Daily Archives: July 5, 2011

Friday, July 15, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Kitchen Gardens and Herbs of the Pilgrims

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Using period sources like John Winthrop’s seed lists and a poem by William Bradford, Christina Stapley will explore the herbs the colonists felt necessary for their lives in the New World, at this Friday, July 15 seminar at Plimoth Plantation entitled Kitchen Gardens and Herbs of the Pilgrims.  The afternoon will include gathering herbs and preparing poultices, salves, powders, teas, and herb-infused honeys.  This great day (from 9 – 5)  will be filled with practical experience of plant recognition, making recipes, and sampling remedies, dyed materials, and skincare products.  A delicious lunch of 16th and 17th century foods made with popular period herbs will be served.  Fee for Museum members: $120; nonmembers: $150. Fee includes lunch. Register at www.plimoth.org, or call 508-746-1622, ext. 8359.

Friday, July 15, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Making Paper Garden Lanterns, Japanese Style

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Join popular instructor/artist, Nancy Moore Bess at the Berkshire Botanical Garden on Friday, July 15 from 10 – 4 in one of her inspirational workshops. Harvest a few feet of your favorite vines (wisteria, grapevine, akebia, etc.), cut a few narrow branches from your willow tree (think #2 pencil for maximum diameter), and prepare to make a lantern. Using these items from your garden and some cordage, rattan, and handmade papers, you’ll make lanterns. Using acrylic medium and methyl cellulose as an adhesive, allows participants to collage multiple papers into a single skin. Use this beautiful textured paper to cover the frame you will create with your vines and branches. Extra acrylic on the surface can hold dried seeds and pressed dried flowers in place. Participants will add the electrical elements (or LED lights) at home after the structure has dried completely. Materials list available upon registration. Instructor will provide supplementary materials, including willow.)  Lantern below from www.greenteadesign.com.

Nancy Moore Bess is a master basket maker and exhibits her baskets worldwide. She has championed Japanese basketry in the west and is the author of Bamboo in Japan. She teaches basket making workshops throughout the United States including Haystack School of Crafts on Deer Isle, Maine. Her popular workshops always sell out. Register online at www.berkshirebotanical.org (BBG members $75, nonmembers $85).

Saturday, July 16, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Feng Shui in the Garden

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Every gardener knows the joy of working with plants and soil, and how this creates a direct connection with the earth and its energy. A basic knowledge of Feng Shui can enhance your pleasure of working and being in your garden. Learn the basics of Feng Shui and how to apply the practice to your garden, how to make the most of the earth’s energy (Chi energy), and how to create pathways and plantings that enhance this. Make simple changes that have a profound effect, with any style of landscaping. This Boston Center for Adult Education class will take place Saturday, July 16, from 11 – 12:30 at 122 Arlington Street in Boston, and costs $30 for BCAE members, $36 for nonmembers.  To register log on to www.bcae.org or call 617-267-4430.