Polly Hill Visitor Center Opens for Summer Season

The (PHA) Visitor Center is now open for the summer season and this year’s summer program is filled with an exciting variety of lectures and classes along with some very special events.

The summer lecture series kicks off with a new tradition, “.” Join Arboretum staff on June 20^th for a wine and cheese reception followed by a report on PHA activities. Other evening programs include author Nancy Hugo on her book, Seeing Trees: Discover the Extraordinary Secrets of Ordinary Trees, and Nantucket Land Council director Cormac Collier for a look at open space preservation on Nantucket. Horticultural designer and dynamic speaker Patrick Cullina returns as the featured guest for the popular evening garden stroll, “Wine, Cheese … and Trees.”

Newly established is an annual lecture series focusing on great American gardens. The Annual Lisina and Frank W. Hoch Lecture Series' inaugural speaker will be Bill Thomas, director of Chanticleer, a pleasure garden located in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

They are also hosting two afternoon author talks and receptions: Judith Tankard will discuss her book, Gertrude Jekyll and the Country House Garden, and Holly Bellebuono will present her new book, The Essential Herbal for Natural Health.

Tim Boland, Executive Director at PHA said, "Lisina and Frank Hoch were close friends with Polly Hill and have been involved with the Arboretum from the very beginning. They both have had a tremendous commitment to the science and education programs at the Arboretum and because of their generosity we have a beautiful and successful greenhouse facility. Beyond these exceptional contributions, they represent the very best in Arboretum advocacy. In a sense, like Polly herself, Lisina and Frank Hoch are growers, but in this case they have helped the Arboretum grow into what we see today. I am extremely grateful for their support and so very pleased we can honor them through this newly established lecture series."

In August look for a special event with Peter Pap of Peter Pap Oriental Rugs. Pap will speak on the use of natural dyes and the depictions of flora in antique rugs, along with a trunk show and two-day rug sale. A portion of the proceeds of the sale will go to the Arboretum. The Arboretum thanks their friends and sponsors—Bartlett Tree Experts, Donaroma’s Nursery, Heather Gardens, Middletown Nursery, and SBS—for their generous support towards the summer lecture series.

The Polly Hill Arboretum is open from 9:30 am - 4 pm daily with tours at 2 pm every day. Family Explorer Backpacks are also available. These self-guided educational Arboretum tours engage the entire family in nature studies during their visit. Backpacks include a kid-friendly map, field guides, magnifying glasses, sketchpads, and other materials.

For a complete list of the summer schedule visit www.pollyhillarboretum.org. To receive email program updates contact Karin at karin@pollyhillarboretum.org. You can also follow them on Facebook.