Registration and Coffee

Early Riser’s Tours of Scott Arboretum

Welcome

Claire Sawyers, Director, THe Scott Arboretum

Parks, Plants, and People: Beautifying the Urban Landscape

Lynden B. Miller

Year-round plantings improve the quality of life in cities, and shrubs are the essential backbone of that palette. Lynden Miller will illustrate, through the use of “before” and “after” photos of various restoration and design projects in New York City and beyond, the many positive effects public plantings have on cities. She will share her favorite tried-and-true shrubs for the garden and how they are used in designing effective public spaces.

Break

Tapping the Plant Diversity of the Eastern United States to Enhance the Garden

RICK j. lEWANDOWSKI

For those who lust for great garden plants, there is so much diversity to tap for the garden. Even so, we sometimes overlook the gems growing in the woods right here in the eastern United States. Join Rick Lewandowski to explore some of the profound beauty and diversity found in our region. You will be reacquainted with some garden stalwarts and whet your appetite for other less common woody plants worthy of wider use.

Titillations and Tribulations in Tree Breeding

rICHARD t. oLSEN

Trees are part and parcel of urban forests, suburban oases, and private gardens, yet they receive little attention from public and private plant breeders. Long generation times, complex host-pathogen/pest relationships, and the need for significant allocation of space and resources are examples of the challenges plant breeders face. Richard Olsen will use examples from the U.S. National Arboretum’s breeding programs to describe how target genera are chosen for improvement, the science behind pollination and crossing studies, and modern techniques breeders use to develop new plants.

Lunch

Promising Plants Forum

Michael Colibraro, Colibraro Landscaping and Nursery, Inc.

Rhoda Maurer, Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College

Chris Strand; Winterthur Museum and Country Estate

The Influence of Plant Biodiversity on Landscape Pest Management

Paula shrewsbury

In managed landscapes the ecological balance between natural enemies and plant-feeding insects is often disrupted, leading to pest outbreaks and plant damage. Paula Shrewsbury will discuss recent research that shows how increasing plant community diversity promotes beneficial insects and reduces the likelihood of pest outbreaks, leading to more sustainable landscapes.

Break

Searching the World of Oaks

Guy Sternberg

The oak genus, Quercus, is not only the national tree of the United States, it is the predominant tree group in the Northern Hemisphere. With approximately 500 species, it ranges from giant trees to trailing shrubs, evergreen and deciduous, occupying habitats from deserts to swamps, and mountains to coastal plains. Guy Sternberg has traveled widely to study this special genus in its native habitats. Join him for an illustrated armchair adventure throughout North America, Central America, Europe and Asia in quest of Quercus.

Closing Comments and Afternoon Study Tours

Happy Hour New Feature!

Mix and mingle with colleagues and horticultural professionals. Beer, wine and snacks will be served along with great conversation. A $15 registration fee is required.

Last shuttle leaves for Springfield Mall