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 Friday, August 22 from 5 – 7, visit the gardens of Jane Iredale in Stockbridge. Exact location and directions will be emailed to you upon registering. $40 for BBG members, $60 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/cocktails-great-gardens-august-22
Indulge your palate with special dining experiences at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill that honor plants, local agricultural, and the craft of cooking. Enjoy thoughtfully curated, multicourse menus provided by Peppers Artful Events. Each dining experience in the series focuses on a different cuisine, reflecting seasonal themes and enhancing experiences at the Garden. Garden dining events are 21+ events. On Friday, August 24 from 6 – 9, savor creative, wholesome dishes that celebrate the bounty of the earth, offering a nourishing and delicious feast that’s as good for the planet as it is for your palate. Showcasing the finest seasonal vegetables, hearty grains, and delectable legumes, artfully prepared to highlight their natural goodness. Reserve your tickets and view complete menu at https://nebg.org/garden-dining-series/. $115 NEBG members, $125 nonmembers. This is a multi-course, family-style meal. Each guest will receive one complimentary beverage from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, signature drinks, and soft drinks. Additional beverages may be purchased throughout the evening. This event is 21+ only.
GBH presents a national virtual event honoring chef/culinary personality, Jacques Pépin.
Jacques sits down for a wide ranging discussion which will include: reflections on his career, his decades-long connection to public media, the important work he does with his foundation, and his enduring role as a culinary icon. There will also be time during the event where you can ask Jacques your own questions.
Our virtual event occurs a few weeks in advance of Jacques’s 90th birthday, which occurs on Dec. 18, 2025. Join us to celebrate all things Jacques!
More about JacquesPépin: The winner of sixteen James Beard Awards and author of over thirty cookbooks, including The Apprentice, Essential Pépin, and Jacques Pépin Quick & Simple, Jacques Pépin is a chef, author, television personality, educator, and artist. He has starred in twelve acclaimed PBS cooking series. His dedication to culinary education led to the creation of the Jacques Pépin Foundation in 2016.
Ticket price: $120 (includes a Zoom link to join the live 90-minute Zoom Webinar event on Nov.7. An autographed hard cover copy of Jacques’s newest book, The Art of Jacques Pépin, will be mailed to the ticket purchaser’s address. Photo courtesy of Milk Street
Native Plant Trust, the nation’s first plant conservation organization dedicated exclusively to native plants, proudly announces the celebration of its 125th anniversary. As part of this milestone, the organization will honor acclaimed climate scientist Dr. Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown, with its prestigious Founders’ Medal at a gala in Boston this fall. This 125th anniversary marks both a historic legacy and a bold vision for the future—one grounded in the belief that native plants are essential to solving the climate and biodiversity crises.
The 125th Anniversary Gala will take place on Tuesday, September 30 from 6 – 9 at the Artists for Humanity Epicenter in Boston. In addition to honoring Dr. Foley, Native Plant Trust will recognize longtime supporters Abby and Peter Coffin for their extraordinary contributions to the organization’s mission. The Coffins embrace the principles of Native Plant Trust with inspiration, sincerity, and generosity of spirit. Together, they are tireless advocates for protecting and conserving the land and waterways of our nation. The evening’s theme, “Sowing the Seeds for Our Future,” reflects Native Plant Trust’s enduring commitment to ecological resilience through native plant conservation. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase at https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/125th-anniversary/125th-anniversary-gala/
Connect with your creative impulses in this exclusive deep-listening workshop, facilitated by sound designer and 2025 Visiting Artist Skooby Laposky. Discover the unheard patterns and activities at Garden in the Woods, and practice using geophones, parabolic mics, and other listening tools that Skooby uses for his nature-based sound projects.
On the evening of Saturday, July 19, from 4 to 7 p.m., we will gather to celebrate nature’s beauty and the spirit of the season. This year’s event, 2025 Fête des Fleurs: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will help support our mission, allowing Berkshire Botanical Garden to continue inspiring tens of thousands of visitors and offering educational opportunities that celebrate the art and science of gardening for our local community. You can expect a truly enchanting evening, where you will be transported into Shakespeare’s play with captivating theatrical performances, interactive activities, and an atmosphere that immerses you in the magic of the season. Guests will enjoy a delightful selection of refreshments and hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening, complemented by captivating entertainment that brings the garden to life. BBG members $125, nonmembers $175. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/2025-fete-des-fleurs
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 andhere 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.
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.
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.
The 2025 Newport Flower Show, themed “A Floral Fair,” will shine at Rosecliff from June 20-22, 2025, celebrating two enchanting and vibrant themes. Inside the elegant rooms of Rosecliff, guests will be transported back to the Gilded Age, honoring the legacy of Theresa Fair Oelrichs, the mansion’s original owner. Exhibitors in Floral Design and Botanical Arts will draw inspiration from her 1913 fairy tale-themed dinner, creating captivating displays of imagination and elegance. Adding a fun twist, the first floor will also bloom with playful arrangements reminiscent of a cheerful summer county fair.
The festivities continue outdoors on Rosecliff’s rear terrace and lawn overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Here, the Horticulture Division and Garden Displays will bring the themes to life with competitions of delightful plants, vibrant cut flowers and inspiring displays crafted by skilled amateur gardeners and local garden clubs.
After soaking in the floral splendor, don’t forget to visit the Marketplace for some well-deserved retail therapy! From the ever-popular Newport Mansions Stores to carefully selected vendors offering unique treasures, there’s something for everyone.
Mark your calendar to join us this summer to celebrate creativity and the beauty of nature. Preservation Society members $35, nonmembers $45. Additionally, join the celebration on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 6 pm and step into the breathtaking interiors and garden displays at Rosecliff, transformed into a fragrant wonderland of blossoms and lush displays. Sip refreshing cocktails, savor delectable small bites and shop exclusive finds, all while mingling with fellow flower lovers. With live music, stunning floral designs and the magical summer ambiance of Newport in full bloom, this is the must-attend garden party of the season. $250 members, $275 nonmembers. Tickets available for both the Show and the Party at https://www.newportmansions.org/events/the-newport-flower-show-a-floral-fair/. Photo below from 2024 taken by Sandra Gilpatrick.
