Principles of Plant Systematics
Instructor: Alfred E. Schuyler, Ph.D., Curator Emeritus, Botany, Academy of Natural Sciences
Fall semester 8:30–10 am
This course provides instruction on classifying plants according to their evolutionary relationships, and the procedures for naming, describing, and identifying them. Students develop skills that will allow them to gain familiarity with major plant groups from all parts of the world. Additionally, students study the cultural, environmental, and economic importance and influences of these major plant groups. The course includes lectures and hands-on examination of living plants observed during the course.

Plant Ecology
Instructor: Rachel M. Wilson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology, Philadelphia University
Spring semester 8:30–10 am
Investigates plant communities of the mid-Atlantic region and focuses on relationships between plants, animals, and microorganisms. Students learn about responses of characteristic species to disturbance, succession, and environmental change. Main topics include plant strategies and adaptations for competition, stress-tolerance, pollination, seed dispersal, and herbivory.

Garden Practicum
Instructor: Jim Bobb, horticulturalist
Two-semester course 10:15–11:45 am
Through hands-on practice, students learn gardening skills, including planning, planting, propagation, and maintenance of various plants, gardens, container plants, and garden tools.

Plant Structure and Function
Instructor: Ann Mickle, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology, LaSalle University
Fall semester 12:45–2:15 pm
In a course covering the general structure and function of higher plants through the study of typical morphology and basic physiology at the cell, tissue, organ, and plant levels, students explore the processes of cell division, including mitosis and meiosis, and the structure of basic food chains and webs.

Survey of the Plant Kingdom
Instructor: Ann Mickle, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology, LaSalle University
Spring semester 12:45–2:15 pm
An overview of the organisms classified as plants and of those organisms that have historically been grouped with plants. The course provides students with an understanding of the structure of each of the major groups of plants, the human relevance of plants, and the important evolutionary advances leading to the origin of seed plants.

Introduction to Design for Horticulturists
Instructors: Marylyn Waltzer, Certified Botanical Illustrator; Allan J. Summers, RLA, Rodney Robinson Landscape Architects, Inc.
Fall semester 2:30–4:15 pm
During the first four weeks, students will learn the basics of drawing. By studying the elements of design in works of art and in landscapes, students will explore visual communication and interpretation. In preparation for Introduction to Landscape Design, students learn elementary drawing, the basic elements of art, the principles of design, and the aesthetic motives used by artists and landscape designers.

Introduction to Landscape Design
Instructor: Linda Walczak, RLA, ASLA, Program Manager, Philadelphia Green Program, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Spring semester 2:30–4:15 pm
This course will introduce students to the field of landscape design, emphasizing the practical application of design principals and theory. The process, techniques, and skills required to develop a design for an outdoor space will be presented through project examples, and complemented by design exercises and discussion with visiting practitioners. Topics covered include the design process, site analysis, the use of plants and other materials to shape outdoor space, the language of design, and graphic communication.

All classes meet once a week in the Arboretum House, 57 Lapsley Lane, Merion.

Download the full 2011-12 Course Catalog here.

To register, please complete the registration form and mail to: The Barnes Foundation, c/o Education Department, 300 North Latch's Lane, Merion, PA 19066.