Guest speaker Wayne Peterson, Director of the Massachusetts Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA) Program, will speak at the South Shore Natural Science Center 2009 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 13. Join him for dessert at 7 pm, followed by the presentation at 7:30. Pre-registration is requested. Call 781-659-2559, or email jazanow@ssnsc.org. For more information, log on to www.ssnsc.org.
Please join President Celeste Wilson at the 82nd Annual Meeting Wednesday, June 3rd through Thursday, June 4 at The Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center, 219 Littleton Road, Westford, MA 01886. Registration begins Wednesday at 2:30 pm, followed by a design workshop “Summer Elegance” with Thelma Shoneman. At the 5:30 Cocktail Reception and 6:30 dinner meet honored guest Renee Blaschke, President of the National Garden Clubs. Thursday’s activities begin with coffee and boutique shopping at 8 a.m., a speech by Peter Alden entitled “Changes in Flora and Fauna, Understanding Invasives”, and Julie Lapham with a design presentation “Hats Off to Our Presidents.” Following the Awards Luncheon, Presentation of Awards and Installation of Officers and President’s Message, the meeting will adjourn at 3:15. For full registration forms and material, check the most recent Mayflower, or log on to www.gcfm.org.
On May 17 the Massachusetts Horticultural Society will hold the Mass Hort and Society Row Plant Sale, featuring thousands of perennials, fifteen local plant societies, children’s activities, garden tours, plant demo stage and the Master Gardener Help Desk. The public really can “Ask the Experts” and add to their collections of rare and unusual plants sold by the growers themselves. Also included is the American Rhododendron Society Sale & Truss Show in the Manor House. Browse the historic beauty of the Chaney-Baltzell mansion, while enjoying the beautiful rhododendron show, This is a free event. For more information, log on to www.masshort.org. Parking – $5 suggested donation.
You are cordially invited to attend The Esplanade Association’s Eighth Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 21, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm, at The Hampshire House, 84 Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108. The keynote address is entitled “The Leadership Challenge of Having a ‘Green’ Mission.” In the midst of tough economic times, how do we care for the beautiful and historic Charles River Esplanade as it enters its second century? RSVP by May 18 to Justin Burke, 617-227-0365, x 110, or email jburke@esplanadeassociation.org.
The Book as Art, Artists’ Books From the National Museum of Women in the Arts, presents four decades of artists’ books by the medium’s finest female practitioners from around the world. These works are inspired by lives d’artiste-deluxe, books illustrated with prints by such celebrated artists as Georges Rouault and Pablo Picasso. By the end of the twentieth century artists’ books had moved away from the traditional codex format. Examples on display, often sculptural in form, reveal an innovative interweaving of image and text through the use of a broad range of media, materials, and techniques. Hours are weekdays 11 – 4, weekends noon – 5 pm, McMullen Museum of Art, Devlin Hall, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, at Boston College. Closed May 25, 2009 (Memorial Day). Admission is free. For directions and more information, email arts@bc.edu, log on to www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/artmuseum/or call 617-552-8100.
The Garden Club of the Back Bay is pleased to present John W. Trexler, Executive Director of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, who has taken time from his very busy schedule to speak to our Club about Tower Hill Botanic Garden.
John, a plant and garden expert, has contributed to the world of horticulture in many ways. His primary accomplishment is the creation and development of Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, Massachusetts, the home of the Worcester County Horticulture Society. In addition, he has founded and led several Plant and Garden Societies and is an active member of many other plant related groups. He inspires donors, volunteers, and staff to help complete his vision. His drive for perfection has created a world class garden in just 25 years. The garden is not only a show piece but a rich educational environment. John is a founding member of the Garden Conservancy and is on their Steering Committee. He worked with Frank Cabot in 1989 to create this National nonprofit organization which preserves exceptional American gardens for public education and enjoyment. He began his career in New Jersey at Skyland Manor State Park as assistant horticulturist. When he left New Jersey for Worcester less than ten years later, he had convinced the Governor of NJ to designate Skylands as the State Botanic Garden and he had served as president of the Skylands Association.
Tower Hill Botanic Garden has been created under John Trexlers guidance from the beginning. He was instrumental in every phase of its conception and development. Environmentally sensitive planning of Tower Hill is exemplified by the Wildlife Pond which collects the run off from the buildings and naturally purifies it and at the same time feeds and shelters wildlife with native plants.
At the Annual Meeting in Houston this May the National Garden Clubs, Inc. will bestow the Award of Excellence to John Trexler for his outstanding contributions in horticulture: the establishment of Tower Hill Botanic Garden, a world class garden, for his service to the plant societies and gardening organizations, and for his work to preserve and enhance the environment. Mr. Trexler embodies Excellence through his skill in horticulture and creation of exceptional gardens, and perhaps more important, in his leadership and enthusiasm in developing environments where everyone can share and learn these skills.
An optional lunch will follow the meeting ($19 per person). To reserve, contact The Garden Club of the Back Bay at info@bostonflora.com.
