Daily Archives: June 22, 2023

On Demand – Gardens of the Excalibur Estate

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The Garden Museum is pleased to share with you a film celebrating the gardens of the Excalibur Estate in Catford, South London, directed by Peter Kindersley and presented by Matthew Wilson, garden designer, and writer.

The Excalibur Estate is an estate of prefab bungalows begun in 1946 for families bombed out of their homes. For many it was a chance to make a garden; seventy years later, the Excalibur Estate is as rich in horticulture and biodiversity as any hectare of London. But the Excalibur is being demolished and the gardens vanishing.

Matthew Wilson’s Uncle Jim was one of the first residents. Last month he visited Excalibur to record the gardens, and look for traces of a favourite uncle. Along the way he met a few of the residents who shared the stories of their beloved gardens.

The film is 20 minutes long, and free to watch. And please share – https://gardenmuseum.org.uk/film-library/gardens-of-the-excalibur-estate-catford/

Wednesday, June 28, 7:00 pm Eastern – Tool House Public Meeting, Online

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The Friends of the Public Garden and the City of Boston encourage members of the public to join them for the next Tool House Public Meeting on June 28 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. The City will present the final design plans for the Tool House in the Public Garden with a Q&A session to follow. Learn more about the project here and find more details about the public meeting here.

This project is a partnership between Public Facilities and Parks and Recreation Department and is looking to improve the Tool House which is home to the maintenance for the Public Garden and storage for the Swan Boat operations.

For more on the history of the public garden please visit the public gardens page.

Friday, July 7, 9:00 am – Mt. Washington and the Alpine Garden

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Join the New England Botanical Society on July 7 for a rare and very special opportunity for a guided visit to one of New England’s most fascinating and imperiled plant assemblages: above tree line at the legendary “Alpine Garden” of our highest peak. Led by one of New England’s most knowledgeable and experienced botanists and ecologists, this high elevation field trip – complete with stunning vistas — is made accessible by the famed Mt. Washington Auto Road. Please note the terrain at the summit will be moderately strenuous with a 500-foot descent (and return ascent) from the road. Bring layers for cold or wet weather and sturdy footwear. Register early – this trip is sure to fill quickly. There will be a fee for the Auto Road. Leader: Dan Sperduto, Forest Botanist, White Mountain National Forest Register here so Dan may be in touch with you about this trip.

Day field trips are informal, small-group outings to explore interesting places and to see (not collect) interesting plants, facilitated by knowledgeable and enthusiastic leaders. Bring your lunch, water, insect repellent, field guides, hand lens, and curiosity. Be prepared for the terrain and level of difficulty indicated for each trip. Please register at least 1 week in advance to get meeting time, location, and directions. Trips may be cancelled if enrollment is low or if inclement weather. Trips will be limited to 14 participants.