Boston Flora

Category: Cape Cod & Islands

  • Sunday, July 8, Tuesday, July 10, Thursday, July 12, and Saturday, July 14, 9:00 am -12:00 pm – Howe’s Garden Benefit Tour

    The Howes’ Garden in Centerville holds numerous flower gardens with many different perennials and bulbs. Their specialty is hybridizing day lilies. They have seedlings from plants cross-pollinated in 2017, yearlings planted in the spring of 2017, and close to 100 plants saved from crops as far back as 2004. The best hybrids get a Cape Cod name (such as Cape Cod Lemonade), and are registered with the American Hemerocallis Society. If you are curious about hybridization, or simply want to see an array of beautiful blooms, this is the garden to visit! The proceeds from this July 14 garden tour will benefit Whelden Memorial Library. Rain or Shine. Admission: $5 Pay cash at the door. OPEN: July 8, 10, 12, 14 9am-12pm

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  • Tuesday, July 17 – Thursday, July 19 – Nantucket Garden Festival

    The 10th Annual Nantucket Garden Festival highlights the unique and beautiful garden ecosystems on Nantucket and focuses on the importance of sustainability, conservation and gardening ethics for the long-term health of the island. Scheduled for July 17th-19th, the festival celebrates gardening through creative workshops, exquisite garden tours, children’s workshops, family activities and an opening night party. The keynote speaker will be Thomas Rainer, Principal of Phyto Studio in Washington, DC. In a workshop entitled The Inspired Plantsmen: Nature-Inspired Approach to Plant Selection and Composition, Rainer, a leading voice in ecological landscape design, will discuss how plants fit together in nature and how to use this knowledge to create landscapes that are resilient, beautiful, and diverse. Both practical and inspiring, this talk will explore a synthesis of ecology and horticulture—resulting in an intentionally designed and managed plant community where population dynamics are encouraged within an aesthetic framework. Rainer’s workshop will take place on Wednesday, July 18th.

    The Festival is also thrilled to be welcoming Jennie Love of Love ‘n Fresh Flowers to Nantucket for the Festival’s first-ever Celebrity Floral Design Workshop. This half-day event, hosted in the Nantucket Yacht Club’s Governor’s Room, will include six hours of hands-on design and instruction. Participants will leave with a bouquet and a centerpiece (an abundance of flowers!). All flowers used during the workshop are grown by Love at her organic, urban flower farm in Philadelphia. Owner and Creative Director at Love ‘n Fresh Flowers, Jennie Love is a trained horticulturist and life-long farmer. Jennie first began flower farming in 2007 and launched her thriving event design studio in 2009. A charismatic and passionate business woman, Jennie found her natural niche as a “farmer florist” for wedding and special event design, becoming a recognized leader in the local flower renaissance with her distinctively lush and textural creations. She has been prominently featured in major press, including the New York Times, for her farm-to-centerpiece efforts, as well as in numerous photo shoots, magazines, style blogs, and books. She was named one of the top wedding florists in the nation by Martha Stewart Weddings (Spring 2015 issue) and received a special In Season spread featuring her work in the Summer 2016 issue of the magazine. This workshop takes place Wednesday, July 18 from 9 – 3. ($1,000 if you register before June 30, $1,250 thereafter)

    Jennie has led many design workshops and classes, including the sold-out Seasonal Bouquet Project workshops and several accredited classes for Longwood Gardens’ Floral Design Certificate program. Jennie is currently Vice President for the national Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers and writes a regular column for the Cut Flower Quarterly. More information about Love ‘n Fresh Flowers and Jennie are available at http://www.lovenfreshflowers.com.

