Daily Archives: August 21, 2015


Sunday, August 23, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm – Live Caterpillar Show

The public is invited to see caterpillars. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the fascinating world of caterpillars up close on Sunday, August 23, at Tower Hill Botanic Garden. This is the third year that the Boylston nonprofit has hosted Sam Jaffe – a naturalist, biologist, photographer, and educator – to share his Live Caterpillar Show at Tower Hill. Jaffe and his team of experts will bring with them caterpillars ranging in size – some small enough to fit on a fingertip and others larger than an adult’s finger – and color, from muted to brilliant. The one-day show, open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free with admission and visitors will learn about these insects often seen in passing, but rarely appreciated. Jaffe, who operates the Caterpillar Lab in Keene, N.H., has an infectious enthusiasm for sharing his expertise and offers a rare chance to learn about the lives of these stunning creatures. Participants will learn more about New England’s plants and bugs, along with receiving a better understanding of the importance of biodiversity. But perhaps most important, is how much fun people of all generations can have together seeing these, sometimes bizarre, insects up close. In addition to the caterpillar show, visitors can explore Tower Hill’s formal gardens in peak summer bloom, take a short hike on the trails in the surrounding woodlands, stop by the café and gift shop, and more. For more information please call 508-869-6111, visit towerhillbg.org, or explore samueljaffe.com.


Saturday, September 12, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Introduction to Italianate Gardens

Massachusetts Horticultural Society Garden Keeper Beth Gray-Nix will discuss the basics of Italianate Gardens on Saturday, September 12 in the Parkman Room of Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street in Wellesley – their history and their composition. Get your hands dirty as you work in the garden along with Beth. Ask your questions and discover why this garden is a destination.

Beth Gray-Nix is a retired Occupational Therapist. A favorite retirement gift was registration for the Master Gardener class of 2009. Her first volunteer role at Mass Hort was in Weezie’s Children’s Garden. In 2010, Beth became the first Garden Keeper for Mass Hort’s Italianate Garden, site of many family celebrations. Beth’s work in the garden maintains the Italianate as a picturesque destination garden. Beth recently received her WEED certification from Randy Protask.

Please attend dressed to get your hands a little dirty in the garden. Lecture Fee: Mass Hort Members $5, Non-Members $8. Register online at http://www.masshort.org/eventdetail/180/422|427|430|433/introduction-to-italianate-gardens?filter_reset=1