Daily Archives: November 17, 2015


Holiday Gift Giving with Garden Club of the Back Bay

November and December are busy months – let us help make your gift list shorter.  Send a beautiful holiday wreath, either with a luxurious bow or fully decorated, to someone in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the South End, or to other nearby spots (email info@gardenclubbackbay.org if unsure) and we will deliver on Wednesday or Thursday, December 9 or 10, with a gift card attached.  You may order online at http://www.gardenclubbackbay.org/shop/, email, or phone 617-859-8865 to request a printed form.  All net proceeds benefit the street trees of Boston, and you can cross another name or names off your list.  We send huge poinsettias, too!


Friday, November 27 – Sunday, December 13 – Festival of Trees and Snow Village

Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Festival of Trees showcases dozens of trees and the Snow Village at Elm Bank for children and adults to enjoy. This annual festival takes place from the end of November through the first two weeks of December at Mass Hort’s Elm Bank property, 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482.

The Festival of Trees, displayed in the Hunnewell Carriage House, offers beautifully decorated holiday trees that are donated and decorated by local businesses, garden clubs, and individuals. Visitors “vote” with their raffle tickets, in hopes of being the tree winner at the end of the festival. Visitors can also enjoy the decorated buildings and grounds at Elm Bank with a stroll or a horse-drawn wagon ride. For the young at heart, there are Santa Visits and other activities.

Snow Village at Elm Bank is a wonderful addition to the holiday spirit of the Festival of Trees. Bill Meagher of Needham graciously donated the product of his thirteen year “hobby” of building Christmas villages and trains. Massachusetts Horticultural Society is delighted to share his enchanting displays with model trains winding through villages and vignettes, including Christmas in the City (Boston of course!), Fenway Park, and hundreds of decorated houses and lights. This amazing scenery in miniature is sure to get kids of all ages excited about the holiday season.

Admission is $10 for people 12 and older; children 11 and under, no charge. The Mass Hort member rate is $8. Join Mass Hort at the Festival and admission is free! The Festival is open November 27 through December 13, weather permitting: Wednesdays and Thursdays 4-8 pm; Friday through Sunday 10 am-8 pm; Sunday December 13 until 6 pm; Monday through Thursday mornings, by appointment, for senior group visits; Monday and Tuesday evenings, by appointment, for corporate events. For complete information visit http://www.masshort.org/Festival-of-Trees