Daily Archives: September 16, 2014

Tuesdays, September 30 and October 14, 1:00 pm – Friends of the Public Garden Public Garden Tour Program

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The Friends of the Public Garden is launching a Public Garden Tour Program in 2015 and is actively recruiting docents to lead the tours. We are looking for men and women who are passionate about the trees, plantings, sculpture, and history of the Public Garden and who want to share that knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

Requirements for the docent program include: attending six trainings a month, which will be held in January and February 2015; committing to giving two tours per month between May and October, 2015; joining or renewing membership in the Friends of the Public Garden. Docents should be out-going and eager to engage in conversation with the public; a loud voice would also be desirable.

Information sessions for the docent program will be held at the Friends office at 69 Beacon Street on Tuesday, September 30 and Tuesday, October 14 at 1:00 p.m. Please email docents@friendsofthepublicgarden.org or call 617-723-8144 to RSVP.  Photo by Elizabeth Jordan.

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Tuesday, September 30, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Preserving Forests in New England – Insights from Japan and Europe

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The biological diversity of New England’s deciduous forests is threatened by habitat fragmentation, increasing homogeneity of the vegetation, and the loss of top predators. Most of the natural landscape is now dominated by medium-aged woodlands, leaving relatively little space for species that require open habitats, young forest, or old-growth forest. The future of deciduous forests also will depend on climate change and the introduction of insects and pathogens that decimate particular species of trees. Understanding the history and ecology of these forests is critical for sustaining their productivity and preventing the loss of biological diversity. Professor Robert Askins of Connecticut College will present a talk on Tuesday, September 30, from 7 – 8:30 in the Hunnewell Building at the Arnold Arboretum on the major threats to our local forests and new insights for their protection from studies of remarkably similar forests in East Asia and Europe. His recently published book, Saving the World’s Deciduous Forests, will be available for purchase and signing.  Fee $5 member, $10 nonmember.  Register on line at https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Info.aspx?EventID=1.

Thursday, October 16, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Massachusetts Horticultural Society Honorary Medals Dinner

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Each year, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society presents the Honorary Medals Dinner where the leading lights of horticulture are honored. The event gives us the opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of horticulturalists, plant innovators, and those who have made significant contributions to the enjoyment and appreciation of plants and the environment.

Please join us on Thursday, October 16th for the 115th Honorary Medals Dinner where Mass Hort honors those individuals who have contributed to excellence in horticulture.

This year’s honorees include:

THE GEORGE ROBERT WHITE MEDAL OF HONOR Dr. Michael Dirr
Horticulturist and Professor of Horticulture, University of Georgia (retired)
Keynote Speaker

Dr. Michael Dirr has authored seven books and published numerous papers in the field of horticulture. His books have become seminal references in horticulture and landscape architecture. His passion for the field has inspired a new generation of students, gardeners, and professionals. For his work in the Green Industry, we are excited to present Dr. Dirr our highest award, and have him as this year’s keynote speaker.

THE THOMAS ROLAND MEDAL
Eliot Coleman of Four Season Farm, Harborside, ME
Exceptional skills and publications in organic horticulture

THE JACKSON DAWSON MEMORIAL AWARD
The New England Wild Flower Society and Nasami Farm, Whately, MA
Propagation and promotion of rare and woody plants

GOLD MEDALS
Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts
Unique and inspiring arrangements

Kathryn Kennedy of the Center for Plant Conservation, St. Louis, MO
Organizing the cooperative effort to stabilize and protect rare, native plants

Kerry Mendez of Perennially Yours, Kennebunk, ME
Exceptional teaching and writing that increases public enjoyment and appreciation of horticulture

SILVER MEDALS
The Boston Committee of the Garden Club of America
Public education of best horticulture practices and assistance in beautifying public spaces

David Dusenbury of the Walter Hunnewell Estates, Wellesley, MA
Noteworthy service in horticulture, overseeing historic grounds and plant collections

Tickets are $125 per person and you may order online at www.masshort.org.

Saturday, September 27, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Saving Seeds with BNAN

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The Boston Natural Areas Network and the Mattapan Branch Library will present a free workshop on Saturday, September 27 from 10 – noon at the Mattapan Branch Library, 1350 Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan. Complete the growing season by saving seeds from your most productive plants. During this final workshop in the Celebrating Seeds series, discuss when and how to collect seeds, methods of processing and proper storage conditions. Registration required, to register call 617-542-7696 or email info@bostonnatural.org.