Daily Archives: March 5, 2010


Wednesday, March 10, 6:00 pm – The Weeping Goldsmith

As part of the Globe Corner Bookstores Adventure Lecture Series, author W. John Kress will give an illustrated talk about and read from his latest book The Weeping Goldsmith: Discoveries in the Secret Land of Myanmar.

The Weeping Goldsmith is a remarkable memoir of the over nine years that Dr. Kress spent exploring the wilderness of Myanmar in search of rare and beautiful plants, and how he came to appreciate Myanmar’s unique people and culture. The book contains past explorers’ archival photographs as well as 200 of the author’s color photographs of plants, people, landscapes, and temples. A 10-page portfolio includes photographs of 50 Myanmar plants, with botanical profiles and habitat detail.

W. John Kress prefaces his book by explaining that it “is about the natural landscapes and people of Myanmar as interpreted through the eyes of a modern-day scientist and plant explorer…I surveyed the teak forests, bamboo thickets, timber plantations, rivers, and mangroves to document the plant diversity of this vast unknown land. Myanmar is one of the world’s great biodiversity hot spots in Asia, but because of its social isolation and reputation for political repression it has been off-limits and avoided by many biologists, conservationists, and environmentalists.”

This event will take place Wednesday, March 10 at First Parish Church, 3 Church Street in Cambridge (Harvard Square), and is free and wheelchair accessible.  Reservations are recommended, and you may call 617-649-5700 x 21, or email events@gcb.com.

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Wednesday, March 31, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Native Shrubs in Early Spring

Before the leaves emerge, challenge yourself to identify a range of native New England shrubs. Even without leaves, shrubs can be identified using a number of macro-characteristics such branching patterns, growth habits, bark, persistent fruit, and catkins. Their habitats provide more clues, as do their smaller features such as buds, leaf and bundle scars.  The program begins with a classroom session, followed by a field session on the property, weather permitting. Look for common native species such as witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), winterberry (Ilex verticillata) and wintergreen (Gautheria procumbens). Bring lunch and a hand lens.  A winter twig key, such as Winter Keys to Woody Plants of Maine (Cambell, Hyland and Campbell, 1975) or Fruit Key and Twig Key to Trees and Shrubs (Harlow, 1946) is highly recommended.  The program will take place Wednesday, March 31, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, at the Delta Institute in Bowdoin, Maine, with instructor Lauren Stockwell.  The New England Wildflower Society member cost is $44, nonmember cost $52, and you may register, or receive more information, at www.newfs.org.

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Saturday, April 10, 1:30 – 4:30 pm – Pruning Shrubs with the Pros

Early spring is an excellent time to prune many woody plants. In this hands-on workshop to be held Saturday, April 10, from 1:30 – 4:30 pm, participants work in small groups for guided practice on woody members of the Garden in the Woods’  shrub collection. Discover ways to enhance a plant’s vigor, health, and appearance and learn which tools to use, when to prune, and how the plant responds. Bring hand-pruners and dress for working outdoors, rain, snow, or shine (feathered hats optional).  You may register on line at www.newfs.org, and the price for members is $33, nonmembers $40.

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