Ladew Topiary Gardens

WEDNESDAY TREE-CARE WORKSHOP Learn about tree care with arborist Walt Kipp, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Wednesday at Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely. Participants will learn to identify weather damage, disease and insect infestation in trees, as well as learn how to work around root systems and when it's best to prune. $10-$12. 410-634-2847 or adkinsarboretum.org. VIRTUAL TOUR OF LADEW Ladew Topiary Gardens' 30-year senior docent Martha Nichols will take visitors on a "Virtual Tour of the Ladew Home and Gardens" at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Weinberg House, 16 Old Court Road, Pikesville.

Born in New York in 1887, Harvey S. Ladew was drawn to Harford County by the prospect of fox-hunting in the area. In 1929, he purchased Pleasant Valley Farm in Monkton. Over subsequent years, the outdoorsman devoted himself to the beautification of the house and grounds. The result was Ladew Topiary Gardens, which on Sept. 29 will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the gardens being open to the public. According to the Ladew Gardens Web site, the Garden Club of America described the site as "the most outstanding topiary garden in America."

Theatreworks offers fall ballet classes Theatreworks ... Live Inc. will offer fall classes at County Ballet, 2232 Old Emmorton Road, Bel Air. Programs include: Theatreworks Jr.: for ages 4-7 at 9 a.m. Saturdays Sept. 23 to Nov. 11. The cost is $50. Musical Theatreworks: for ages 8-17 at 10:15 a.m. Saturdays Sept. 23 to Nov. 23. The cost is $80. Acting FUNdamentals: for ages 11-17 at 6:30 p.m. Fridays Sept. 22 to Nov. 10. Tuition is $75. Information: 410-638-0806 or 410-879-9821. Ladew to hold 35th-anniversary gala Ladew Topiary Gardens will hold its 35th anniversary gala, "Baby Let's Dance," at 7 p.m. Sept.

Martha S. "Pattie" Penniman, an outdoorswoman and longtime Ladew Gardens volunteer, died in her sleep March 31 at Welshes Cradle, her Worthington Valley home. She was 95. Mrs. Penniman, who would have turned 96 on Sunday, was born Martha Symington in Baltimore and raised at Indian Springs Farm in Long Green Valley. She was a 1928 graduate of Oldfields School. During the Depression, she moved to Pittsburgh to work in the family business, McConway & Torley Co. Founded in 1873, the company manufactured automatic railroad-car couplers.

For many of us, Thanksgiving weekend is the official kickoff for holiday decorating. Following the national meal, we start stringing lights, flinging tinsel around, and larding the yard with embellishments that range from elegant and traditional to religious or with gazillion-watt light shows. For some, decorating the yard is prescribed - a wreath and the same electric reindeer each year. But for others, it's a chance to try something new. "Find where your passion lies," suggests Karen Babcock, associate director of Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton.

November events Nov. 4 First Friday -- 4 p.m.-8 p.m., downtown Havre de Grace; extended shopping hours at more than 50 downtown merchants. Free live music and street performers. 410-939-2100. Nov. 5 Harford Day School's Fine Arts Festival -- 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 715 Moores Mill Road, Bel Air; fine arts and American handcrafts; juried exhibit and sale; more than 50 artists from nine states will present original, handcrafted work in a variety of media. Admission: Adults, $5; children, free.