Boston Flora

Month: August 2025

  • Tuesday, September 9, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern – Back to the Land, a New Way of Life in the Country, Online

    The fall season of virtual programming from The Garden Conservancy begins September 9 at 2 pm Eastern. Pieter Estersohn will address the current pulse point of farming in the Hudson River Valley. He will speak about the diverse populations entering the field and the varied business models being introduced, or in many cases, reintroduced to the area by farmers who must exercise tactics based in being hyper-present in order to stay profitable within ethical parameters. Thirty-five farms will be covered, each offering insight into the challenges and rewards inherent in farming in 2025.

    PIETER ESTERSOHN is a photographer and author who has worked on over 60 books covering design, architecture, and now agriculture. He is on the Advisory Council with The Magazine Antiques and is a frequent contributor to The World of Interiors.

    Note: You will receive the webinar link directly from Zoom. A recording of this webinar will be sent to all registrants a few days after the event. We encourage you to register, even if you cannot attend the live webinar. $5 Conservancy members, $15 general public. Register at https://www.gardenconservancy.org/events/web25-back-to-the-land-9-9-2025

  • Wednesdays, September 17 – October 29, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Eastern – The Art of Floral Design, Online

    Learn the fundamentals of floral arranging as this class covers essential base mechanics, sourcing flowers, working with seasonal blooms, and photographing your work. Study design principles and techniques to build successful, balanced arrangements that reflect your personal style. These core skills are designed to help grow your confidence and give you a strong foundation to approach arranging. $160 for Smithsonian Associates members, $195 for nonmembers. Register at https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/art-of-floral-design

    The instructor is Arrin Sutliff.
This program includes 6 sessions, 1.5 hours each.
Class will not be held on October 1.
This program will not be recorded.

  • Friday, September 12, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Cocktails in Great Gardens: Kenmore Hall

    Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Cocktails in Great Gardens series provides a rare opportunity for guests to savor a drink and a nibble in some of the finest private gardens in the region. Book early, as tickets may be limited, and they always go fast! On September 12 from 5 – 7, visit The Gardens at Kenmore Hall in Richmond. Exact location and directions will be emailed to you upon registration. $40 for BBG members, $60 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/cocktails-great-gardens-september-12

  • Saturday, August 23, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm – Burnt & Inked: All-Day Fiery Printmaking Workshop

    Step into the flames literally and explore the full creative process behind dramatic botanical prints. In this immersive, full-day New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill workshop on August 23, learn to safely scorch your own wood tree plate using fire, carve into the charred surface and hand-print bold, layered works of art. With over a decade of experience in botanical research, education, and garden management, Alyson brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to NEBG and the Education Team.

    In her role as Manager of Adult Education, instructor Alyson Prokop is passionate about advancing plant sciences learning and biodiversity through inclusive initiatives at botanical gardens. Her dedication to promoting botanical education is evident in her previous work at Royal Botanical Gardens Canada, where she coordinated workshops, tours, and community programming with a strong focus on food security issues.

    Alyson’s background includes formal training in plant sciences and economic botany, holding a BSc in Plant Biology and graduate studies for a MSc in Plant Pathology from the University of Guelph. Her career path has led her to managerial and curatorial roles, particularly in collections management and education.

    Beyond her professional pursuits, Alyson is also an accomplished artist and printmaker. Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, she channels her creativity into illustrating colorful and vibrant botanical sci-fi art. Her work, influenced by old sci-fi movies from the Golden Age of Film, showcases a unique blend of mid-century retro-futuristic style.

    $110 Members Adult | $132 Non-Member Adult (includes admission to the Garden) Register HERE.

  • Thursday, September 9, 2:00 pm – Garden Club of the Back Bay PopUp Event – Charles River Conservancy Floating Wetland Tour and Optional Kayak Outing

    As American Express says, membership has its privileges. Join the The Garden Club of the Back Bay and the Charles River Conservancy on September 9 at 2 pm for a lecture and optional kayak tour of their innovative climate resilience Floating Wetland project. Situated in the Charles River downriver of the Longfellow Bridge, the Floating Wetland is an ecological intervention designed to reduce harmful algal blooms in the river while simultaneously increasing biodiversity, supporting local ecological change, and providing needed green space in the water. Learn more about this exciting initiative from the CRC’s Executive Director Laura Jasinski followed by an optional kayak tour down the Broad Canal in Kendall Square to visit the Wetland up-close.

    Limited to 12 members only. If you are interested, please RSVP and indicate if you prefer just a lecture and small walk or a lecture and an optional kayak ride. If you are not yet a member of the Club, visit https://bostonflora.com/ to sign up.

