Boston Flora

Month: October 2019

  • Sunday, October 20, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Going Native: How to Transition Your Garden

    One question frequently arises as gardeners are inspired to transition away from traditional gardens filled with non-native plants and lawn: where do I start? On Sunday, October 20 at 1 pm in Jennison Hall at Bentley University, 175 Forest Street in Waltham, horticulturist Dan Jaffe will help us explore a range of strategies for making a landscape more ecologically beneficial, given the size of the site and the resources available. Dan will delve deeply into plant selection, from choosing species with high value to biodiversity, to finding ones that thrive in challenging spots. He will also discuss key changes to landscaping practices that are just as important as shifting to a native plant palette. Whether you are an experienced gardener looking for a fresh approach, or a novice looking for the best way to begin, this program will give you the tools to create a beautiful and biodiverse landscape. The program is $42 for Grow Native Mass members, $52 for nonmembers. Register at www.grownativemass.org

    Dan Jaffe is the horticulturist and staff photographer at Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary. He served as the plant propagator at Native Plant Trust for nine years, and is passionate about ecological horticulture, and building wildlife value into every landscape. He is the co-author of Native Plants for New England Gardens, which was published in the spring of 2018.

  • Saturday, October 26, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm – Collecting and Sowing Native Seeds

    Heather McCargo, Founder of the Wild Seed Project, will speak on October 26 at 10:30 am at Camp Cedar Hill, 241 Forest Street in Waltham, on Collecting and Sowing Native Seeds, a lecture sponsored by Grow Native Massachusetts. $52 for Grow Native members, $62 for nonmembers. Register at www.grownativemass.org.

    Using native plants grown from seed helps us create resilient landscapes that are rich in genetic diversity. This class will focus on essential principles for propagating herbaceous wildflowers, woody plants, and ferns—and give us hands-on practice with techniques to do so successfully. Heather McCargo emphasizes the benefits of using natural processes to do much of the work, such as sowing seed outside in the fall and taking advantage of the seasonal weather patterns that each species needs to germinate. She will discuss ecologically responsible collection practices and timing; proper seed handling and storage; and describe simple methods for setting up an outdoor propagation area. The program will also recommend books and other resources for native plant propagation, and give you practice sowing seeds in pots, which you will take home at the end of the program.

    Heather McCargo is the founder and executive director of Wild Seed Project, a non-profit organization based in Maine. She is an educator with 30 years of expertise in plant propagation, landscape design, and conservation. Heather was the head propagator at Garden in the Woods during the 1990s, and has an M.A. from the Conway School of Landscape Design.

    Heather McCargo, executive director at the Wild Seed Project

  • Wednesday, October 16, 10:45 am – 12:30 pm – The Plague: Herbal Medicine During the Black Death of Europe

    Join award-winning herbalist Holly Bellebuono on October 16 at 10:45 at The Gardens at Elm Bank in Wellesley to learn about the deadliest epidemic in human history and to discover how plants played a role in people’s attempts at a cure. The history of the Plague opens fascinating windows into the human spirit and gives special glimpses of the perceptions—and uses—of the natural world. Feel free to bring a lunch along for this wonderful afternoon. $15/ Mass Hort member $25/general admission. Register at https://masshort.org/garden-event/herbs-the-plague-herbal-medicine-during-the-black-death-of-europe/

  • Saturday, October 19, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Fall Foliage Celebration

    Saturday, October 19, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Fall Foliage Celebration

    Fall in New England is a magical time. Get outside with The Trustees on October 19 from 10 – 3 this year and enjoy the season. This year’s Fall Foliage Celebration will take place at three Trustees properties in the Andover area – guided hikes to scenic vistas and unusual habitats at Ward Reservation and Weir Hill; pumpkin hunt, crafts and historic home & garden tours at The Stevens-Coolidge Place. Your ticket to the festivities includes all three properties. Food and drink vendors at Stevens-Coolidge.

    Questions? Want to become a Trustees member and enjoy free and/or discounted programs? Contact kbibeau@thetrustees.org or 978-356-4351 X 3202.

  • Thursday, October 10, 6:45 pm – 8:45 pm – Climate Action Forum

    Want to fight climate change? Clean Water Action, Sustainable Milton and others are working to pass strong climate legislation for Massachusetts.

    We want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in renewable energy and clean transportation. Come find out about carbon pricing, one of the main bills that could help move Massachusetts towards a green economy.

    Forum on Climate Action and Carbon Pricing will take place October 10, 2019, 6:45-8:45 pm at Milton Public Library, Keyes Community Room, 476 Canton Avenue, Milton. Light refreshments will be served, and there will be opportunity for discussion and action. For more information of if you plan to attend, please contact lspark@cleanwater.org or 617-338-8131 x 210.

  • Saturday, October 19, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – The Vegan Roadie

    The KITCHEN at the Boston Public Market is excited to welcome Dustin Harder, the host and creator of the original vegan travel culinary series, The Vegan Roadie. In this hands-on class, attendees will learn Dustin’s secrets to creating delicious (and beautiful) plant-based meals from his new cookbook, Epic Vegan. Guided by Dustin, you’ll create a three course-menu and become more comfortable with plant-based cooking through new skills, techniques, and flavors!

