Daily Archives: February 23, 2015

Tuesday, July 14 – Thursday, July 16 – Hydrangeas 2015 International Conference

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HYDRANGEAS, HYDRANGEAS, HYDRANGEAS! The species, cultivars, newest introductions, breeding innovations, cultural issues, and tours of significant private Cape Cod gardens will be part of an International Conference to take place July 14 – 16 at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich. Plus, there will be on-site displays by major hydrangea suppliers, and plant sales stalls by local nurseries featuring hundreds of hydrangeas- all presented and available over three days in the cradle of the genus – Cape Cod.

Heritage is widely known for rhododendrons, but it also features a growing collection of hydrangeas. In concert with the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society, Heritage is the repository of the Society’s Hydrangea Collection and has continued to expand hydrangea plantings throughout the property.

Lectures will be held each morning with garden tours in the afternoon. Tuesday and Wednesday tours will feature significant private gardens on the Cape. Keynote Speaker for the conference is Dr. Michael Dirr, who will give a talk on The History of Hydrangeas – Earliest Introductions to Current Developments on Tuesday morning. A host of prominent speakers will present on Tuesday and Wednesday – full details may be found on the website noted below. Thursday will be a full Heritage Day dedicated to tours of all garden areas including the Hydrangea Collection. Thursday evening will feature the Conference banquet followed by an Ice Cream Social and a Question & Answer Forum to conclude the event.

Cape Cod is a historical treasure trove, a place of incomparable natural beauty, with a maritime climate befitting Hydrangea macrophylla – the crown jewel of the genus – at their blooming peak in July.

Full registration now through March 31 is $550.  One day registration for July 14 or July 15 only is $250.  Register online, and complete information, may be found at http://www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/hydrangeas2015/.

Friday, April 24 – Monday, April 27 – Bubbles and Blossoms, and Art in Bloom

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For the 39th year, garden clubs and professional designers from across New England will create artistic floral arrangements at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), for Art in Bloom.

Arrangements will be inspired by artwork found throughout the Museum, including the re-imagined Greek galleries and newly installed Arts of the Pacific Gallery, as well as the new Hokusai exhibition.

Special events include an illustrated lecture and Japanese Ikebana floral demonstrations, as well as flower arranging master classes presented by Christian Tortu, France’s most renowned floral designer.

For a preview of the arrangements, a Bubbles and Blossoms event on Friday, April 24 (6 pm-9:30 pm, $30 members, $50 non-members), celebrates spring with a festive evening of bubbly and light bites.

Sunday, April 25, is Family Day, offering a variety of family-friendly events, including live entertainment and various art-making activities.

Daily tours, elegant tea and flower-designing demonstrations will be held throughout the weekend.

Tickets for all Art in Bloom events go on sale February 26 at 10 am on mfa.org. Follow the MFA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for news and updates about Art in Bloom.

Wednesday, March 4, 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm – Natural Vegetable Gardening from the Ground Up

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Natural Vegetable Gardening from the Ground Up with Paul Split, writer, teacher, gourmet cook and nationally recognized horticultural consultant, will be sponsored by The Evening Garden Club of West Roxbury on Wednesday, March 4 from 7 – 8:15 at the Elks Lodge, 1 Morrell Street in West Roxbury. Learn about soil profiles, growing mediums, composting, fertilization/watering, raised beds and plant selection, including how to inter-plant vegetables, herbs and flowers to maximize plant health, productivity and beauty. There will be a demonstration of how to start seeds using a domed propagation chamber, which will be raffled. Propagation kits will be available for purchase. Paul always draws a crowd – don’t miss this event. $10 payable at the door – no reservations needed. The Elks Lodge is opposite the West Roxbury Veteran’s Hospital.  Image from www.organic.lovetoknow.com.