On Wednesday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. the Polly Hill Arboretum kicks off its summer lecture series with Chanticleer Gardens horticulturalist and woodworker Dan Benarcik.

Chanticleer, a pleasure garden near Wayne, Pa., is the most creative garden in America, says Polly Hill director Tim Boland. The garden contains artistic spaces full of inspiring plant combinations, but innovative plantings are not the only thing that sets Chanticleer apart. From woodworking to stone carving to metalworking, the artistry of the garden’s staff embellish the garden. Join Mr. Benarcik for a look at the extraordinary art and craft of Chanticleer. The progams costs $8, or $5 for arboretum members.

On Thursday, July 10, from 9 a.m. to noon Mr. Benarcik will follow up his talk with a hands-on workshop on how to build an iconic piece of furniture; the garden chair adapted from a chair popularized at Wave Hill. Using red cedar and stainless steel hardware, participants will create their own durable, useful and handsome outdoor chair. Materials and instruction will be provided. Preregistration is required and there is a limit of 10 participants. Cost is $200, or $185 for members.

For information on these and other programs, call 508-693-9426. or see online pollyhillarboretum.org.