Boston Flora

Month: December 2012

  • Thursday, August 8 – Sunday, August 11 – 2013 American Conifer Society Meeting

    Four amazing gardens await you as you discover the magic of the Hudson Valley area next August (Thursday, August 8 – Sunday, August 11).  Discover these exceptional gardens at the 2013 American Conifer Society Annual Meeting:

    1) Quaker Hill Gardens – is a spectacular 350-acre private garden owned by the Ziff family. There are over 12 miles of roads, trails and paths, 24 waterfalls, over 10,000 planted trees, 45 acres of ponds and lakes and more than 1,000 native plant species.

    2) The Steinhardt Garden (pictured below) – features over 2,000 species of trees, shrubs, lilies, ferns, bulbs and perennials. Over 350 cultivars of Japanese maples are planted on a 7 acres hillside, accented by tons of stone. Along with these wonderful plants, find dozens of unusual waterfowl, llamas, zebras, wallabies, lemurs and camels.

    3) Kykuit – Four generations of Rockefellers enjoyed these spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley. the gardens feature the morning and brook gardens, the Italian garden, the Adam and Eve fountain area and several terraced areas featuring classical and contemporary sculpture.
    http://www.hudsonvalley.org/node/17

    4) The Larned Gardens – details in the future

    The host hotel will be The Holiday Inn at Mt. Kisco, New York.  Look for additional meeting details at www.conifersociety.org. Registration forms should be available by April 2013.

  • Friday, May 17, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Civic Horticulture Conference in Philadelphia

    The 21st century concept of Green is rooted, in part, in 19th century civic horticulture, a pioneering and concerted effort by authorities and individuals to bring the garden (and nature) into the city to address economic, social and quality of life issues. So what about civic horticulture today in this post‐Earth Day generation? Its benefits and vocabulary have expanded, leveraging the interconnectedness of the natural, cultural and ecological systems that provide the essential foundation for civic horticulture, while recognizing its prominence in fostering healthy, vibrant cities.

    Perhaps no organization has the legacy of tackling this issue more that the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Founded in 1827, a meeting with a group of gentleman farmers, botanists and other plant enthusiasts resolved “to establish a Horticultural Society in the City of Philadelphia for the promotion of this interesting and highly influential branch of Science.” Today that mission to “motivate people to improve the quality of life and create a sense of community through horticulture” is still strong and is a fitting lens to visit the topic of civic horticulture.

    The goal of the Civic Horticulture conference (and associated tours) is to first position the idea of civic horticulture in its historic context (from the Victorian era through the City Beautiful movement up to the Age of Ecology) and then go topically deep, placing a spotlight on such critical themes as The Street; The Productive Garden; and Parks and Plazas. Speakers will come from across the country and will include landscape architects, horticulturists, architects and historians.
    Registration will be coming soon – visit www.tclf.org/civic-horticulture-conference-philadelphia.  Photo from Philadelphia Style magazine.

  • Saturday, December 8, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – 2012 Newburyport Holiday House Tour

    Join the Custom House Maritime Museum for a spectacular excursion through greater Newburyport’s historic roots, breathtaking views, and unique private residences. The tour begins at the Custom House Maritime Museum and features a jeweled perspective of Joppa framed by a trio of waterfront homes, followed by Federalist traditions throughout the South End. The tour continues throughout the heart of Newburyport along historic High Street’s graceful sea captain’s mansions and finishes with a dazzling townhouse overlooking Brown’s Square. These festively decorated homes represent four centuries of Newburyport’s history and culture reflecting each homeowner’s individual holiday style. Come and experience a day full of holiday magic and surprise!  Advance tickets are now available at the  Custom House Maritime Museum Gift Shop Tuesday through Saturday, 10am-4pm, and Sunday 12-4pm or by calling 978-462-8681. You may also email info@thechmm.org.  The tour is sponsored by Stone Ridge Properties.

  • Friday, December 7 – Where Are We in Invasive Plant Management?

