Month: October 2025

  • Tuesday, October 14, 5:00 am – 6:30 am Eastern (but recorded) – From the Archives: William Andrews Nesfield, Reconsidered

    The five part Gardens Trust and Garden Museum series on William Andrews Nesfield concludes on October 14 with a round table discussion. This will draw together some of the themes and trends that have emerged from the series, highlight and debate further Nesfield designs, and share ideas for using the archives to re-examine Nesfield’s style, his significance during his lifetime and his legacy today.

    Participants will include Ben Dark, author, head gardener, award-winning broadcaster and landscape historian, who gave the keynote talk at the Garden Museum’s launch of the Nesfield archives; Advolly Richmond, plant, garden and social historian, who has studied Nesfield’s designs at Alton Towers; Christina Hourigan, whose doctoral research includes examining Nesfield’s work at Kew; Rob Hillman, archivist at the Garden Museum; and some of the speakers from the earlier sessions in the series.

    If you are involved in any way with individual Nesfield commissions (for instance as researcher, guide, gardener or volunteer), we’d be delighted if you’d join this session and share information about your site. This ticket is for this individual session and costs £8. Attendees will be sent a Zoom link 2 days (and again a few hours) prior to the start of the talk ( and a link to the recorded session will be sent shortly after each session and will be available for 2 weeks. Register HERE.

  • Saturday, October 25, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Herbal Alchemy: Crafting Oxymels for Wellness and Immunity

    Discover the magic of oxymels with Nicole Irene of The Enchanted Altar Apothecary in this engaging, hands-on workshop on Saturday, October 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. Oxymels — traditional herbal remedies made from raw vinegar and honey — have been used for centuries to boost immunity, ease inflammation, aid digestion, and support the body’s natural balance. In this Berkshire Botanical Garden immersive class, you’ll learn how to craft nourishing blends using fresh and dried herbs, produce, botanical-infused vinegars, and raw local honey. We’ll explore the healing properties of plants, the folklore and seasonal wisdom behind them, and how to create remedies that align with the rhythms of nature. You’ll leave with custom-made oxymels, recipes and the knowledge to carry this beautiful tradition into your daily wellness routine.

    Ideal for herbal enthusiasts, home gardeners, kitchen witches, and anyone curious about herbal medicine, this class is an invitation to reconnect with the earth, the plants, and your inner healer. $70 for BBG members, $90 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/herbal-alchemy-crafting-oxymels-wellness-and-immunity

  • Tuesday, October 7, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Eastern – Native Groundcovers for Beauty, Function, and Ecology, Online

    Explore the many native groundcovers that bring beauty and ecological function to your landscape. Whether you have a shady, moist garden or a sunny, dry hillside, learn which native groundcovers are your best choices. This Massachusetts Horticultural Society webinar takes place October 7 from 6 – 8 Eastern. $45 for Mass Hort members, $55 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.masshort.org/upcoming-classes