Sunday, May 1 marks the start of Berkshire Botanical Garden’s 88th outdoor season and the annual Roy Boutard Day, a community celebration steeped in history and tradition that honors one of BBG’s most influential past directors. Admission to the garden is free all day, 9 – 5. Visitors can stroll the 24-acre grounds, enjoy the spring blooming bulbs and trees, visit the Visitor Center Gift Shop, and attend the Horticulture Certificate Program graduation, followed by a reception hosted by the Herb Associates, a volunteer group that, for 65 years, has created herbal products from the Garden’s 1937 herb garden. Members of the Herb Associates will serve an assortment of herb-infused cookies and Mai Bowle, a May wine punch. The day includes activities for children. The Garden’s Leonhardt Galleries will feature the first artists of this year’s ART/GARDEN season. The theme for the season is “Symbiosis.” This first exhibit, Shimmer, curated by Sue Muskat and Phil Knoll, brings together 38 artists whose drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures are ignited by paying attention, by being present and making a record, chronicling the condition of life. For directions and more information, visit www.berkshirebotanical.org
