Daily Archives: August 7, 2017

Saturday, August 19, 9:30 am – 11:30 am – Worcester Community Gardens Tour

by

Did you know that Worcester has over 60 community gardens, some dating back to the 1940’s? Tower Hill Botanic Garden invites you to explore the many exciting gardening projects of Worcester’s Main South neighborhood with a walking tour on Saturday, August 19 led by the Regional Environmental Council (REC) and Worcester Tree Initiative (WTI). Highlights will include two community gardens, an urban orchard, and the YouthGROW Farm, a youth-led urban farm which employs 30+ local teens. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the food justice work taking place in Worcester as they enjoy touring these beautiful community spaces.

Co-sponsored with Regional Environmental Council and Worcester Tree Initiative.

REC’s community garden network began in 1995 with one garden and one volunteer gardener with a vision to grow food in the city. In the last 12 years, the network has grown to include over 60 community gardens throughout the City of Worcester involving more than 500 volunteer gardeners and reaching 2,000 Worcester Public School Students.

WTI has planted fruit trees throughout the City of Worcester in groves and orchards through public and private partnerships and given fruit trees away for people to grow at their own homes. In addition WTI offers workshops to train experienced and inexperienced growers alike in the best methods for caring for fruit trees. WTI supports the growth of fresh produce by and for local residents of the Worcester area.

PARTICIPANTS WILL MEET AT THE YOUTHGROW FARM ON 63 OREAD ST., WORCESTER. PLEASE PRE-REGISTER. Free for Tower Hill Members, $10 for nonmembers. Register online at www.towerhillbg.org. Photo by Matt Volpini for www.wbjournal.com.

Wednesdays, August 30 and September 13, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm, and Wednesday, September 6, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Native Woody Plant Materials

by

Native Woody Plant Materials is a three-part class sponsored by the Ecological Landscape Alliance.

* Wednesday, August 30, 2017, 10:00am – 2:30pm
* Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 11:00am – 1:00pm
* Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 10:00am – 2:30pm

Explore the huge variety of native trees, shrubs, and woody vines. Learn which species grow well in shade, which support local wildlife, and how you should stagger your plantings for continuous bloom, fruit production, and fall color. We’ll discuss growth characteristics, cultural requirements, and best horticultural uses. The course will include lectures and walks in the Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road in Framingham, as well as a field trip to The Arnold Arboretum. Bring a bag lunch. $170 for ELA members, $200 for nonmembers. Register online at http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/native-woody-plant-materials/

Dan Jaffe is the propagator and stock bed grower at New England Wild Flower Society (NEWFS) in Framingham, Massachusetts. He earned a degree in botany from the University of Maine and an advanced certificate in Native Plant Horticulture and Design from NEWFS. After interning at Garden in the Woods, Dan worked for a year as Plant Sales Coordinator at the Garden. Native red maple branch photo from www.bowerandbranch.com.