    On Tuesday from 9 – 11, join a Victory Garden Talk and Tour with Russell Morash, hosted by Russell and Marian Morash and sponsored by Johnny’s Selected Seeds ($85 before June 30, $100 thereafter). Also on Tuesday, from 10 – 12, is a floral arrangement workshop with Megan Soverino ($300/$350),  and a Mommy & Me Garden Tea Party from 2 – 4 ($65/$75).  If you prefer to be at the other end of the island, there will be two ‘Sconset Walking Garden Tours, one with Jenne Atherton from 2:30 – 4:30 and a second from 3 – 5 with Katie Hemingway (each $75/$85)

    Wednesday brings a Lincoln Circle Walking tour with Julie Wood from 9 – 11 and a Lincoln Circle Walking Tour with Fabrizia Lu Macchiavelli from 9:30 – 11:30 ($75/$85).  You may wish to participate in Fairy Gardens & Floral Crowns with Alana Cullen and Bee Shay from 10 – noon ($50/$60), and end the day with a Garden Soiree from 6 – 9 at Middle Brick ($150/$200).

    Thursday features Monomoy and Polpis Garden Tours with Amy Pallenberg from 9 – 11 ($75/$85) and an Intimate Garden Talk and Lunch with Gordon Hayward at the Nantucket Culinary Center from noon – 2 ($200/$225).  The Mommy & Me Garden Tea Party returns to the Nantucket Lighthouse School from 2 – 4 ($65/$75).

    To register, and for a complete calendar of events, visit http://www.ackgardenfestival.org/

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  • Thursday, July 12, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Nantucket Open Day

    Thursday, July 12, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Nantucket Open Day

    The Garden Conservancy announces Nantucket Open Day on Thursday, July 12 from 10 – 4. Admission to each garden is $7 for members and nonmembers without tickets purchased in advance.

    A must – visit is Blueberry Hill. An oak forest and tupelo grove protect the house and garden from ocean winds. The naturalistic landscape, designed by Lucinda Young, contrasts with rolling serene meadow views of West Polpis Harbor. An enclosed garden, set in a small building envelope on a conservation restriction, consists of heaths, heathers, and a crabapple espalier. A hidden garden contains a flower and shade garden. Chickens roam the property. At the request of the Garden Host, directions to this garden are provided at additional gardens open on this date, or by calling the Garden Conservancy office toll-free weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, 1-888-842-2442.

    The Garden at 7 Pocomo is located, naturally, at 7 Pocomo Road. A cottage resting atop a knoll surrounded by Nantucket’s natural beauty, the land itself is a tapestry of undisturbed native plants. Interwoven grass paths connect a series of protected rooms. The garden was created to bring joy to many generations of family. There are cutting and vegetable gardens to supply the house and friends all summer, as well as a flock of chickens! The cutting garden focuses on the color palette of summer, and the vegetable garden is chockfull of reliable food all summer long. This property is sure to be a treat for novice and experienced gardeners.

    The gardens belonging to Gale H. Arnold at 110 Wauwinet Road are reflective of its place in time, architecture, and utility. Tree, shrub, and perennial plantings are integrated into the natural landscape. Walkways and lawn space allow for free movement throughout and provide a clear view of the inner harbor and sunset. A collection of scented plants and fruit grow inside the 18th-century-style glass house. An enormous native oak, typical of Wauwinet, dominates the back of the Queen Anne-style residence.

    House in the Woods is a naturalistic landscape design. The property wraps around a large wetland, which has determined the aesthetic of the landscape, embracing native meadows, pollinator gardens, pool gardens, and native groundcovers. The connecting property emphasizes edibles in extensive vegetable gardens with wonderful woodwork and stonework details throughout.
    At the request of the Garden Host, directions to this garden are provided at additional gardens open on this date, or by calling the Garden Conservancy office toll-free weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, 1-888-842-2442.

    Finally, all PBS fans will want to see the Morash Victory Garden at 41 Shawkemo Road. The Morash Victory Garden has expanded several times during the past thirty years. Today, polypropylene deer fencing protects twenty earthen raised beds that were built on native sandy soils amended generously with local and site-made compost. Benefiting from such strategies as winter cover cropping, grass mulching, plastic sheeting, and clean cultivation, the garden grows the usual suspects found in most backyard vegetable gardens. Potatoes and pumpkins, tomatoes, and cut flowers are important crops. Sufficient water, abundant sunshine, and a hardworking homemade greenhouse, together with countless happy hours from an old gardener, are some of the secret weapons to be found in this vegetable and flower display.

