In early November, 45 members of the Maple Society arrived in Philadelphia from all over North America and France to participate in the society’s annual meeting. 

I had the honor of being the co-chair of the event and helped enlist guest speakers and organize many of the public and private garden visits. Many in the group were first-time visitors to the Garden Capital of America. The weather was warm and the fall color was still in full swing for some maples. The main event lasted three days, with two additional days of touring for the most intrepid members. We visited the collections of Chanticleer, Morris Arboretum, Longwood Gardens, Tyler Arboretum, Villanova University, Scott Arboretum, Stoneleigh, West Laurel Hill, and three private gardens. 

Our speaker series topics included climate change and its effects on maples, the current international maple database, propagation of maples, and shade gardening with maples. 

Accessibility to the world of maples has never been greater. There are countless species and cultivars available in the market today, including fun new cultivars of our native maples, like the rare sugar maple (Acer saccharum ‘Monumentale’) that grows no wider than two feet but vertically up to 30 or more feet. 

Each year, many new cultivars of Japanese maples are introduced to the market. A personal favorite is the Mikawa type. The Mikawa belong to the Crispum group, which are known for being dwarf growers with crinkled and tightly layered leaves. They are perfect for container gardening and do not require a lot of space to grow. Their unique sculptural, bonsai-like growth habit immediately catches your eye in the landscape. 

Many maple species are gaining ground in popularity. They include Full Moon Maple (Acer shirasawanum), Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) and Painted Maple (Acer pictum). The opportunity for interesting foliage, bark, leaf shape, and fall color makes any maple a worthwhile plant for the landscape. 

For more information about all things maple, visit The Maple Society of North America at www.maplesocietynorthamerica.org and consider joining the society!