Boston Flora

Month: February 2018

  • Saturday, February 17, 11:00 am – 12:00 noon – The Budget-Wise Gardener

    Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston welcomes Kerry Ann Mendez, author of The Budget-Wise Gardener, on Saturday, February 17 from 11 – noon for a talk and book signing. Free with admission to the Garden.

    This book proves that you don’t need mega bucks to have a beautiful garden. The secret is having savvy garden pro Kerry Mendez by your side. In The Budget-Wise Gardener, Mendez gives the inside scoop on nailing the best deals and having it all: selecting plants that give you the most bang for your buck, timing your purchases to take advantage of deep discounts and giveaways, finding treasures at plant, bulb and seed swaps – and much more. Her chapters take you from “How to Score Great Plants for Less…or for Free!” and “Design Secrets that Save Money” to “Regal Containers on a Dollar-Store Budget.” With luscious color photos on nearly every page, this is an essential guide to creating the garden of your dreams without breaking the bank.

    Kerry Ann Mendez is the owner of Perennially Yours, a landscaping company focusing on the art of low-maintenance perennial gardening. Perennially Yours gardens have been featured in numerous garden and lifestyle magazines, newspapers, radio and television shows. Mendez is the author of several books, including The Ultimate Flower Gardener’s Top Ten Lists and The Right-Size Flower Garden. A busy lecturer and teacher, each year she gives over 25 workshops and webinars, and 60-70 talks. She is the founder of the annual Great Gardens and Landscaping Symposiums at the Equinox Resort in Vermont, and recently hosted 6 national webinars for Horticulture magazine. She resides in Kennebunk, Maine.

  • Saturday, February 17 – Sunday, February 18, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Stempunk

    Saturday, February 17 – Sunday, February 18, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Stempunk

    Teapots, clocks, and zeppelins abound at this steampunk-inspired floral bonanza entitled Stempunk. Wear your best botanical steampunk regalia and explore Tower Hill’s lush conservatories and innovative steampunk-inspired floral designs.

    Sponsored by Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive in Boylston, the two day exhibit on February 17 & 18 from 10 – 4 is free with admission. For more information visit www.towerhillbg.org.

  • Monday, February 12, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Taking Note: Connecting Citizen Science to Science Learning

    Colleen Hitchcock, PhD, Assistant Professor of Ecology, Department of Biology and Environmental Studies Program, Brandeis University, will speak on Monday, February 12 at 7 pm at the Arnold Arboretum, Hunnewell Building, 125 Arborway, about the value of taking note of natural phenomena and the contributions such actions can make to science, society, and one’s own scientific and bio-literacy.

    She will share how citizen science is used in courses and on campus to educate and engage students. Finally, Colleen will introduce the 2018 City Nature Challenge on iNaturalist, a citizen science project coordinated by Environmental Studies at Brandeis University, UMass Boston, Zoo New England, New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative, Mass Audubon, Encyclopedia of Life at Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, MIT Senseable lab, and Earthwatch Institute.

    Following Colleen”s presentation, Danny Schissler, Research Assistant in the Friedman Lab, will introduce TreeVersity, an online citizen science initiative at the Arnold Arboretum to classify over 25,000 historic and contemporary plant images. Free, but registration requested – email adulted@arnarb.harvard.edu, or call 617-384-5277.

    https://dailyzooniverse.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/26172306463_c7e1ce761a_o-1.png?w=640

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

    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).

    Register online or via telephone by calling 1-800-603-0940, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. ET.

    http://www.history.org/foundation/development/fund/images/carriage_D2005MT010410.jpg

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

    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

  • Sunday, May 20 – Monday, May 28 – Chelsea Flower Show 2018 & English Gardens

    Serendipity Traveler’s annual Chelsea Flower Show 2018 tour in England offers women travelers a tapestry of classic Britain. Our 2018 English Garden tour is for women travelers who enjoy all things quintessentially English. You will visit beloved English gardens and The 2018 Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show on member’s opening day. Women travelers who love to garden will be inspired by England’s pastoral beauty, history and the pure pleasure of taking time for tea. Whether yours is a secret garden behind a wall, a wildflower meadow open to the sea or a courtyard plot in the urban landscape, you will be enchanted. Women who love the charming classic British country ways of living will enjoy our trip which embraces English country life and the magnificent landscapes that sweep the English countryside. You will spend your days immersed in the creativity, grandeur, and passion that is gardening in England. Our 2018 women’s garden tour to England on May 20 – 28 will join the Royal Horticultural Society’s members on The 2018 Chelsea Flower Show member’s only days to experience and relish this stellar world renowned gardening event. If you are a keen gardener or just beginning you will enjoy the exquisite beauty in the gardens of England. You will have the chance to savour classic British country living and the history and architecture of London, Bath and The Cotswolds. This trip is designed for women who appreciate the fine art of traveling well and offers you luxe accommodations, fine dining and private touring in a small group. $9495.00 USD private luxe accommodations and all noted inclusions. Single supplements are waived on all Serendipity Traveler private small group tours. All women travelers will savour their own private room on all Serendipity Traveler small group tours without paying additional fees for traveling solo. For the complete itinerary visit http://www.serendipitytraveler.com/destinations/chelsea_flower_show_2018_english_gardens

    https://cdn.londonandpartners.com/visit/whats-on/special-events/chelsea-flower-show/92264-640x360-chelsea-flower-2016-imperial-640.jpg

  • Sunday,February 25, 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm – Preserving the Biological Diversity of Eastern Forests

    Ware River Nature Club will hold its Fourth Annual Meeting & Silent Auction on Sunday February 25th 2018 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Hartman’s Herb Farm, Barre. At this year’s meeting we’ll learn about the ecology of the beautiful forests in our own backyard of central Massachusetts. Please plan to join us! Rsvp to warerivernatureclub@yahoo.com

    Robert Askins, Professor of Biology at Connecticut College, will present PRESERVING THE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY OF EASTERN FORESTS, a talk about the major threats to deciduous forests in eastern North America. The biological diversity of our forests is threatened by habitat fragmentation, increasing homogeneity of the vegetation, and the loss of top predators. Understanding the history and ecology of deciduous forests is critical for sustaining productive forests and preventing the loss of biological diversity. This presentation is based on a book that Professor Askins recently published on the ecology and conservation of deciduous forests on three continents.

