Daily Archives: June 1, 2019


Wednesday, June 5, 7:30 pm – Sacred Cow: The Nutritional, Environmental, and Ethical Case for Better Meat

Red meat is vilified as unhealthy and unsustainable while the plant-based diet is seen as ideal. But is there more to the story? Could there be nuance to this conversation that’s not being discussed? Does eating beef really cause diabetes and will grazing animals destroy the planet? Diana Rodgers, an author, podcast host and dietitian living on a working organic farm, will review the evidence against red meat and illustrate why raising animals for meat is not only healthy, but can be beneficial for the environment. The June 5 free program at Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester begins at 7:30, but if you’d like, come for a casual picnic supper from Clover Food Lab for around $20, beginning at 6:30. You must email or register to reserve your meal and place at the talk at www.wlfarm.org.

Diana Rogers RD, LDN, NTP

Diana Rodgers, RD, LDN, NTP is a “real food” nutritionist living on a working organic farm near Boston, Massachusetts that runs a vegetable and meat CSA. She is the author of two bestselling cookbooks and runs a clinical nutrition practice. Diana writes and speaks about the intersection of optimal human nutrition, environmental sustainability, animal welfare and social justice. She is also the producer of The Sustainable Dish Podcast, interviewing experts in the environmental and health movement. Her new book and film project examines the environmental, nutritional and ethical case for “better meat’. She can be found at www.sustainabledish.com.


Wednesday, June 5, 1:30 pm – Garden Herbs: Their Cultivation, Cookery, Cures, and Caveats

Many medicinal plants brought to the New World escaped dooryard gardens and naturalized in our local flora, which now includes many plants with legitimate or presumed curative properties. A number of these same medicinal herbs were used in cookery and food preservation, revealing the ethnobotanical wisdom of herbal antibiotic properties. On June 5 at 1:30 pm, Judith Sumner, a specialist in ethnobotany, flowering plants, plant adaptations, and garden history,  will present an intriguing overview of medicinal and culinary plants—from ancient traditions to gourmet cookery, military history, and modern medicine.

Sought after as a speaker, Sumner has been  guest on the “Martha Stewart Living” TV show, the PBS program “Cultivating Life,” and various other PBS and educational programs. She lectures widely at botanical gardens, universities, and various symposia. The talk will be held at the Lexington Depot, followed by a tour of the Lexington Historical Society’s Hancock-Clarke House herb gardens and refreshments in Hancock-Clarke Barn.  Tickets available at https://www.lexingtonhistory.org/events.html

An optional private tour of the Hancock-Clarke House is available after the presentation at 4:30 PM. LHS/LFGC members free, $10 for non-members. This add-on is available at the ticket link above.
​This tour is limited to 30 people.


Saturday, June 8, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – The 26th Annual Northampton Garden Tour

The 26th Annual Northampton Garden Tour, benefiting the Forbes Library, will take place June 8 from 10 – 3, rain or shine.

In advance: $15 at Forbes Library, Bay State Perennial Farm, Cooper’s Corner, Hadley Garden Center, North Country Landscapes & Garden Center and State Street Fruit Store. Day of the tour: $20 at Forbes Library only.

Raffle: 2 tickets/$5, 5 tickets/$10, or 12 ticket/$20. Raffle display and tickets for sale at Forbes Library, now – June 8 & on the day of the tour, at one of the gardens. Raffle items include compost, gift certificates, landscape consultation & gardening supplies. For more details visit https://forbeslibrary.org/friends/events/garden-tour/