Terrariums/ Gardening Events and Classes Philadelphia and Surrounding Area

Friday evening was a girls night out for me, mom, and my sister. We attended a terrarium class at City Planter. This garden center is located in Philadelphia in the Northern Liberties section. The store is a vendor each year at the Philadelphia Flower Show although I've never been able to get close enough to purchase anything. Now that I know where it's located I can go and shop when it's convenient for me. The class is normally sold out so I was finally pleased to be able to take the class. The store reminds me of Urban Jungle another garden center in South Philadelphia. Both shops are located in residential areas and are are converted warehouses. The flowers at City Planter were beautiful with lots of foliage, large ceramic pots, and vertical displays. This is the terrarium I made. 

The container, plants, and each layer to fill the terrarium was included in the price of the class. Baby tears and a miniature ficus plant were the two plants I selected. Lets see how long they live. Hopefully for a long time. The bottom layer is a layer of stones followed by moss, charcoal, potting soil, plants and finally more moss. The last step was to spritz the contents. The staff was very welcoming and informative. Light refreshments were served. The class was held in the main entrance to the store at tables set up for each participant. I didn't count the number of participants but I would say about 20 people. I didn't think to take pictures or even bring a camera but all venues don't always allow picture taking. 

I've been doing some research on gardening classes in my area. I prefer not to drive miles for a class and miles back to get home. Monthly classes offered by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in my area were cut due to funding. It was nice to have a class in the neighborhood. There are still many classes but many are during the week day when I'm at work or at night after work in Center City. After work is usually not an option because I'm tired. 

With the coming of Thanksgiving and Christmas I start thinking of holiday center pieces and wreaths. Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania has a wreath making class but it's pricey. For the price of the class, I can buy 3 premade wreaths and add my own touches to it. I'm still trying to make a decision as to whether I'll register. The best part is that it's in Philly in the Chestnut Hill section, not far from home. They really have a good selection of classes. Awbury Arboretum is even closer to home here in Germantown and the classes are affordable. Bartram's Garden is also in Philly. I have never been there but they have two events that caught my interests; the holidays greens sale and another terrarium class for a lower price than I payed.

Mount Cuba Center and Longwood Gardens offer a multitude of classes. I enjoyed Mount Cuba but really wouldn't want to drive this distance for classes. This link will give you a nice selection of different events in the area; Greater Philadelphia Gardens.