Daily Archives: November 18, 2024


Saturdays, December 14 & December 21, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Planting Design Studio

This Berkshire Botanical Garden course, offered Saturdays, December 14 and 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., teaches students how to design a planting plan for private and public garden spaces. Explore the manipulation of space by using plant material through a series of exercises dealing with form, color, and texture. Students will consider the nature of plant characteristics in specific design settings. Style of house will be used for a source of inspiration while honoring the horticultural needs of each plant. Students will make presentations for each project, and class critiques will be positive, instructive, and essential to the learning process. This is a participatory class and will include completing various design projects throughout the course. Taught by Tom Smith of Springfield Technical Community College.

Tom Smith teaches at Springfield Technical Community College.  His past career adventures include precision machining, HVAC ductwork fabricator, installer and apprentice service technician, and the U.S. Navy.  He also wore many ‘hats’ within a small landscape company as a designer, estimator, salesperson, horticulturist, and construction crew leader.  

The fee for this two session class is $215 for BBG members, $240 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/planting-design-studio


Wednesday, April 30 – Friday, May 9, 2025 – The Netherlands & Belgium: Cheese, Chocolate & Brews Tour

Join Anna Juhl and Tenaya Darlington of Cheese Journeys in Belgium and the Netherlands for a unique spring getaway during tulip season, April 30 – May 9, 2025. This tour is for artisan food and drink enthusiasts who love to explore and experience at every opportunity. We’ve curated meet-ups and tastings with some of the world’s greatest cheese affineurs, beer producers and chocolatiers. Plus, we’ll uncover Amsterdam’s canals, historic neighborhoods and thriving food scene.

This tour is open to all travelers. For complete itinerary and details, visit www.cheesejourneys.com