What’s New at the Garden Center 2012
Joe Marano  
Thursday, March 22, 2012
7:30 pm, Mandell 114

Late winter, early spring is a great time of the year; one filled with anticipation of the growing season to come. Soon, gardeners will flock to their local garden centers to purchase plants and products that will hopefully make 2012 their best gardening year ever. But, what will they find at the garden center that is new and exciting this year? What will be the hot new annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and other plant material? What will be the must-have gardening products and gadgets for gardening year 2012? This presentation will give us a sneak peek at the upcoming gardening season.

Joe Marano is a well-known area plantsman and proprietor of Marano’s Garden Center in Fort Washington, PA. Joe is a graduate of Delaware Valley College and literally grew up in the family garden center business that was started by his father. He is a fixture at the Philadelphia Flower Show where he has volunteered for many years in the plant judging area of the show. Marano’s Garden Center is considered to be one of this area’s premier independent garden centers and is known for its wide selection of choice plant material and innovative tools and products.

Refreshments will be served.

FREE to DelVal students and Arboretum members; $5 for nonmembers

Precious Gems of the Henry Schmieder Arboretum
Mary Boyle
Thursday, April 12 , 2012
7:30 pm, Mandell 114

Big and small, young and old—the Henry Schmieder Arboretum is home to many magnificent plant specimens that deserve “bragging rights.” Come explore these gems without leaving your seat. Mary Boyle will do the walking for you.

Mary Boyle has been in the role of Horticulturist at the Henry Schmieder Arboretum since 2008. She is a PA certified Horticulturist and an ISA certified Arborist. Mary is responsible for the beauty that you see in the Arboretum.

So You’re Getting Married?
How to Buy Wedding Flowers
David Zaborowski
Thursday, April 26, 2012
7:30 pm, Mandell 114

So you are getting married or are at least dreaming of your perfect wedding? You have a dress picked out and the location for the wedding ceremony. You have decided where the reception is going to take place, the band you want, the guest list is swimming around in your head and other details are being formulated. Wait a minute - what about the wedding and reception flowers? Most brides unfortunately put the wedding flower decisions on hold until the last minute probably because they do not have a clue how and when and from whom to buy them. Wedding flowers are an important part of the dream wedding and need special attention. Poor decisions can be costly and embarrassing. Isn’t it time for your wedding flower education?

David Zaborowski is the proprietor of Doylestown Floribunda, located at 83 South Hamilton Street in Doylestown, PA. The flower shop has developed a national reputation and is known for its unique design styling and exquisite use of the freshest flowers, its fashionable bridal flowers and as the place to go when you want the highest quality. David’s bridal designs have been featured in scores of national and local publications. He is a graduate of Delaware Valley College, has taught at the College and has spent most of his adult life in the retail florist business.

Basic Tree Care
Howard Eyre
Thursday, May 3, 2012
7:30 pm, Mandell 114

What a gift a tree can be to the future generations of our region. Trees have evolved to be the largest organism on earth; however, the procedures necessary for having healthy trees in our landscapes is often an elusive challenge. This evening we will cover the essential foundations for proper care for these grand species, dispel some of the myths of tree care, and get you on the right track for growing trees that will be here for your grandchildren to enjoy. Topics to be covered include fertilizers, pruning techniques, proper mulching, and the basics for how to plant a tree for its fullest potential for growth.

Howard L. Eyre has been an Assistant Professor of Ornamental Horticulture at Delaware Valley College for over 20 years responsible for courses in Arbor Care and basic Landscape Techniques. A native of Doylestown, he earned degrees in Forest Management from Penn State and Stephen F. Austin State University (Texas) and has over 40 years of professional landscape experience. He has been a speaker for the National Arbor Day Foundation, the New Tree School in Omaha, NE, the Tree School, Jefferson Parrish, LA, and several regional conferences. He had the rewarding opportunity to know and learn from Dr. Alex Shigo, the author of "A New Tree Biology" and considered by many to be the father of Modern Arboriculture.

A Homesteading Primer
John Martin
Thursday, May 17, 2012
7:30 pm Mandell 114

Today, Americans tend to be spectators with respect to their food, water, and other necessities. There is not enough food being produced in this region to feed the population, and more and more food is being trucked in from further and further away. We are becoming vulnerable, and more and more dependent on others. Some individuals are retaking charge of their lives and returning to a more agrarian lifestyle. They are becoming homesteaders. In his presentation, Dr. Martin will explore the basics of homesteading and recount his personal journey from total dependency to a more sustainable and self-sufficient way of life. He will provide basic and valuable information on how to produce food and protect natural resources on small acreage properties.

John Martin has been interested in self-sufficient homesteading for many years. He has been actively pursuing this interest in sustainable living at his home in Hilltown, Bucks County Pennsylvania. John Martin’s love of plants and gardening was inherited from his grandmother at an early age. He has spent over 45 years sharing that love and his knowledge with others through his courses and educational programs. Dr. Martin earned a B.S. Degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Delaware Valley College, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Horticulture from the University of Maryland. Over the last 15 years he has been developing numerous interactive CD-ROMs and other teaching materials covering a wide variety of herbaceous plant materials. John Martin has been a member of the Delaware Valley College faculty since 1980. At DVC he served as the Chairman of the Department of Ornamental Horticulture and Environmental Design for 20 years among other administrative duties and currently serves as the Director of the Henry Schmieder Arboretum. He has been honored with numerous awards including an honorary membership in the PLNA.