Events

Please join the Friends on a bus trip to Chanticleer, a 35-acre Pleasure Garden in Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley, which has been touted as one of the most beautiful public gardens in the United States. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear; you might consider bringing a reusable water bottle, insect repellent, rain gear, and, of course, a camera! The tour will take place rain or shine.

We’ll depart the Arboretum at 10:00 AM sharp and plan to arrive at Chanticleer around noon in time for lunch. We’ll leave Chanticleer for the trip home at 5:00 PM.

There is no restaurant on the premises, so please bring your own lunch and make sure it’s easily carried as there is no provision for storing lunch bags. Please note that Chanticleer follows a strict carry-in, carry-out policy and no trash receptacles are provided. You are welcome to picnic in any of the garden’s four designated picnic areas.

Restrooms, water fountains, and water bottle refill stations are available throughout the garden. There is a small gift shop featuring books, postcards, magnets, etc.

At 1:30, following lunch, we’ll be broken up into smaller groups of 10-12 with each group assigned a guide to lead us on a 90-minute tour of Chanticleer’s distinct yet unified garden areas, each designed by a horticulturist. The first floor of the Rosengarten estate’s main house is also part of the tour. At Chanticleer, the gardeners lead the design and create ever-evolving displays rich in texture, form, and color. The gardens include, but are not limited to, the Teacup Garden, Bell’s Woodland, a Ruin Garden, a Gravel Garden, the Pond Garden, Minder Woods and more!

Please keep in mind that this is a walking tour, approximately 1-1/2 miles long over varied garden terrain, including turf, gravel, stone paths, uneven surfaces, occasional inclines and some stairs. Click here for the Chanticleer link: https://chanticleergarden.org/garden/#garden-overview

No refunds after September 11, 2026

For questions email: mennist@arboretumfriends.net

A collection of easy, quick and make-ahead of time holiday party fare.

Together you’ll make baked Brie, a festive holiday charcuterie board and some other hassle-free yummies for easy and stress-free entertaining!

Questions: email mennist@arboretumfriends.net or lbencivengo@arboretumfriends.net

Special thanks to Bartlett Tree Experts for their generous support of this event

Attendees will have the chance to shop for Dr. Canham’s book, as well as special plants from Carl Hesselein of Pleasant Run Nursery and Steven Kristoph of Steven Kristoph Nursery.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Registration, Coffee, Welcome.

10:00 AM Carl Hesselein, Pleasant Run Nursery, Allentown, NJ

Undeappreciated and Underused: Small Trees Living in the Shadows

When we think of understory trees and their use in tight spots and smaller landscapes we often head straight to the staples: Cornus florida, Cercis canadensis, Amelanchier sp., etc. But what are other options we can explore that can bring another suite of pollinators to our homes and parks? In this conversation we will explore some of the more fun, eclectic understory trees and large shrubs that have seemingly disappeared from the landscape.

Carl is the President of Pleasant Run Nursery in Allentown, NJ and a fifth generation nurseryman. Carl holds a degree in botny from Humboldt State University in northern California. After moving back east in 2010, he interned at Behnke Nursery and Stadler Nursery, both located in the DC metro area. In 2012, he interned at the renowned nursery, Hawksridge Farms, in Hickory, North Carolina under the tutelage of the great Rick Crowder.

11:00 AM Adam Wheeler, Broken Arrow Nursery, Hamden, CT

Exceptional Conifers for Adventurous Gardeners

Mr. Wheeler, Horticulture and Production Manager at Broken Arrow Nursery, will present an informative and engaging lecture that dives deep into the unique and exeptional side of the conifer world. Adam will highlight some of his current favorite conifers, with a special focus on selections that are new, rare, and unusual. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll gain valuable insight into the design potential, cultural requirements, and care techniques needed to successfully grow these striking specimens. Adam’s expert knowledge and passion for plants will leave you inspired to experiement with new forms, colors, and textures in your own garden.

Adam started working at Broken Arrow in 2004 after completing his BS degree in Urban Forestry and Landscape Horticulture at the University of Vermont. Adam manages plant propagation, container and field production and the acquisition and development of new plants. He is a past recipient of the Young Nursery Professional Award from the New England Nursery Associatrion. He loves to share his passion for plants through photography and educational outreach. As a result, he lectures widely on a variety of subjects and is also an adjunct lecturer at Naugatuck Valley Community College and Berkshire Botanical Garden. With his spare time, he enjoys cultivating his eclectic collection of rare and unusual plants, rock climbing and competitive giant pumpkin growing.

12:00 NOON – LUNCH – ASSORTED SANDWICHES

1:00 PM Dr. Charles D. Canham, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY

Forests Adrift: Currents Shaping the Future of Northeastern Trees

The northeastern United States is one of the most densely forested regions in the country, yet its history of growth, destruction, and renewal are for the most part poorly understood – even by specialists. In his talk, Dr. Canham helps us understand both the impermanence and the resilience of the northeastern forest ecosystems. We’ll explore critical threats that include logging, fire suppression, dsease, air pollution, invasive species, and climate change.

Dr. Canham is a senior scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies; his expertise is in forest ecology and management and he studies the dynamics of forest ecosystems and how they respond to a wide range of human impacts.

2:00 PM Steven Kristoph. Steven Kristoph Nursery, Millstone Township, NJ

Trees in the Landscape, Importance and Selection for our Community and the Environment

Trees are the backbone of the landscape. When properly planted and maintained, their value is measured both economically and aesthetically. The cooling shade they provide is a given, but some of the other amenities include reducing runoff, intercepting particulates, and providing habitat for migratory songbirds and other animals. What may be considered most important though, is their ability to secquester carbon for years or longer.

Emerald Ash Borer, Bacterial Leaf Schorch, Spottend Lanternfly and now Beech Leaf Disease are wreaking havoc on some of our most popular and significant trees. It is time to look at what tree options there are for the landscape going forward. This discussion will highlight trees that remain strong and worthy of continued use and some lesser-inown species that are likely to play a key role in maintaining a beautiful, healthy and sustainable landscape.

Steven Kristoph owns and operates the Steven Kristoph Nursery, where he grows many types of ornamental treees, shrubs, and herbaceious perennials. Known for their expertise and quality, the Nursery has become a trusted destination for gardening enthusiasts. Steven has also been an adjunct instructor at Rutgers University for over 44 years.

For Questions, email mennist@arboretumfriends.net or lbencivengo@arboretumfriends.net

Continuing Education Credits have been applied for from ISA

This program has been approved by:

• The New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry Program for 4.0 NJUCF CEUs

• The New Jersey Board of Tree Experts for 4.0 CEUs

• This program is eligible for 4.0 Rutgers Master Gardener CEUs

Chef Sal Pisani, owner of Jersey Artisan Cafe, brings his considerable skill as a cheese-maker to the Arboretum where he will teach you how to make mozzarella cheese.

His Jersey Artisan Cafe, located right here in Morris Plains, was born from a deep passion for the time-honored traditions of Southern Italy, passed down through generations. He is committed to using locally sourced ingredients that support the region’s ecosystem and farming community.

For questions, email mennist@arboretumfriends.net or lbencivengo@arboretumfriends.net