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  • Sunday, July 8 and Friday, July 13, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Cape Cod Hydrangea Society East Falmouth Garden Tour

    The Cape Cod Hydrangea Society welcomes you to a Garden for All Seasons. Featured in Fine Gardening magazine last year, this property was chosen for its skill in making a mere half acre feel much larger. Winding garden paths lead the visitor through surprising vistas and vignettes. Espaliered pear and dogwood trees and archways of beeches and hydrangeas are some of the many features to be discovered in this 34 year old garden created by the homeowners / professional horticulturists. More than 30 hydrangea cultivars are integrated into the mixed borders. Yearly changes make this garden well worth a return trip. Open: Sunday, July 8 and Friday, July 13, 10 – 4. The proceeds from this garden tour will benefit the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society. Admission:$5 per garden. Rain or Shine. Pay cash at the door. For more information visit http://www.thecapecodhydrangeasociety.org/

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  • Thursday, July 5, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival Opening Night Party

    Join gardeners, nonprofits and organizers of the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival on Thursday, July 5 from 6:30 – 8:30 at Cape Cod Beer for a celebratory opening night party. Come out and try Cape Cod Beer Hydrangea Cocktail. Free to attend. Open to public. Cape Cod Beer is located at 1336 Phinneys Lane in Hyannis. Image courtesy of Yankee Magazine.

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  • Tuesday, July 10, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival: Eastham Garden Tour

    Tuesday, July 10, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival: Eastham Garden Tour

    The Eastham Garden Tour drew huge crowds at last year’s Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival. This year five unique Eastham gardens will be open on Tuesday, July 10th, from 10am to 4pm. For more information, go to http://EasthamGardenTour.org or contact the Eastham Library, (508) 240-5950.

    $5 single entry tickets sold at gardens on tour days. $25 ticket for 6 gardens (includes a special mystery garden) and garden information available June 29 – July 10, 9am – 5pm at the Eastham Visitor Information Booth, 1700 State Highway, Eastham, MA 02642

    Join us at the Eastham Public Library, 190 Samoset Road, for the Kick-Off Party June 28, 4 pm – 6 pm with Cape Cod’s fabulous garden guru, C. L. Fornari, the inspiration behind the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival. She will be speaking and signing her books.

    Wet Paint Sale after the tour July 10, 4:30 pm – 6 pm featuring work created at our gardens by the Eastham Painters Guild and Friends. Proceeds support the Eastham Library Building Fund, Inc, a not for profit organization.

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  • Saturday, June 23 – Strawberry Festivals

    There are two general types of strawberry festivals : community festivals, usually organized by a church, school, local Chamber of commerce or a town, and strawberry festivals held at and by a farm. They are different in what they offer.  Image below from www.bettycrocker.com.

    On Saturday, June 23, from 11 – 3, the Bourne Historical Society Strawberry Festival will take place at the Aptucxet Museum Complex, 24 Aptucxet Road in Bourne. Strawberry short cake made with homemade biscuits and freshly whipped cream, hot dogs, burgers, chips and drinks will be available. Come have your lunch and dessert by the Cape Cod Canal. Antique Model Car Show – cars on display throughout grounds at Aptucxet Trading Post Museum lawns, a must-see for Antique car enthusiasts. This is a special festival and you will find something for everyone so plan to spend the afternoon at the Aptucxet Museum Complex. Free admittance but would the Museum would love for you to buy a strawberry shortcake for $5.00.

    The same day, visit the Braintree Farmers Market Strawberry Festival at 1 JFK Memorial Drive in Braintree. Fresh local strawberries galore! C.N. Smith Farm will provide strawberries for the event. This year the Strawberry Shortcakes will be created by LollyCake Ladies. Many vendors will be creating products that use local, in-season strawberries. Tables & chairs will be provided under the Events Tent. Fresh picked, fragrant and juicy local strawberries will be available for purchase to take home as well. They also have a Clam & Lobster Feast on September 1.

