Daily Archives: October 15, 2015

Through Monday, October 26 – American Horticultural Society 2015 Online Auction

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The not for profit American Horticultural Society offers one of a kind garden experiences all over the United States on its online auction site, and proceeds support AHS educational programs. This week we are highlighting one auction item a day selected from hundreds of options. For the full list visit http://www.ahs.org/online-auction.

Today we present The Other Side of Orlando, for all the snowbirds out there. Your visit for one or two people includes a private tour of Orlando’s beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens with Executive Director Robert Bowden and AHS President Emeritus Katy Moss Warner, a visit to Orlando’s innovative East End Market, and lunch at the highly acclaimed Txokos Basque Restaurant with Katy and Robert.

Everyone has heard of Central Florida’s world-class theme parks, but what about the other side of Orlando? Hosted by two of the region’s most highly regarded horticulturists, this experience will introduce you to the rich history, deep horticultural roots, and sense of community that makes people want to call Central Florida home.

Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre botanical treasure, just minutes from downtown Orlando, that features an extensive collection of temperate and tropical plants. Visitors enjoy strolling on the meandering walks under the shade of 200-year-old oaks and through forests of camellias. The lakeside gardens and Leu House museum provide a glimpse of what turn-of-the-century life in Orlando was like. Nearby, the East End Market is a neighborhood market and cultural hub that features local farmers and artisans – including the Txokos Basque Restaurant, which offers an authentic taste of a region in Spain with fresh and local produce featured in its cuisine.

Katy Moss Warner and Robert Bowden are both longtime residents of Central Florida. Katy is President Emeritus of the American Horticultural Society. She is an accomplished horticulturist and public garden professional, having spent over 20 years with the Disney organization as Walt Disney World’s Director of Horticulture and Environmental Initiatives prior to joining the AHS. Robert is Executive Director of Harry P. Leu Gardens. An avid plantsman and hands-on gardener, Robert readily shares his enthusiasm for plants through his writing, photography, and teaching.

Best times to visit: Orlando is a year-round destination. At Leu Gardens, visitors will find camellias at their peak during the winter months, azaleas and roses in spring, and tropical plants in summer Tour to be arranged at a mutually agreeable time subject to host’s availability by October 31, 2016.

Friday, October 23, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Turning Wood: The Art of the Woodturner

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Woodturning has a history dating back to 1300 BC Egypt. Unique in relation to most woodworking due to its use of a lathe, woodturners turn out practical, functional pieces or “turn” to the purely aesthetic.

Three woodturning associations, The Association of Revolutionary Turners (ART), Central New England Woodturners, and Massachusetts South Shore Woodturners, have come together for this very special Arnold Arboretum exhibition, bringing their own creativity and technical expertise and displaying unique pieces for utilitarian use and aesthetic enjoyment. Join us as turners demonstrate their skill working the lathe throughout the week-end of October 24 – 25, and attend the opening reception on Friday, October 23, from 5 – 7 in the Hunnewell Building Lecture Hall. Select work will also be on display in the Hunnewell Visitor Center October 9 through November 8. Free, no registration required.