Ask the Experts

Jeff Lorenz | Refugia Design

Tuesday, February 4, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Virtual, via Zoom
Free, but registration is required. 
Register HERE

Join the Chestnut Hill Conservancy for Ask the Experts: Putting Plants to Work with Jeff Lorenz of Refugia Design. Refugia Design embraces the ethos of designing and stewarding landscapes that support native ecosystems to create biological corridors of refuge for plants, people, and wildlife. Refugia founder Jeff Lorenz and the team specialize in transforming lawns into sophisticated and dynamic plant communities. Since 2015, they have created 100+ habitat ‘stepping stone’ gardens within five miles of their Narberth HQ as part of their award-winning Ecological Greenway Network.

Join Jeff as he lifts the veil on traditional landscaping practices to offer tangible creative alternatives that embrace natural processes to create immediate environmental impact by ‘putting plants to work.’

Learning Objectives:

The power of functional plants: Learn how to select and introduce species that support biodiversity, sequester carbon, and manage stormwater.

Sustainable alternatives to lawns and built materials: Explore strategies for replacing traditional turf with low-maintenance, drought-tolerant alternatives while creating design cohesion through sustainable materials.

Stewardship, not ‘maintenance’: Understand the benefits of delaying cutbacks until spring and how you might better collaborate with nature’s processes.

Amplifying impact: Find out why connectivity is more important than the square footage of your garden for neighborhood conservation and mobilizing biodiversity.

Jeff Lorenz:

As founder of Refugia Design, based in Greater Philadelphia, Jeff Lorenz combines his decades of experience in landscape design with a desire for innovation. His sensibility is for immersive outdoor sanctuary spaces that seek to co-exist with rather than control nature. Refugia’s work can be regularly found in Fine Gardening, Martha Stewart Living, Gardenista, and Architectural Digest. Jeff is the creative thinker behind Refugia’s mission, methodology, and Ecological Greenway Network and truly believes that ‘putting plants to work’ is the only way forward.  Award-winning exhibitors at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show and recipient of multiple local, national, and international design awards from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, American Society of Landscape Architects, and the Perennial Plant Association; Refugia addresses climate change and loss of biodiversity through landscapes that are resilient, beneficial and beautiful. Jeff resides in Narberth with his creative partner Kayla and daughters Freya and Adelaide.

This program is designed for everyone, from experienced gardeners to those new to sustainable landscaping. During this free virtual lecture, Jeff will provide actionable insights into common issues in our region alongside case study inspiration for creating an ecologically beneficial, beautiful, and resilient garden come spring.

This free program is made possible by the Conservancy’s Lead Sponsor, Chubb, our General Sponsors, and members. It is done in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association.

For advance questions or registration inquiries, please get in touch with Conservancy Programs and Communications Manager Chrissy Clawson at Chrissy@CHConservancy.Org.

Registration is free but required. Registrants will receive the Zoom link approximately one day before the program’s date. 

Robert Anderson | Anderson Ironworks

Saturday, May 3, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
8708 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Free, but registration is required, and space is limited for this in-person program. 
Register HERE

Join the Chestnut Hill Conservancy for an extraordinary journey into ornamental ironwork with Robert Anderson, owner and partner of Anderson Ironworks. Anderson Ironworks has been a cornerstone of craftsmanship, blending traditional forging techniques with modern design to create stunning and functional metalwork that enhances architectural character.

For decades, Anderson Ironworks has contributed to the beauty and functionality of local landmarks, including the Chestnut Hill Hotel and the MARKET at the Fareway. The company has also earned national acclaim for its meticulous attention to detail and excellence in design.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the artistry of ornamental ironworking firsthand.

Explore the timeless art of ornamental ironwork in this engaging session, which blends history, practical knowledge, and a live demonstration. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an admirer of architecture, or simply curious about the craft, this program offers a fascinating look at integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern applications in architectural design.

Learning Objectives:

A deep dive into the origins and evolution of ironworking techniques.

Practical tips for maintaining and restoring metalwork to ensure long-term durability.

A live forging demonstration showcasing the creation of a classic scroll—a foundational design in decorative metalwork.

Robert Anderson:

As the owner and partner at Anderson Ironworks, Robert Anderson has been a driving force since 2006, continuing the family’s legacy of exceptional craftsmanship. Based in Worcester, PA, Robert specializes in ornamental ironwork, focusing on design, project management, and old-world forging techniques. After joining the family business, Anderson Welding, in 1992 following high school, Robert mastered foundational skills in fabrication and welding before transitioning to ornamental ironwork. He dedicated years to perfecting traditional forging methods, which have become the hallmark of Anderson Ironworks. Under Robert’s leadership, the company has earned national recognition, including prestigious awards from the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA), such as a Bronze Award for Hand-Forged Iron Gates (2010), a Silver Award for Non-Ferrous Gates (2013), and a Gold Award for Restoration (2023) for the Princeton Ferris Thompson Gates. Robert’s work is prominently featured in local projects, including the Chestnut Hill Hotel and Market, where Anderson Ironworks has crafted and maintained custom metalwork such as railings, planters, signage, and stainless-steel features. His dedication to blending tradition with innovation has made Anderson Ironworks a trusted name throughout Montgomery and Bucks Counties and beyond, with a growing portfolio of creative and technically precise projects that reflect his passion for enhancing architectural character.

This program is perfect for anyone, from history enthusiasts to those curious about how to maintain or restore metalwork. During this free in-person event, Robert Anderson will provide an engaging exploration of the history, craftsmanship, and restoration of ornamental ironwork, complemented by a live forging demonstration that showcases the timeless beauty and precision of this craft.

The Conservancy’s Lead Sponsor, Chubb, General Sponsors, and members make this free program possible. Ask the Experts is organized by the Conservancy and offered in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association.

For advance questions or registration inquiries, please contact Conservancy Programs and Communications Manager Chrissy Clawson at Chrissy@CHConservancy.Org.

Registration is free but required.