2023 Woody Plant Conference Schedule

7:30 am - 9:00 am

7:45 am - 8:45 am

Explore the grounds of Scott Arboretum

9:00 am - 9:15 am

Welcome from Director of the Scott Arboretum Claire Sawyers

9:00 am - 9:05 am

Live Stream opens for those joining us virtually.

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Henrik will explore how trees play a major role in mitigating current and forthcoming challenges of growing urbanization and climate change, and where nature-based solutions challenge the traditional and conventional ways of planning, designing, and maintaining urban trees. He will discuss the importance of proper tree species selection in the early stages of planning an urban forest to ensure its maximum impact economically, environmentally, and socially for all to enjoy.

10:15 am - 10:40 am

Browse and purchase books sold by the Hardy Plant Society-Mid-Atlantic Group and purchase raffle tickets to win items donated by sponsoring organizations (in-person participants only).

10:40 am - 11:30 am

The Morton Arboretum is a leader in tree advocacy, conservation, research, and development. While traditional conversation focuses on the recovery, reestablishment, and safeguarding of plants listed and recognized as in need of protection, the Arboretum also supports efforts in proactive conservation measures to ensure the future of a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Kim Shearer will present the many efforts the Arboretum is engaged in through new plant development, plant exploration, research, and outreach in its effort to conserve the canopy of our forests, both natural and municipal.

11:30 am - 12:20 pm

This discussion will introduce two topiary artists, Pearl Fryar and Mike Gibson, and their different approach to topiary and the trees they used to help produce peaceful environments. Attendees will learn about Pearl’s and Mike’s impactful techniques and gain more understanding of the art of topiary.

12:20 pm - 1:20 pm

Browse and purchase books sold by the Hardy Plant Society-Mid-Atlantic Group and purchase raffle tickets to win items donated by sponsoring organizations (in-person participants only).

1:20 pm - 2:10 pm

Cemetery Trees: Living Collections Amongst the Dead  - Aaron Greenberg --- Silver Linings and Lemonade: An Arboretum Post Natural Disaster - Kathy Salisbury

2:10 pm - 3:00 pm

As human and environmental health come under a litany of new pressures, our gardens can become sanctuaries. Working at the intersection of culture and ecology, gardeners have a unique opportunity to impact the drivers of biodiversity loss and help make landscapes more resilient and less dependent on harmful inputs. But first a shift in perspective is necessary. In a discussion ranging from historic hedges to the wooded wilderness, Toshi will draw on his experiences as Director of Horticulture at Wethersfield Estate & Garden, his time spent gardening at Stonecrop Gardens and private estates, and the insight he’s gained from his current role advising cultural institutions on their land care practices. He will discuss the challenges facing our landscapes and some exciting new ideas for stewarding them into the future.

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Browse and purchase books sold by the Hardy Plant Society-Mid-Atlantic Group (in-person participants only).

3:25 pm - 3:30 pm

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Urban forests are collections of trees in cities, towns, and suburbs, and the characteristics of these sylvan landscapes form over decades to centuries. Lara’s presentation will explore how Philadelphia’s urban forest got its current patterns of tree canopy cover and species composition, including the legacies of tree and park advocates, post-industrial population loss and associated disinvestment and mis-investment, as well as the enduring influence of city foresters, real estate developers, and the nursery trade. As we look to the future with ambitious management goals around canopy increases and species diversification, what lessons can we learn from the historical legacies in our inherited landscapes?

4:30 pm - 4:35 pm

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Join the reception with speakers for an additional $20 (in-person participants only).

7:30 am - 9:00 am

7:45 am - 8:45 am

Explore the grounds of Scott Arboretum

9:00 am - 9:15 am

Welcome from Director of the Scott Arboretum Claire Sawyers

9:00 am - 9:05 am

Live Stream opens for those joining us virtually.

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Henrik will explore how trees play a major role in mitigating current and forthcoming challenges of growing urbanization and climate change, and where nature-based solutions challenge the traditional and conventional ways of planning, designing, and maintaining urban trees. He will discuss the importance of proper tree species selection in the early stages of planning an urban forest to ensure its maximum impact economically, environmentally, and socially for all to enjoy.

10:15 am - 10:40 am

Browse and purchase books sold by the Hardy Plant Society-Mid-Atlantic Group and purchase raffle tickets to win items donated by sponsoring organizations (in-person participants only).

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Browse and purchase books sold by the Hardy Plant Society-Mid-Atlantic Group (in-person participants only).

10:40 am - 11:30 am

The Morton Arboretum is a leader in tree advocacy, conservation, research, and development. While traditional conversation focuses on the recovery, reestablishment, and safeguarding of plants listed and recognized as in need of protection, the Arboretum also supports efforts in proactive conservation measures to ensure the future of a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Kim Shearer will present the many efforts the Arboretum is engaged in through new plant development, plant exploration, research, and outreach in its effort to conserve the canopy of our forests, both natural and municipal.

11:30 am - 12:20 pm

This discussion will introduce two topiary artists, Pearl Fryar and Mike Gibson, and their different approach to topiary and the trees they used to help produce peaceful environments. Attendees will learn about Pearl’s and Mike’s impactful techniques and gain more understanding of the art of topiary.

12:20 pm - 1:20 pm

Browse and purchase books sold by the Hardy Plant Society-Mid-Atlantic Group and purchase raffle tickets to win items donated by sponsoring organizations (in-person participants only).

1:20 pm - 2:10 pm

Cemetery Trees: Living Collections Amongst the Dead  - Aaron Greenberg --- Silver Linings and Lemonade: An Arboretum Post Natural Disaster - Kathy Salisbury

2:10 pm - 3:00 pm

As human and environmental health come under a litany of new pressures, our gardens can become sanctuaries. Working at the intersection of culture and ecology, gardeners have a unique opportunity to impact the drivers of biodiversity loss and help make landscapes more resilient and less dependent on harmful inputs. But first a shift in perspective is necessary. In a discussion ranging from historic hedges to the wooded wilderness, Toshi will draw on his experiences as Director of Horticulture at Wethersfield Estate & Garden, his time spent gardening at Stonecrop Gardens and private estates, and the insight he’s gained from his current role advising cultural institutions on their land care practices. He will discuss the challenges facing our landscapes and some exciting new ideas for stewarding them into the future.

3:25 pm - 3:30 pm

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Urban forests are collections of trees in cities, towns, and suburbs, and the characteristics of these sylvan landscapes form over decades to centuries. Lara’s presentation will explore how Philadelphia’s urban forest got its current patterns of tree canopy cover and species composition, including the legacies of tree and park advocates, post-industrial population loss and associated disinvestment and mis-investment, as well as the enduring influence of city foresters, real estate developers, and the nursery trade. As we look to the future with ambitious management goals around canopy increases and species diversification, what lessons can we learn from the historical legacies in our inherited landscapes?

4:30 pm - 4:35 pm

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Join the reception with speakers for an additional $20 (in-person participants only).