectured before many professional organizations throughout the country and abroad, and has received awards for conservation from the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Garden Club of America. For more information visit, www.mountvernon.org.

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Big Impact, Small Budget with Jonathan Wright

How can you get a big splash without spending lots time or cash? Many gardeners strive to put together gardens and seasonal displays that give the most visual impact. Even in a small space it is possible to create truly dynamic displays.
You don’t need a greenhouse to pull off some sizzling summer displays that include bold tropical plants. Learn some tips and tricks to help stretch your plant budget and give you the most bang for your gardening buck. Jonathan Wright is a horticulturist at Chanticleer Garden in Wayne, PA where his responsibilities include design, installation and maintenance of the Entrance, Teacup and Tennis Court Gardens. He received his formal horticulture training at Longwood Gardens. His vast plant and design knowledge has accrued over years of travel, as an intern at Heronswood Nursery, Kingston, WA and as Chanticleer Fellow where he worked in great gardens alongside gardeners from across the United States and abroad. For more information visit,
www.chanticleergarden.org.

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Richly Adorned: The Historic Interiors and Furnishings of Hampton Mansion with Gregory Weidman

Curator Gregory R. Weidman will discuss the collections and interiors of Hampton National Historic Site. The historic estate is a microcosm of life in Maryland, reflecting three centuries of American social, historical, and economic development. The nationally significant Hampton museum
collection currently contains nearly 45,000 artifacts principally dating from the 18th through 20th centuries, most original to Hampton. Collections vary from great works of art to items of everyday life plus extensive archaeology, archives, and photographs. Hampton’s collections are exhibited in period rooms that span a 120-year range, showcasing the evolution of interiors from the early Federal of the late 18th century to the Colonial Revival of the early 20th. Gregory R. Weidman worked as Furnishings Project Coordinator for Historic Hampton Inc., consulting for Hampton National Historic Site in Baltimore County, Maryland from January 1998 until November 2008, when she was named Curator of Hampton NHS. Through 1997, she was on the staff of the Maryland Historical Society for nearly twenty years, including more than seventeen years as a curator. Nationally recognized as a leading authority on Maryland furniture, her numerous publications include Furniture in Maryland 1740-1940: The Collection of the Maryland Historical Society. For more information visit, www.nps.gov/hamp.

 
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Creating Floral Masterpieces, the Dutch Way with Paula Dobbe-Maher

Join Dutch-born, floral designer Paula Dobbe-Maher as she demonstrates European-style floral arrangements using a wide array of flowers, techniques and unique containers, not
found anywhere else. Learn the “Dutch style” of specializing in hand-tied bouquets and using foliage in addition to flowers. Paula Dobbe-Maher is founder of The Dutch Connection, a full-service florist, with locations in Belvedere Square and Harbor East. The shops take their inspiration from the Netherlands, where Dobbe-Maher learned the art of horticulture. They carry an exclusive, custom-designed line of pottery and glassware, as well as a selection of outdoor fountains and containers. For more information, visit www.thedutchconnection.us

 
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