What to Expect from the New PHS Meadowbrook Farm Educational Series
A Hands-On Curriculum for Gardeners of All Levels
Whether you’re just starting with your first potted herb or you’re a master gardener, this series is designed to meet you where you are. Our curriculum is tiered to provide foundational knowledge for novices while offering advanced techniques and deeper ecological insights for experienced horticulturists, ensuring everyone leaves with new, actionable skills.
Beyond the Classroom: Immersive Farm and Garden Tours
This isn’t a lecture hall experience. You’ll be walking the grounds, getting a true behind-the-scenes look at our operational farm. This includes access to our propagation greenhouses, composting facilities, and trial gardens that are not typically part of the public tour route, offering an exclusive glimpse into sustainable farm management.
Common Gardening Challenges, Addressed
We’ve structured our sessions to tackle the real-world problems gardeners face every season.
- Struggling with Poor Soil? Learn soil amendment techniques specific to the Pennsylvania climate, including how to interpret your own soil test results.
- Pests Eating Your Plants? Discover integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that are effective and eco-friendly, moving beyond simple pesticides.
- Limited on Space? Master container gardening, vertical growing, and other small-space solutions to cultivate a productive garden on a patio, balcony, or small urban lot.
Why This Series is Different: A Unique Approach to Garden Education
PHS Meadowbrook Farm vs. Typical Online Gardening Tutorials
While online videos are convenient, they lack the interactive, site-specific expertise of our program. The key differentiators are the hands-on experience, the immediate feedback from our horticulture experts, and the ability to see, touch, and smell the plants and soil, creating a multisensory learning experience that a screen cannot replicate.
PHS Meadowbrook Farm vs. Other Local Garden Centers’ Classes
Local garden centers offer valuable advice, but PHS Meadowbrook Farm operates on a different scale and mission. As part of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, our classes are backed by decades of plant research, extensive trial gardens, and a focus on sustainable and climate-resilient practices that you won’t find elsewhere.
Something You Might Not Know: The Farm’s Role in Plant Research
PHS Meadowbrook Farm is more than a picturesque destination; it’s a vital, working farm and a living laboratory for the future of gardening. Here, PHS conducts rigorous trials on new and underutilized plant varieties, testing them for hardiness, disease resistance, and performance in our specific regional climate. During your tour, you’ll get an exclusive preview of these “future-proof” plants before they hit the commercial market.
Planning Your Visit: Tour and Series Details
2024 Schedule and Session Themes
| Season | Session Theme | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring Seed Starting & Soil Prep | Indoor seeding, hardening off, compost tea brewing |
| Summer | Summer Pest & Disease Management | Organic controls, beneficial insects, irrigation |
| Fall | Fall Planting for Spring Blooms | Bulb planting, perennial division, soil amendment |
| Winter | Winter Garden Planning & Design | Garden mapping, crop rotation, seed catalog navigation |
How to Register and Pricing Information
Registration is available online through the PHS website. We highly recommend signing up early as spaces are limited to ensure a quality experience for all participants.
| Ticket Type | Single Session | Full Series Pass |
|---|---|---|
| PHS Member | $35 | $120 |
| Non-Member | $50 | $175 |
Location and What to Bring
The series is held at PHS Meadowbrook Farm in Abington, PA. We recommend wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain and weather-appropriate clothing. Don’t forget a water bottle, a notebook, and your curiosity!
Frequently Asked Questions About the PHS Meadowbrook Farm Educational Series
Are the tours and classes suitable for children?
While the core educational series is designed for participants aged 16 and older, we offer specific family-friendly tours and “Garden Explorers” programs on select weekends. Please check our online calendar for these dedicated family events.
What happens if it rains?
The program includes both indoor classroom space and covered areas, so sessions are held rain or shine! We believe gardening happens in all weather, and we’ll adapt the day’s activities accordingly. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing a rain jacket if the forecast looks wet.
Do I need to bring my own tools?
All necessary tools and materials for the hands-on sessions will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own favorite gardening gloves or a personal hand trowel if you prefer, but it is not required.
Is there a discount for PHS members?
Yes! PHS members receive significant discounts on all educational programming, including this series. A membership quickly pays for itself if you plan to attend multiple events and also includes other benefits like free admission to the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show.
Ready to Grow Your Gardening Knowledge?
Don’t just watch gardening—experience it. The PHS Meadowbrook Farm Educational Gardening Series and Tours offer a rare opportunity to learn from leading experts at a premier horticultural site. Deepen your connection to the land, solve your trickiest garden problems, and become part of a community passionate about growing. Secure your spot today and take the first step toward a more beautiful and bountiful garden.
