Boston Flora

Author: Boston Flora

  • Wednesday, March 4 – Isabella’s Gift, The Story of Larz Anderson Park

    Mary Dewart chronicles the story of a prominent New England landscape, a turn-of-the-century creation by a visionary couple, Larz and Isabella Anderson. Their estate in Brookline, Massachusetts became Isabella’s gift to the town in 1948. Like many large estates across the country after W.W.II, Larz Anderson Park and its celebrated, world-class gardens underwent a period of dramatic decline. These changes have been followed in recent years by an emerging respect for historic landscapes and a call for renewal. An accompanying slide show illuminates the details of both the history and design of this once famous estate. We all are familiar with Larz Anderson Park in Brookline, but not many of us know that Larz’s wife Isabella was the moving force behind the magnificent landscape which was almost lost to development pressures in the twentieth century. Ms. Dewart, who spoke to our Club last season to much acclaim, will detail the preservation story of this fabulous garden. Mary Dewart has owned her design/build practice for over fifteen years. A certified landscape designer, Mary serves clients throughout New England. She works to integrate beauty and inspiration with practicality in the landscape. A traveler and teacher, she helps clients envision the possibilities of their sites. An optional lunch with our speaker will follow the meeting. 10:00 am, The College Club, 44 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston.  Lunch $19.  For more information, contact The Garden Club of the Back Bay.

  • Sunday, February 15, 1 – 2:30 pm – Winter Tree Ramble

    Meet Joseph Wheelwright and enjoy a tour of his spirited Tree Figures.  Set amid the winter landscape of the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Massachusetts, discover the intermingling of nature and art.  Joe’s tour will end with a discussion about his career and new book.  Free to members of Fruitlands Museum, $10 general public.  102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard, MA.  For more information or directions, call 978-456-3924, or log on to www.fruitlands.org.

  • February Discount – Historic New England

    Receive a $5 discount at the Lyman Estate Greenhouses in Waltham, Massachusetts when you purchase a Garden and Landscape membership at the greenhouses during the month of February.  The greenhouses are open Wednesday through Saturday, 9:30 – 4:00 (7:00 pm on Thursdays).  For more information, call 781-891-4882, ext. 244.

  • Friday, February 27 – Windowsill Herb Gardening Workshop

    Register for the Windowsill Herb Gardening Workshop at the Lyman Estate in Waltham, Massachusetts.  The workshop runs from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Garden and Landscape members of Historic New England will propogate herbs to be grown at home.  Growing culinary, medicinal, and ornamental herbs is not difficult once you master a few important techniques.  The workshop is followed by a tour of the Historic Lyman Estate Greenhouses and includes lunch.  Admission is $25.  Call 617-227-3957, ext. 264 to register and become a Garden and Landscape member.

  • Thursday, February 26, 6:30 pm – Green Birding

    Learn about the efforts local birders are making to reduce their “Environmental Footprint” when birding. We will cover several topics including “Green Birdscaping” for birds, “Green Birdfeeders”, and “Green Birding.” If there is interest, and weather permitting, we may step outside to listen for the first American woodcocks of spring. Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center
    500 Walk Hill St
    Mattapan, MA 02126-3146

  • Thursday, February 12 – Darwin at 200: Rethinking the Revolution

    The Harvard Museum of Natural History hosts a lecture by Janet Browne at 6:00 pm in the Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford Street.  On February 12, cities and universities around the world celebrate “Darwin Day.” But what is being celebrated, the achievements of a single individual or the acceptance of his controversial theory of evolution?  Ms. Browne is Aramont Professor of the History of Science, and will explore Charles Darwin’s cultural significance and what he has come to represent over time: the idea of scientific progress.  Free and open to the public.  For additional events, log on to www.hmnh.harvard.edu/lectures-classes-events/darwinyear.html.

  • Touched By a Stranger Video

    New member Mary Louise Mesquita forwarded the link to this beautiful YouTube video – turn on your sound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvI90EKY8lg&feature=dir

  • Saturday, February 7 – Winter Tree Observations

    10:00 – 2:30 pm at the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens.  Winter is a great time to identify trees based on their overall structure and twig and bud characteristics. Close observation can also reveal clues to the adaptive strategies of various tree species. You will begin indoors at the Botanic Garden’s Visitor Center, discovering family and genus similarities and examining indicators of the growth cycles of deciduous trees. After lunch Carol Govan will lead you through the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens to identify trees, observing both large- and small-scale details. Bring a lunch and hand lens and dress for cold weather.  $50 members of Arnold Arboretum or Wellesley Friends of Horticulture, $65 non member.  For details call 781-283-3094, x. 4.

  • Arnold Arboretum Volunteer Opportunity

    The Visitor Education team at the Arnold Arboretum invites you to learn more about a brand new volunteer opportunity: The Arboretum Interpreter.  Log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu/programs/volunteer.html for details, or contact Julie Warsowe, Manager of Visitor Education, at 617-384-5253, or email her at Julie_warsowe@harvard.edu.

  • Wednesday, February 4 through Friday, February 6 – New England Grows

    New England Grows is one of the largest and most popular green industry events in North America, known for its progressive educational conference and world-class exhibition.  It is an educational partnership between the New England Nursery Association, Associated Landscape Contractors of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Arborists Association, and Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association.  Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.  Wednesday noon to five, Thursday 8 a.m. to 5, and Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For details log on to www.negrows.org.