Magnolia Seed Harvesting
Fall is a busy time in the Wister Center Greenhouse. Volunteers work on a variety of jobs including taking cuttings of tender and tropical plants; potting up cuttings; overwintering succulent plants and this year they have been busy harvesting magnolia seeds to contribute to the Magnolia Society International’s seed exchange, The Seed Counter.
Colorful array of magnolia fruit collected from the Scott Arboretum, Henry Foundation, and Morris Arboretum. photo credit: J. Coceano
We have gathered seed from the Arboretum’s collections, as well as from the Henry Foundation in Gladwyne and the Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill.
Stack of follicles bursting with magnolia seeds.…
Earlier, we discussed some great conservation and wildlife-friendly woody plants. Barb Elliot, co-founder of the Backyards for Nature program at the Valley Forge Audubon Society and trained “Habitat Steward” by the National Wildlife Federation, continues her recommendations with some fantastic perennial plants found in her certified wildlife habitat garden.
The Organic Lawn has just been added to our audio tour. Click here to listen to our continuing efforts in the organic lawn initiative. Check out some of our other audio tours here.
