NEW HOPE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Knowing Native Plants: Classic Asters and Their Colorful Companions — a close, expert-led study of asters on the banks of New Hope
A three-hour, expert-led exploration of native asters, their habitats, and which species make the best additions to your garden.
Knowing Native Plants: Classic Asters and Their Colorful Companions — a close, expert-led study of asters on the banks of New Hope.
Asters may look familiar, but they’re anything but ordinary: on this guided three-hour session at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve you’ll uncover what makes members of the aster family distinct, see classic species in situ and learn which of these natives will thrive in a home garden.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Meet the aster family up close
Discover what separates asters from other plants and study classic species such as New England aster and aromatic aster, alongside other family members and specialists.
Walk diverse native plant communities
Explore different habitats where asters and their companions grow, observe species that extend bloom into November, and see how community context affects where each plant thrives.
Practical choices for home landscapes
Learn which species—among them bonesets, white snakeroot and mistflower—make good candidates for a garden and why certain asters suit specific planting situations.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is an intimate, expert-led field session: an instructor-led mix of talk and close observation as you move through native plant communities, pausing on stands of asters and their colorful companions to examine distinguishing features, seasonal habits and practical uses for home gardens.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this session suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a Saturday, three-hour class (Saturday, September 19th; duration: 3 Hours).
Meet at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve.
The operator did not list specific gear requirements for this session.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the class?
The class runs three hours.
Where do we meet?
Meet at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve.
Which species will be covered?
Classic asters such as New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) and aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) will be covered, along with bonesets (Eupatorium perfoliatum), white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima), mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) and other species found in different habitats; some species bloom into November.
Who leads the class?
Mary Anne Borge, a naturalist, photographer, author and educator who is an instructor at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve and a Pennsylvania master naturalist, leads the session.
Is this part of a larger program or series?
Yes. The class is part of the annual Knowing Native Plants series, which features 14 Saturday classes and contains programs required for the Native Plant Advocate Program.
What will I learn about gardening?
The session will cover how to choose native aster species and their companions that might be good candidates for your own garden.