James G. Kaskey Memorial Park – Home of the BioPond and Biology Greenhouse

The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park honors its past as the first Botanic Garden of the University of Pennsylvania, bolsters research and educational opportunities within the Department of Biology, and enriches community well-being by creating a verdant oasis for plants and people.

This month in the park:

We haven't had much snow this winter, but what little is there looks beautiful dusting the first Camellia japonica flowers.
Our terrarium contains a variety of carnivorous plants including Nepenthes spp., Pinguecula spp., and Drosera spp.
While herbaceous plants are dormant, the architecture of woody plants and evergreens defines the winter garden.
A collage showing the variety of Hellebore cv. flowers growing in the park.
As herbaceous plants were cut back throughout the winter, 18 inch stems were left standing to preserve habitat for overwintering insects. Once temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees these stems will be cut back to the ground.
Graceful seed heads of Tricyrtis formosana persist into the winter.
Ilex opaca 'Princeton Gold' differentiates itself from the straight species with its yellow fruits.
We are beginning to prepare for pathway renovations. This is the first step to make our park more accessible for all visitors.
The architectural seed heads of Begonia grandis persist throughout the fall and winter.
The cotton-like seed heads of Japanese anemones, Eriocapitella hupehensis, catch light from the winter sun.
Contrasting colors and patterns in the greenhouse make for a dynamic shade-loving display.
Fog surrounds the pond, creating an atmospheric view.
This egg case belongs to our native mantid, Stagmomantis carolina. It can be differentiated from the invasive Chinese species by its elongated shape.
While most other plants leaves are falling off, Arum italicum foliage is just emerging!
Catkins, like those seen on the hazelnut (Corylus avellana), are flowers that are pollinated by wind.
The first daffodil, Narcissus cv., begins blooming in late January.
Newly planted winter containers feature blue-needles conifers, Cupressus arizonica and Picea pungens 'Glauca Globosa'.
Mahonia bealei's acid yellow flower spikes stand out against its deep green leaves.
Snowdrops. Galanthus nivalis, tumble down the Fernery slope.
Flowers of Hamamelis 'Amethyst', a recent addition to the Woodland Garden.
The fuzzy pink blooms (catkins) of Salix gracilistyla 'Mt. Aso'.
A closer view of the early blooming Jasminum nudiflorum flowers.
Winter jasmine, Jasminum nudiflorum, cascades over the walls on the Levin Plaza.
Ficaria verna, also known as lesser celandine, is a noxious introduced invasive species that, unfortunately, thrives in the moist soils of the park.
A pair of green chairs in the snow.
After the petals are gone, sepals remain on Hamamelis virginiana.
Hamamelis xintermedia 'Jelena' blooms in the winter with ribbon-like red orange petals.

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