Boston Flora

Thursday, June 26, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Ming Fay: Edge of the Garden Opening Reception.

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What is a garden? A wild space? A curated collection of plants? Or a plot of soil in which to seed memory, connection, and creativity? This summer, the Gardner Museum’s Hostetter Gallery springs to life with the large-scale sculptures of Ming Fay (1943 – 2025), whose work reconsiders gardens as sites of creative potential that reflect the lives and desires of those who cultivate them.

At once playful and contemplative, Ming Fay: Edge of the Garden constructs a space of wonder that calls on visitors to view the world around them with new appreciation. Sculptures of fruits, seeds, shells, as well as hybrid plants borne of his boundless imagination, surprise in their unexpected pairings and sizes. Together, they conjure new meanings through familiar shapes, scents, and symbols. In his papier-mâché, bronze and ceramic gardens, Fay unites personal, collective, and cultural memories, building gardens as fantastical spaces born of curiosity, longing, and his own lived experiences as part of the Chinese diaspora in the United States.

On view from June 26 – September 21, 2025, Ming Fay: Edge of the Garden invites visitors to escape the city for a brief moment and marvel at the extraordinary, ordinary beauty of a maple tree twirler, a ripe cherry, or a crooked wishbone—and how they can unlock memory and imagination.

Where We Meet: Imagining Gardens and Futures, a partner exhibition at Pao Arts Center will explore the city of Boston’s Chinatown gardens through the art of Ming Fay, Mel Taing, and Yu-Wen Wu from July 18 – October 10, 2025.

For details visit https://www.gardnermuseum.org/ming-fay-exhibition

Tuesday, June 24, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm – East Boston Walking Tour

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Another reminder that joining The Garden Club of the Back Bay will give you access to interesting programs throughout the year. Another pop-up is scheduled for June 24 – an exclusive East Boston Walking Tour. Join GCBB member Claire Corcoran on a walking tour of a selection of East Boston’s community-based environmental organizations’ sites and projects, including Tree Eastie, Eastie Farm, and the Mary Ellen Walsh Greenway. These three groups have received funding from an array of sources including the Garden Club of the Back Bay. Claire is looking forward to sharing some of their work and results with our club. This walk is offered to GCBB and BHGC members as well as other civic groups. Please bring a water bottle and sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. If you aren’t a GCBB member, join at https://gardenclubbackbay.org/ today.

Meet at East Boston’s Memorial Park. The entrance is at the corner of Porter Street and Thompson Drive (google maps calls it East Boston Memorial Park). There is ample parking available and is a short walk from the Airport T stop.
RSVP to Claire Corcoran clairecorcoran@me.com

Saturday, June 28, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle

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Join the Charles River Watershed Association and Indigenous Peoples Day Newton on June 28 for a leisurely midday paddle on one of the more beautiful stretches of the Quinobequin (Charles River). The course winds through lightly developed residential areas and parks. Starting from Newton’s Historic Boathouse, we will pass Norumbega Park, down river, loop around Fox Island, and land at Auburndale Park, where Chef Mea Johnson, Apache Environmental Justice Organizer, Write, Artist, Speaker, Rest & Wellness Facilitator will provide bagged lunches.

This event will start with a Ceremony conducted by Hiawatha Brown. Hiawatha Jon Brown, is a citizen of the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island, a resident of Newton, and a committee member for Indigenous Peoples Day Newton.

Along the way, you will have the chance to hear from guest Steve Peters a citizen of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. Also, while on the waters, Bairaniki Mayowakanex (Cito), Taino from Boriken, will be honoring the Water Spirits with songs, and a mindfulness exercise for all. At the Auburndale Park you will hear from special guest Julia Horinek a citizen of the Ponca Nation of Oklahoma. Her activism work includes, but are not limited to, Indigenous Rights of Nature and Front-Line Oil and Gas summits. As well as from Members of the CRWA Team about local efforts to undam the Charles River and their recent “Cut the Crap Campaign”. Dr. Darlene Flores will share about the sacred Taíno traditions of canoes and about Indigenous Peoples Newton’s 5th Ceremonial Celebration. We will hear reflections from Melissa Harding Ferretti- Chairwomen from Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe/ Select Board Member/vie Chairwomen for the Town of Bourne and her efforts dealing with the Sand Mining and Silica in Plymouth and other local Native American Culture bearers. In order to attend, all participants must watch a brief safety video and sign TWO  electronic waivers here  and here WAIVER CRWS

This event is rain or shine. It will only need to be rescheduled in the event of thunderstorms. This stretch of the Charles has very calm waters. Canoes will be provided with life jackets, unless you have your own. Lifejackets are required for all participants. Under 16 requires adult supervision at all times. All skill levels are welcome. Experienced paddlers will be in each vessel. Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet and wear sunscreen. This experience will last about 4 hours.  THERE WILL BE NO SWIMMING in the river. Event is free for all Native American participants USE PROMO CODE “NATIVE”

For non-Native participants, we suggest a $100 donation for adults and a $50 donation for youth under 16. Tickets are NONREFUNDABLE.There is also a pay what you can option ($50 minimum) for the adult tickets. Enter promo code “PWYC” at the top of the “Select tickets” page and on the “Add an optional donation” page, enter any additional amount you are able to pay.

