The Urban Farming Institute invites you to a July workshop session – Keeping Up with the Crops – on Saturday, July 11 from 12 – 2 at the Fowler Clark Epstein Farm, 487 Norfolk Street in Mattapan. Registration is encouranged by email at info@urbanfarminginstitute.org or call 617-989-9920. Free.
The countdown to Tucson is on, and The Botanical Society of America and its cosponsors cannot wait to see all of you at Botany2026 (August 1-5) in Tucson, Arizona.
Whether you are presenting your latest research, exploring the incredible Sonoran Desert on one of our field trips, diving into hands-on workshops, or simply reconnecting with your botanical community, this is going to be a meeting to remember.
And speaking of not wanting to miss out, the exhibitor hall has completely sold out, meaning you will have a packed floor full of exciting opportunities, resources, and conversations waiting for you.
Registration is open now!
Come for the science. Stay for the community. We will see you in Tucson.
Register now at https://www.xcdsystem.com/botany/program/QCq9cvK/index.cfm
Farm Suppers at Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester are back—and they’re kicking off the season with a laid-back summer cookout on the patio. Join them for an evening of great food, live music, and good company as the sun sets over the farm.
Chef Kelcy will be serving up buffet-style tender, slow-cooked BBQ pork alongside vegan options and seasonal sides made with fresh ingredients from the farm. And of course, we all will have to save room for dessert.
We’ll have a selection of beer and wine available for purchase, along with a seasonal cocktail and mocktail menu crafted by Sous Chefs Beckett and Emily. Live music from The Potato Shakers will set the perfect tone for a summer night at the farm.
This is the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy the warm weather, and indulge in delicious food and drinks—all while supporting our small nonprofit.
Whether you’re a meat lover, vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, there’s something for everyone at our Patio Cookout. Come experience the flavors of summer at Wright-Locke Farm. $89, tiered pricing available. Register at https://wlfarm.org/farm-to-table-suppers/
Cultivating Community Farm invites you to the Snap Pea Soirée on Saturday, July 25 from 5 – 7 at Brentwood Community Garden in Portland, Maine. The garden party fundraiser celebrates 25 years of supporting food justice in Portland. All proceeds benefit Cultivating Community’s Farm, Garden and Youth Programs, serving over 4,500 neighbors annually, $40 suggested donations. For tickets visit https://cultivatingcommunity.org/
The search for sophisticated red, white, and blue floral arrangements continues, in an age where sticking American flags in things substitutes for art and sane political discourse. Enjoy the blue and red bouquet below by Italo Vale and have a happy and healthy holiday.
Join the Esplanade Association on July 16 for the Annual Summer Dock Party at Community Boating, Inc in Boston, celebrating the Esplanade Association’s 25th Anniversary. From 6:30 – 10, enjoy a fantastic evening set against the sunset views of the Charles River and the beautiful Eliot Garden. Mingle with 300 fellow Esplanade supporters while savoring tasty food, sipping cool drinks, and dancing to music from a live DJ. All ticket proceeds go towards the Esplanade Association’s mission to enhance, maintain, and sustain the iconic park. $125.00 Register at www.esplanade.org. All tickets will have a $25 tax-deductible contribution. For more information visit https://esplanade.org/events/summer-dock-party/.
Gore Place presents the Jane Austen Garden Party on the grounds of their beautiful 19th-century estate in Waltham—a site fit to be the setting for one of the celebrated author’s famous novels.
Tickets for the July 12 event, which begins at 2 pm, are sold out, but contact Gore Place to inquire about a wait list. https://goreplace.org/whats-on/jane-austen Regency Period dress encouraged, with a prize for the best dressed!
The Mayor’s Garden Contest is an annual citywide celebration of urban gardening. We recognize gardeners who have landscaped, planted flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs, helping beautify Boston’s neighborhoods. First place winners in the garden categories will receive the “Golden Trowel” award from Mayor Michelle Wu. They will also be entered to win a grand prize of two round trip tickets on JetBlue for non-stop travel from Boston, provided by JetBlue. Additional support provided by Mahoney’s Garden Centers. Mayor Michelle Wu will recognize Garden Contest Hall of Fame inductees at the awards ceremony. To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, a gardener must have won three or more times.
The contest is only for Boston residents who are amateur gardeners. Businesses and other groups may submit an entry in our “Storefront, Organization, or Main Street District Garden” category. The first round of judging is done by viewing the photos you submit as part of your application. Please include whole photos of the garden (not close ups of individual flowers, vegetables or plants.) Any photos or images you submit to us become City of Boston property. We may use these images for press or marketing purposes. Finalist gardens will be judged in person. City of Boston employees and their immediate family members are not eligible.
To download the contest entry form visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/mayors-garden-contest
Join Wool Works as we honor the incredible small farms, passionate breeders, and super-talented makers who bring wool (and wool-adjacent goodies!) to life. Think of it as a joyful gathering of creativity, sustainability, and fuzzy fun in the middle of summer!
Our mission? To spark your curiosity and warm your heart with the science of wool, the beauty of sustainable agriculture, and the artistry that transforms simple fibers into fabulous creations.
What to Expect:
• Over 65 amazing vendors ready to dazzle you with unique finds.
• Inspiring art displays and captivating presentations.
• A chance to connect, learn, and fall in love with wool all over again.
Where: The Weave Shed at Greylock WORKS in North Adams, Massachusetts.
When: July 18, 2026, from 10 am to 7pm
Grab Your Timed Entry Tickets: Go to https://www.wool.works/ and click the button. Feeling extra generous? Add a little more to your ticket price to sponsor Wool Works programming—every dollar helps keep the woolly magic alive! Brought to you with love by: Brooklyn General Store + Wing and a Prayer Farm
On Wednesday, July 8 at 5:30 pm, discover how to prevent tick exposure and learn effective strategies to stay safe outdoors. In this talk, Polly Hill Arboeretum Horticulturalist Jack Morgan will guide you through essential tick prevention techniques, including the best clothing and repellents to use, safe tick removal methods, and ways to protect yourself from tick-borne illnesses. He will be joined by Patrick Roden-Reynolds, a public health biologist for the Inter-Island Public Health Excellence Collaborative and Director of the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program.
Pre-registration required. PHA Members: $10; Non-Members: $20. Click here to register.