    Come ready to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! We will also have copies of Epic Vegan for purchase at the class – or bring your own copy and get it signed by Dustin.

    Menu:

    • Unicorn French Bread Pizza with beet marinara, cashew mozzarella, and edible flowers
    • Creamy shells with the cheesiest ‘cheese’ sauce
    • ‘Kale Me Crazy’ ice cream sundaes with cherries, fudge sauce, and sunflower caramel sauce

    This menu is 100% vegetarian and vegan. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate gluten or nut allergies with this menu. Please email kitcheninfo@thetrustees.org to alert us to any other food allergies. Please note that The KITCHEN is not a certified allergy-free kitchen and cross contamination is possible.

    Our hands-on cooking classes are structured as a group learning experience; you’ll work with other students to create a seasonal meal led by our professional chef instructors. We focus on learning new cooking styles and techniques to increase your confidence and enjoyment in your own kitchen. Here are a few things to know before booking a class with us:

    • Each class is centered on the local, seasonal farmers and artisans of the Boston Public Market.
    • During each class, you’ll learn 2 or 3 recipes, you’ll work with between 2 and 4 other students to create each one, and you’ll enjoy a plentiful taste of each.
    • Classes are usually between 2 and 2.5 hours long, unless otherwise noted.
    • Please be prepared to be on your feet, standing at a table, and cooking for the duration of class.
    • We recommend comfortable, non-slip, and closed-toe shoes.

    Tickets: $60 for Trustees member and $75 for Non-Trustees Members. Members must bring their current member card and number. Join The Trustees and save! Members save between 20-40% off all classes in The KITCHEN.

    Dustin Harder is the host and creator of the original vegan travel culinary series The Vegan Roadie. When not traveling, he works as a personal chef, recipe developer, and culinary instructor in New York City. As a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute, Dustin has been featured in such publications as Eating Well, VegNews, Vegan Lifestyle Magazine, and Paste Magazine.

  • Friday, October 18, 11:00 am – 12:15 pm – Winterizing Your Roses

    On October 18 at 11 am at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Teresa Mosher will provide tips for choosing hardy roses, fertilizing, rose dormancy, fall rose care, and winter protection. Photos from her locally revered Zone 5 garden in Methuen are incorporated into the Powerpoint presentation. Each participant will take home a signed copy of Teresa’s book/ journal A Year in My Rose Garden, filled with very helpful rose caring information, photos, information on ordering roses, a list of tools and supplies, her favorite books to read, rose terms, favorite roses and much more. $25 for Tower Hill members. $39 for nonmembers. Register at www.towerhillbg.org.

    Teresa Mosher is one of the leading garden and rose consultants in New England. She has over 30 years of experience as an avid gardener and cares for forty flower beds, 250+ roses, and over 2000 perennials, shrubs and trees in her garden. She is currently president of the New England Rose Society, a Horticulture Rose Judge, and Consulting Rosarian for the American Rose Society.

  • Wednesday, October 23 – Friday, October 25, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm – Developing Depth

    How often do we see technically brilliant botanical paintings with specimens arranged all on one plane? In their natural habitat, plants overlap and intermingle with others to create a backdrop against which to view the stars of the show. Elaine Searle will reveal her techniques for creating intrigue and drama with more complex layered compositions. Topics covered will include setting up clear focal points, using ‘atmospheric perspective’ and when and how to let go of detail in some areas. You will work towards a small painting using these techniques. This course is ideal for advanced beginners or intermediate artists who wish to take their compositions to a new level. The three day class (October 23 – 25) will be held in the Putnam classroom at The Gardens at Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street in Wellesley, and is $395 for Friends of Wellesley College Botanic Gardens, $495 for nonmembers. Register by calling 781-283-3094, or email wcbgfriends@wellesley.edu.

    copyright Elaine Searle

  • Sunday, October 13, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Autumn Fest

    Join The Trustees on October 13 from 10 – 4 in a celebration of the Autumn season at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Massachusetts. With live animals, crafts, live music, and other special programs throughout the day, there is something for everyone!

    All programming free with Museum Admission (Free for Trustees Members!) For more information visit www.thetrustees.org

  • Saturday, October 12, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm – Boston Agricultural Fair

    Saturday, October 12, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm – Boston Agricultural Fair

    The Roxbury Heritage State Park, Agricultural Hall, and Trustees are partnering to create a special day devoted to the celebration and enjoyment of community gardening, backyard growing, and local agriculture. We’ll have displays, exhibits, contests, animals, old-time games and activities for kids, and tasty treats featuring locally grown and locally produced products. Plans are in the works for agricultural exhibits including beekeeping, backyard chickens, mushroom cultivation, cider pressing, composting to name just a few. We are having (friendly) contests! We’d love for you to enter a pie, baked good, or fresh-picked or preserved garden bounty. The Fair will run from 11 – 3 on October 12 at The Dillaway Thomas House, 188 Roxbury Street in Roxbury. Free. Call 617-869-6720.

    Psst: Don’t miss the goat milking and pie eating contests! Photo below courtesy of King Arthur Flour.