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:

Fog drapes over the Woodland Garden.
Our terrarium contains a variety of carnivorous plants including Nepenthes spp., Pinguecula spp., and Drosera spp.
We are beginning to prepare for pathway renovations. This is the first step to make our park more accessible for all visitors.
Early fall morning light streams in through the trees on the east end of the park.
A quick and lucky capture of a red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis, in flight.
Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) blooms in the fall at the same time as the previous year's seeds mature. These seeds are expelled from the seed pod and can be catapulted up to 30 feet away!
The spiny witchhazel gall aphid, Hamamelistes spinosus, is an insect that can be found on river birch and witch hazel. Insects that create galls typically do not harm plants.
The sweet flowers of the carnivorous Utricularia blanchetii 'Chapada Diamantia, BA, Brazil' are blooming now in the Biology Greenhouse.
A sunny glow emanates from the plaza.
Camellia sasanqua is one of the most hardy Camellia species and is the first to bloom.
Camellia oleifera flowers bloom in the fall. After they are pollinated, large seeds are produced, which can be pressed into an oil similar to olive oil.
Contrasting colors and patterns in the greenhouse make for a dynamic shade-loving display.
Hydrangea quercifolia leaves show the full spectrum of fall color.
While herbaceous plants are dormant, the architecture of woody plants and evergreens defines the winter garden.
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.
The long view from the top of the Fernery steps.
2,500 Crocus tommasinianus bulbs were planted in the Plaza Lawn. In late winter purple flowers will bloom amongst the grass.
While most other leaves have fallen, Acer palmatum foliage is starting to change color.
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.
Morning light highlights the remaining foliage along the Main Path.
Fog surrounds the pond, creating an atmospheric view.
Sherbet colored leaves of Hypericum sp. glisten with raindrops.
This egg case belongs to our native mantid, Stagmomantis carolina. It can be differentiated from the invasive Chinese species by its elongated shape.
The dawn redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, is a deciduous conifer. Its needles turn rusty-brown before falling from the tree.
Enkianthus perulatus leaves turn cherry red in the autumn.
While most other plants leaves are falling off, Arum italicum foliage is just emerging!
Light filters through the vibrant fall foliage of Acer palmatum var. dissectum.

What’s happening today? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook