The snow and ice have almost completely melted at Adkins Arboretum, making the ground super soft. The trails are clear, but boots are recommended, as some spots are muddy.

Spring is now just one month away, and we’re offering several programs to prepare for and celebrate the coming season. Here are a few highlights that you’ll want to add to your calendar.

There are only four seats remaining on our Philadelphia Flower Show Bus Trip. The theme of this year’s show is Rooted: Origins of American Gardening. Through immersive garden exhibits and stunning floral displays, the show will bring to life the personal stories, cultural traditions, and horticultural inspiration that connect us to plants, each other, and shape how we garden today.

You’re bound to return home with fresh ideas for your garden.

Permaculture is fascinating and Justinian Dispenza, founder of the Eastern Shore Permaculture Institute, will teach us why in Permaculture 101.

Permaculture integrates land, resources, people and the environment through mutually beneficial synergies – imitating the no waste, closed loop systems seen in diverse natural systems. Permaculture studies and applies holistic solutions that are applicable in rural and urban contexts at any scale.

Justinian will cover the “Ten Principles” of permaculture and discuss ways to integrate them into your garden, your home, your organizations, and your personal life.

Our popular Soup ‘n Walk programs begin again in March with Blossoms, Birds, and Frogs of Early Spring. We’ll begin with a guided group walk led by a knowledgeable Docent naturalist, who will highlight early signs of Spring. After working up an appetite, the group will gather in the Gallery for a catered lunch of chicken and kale soup, red beet salad, dill cottage cheese bread, and chocolate cupcake topped with cherry.

Some of our Visitors attended all six Soup ‘n Walk programs offered throughout the year. They’re a wonderful way to experience the Arboretum’s seasonal changes.

Spring Nature Journaling is a three-session class that takes place outside. You’ll learn to create a personal interpretation of what you see, know, and think about nature from Diane DuBois Mullaly, fine artist and Maryland Master Naturalist.

With her keen eye for color and design, and endless curiosity about everything in nature, Diane helps people find delightful connections between art and science in the great outdoors. This class requires no previous art experience, and students may opt to purchase materials when they register.

Finally, our Spring Native Plant Sale goes live March 5 for Arboretum Members, and March 7 for the general public. Now’s a great time to join or renew your Membership, because Members always receive a discount on plants.

Our Native Plant Sales are unique as they’re conducted entirely online. After placing an order, customers will receive a confirmation email with instructions on scheduling a pick-up appointment in late–April through early–May.

A link to the sale will be shared the day it begins. Watch for updates on social media and in our weekly emails.