Space is limited so sign up today! 

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Tuesday, September 30, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Native Plant Trust’s 125th Anniversary Gala: Save the Date

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In just a few short months, Native Plant Trust will be celebrating its 125th anniversary with a spectacular gala on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the Artists for Humanity Epicenter in Boston, Massachusetts. They would very much like you to be part of it. This landmark event will honor more than a century of impact and leadership in native plant conservation, horticulture, and education, while raising critical support to protect native plants amidst unprecedented environmental threats. In addition, NPT will be honoring three outstanding leaders in conservation, Dr. Jonathan Foley, and Abby and Peter Coffin.

The evening will consist of a historic gathering of native plant advocates for a captivating evening of cocktails, dinner, and an award presentation that will inspire and give you a glimpse into the future of the extraordinary work we do. Support as a sponsor and/or attendee for the 125th Anniversary Gala will directly advance these efforts and ensure native plant protection and conservation for generations to come.

To learn more about the gala, including opportunities to support this momentous occasion and align yourself with our legacy of environmental stewardship, visit nativeplanttrust.org/gala.

Saturday, June 21, 10:30 am – 3:00 pm – Boston Urban Forest Friends Symposium

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Come join Speak for the Trees for our free 4th Annual BUFF Symposium: Healing our Land, Healing Ourselves – Connecting Environmental Health to Community Well-Being. Our panel will discuss the intersection of environmental justice, public health, and Boston’s urban forest. The event will take place at the Weld Hill Research Building at the Arnold Arboretum, 1300 Centre Street in Roslindale, on June 21 from 10:30 – 3. Register at https://treeboston.org/events/

Tuesday, June 24 & Thursday, June 26, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Learning from the Masters: Redoute

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Pierre-Joseph Redouté was one of the most talented botanical artists ever known. His mastery of both flowers and foliage was extraordinary. Using his paintings as inspiration, you will study his compositions and color choices to explore the potential of watercolor washes, glazes, and dry brush, learning about these essential traditional botanical art techniques in a step-by-step approach. Suitable for beginners. This Massachusetts Horticultural Society two session class taught by Sarah Roche takes place at the Gardens at Elm Bank on June 24 & 26 from 10 – 1, and is $140 for Mass Hort members, $175 for nonmembers. Register at www.masshort,.org

Saturday, July 12 – City Splash

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The Charles River Conservancy will once again host City Splash on July 12 at the Charles River. Spend the day on the Esplanade for the party of the summer. This year’s event is bigger and better, featuring more fun land activities and great local vendors, on top of the chance to swim in the Charles—one of the cleanest urban rivers in the country.

Swimming registration is open with limited spots available, so be sure to subscribe to our e-newsletter linktr.ee/charlesrivercrc and follow on Instagram @charlesriverconservancy for updates.

Tuesday, April 21 – Thursday, April 26, 2026 – Artistry and Floral Splendor: Dutch Waterways by Private River Barge

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Embark on an enchanting spring cruise with the American Horticultural Society April 21 – 26, 2026, along picturesque Dutch waterways aboard the privately chartered river barge, Magnifique II, led by AHS Senior Director of Horticulture Matt Mattus. Amidst blooming season, visit public and private gardens on expert-guided tours and observe innovative horticultural techniques inspired by Wageningen University’s Foodvalley. While highlighting Holland’s botanical wonders, the journey also showcases world-class art museums that house masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. This cruise promises a harmonious and fascinating exploration of natural beauty and human artistry. Additionally, there will be the opportunity to participate in an optional post-trip extension in Amsterdam, featuring private access to historic homes and gardens along the Vecht River. Click here for Program Brochure and Registration.

Through Monday, August 11 – DayDream Summer Exhibition at Berkshire Botanical Garden

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This summer, Berkshire Botanical Garden will transform into a haven for artistic reverie with “DayDream,” a new exhibition featuring works by some of the most renowned names in contemporary and modern art. DayDream will run from June 6 through August 11, in BBG’s Leonhardt Galleries, inviting visitors to escape the everyday and immerse themselves in the boundless possibilities of the imagination. This summer, Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Leonhardt Galleries are open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The exhibition’s lineup includes legendary figures such as Salvador Dalí, Annie Leibovitz, Yoko Ono, and Jamie Wyeth, alongside a diverse array of contemporary artists like Roz Chast, Will Cotton and Ellsworth Kelly. Spanning painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media, DayDream promises to be a stunning and thought-provoking journey into the artistic subconscious. For complete information visit www.berkshirebotanical.org