May 2, 2014 - Boston Flora

Wednesday, June 18 – Sunday, June 22 – 11th World Flower Show: A Floral Odyssey

May 2, 2014 by Boston Flora

During the 11th World Flower Show, to be held June 18 – June 22 in Dublin, Ireland, the RDS Convention Complex will be transformed into a haven of beauty filled with spectacular competitive floral exhibits. The creativity and innovation of floral artists never ceases to amaze. Irish and International floral demonstrators and lecturers will take you on magical tours of their countries with the use of their native plant materials and stories while the myriad of vendors in the Trade Hall will tempt you to shop. Explore the gardens, culture and scenery of Dublin and the surrounding counties on one of the planned tours. Join the party on the final evening at the Gala Banquet in the Burlington Hotel, now known as The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel. WAFA Ireland promises a truly Irish evening of music, dance and fun.

Bookings for all events are particularly brisk with some demonstrations now full. Donâ€™t be disappointed and book your tickets before the â€˜Full Houseâ€™ sign goes up. Accommodation in some hotels in the immediate vicinity of the RDS is sold out but our conference accommodation team has added extra hotels and will assist you in acquiring accommodation.

The World Flower Show is a triennial event and this is the first occasion it is staged on Irish soil. The show is open to all and even if you are not a flower arranger, please come and witness this colorful extravaganza. You will not be disappointed. Details may be found at http://wafaireland.com/ A complete listing of all events, day by day, may be accessed at http://wafaireland.com/uploads/files/ScheduleforWeb%5B1%5D.pdf.

Below is a picture of an arrangement by Ireland’s own Mary C. O’Keeffe from the 10th World Flower Show which was held in Boston – the flowers were truly spectacular.

Thursday, May 8, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Pine Hollow Arboretum Tour

May 2, 2014 by Boston Flora

For woody plant and tree lovers, join staff from the Berkshire Botanical Garden on Thursday, May 8 for an exploration of a lesser known horticultural gem, Pine Hollow Arboretum, located in Slingerlands, NY. In 1966, founder John W. Abbuhl, M.D., started planting trees around his home to create an attractive setting. His affinity with the land, his interest in horticulture and his love of trees combined to inspire the creation of an arboretum. The arboretumâ€™s cataloged collection consists of over 3,300 unique trees, shrubs and other woody plants from around the world. This living collection is aesthetically arranged in a natural setting that includes 12 ponds and a succession forest, all easily accessible by a network of walking trails and bridges. Tour the grounds with the founder, Dr. Abbuhl, and learn about the small, flowering tree collections, including magnolias, dogwoods, crabapples and more. View cultivars of unusual genera, too, such as styrax, stewartia and heptacodium. A great way to view specimen plants in a naturalistic setting, just an hourâ€™s drive away.

Participants can choose to carpool or drive separately. Those joining the carpool should meet in the parking lot at Berkshire Botanical Garden for a 9 am departure. Carpool will return at approximately 1 pm. BBG member price $25, non-members $30. Register by visiting http://www.berkshirebotanical.org/ai1ec_event/pine-hollow-arboretum-study-tour/?instance_id=2620.