Science Series

Closeup of person's hands holding and possibly collecting pollen from a yellow lady's slipper orchid.

Dates

Saturday, April 20
1:00 pm: Saturday, May 18
1:00 pm: Saturday, June 15
11:00 am: Friday, July 19
6:00 pm: Friday, August 16
6:00 pm: Friday, September 13
11:00 am

Select Dates & Times

Conservatory Ballroom:
April, September

Visitor Center Auditorium:
May, June, July, August

April 20, 2024

Timed Admission Tickets required

Timed Reservations required for Members every day from open to close March 30–May 5, 2024 (including Special Morning Hour for Members, 9:00–10:00 am Saturdays & Sundays)

Reservations not required for Gardens Premium Members and Innovators

May–September, 2024

Timed Admission Tickets required

Timed Reservations required for Members after 3:00 pm Thursdays–Saturdays

Reservations not required for Gardens Premium Members and Innovators

Learn about one of our many plant research and conservation projects and meet the talented staff behind the work.

April 20, 2024 at 1:00 pm

Science Series: Seed Science

Associate Director of Conservation Horticulture and Plant Breeding Peter Zale, Ph.D.

At Longwood, we not only create and share the often-fragile beauty of nature—we also work hard to protect it. From saving and restoring plant populations in our backyard to engaging in global plant exploration trips, our work in seed science helps conserve rare and endangered plants around the world—with far-reaching effects.

Join Associate Director of Conservation Horticulture and Plant Breeding Peter Zale, Ph.D., and explore how our conservation efforts take place in our laboratory, the fields and forests of Pennsylvania, and remote regions around the world. Along the way, discover how we build upon our own collections and advance conservation on a global scale, through such work that begins with the often-tiny—yet always formidable—seed.

May 18, 2024 at 1:00 pm

Science Series: A Sustainability Story

Soils and Compost Manager Erik Stefferud

The beauty that our guests enjoy is supported by the beauty of previous displays—and by our enduring commitment to sustainability, as we’ve practiced composting since 1956 and today create nationally certified compost.

Join Soils and Compost Manager Erik Stefferud and explore how compost serves as a sustainable, eco-friendly, cost-effective practice that not only closes the waste loop but also elevates the overall health and resilience of a garden. Delve into how compost production improves the circularity of the materials we generate here at Longwood and how it enriches our Gardens—and how it could enrich yours.

June 15, 2024 at 11:00 am

Science Series: Stewardship Science

Research Specialist Kristie Lane Anderson

At Longwood, we're not just planting trees; we're nurturing local ecosystems. Reforestation is critically important for our region’s well-being, as it creates habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species, supports biodiversity, plays a crucial role in regulating water cycles, prevents soil erosion, and improves the health of our waterways.

Along with Research Specialist Kristie Lane Anderson, learn about our studies that test a spectrum of strategies for effective land management techniques with the end goal of supporting a healthy and thriving ecosystem. Explore some of the ongoing research trials in our natural lands that help inform future large-scale restoration projects for our region and beyond.

July 19, 2024 at 6:00 pm

Science Series: Gardens Can (and Will) Save the World

Associate Director, Science Communications Jessica Turner-Skoff, Ph.D.

Plants are essential for life on earth. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, to the medicine we take, plants deserve recognition for how important they are. With a myriad of environmental challenges occurring, from climate change to habitat loss, we are currently in a biodiversity crisis; plants are going extinct at an unprecedented rate. The good news? Public gardens are here to change the world.

Join Associate Director of Science Communications Jessica Turner-Skoff, Ph.D., and learn how gardens like Longwood are in a unique position to conserve plants and save the day! Gardens have the expertise, facilities, collections, and opportunities to support a more verdant world. Learn how Longwood is contributing to this global future-focused movement to ensure that plants will continue to bring beauty, joy, and inspiration to everyone.

August 16, 2024 at 6:00 pm

Science Series: Evaluating Trees for the Future

Associate Director, Collections Tony Aiello

Trees typically have a much longer lifespan compared to many other living organisms. Their growth, development, and response to environmental changes occur at a slower pace, often spanning years, decades, or even centuries. Like all living organisms, they are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events. As the planet is going through large-scale changes, we need to be planning for the future of trees.

Along with Associate Director of Collections Tony Aiello, explore how, as a forward-thinking institution, we evaluate our existing trees here at Longwood for the future and decide what trees we should add, breed, grow, or manage in our collections to ensure we have a healthy canopy in 2044, 2064, 2104, and beyond.

September 13, 2024 at 11:00 am

Science Series: Creating Our Iconic Baskets

Senior Grower Michelle Hagerty

Our hanging baskets are nothing short of iconic—and a horticultural feat resulting from hours of collaborative efforts among our Horticulture and Facilities teams. The culmination of these efforts results in a visually stunning display of vibrant, gracefully cascading baskets, emblematic of our world-class horticultural excellence.

Join Senior Grower Michelle Hagerty and learn about the months-long planning process with our baskets, and how our experts source specialty materials, make use of our unique facilities, overcome challenging delivery issues, and maintain these incredible forms of living art. Discover how we create and care for our hanging baskets, from planning and selecting materials, to growing and maintaining them while on display.

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