Daily Archives: October 9, 2009


Saturday, October 17, 1:00 – 4:00 pm – Succulent Pelargoniums

The Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts (www.cssma.org) will present a program on Succulent Pelargoniums on Saturday, October 17, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive in Boylston.  The program will be led by Dr. Matt Opel, of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary biology at the University of Connecticut.  While Dr. Opel’s research focuses on micromorphology and anatomy of Conophytum leaves, he also enjoys Japanese animation, gardening, and hiking, so the program should prove to be quite interesting.

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Sunday, October 18, 10 am – 2 pm – Invasive Plants: Identification, Ecology and Control

Ted Elliman, Vegetation Manager of the New England Wild Flower Society, in collaboration with the Arnold Arboretum, will present this one day class on Sunday, October 18, from 10 am – 2 pm at Garden in the Woods in Framingham.  This course will provide an introduction to about 40 of the most common invasive non-native plants in our local landscapes (see Japanese knotweed below). Through lecture, discussion, power point presentation, herbarium specimens, and a walk outside, you will become familiar with identification clues as well as the habits of a number of these plants which are so disruptive of natural ecosytems. Ted will discuss management techniques for many of these species, on both a home and a larger landscape scale. Homeowners and property managers who wish to get a head start on invasive control this year will appreciate the timing of this course, which will allow them to learn to identify young invasive plants before they become camouflaged by other vegetation. The New England Wild Flower Society’s Invader’s Magazine, as well as the Massachusetts Field Guide to Invasives, will be available for purchase at a discount. Fee $44 for members of the Arboretum or NEWFS, $52 nonmembers.  To register, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.

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Saturday, October 18, 2:00 pm – Who’s Watching You?

Come to Russells Garden Center in Wayland on Saturday, October 18, beginning at 2 pm, for an up-close encounter with live owls! Presentation by Naturalist Marcia Wilson of Eyes on Owls and hosted at Russell’s as part of its Bird Lovers’ Weekend (October 17 and 18, 11 – 4). The program includes a slide show and is a wonderfully interactive and entertaining way to learn about these secretive birds. Bring your camera!
Adults $8.00, Children (4-14) $5.00. Seating is limited to 60. Pre-registration is strongly recommended. Please call 508-358-2283.  For directions to Russell’s, and for more information on Bird Lovers’ Weekend activities, log on to www.russellsgardencenter.com.

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Sunday, October 18, 1:00 – 5:00 pm – Understanding Fungi: Mushrooms in the Wild

Author-mycologist Lawrence Millman will lead a mushroom walk in Concord or Lincoln (exact location to be determined before the event based on conditions). However dry or unpromising the conditions, he guarantees that participants will find a minimum of 30 different species. You will learn to identify mushrooms both with and without a guidebook, and you’ll also unlearn everything you were ever told about how to distinguish a poisonous from a non-poisonous species. Be aware, however, that the focus of this event is scientific, not culinary. Bring a basket, wax paper, a pocket knife, a hand lens (if you have one), and – most important of all – a spirit of adventure. Please join us come rain or shine! Dress appropriately for weather.  Limited to 16. If students have questions for Larry Millman about the walk, call (617) 492-5861. Directions to Estabrook Woods from Concord Center, MA: Get to Concord Center and the Colonial Inn, in the heart of Concord Center. If you’re facing the Colonial Inn, take a right onto Monument Street and head toward the Old North Bridge. Take a left on Liberty Street, then right on Estabrook Road. After less than half a mile, take another right on Estabrook Road when it bends to the right. Go to the end of the road and park (space for cars on the left-hand side of road).  Cost – $76.

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Sunday, October 18, 2 – 5 pm – Painting Fall Foliage

Revel in fall color under the guidance of Rebecca Arnoldi, artist and naturalist, an instructor who combines an artist’s eye with botanical knowledge. Combine careful observation with fluid watercolor painting to express the essence, energy and emotion stirred by the natural world. All levels are welcome. The class meets at the Arnold Arboretum. Fee $50, offered in collaboration with the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts.  To register, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.

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