    Meet at Paddle Boston, 15 Broad Canal Way in Kendall Square, Cambridge

    The lecture will last approximately 45 minutes, followed by a kayak ride of about the same duration. Kayaks are available for one or two people, depending on your preference. If enough participants choose to kayak, there may be an option to continue using the kayaks after the up-close viewing session concludes.

  • Monday, August 18, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Deep Roots, Fresh Growth

    Join UMass Urban Mentor Farm on August 18 from 4 – 6 as part of its Summer Series. Learn How Nubia is charting its next chapter as it scales up operations at a larger site and tackles pests in the new environment. The event takes place at the Nightingale Community Garden pavilion, 512 Park Street in Dorchester Center. RSVP at a.sayed@nubianet.net.

  • Friday, August 15 – Tuesday, August 19, 12:00 noon – 10:00 pm – Back to the Future, an NGC Standard Flower Show at the Marshfield Fair

    The South Shore District of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Inc. and the Marshfield Agricultural and Horticultural Society present Back to the Future, an NGC Standard Flower Show, August 15 – 19 at Marshfield Fair Horticulture Hall, 140 Main Street in Marshfield. Arrangements will be inspired by Set Designers, Directors, Costume Designers, Leading Roles, Supporting Roles, and Cameos. To view the full schedule, click HERE. To visit the Marshfield Fair website, go to www.marshfieldfair.org

  • Sunday, August 17, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon – Surry Mountain Sunday Stroll

    Join New England Botanical Society and Monadnock Bird and Nature Club on August 17 from 9 – noon as we explore a diverse array of upland and floodplain natural communities, then take a dip at Surry Mountain Lake. The walk will be led by Nate Marchessault, ecologist, and Karro Frost, Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program Conservation Planning Biologist. We’ll begin along a riparian area rich with musclewood, and the rest of the trip will be through upland areas of varying levels of enrichment, from hemlock forest to rich forests with abundant basswood and hickory. The trip will be an out-and-back with a slight amount of elevation increase and a maximum of three miles of walking, with optional off-trail excursions. Terrain is easy to moderate.

    This is a free event and is open to members and non-members. Register at this LINK

    Monadnock Bird and NATURE Club

  • Kris Sarri Named as the Nature Conservancy’s Massachusetts State Director

    Welcome to Kris Sarri, The Nature Conservancy’s new Massachusetts State Director. With over 30 years of experience in environmental advocacy and public service, Kris brings deep expertise, global perspective and a passion for improving the livelihoods of communities and protecting nature.

    Kris most recently served as USAID’s Acting Chief Climate Officer and Senior Advisor for Climate and Environment and was nominated by President Biden for Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. From shaping policy in the U.S. Senate to leading across federal agencies, her impact has been far-reaching and inspiring. She spent eight years in the U.S. Senate, where she was on the professional staff of the Senate Commerce Committee with responsibility for the Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard Subcommittee; served as a senior policy advisor to Senator Jack Reed; and was the legislative director of the Northeast-Midwest Senate Coalition. A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, her early life was shaped by a strong sense of service and a deep love for the outdoors, particularly the ocean. Her passion for the natural world, combined with her parents’ emphasis on service, led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington University, where she majored in biology and minored in political science. She went on to earn two master’s degrees from the University of Michigan: a Master of Science in natural resources and a Master of Public Health.

    Sarri is an avid SCUBA diver. She and her husband, Drew, as well as their rescue cats and dogs, are relocating to Boston from Silver Spring, MD.

  • Sunday, August 17, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm – Explore Local Flavor & Wine: A Wine Lover’s Day Tour

    Join New England Botanical Garden at Tower Hill on August 17 for a delightful day of wine tasting and scenic charm as we visit two beloved local vineyards nestled in the heart of Central Massachusetts. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just looking to sip and relax, this tour offers the perfect blend of flavor, hospitality, and countryside beauty.

    Agronomy Farm Vineyard – Start your day at this small-batch vineyard where innovation meets tradition. Relax with a glass in hand and take in the serene farm views while enjoying locally made snacks.

    Broken Creek Vineyard and Winery – Next we’ll tour this picturesque vineyard known for its elegant varietals and cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a guided tasting and learn about their sustainable winemaking practices.

    Whether you’re planning a fun day out with friends, a unique date idea, or a relaxing solo adventure, our Local Winery Tour is a toast-worthy experience you won’t want to miss! Travel is included in the ticket price. Please arrive at NEBG by 10:45AM for a 11:00AM departure. For pricing and registration visit www.nebg.org