    In a complementary presentation, Owen Sholes, Professor of Biology at Assumption College, will talk about the effects of the severe ice storm of December, 2008 on tree growth, based on tree rings and other factors. The focus of much of Professor Sholes’ research has been on tree growth and survival.

  • Tuesday, February 13, 7:30 pm – Firefly Biology

    This month’s Cambridge Entomological Club meeting will be held Tuesday, February 13th, at 7:30 pm in room 101 of the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

    Dr. Sara Lewis of Tufts University will present an illuminating talk on firefly biology. With over 2,000 species worldwide, the firefly beetles (family Lampyridae) boast remarkable diversity in life history and signalling modes. Their bioluminescent courtship is based on highly visible signals that are readily quantified and simulated, providing an attractive system for dissecting the key evolutionary process of sexual selection.

    Studies of North American Photinus fireflies over the past decades have revealed that male mating success is determined primarily by female preference for conspicuous male flash traits. Yet sexual selection continues even beyond mating. During copulation, males transfer complex spermatophores that they manufacture within multiple reproductive accessory glands. Such nuptial gifts are widespread across the animal kingdom, though we are just beginning to unravel the biochemical composition and evolutionary trajectories of these cryptic sexually selected traits.

    Meanwhile, these charismatic insects seem to be declining in many parts of the world. Among the major culprits are habitat loss, light pollution, overharvesting, and ecotourism. Here in the Anthropocene, bioluminescent talents can be hazardous to your health! Come hear little-known stories about how, for more than a century and continuing to the present day, fireflies have been exploited for their chemistry, beauty, and romance.

    Fireflies are intricately woven into the fabric of human cultures, and their loss would be widely mourned. From a scientific perspective, we remain in the dark about many features of firefly biochemistry, behavior and evolution. In hopes of inspiring further inquiry, this talk will conclude by highlighting some fascinating, outstanding questions in firefly biology.

    The talk is free and open to the public. The meeting is readily accessible via public transportation. Parking is available in the Oxford Street Garage with advance arrangement, or (usually but not always) at spaces on nearby streets. Everyone is also welcome to join us for dinner before the talk (beginning at 5:45 PM) at the Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave., Cambridge.

    https://press.princeton.edu/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/covers/9780691162683.png?itok=zcEMTMo0

  • Tuesday, February 13, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – A Field for Women’s Work

    Each winter, Director William (Ned) Friedman and the Arnold Arboretum present the Director’s Lecture Series, featuring nationally recognized experts addressing an array of topics related to Earth’s biodiversity and evolutionary history, the environment, conservation biology, and key social issues associated with current science. The Director’s Lecture Series is open to current Arnold Arboretum members only; visit http://arboretum.harvard.edu for information on becoming a member. Lectures take place in the Hunnewell Building Lecture Hall. Parking will be available along the Arborway and in front of the Hunnewell Building on lecture nights.

    On Tuesday, February 13 at 7 pm. Dava Sobel, author and science reporter, will speak on A Field for Women’s Work. In the late 19th century, botany was the science generally deemed acceptable for a woman to pursue. At the Harvard College Observatory, however, women were welcomed as computers, observers, and discoverers of new celestial phenomena. They attracted international attention as they created a taxonomy for the stars and found a way to measure distances across space. Dava Sobel, author of The Glass Universe, Galileo’s Daughter, and Longitude among others, will speak about the women of the Observatory, their careers devoted to the heavens, and their passions encompassing plants and all things natural.

    Register online at https://www.arboretum.harvard.edu/news-events/directors-lecture-series/

  • Marlborough Street Tree Project

    The controversial BBAC approval for the removal of a large Ailanthus tree on Marlborough Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Charlesgate East served to focus the Garden Club of the Back Bay’s attention on the lack of street trees on this block. With the support of both The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay and the Charlesgate Alliance, the Garden Club has been working with the Parks Department to plant 23 new trees on this block this spring.  There are very few trees on the north side of the street and NO trees on the south side.  Working with Max Ford-Diamond of the Parks Department, we proposed 23 plantable spaces marked on the image accessed here: SKM_C284e18012212530, although final locations are contingent on the location of utilities, light poles, and signage.

    Residents of the block have been contacted to volunteer to water the trees near their homes. The Garden Club will put “gators” after the planting that need to be filled with a hose once a week over the summer.  Residents have also been asked to allow the use of their hose connections.

    Anyone interested in helping defray the cost of this project is encouraged to make a tax-deductible contribution to The Garden Club of the Back Bay to help pay for continued maintenance, pruning, and fertilization of the trees for the first three years after planting. Checks may be made payable to The Garden Club of the Back Bay and mailed to Margaret Pokorny, 384 Marlborough Street, Boston, MA 02115, or you may donate online at https://bostonflora.com/donate/

    For more information on the project, email mpok384@gmail.com.