February 6, 2018 - Boston Flora

Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15 – 72nd Annual Garden Symposium at Colonial Williamsburg

February 6, 2018 by Boston Flora

The evolution of any garden happens naturally or at the whim of our own mind and hands. Whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating an existing garden that has lost its character, it’s almost always desirable to work with a plan. Even the most well-intentioned efforts result in disappointment when approached without a cohesive design strategy. Learn how to create harmonious gardens that sing with creativity, as well as those that reflect personal expression and reverence for design fundamentals. Guest speakers at this year’s Annual Garden Symposium at Colonial Williamsburg on April 14 and 15 will discuss how to integrate existing elements, effectively combine plants and hardscape materials, and create features of distinctive landscape styles. If you are currently undecided about your own future gardens or simply ready for a refreshing renovation to existing ones, this symposium is for you!

Featured speakers are freelance writer Linda Askey of Birmingham, Alabama, Andrew Bunting, Assistant Director and Director of Plant Collection at the Chicago Botanical Garden, author Troy Marden, author and photographer Pam Beck of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Julie Moir Messervy of Vermont, Associate Professor Emeritus Robert McDuffie of Virginia Tech, and Rollin Woolley, retired landscape supervisor at Colonial Williamsburg.

Special rates are available at the Colonial Williamsburg Hotels for conference registrants. Rates listed at https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/learn/conferences/garden-symposium are single or double occupancy per night and do not include applicable taxes. Mention the conference or use Booking Code 541202 to obtain the discount rates. Confirm your reservation by calling 1-800-261-9530, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. (ET).

Thursday, February 15 and Friday, March 16, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Forest Bathing in the Conservatories

February 6, 2018 by Boston Flora

Reset the stress button and experience the grandeur of the Tower Hill Botanic Garden conservatories in a whole new way with the practice of Forest Bathing. We will use our senses to meet and develop a connection with the living residents (the plants) of this special space as we explore with our senses their flowers and fragrance, outstanding foliage and enticing fruit. This simple yet profound practice draws from mindfulness, sensory awareness and nature. You’ll engage all your senses through a series of invitations to bring you to the present moment. We will conclude with a tea ceremony and a snack next to the conservatory.

Nadine Mazzola is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. Her training includes special knowledge in guiding people of all ages in Shinrin Yoku, “Forest Bathing,” Walks and the body of scientific knowledge demonstrating the benefits of spending time in nature as a wellness practice and an effective way to manage stress. As a cancer survivor, practicing good self-care is Nadine’s most important guiding principle for herself. She has come to know the healing and support that nature can offer us through her own personal wellness journey. A Massachusetts native who loves spending time wandering and exploring in nature, she is joyous to be sharing Forest Bathing with the community and creating environments for Forest Therapy. Image from www.greenbiz.com.

Each session is $20 for THBG members, $30 for nonmembers. Register at https://towerhillbg.thankyou4caring.org/pages/event-registration-form—forest-bathing-in-the-conservatories-winter-2018