    On Friday, December 7, the New England Botanical Club will host Karen Lombard, Director of Stewardship and Restoration, The Nature Conservancy, Massachusetts, who will speak on Where Are We in Invasive Plant Management?: Lessons from Two Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Projects.  The meeting is open to the public, and will be held in the Haller Lecture Hall (Room 102) found inside the door to the right of the Harvard Museum of Natural History entrance at 24 Oxford Street.  For confirmation on the time, please email the Corresponding Secretary at neystersmith@bentley.edu.

  • Saturday, December 8, 7:00 pm – Menorah Lighting

    Chabad House of Greater Boston will sponsor the Menorah Lighting on the Boston Common, near the Park Street MBTA stop, on Saturday, December 8 at 7pm.  There will be additional programming during the holiday, and you may find all information by calling 617-424-1190.

  • Saturday, December 8, 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm – Newbury Street Holiday Stroll

    Haven’t had enough strolling yet?  The Newbury Street League will sponsor the Newbury Street Holiday Stroll on Saturday, December 8 from noon – 4.  Participating shops will offer specials and events, live music, refreshments, and, of course, Santa.  Visit www.newburystreetleague.org for more information.

  • Monday, December 3 – Thursday, December 6 – Where We Are This Week

    Monday, December 3 – Thursday, December 6 – Where We Are This Week

    While the Garden Club of the Back Bay web site posts continue this week, through the magic of scheduling, our personnel will be tied up  at The First Lutheran Church of Boston, 299 Berkeley Street, while we create and deliver the fabulous holiday wreaths many lucky customers have already purchased.  Please feel free to drop by – we’re there from early in the morning until 7 at night – and visit our operation.  If you stop in and wish to purchase a plain wreath, or a wreath with a lovely bow, you will be able to do so while supplies last.  Sadly, we are unable to accept orders for fully decorated wreaths during wreath making days, but you may put your name on our mailing list for advance notification next season.  Starting next weekend, we plan to resume our very popular “Wreath of the Day” postings through the New Year.  Each day a different design from this season will be featured, with an accompanying story.  Below is a romantic wreath from 2010, destined for an indoor location:

  • Monday, December 3 – Sunday, December 31, 9:30 am – 4:15 pm – Traditions of the Season at The Paul Revere House

    Step back in time to the holiday season in 18th century Boston with a visit to downtown Boston’s two oldest houses, the Paul Revere House (c. 1680) and the neighboring Pierce-Hichborn House (c. 1711). 18th century music and food and drink set the mood while costumed interpreters reveal sometimes surprising colonial holiday customs. Enjoy complimentary refreshments of mulled cider and delicious treats based on early American recipes served on the first floor of the Pierce-Hichborn House. Each afternoon from 12 to 4 PM R. P. Hale plays overtures, melodies, and Anglican Advent songs on a harpsichord and hammered dulcimer. Adults $5, seniors and college students $4.50, children ages 5 – 17 $1.50. Visit www.paulreverehouse.org.

  • Sunday, December 9, 1:00 pm – Winter Wellness Walk

    The Arnold Arboretum is sponsoring a Winter Wellness Walk on Sunday, December 9 beginning at 1 pm.  Enjoy the landscape pared down to its beautiful bones.  The walk emphasizes fitness, with a healthy dose of information on seasonal highlights.  In case of inclement weather, contact 617-384-5209.  The activity is free. Meet at the Hunnewell Building.  For more information, visit www.arboretum.harvard.edu.

  • Saturday, December 8 – Sunday, December 9, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – NABB Christmas Tree Sale

    The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay will hold its annual Christmas Tree Sale at the Clarendon Street Playground on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9, from 9 – 5.  The sale features freshly cut balsam fir trees from Maine, and local delivery will be available.  Proceeds from the sale will benefit NABB and the Clarendon Street Playground.  For further details, contact the NABB office at 617-247-3961 or visit www.nabbonline.com.  Image from www.evergreenwinter.blogspot.com.