    Connors Farm, 30 Valley Road, Route 35, Danvers, will host its Strawberry Festival on June 23 from 9 – 6, with a rain date of Sunday, June 24. Activities include live music from noon to 4pm, plus Jumping Pillow, Farm Animals, Hayrides, Cow Train, Grain Train, Duck Races, Pedal Carts & more.  Also: Food, Our Famous Strawberry Shortcake, BBQ, Pony Rides (12pm to 4pm), Strawberries Dipped in Chocolate, and Face Painting, vegetable seedlings, perennials, annual flowers, hanging baskets, vine-ripened tomatoes, lettuce, squash, carrots, beets, herbs and other fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh eggs, fresh pasta, jams, jellies, breads, cookies, hot coffees, homemade ice cream, frozen chicken and beef patties, and fruit pies, Apple Cider Doughnuts Weekend BBQ’s Champions BQ team will be serving up the best BBQ food. Connors Farm may be reached at 978-777-1245.

    Read more at http://www.pickyourown.org/strawberryfestivals-Massachusetts.php#EgDfc5oyikJ401xO.99

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  • Friday, July 13, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival: Chatham Garden Club Tour

    As part of the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival, the Chatham Garden Club will present four gardens open for viewing on Friday, July 13 from 10 – 4. The proceeds from the garden tours will benefit Chatham Garden Club. Admission is $5 per garden tour. RAIN or SHINE. For more information visit http://www.chathamgardenclub.org/

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  • Saturday, June 9, 11:30 – 12:30 am and 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Plants Behaving Badly

    The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History presents a two part PBS documentary film Plants Behaving Badly on Saturday, June 9 at 11:30 am and 1 pm.  Two groups of plants exhibit such intriguing behavior that a century and a half ago they attracted the attention of Charles Darwin. These same plants, the orchids and the carnivorous plants, still fascinate scientists today. In two one-hour films, Plants Behaving Badly reveals a world of deceit and treachery worthy of any fictional thriller. The Museum is located at 869 Main Street, Route 6A in Brewster. Free with admission. For more information visit http://www.ccmnh.org/Events

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  • Saturday, June 23, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm – Garden Dialogues 2018 – Pamet Valley in Truro

    This breathtaking property on Cape Cod posed a special challenge: design and site a new house, guest house, pool, and adjacent gardens on one of the Cape’s undeveloped hilltops with only minimal disturbance to the native environment. Ever mindful of the potentially detrimental impact of developing the top of a pristine knoll, owners landscape architect Keith LeBlanc and architect Kelly Monnahan collaborated to site structures that harness the dramatic tension between the natural and designed environments. This study in contrast resulted in a series of compelling and unexpected garden spaces that ultimately enhance the natural features of the pine and oak woodland setting. The main floor of the home, which was designed to project into the landscape, is contrasted by the soft edges of multiple gardens surrounding the house and pool. These varied spaces are overlooked by the home’s second story, which prominently features dramatic views to Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The house and garden have been published widely and have garnered numerous accolades, including Honor Awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and the Boston Society of Architects.

    After the Cultural Landscape Foundation tour on June 23 from 1:30 – 3:30, guests are invited to relax and enjoy refreshments and snacks poolside while talking with the owners.

    Keith LeBlanc, FASLA, a TCLF Board Member, established his landscape architecture firm in Boston in 1997. A graduate of Louisiana State University, he is a nationally recognized landscape architect who has dedicated more than 30 years to the design of residential landscapes. His firm, LeBlanc Jones Landscape Architecture, has gained local and national recognition with multiple awards from both the Boston Society of Landscape Architects and the ASLA. Projects from his office have been honored by peers and the public alike, including recognition from The Southern California chapter of the ASLA, the Institute for Classical Architecture and Art, and The James Rose Center. In 2012 Mr. LeBlanc was named a Fellow of the ASLA in the works category. He avidly supports several organizations on Cape Cod, including the Truro Center for the Arts, Provincetown Commons, and The Fine Arts Work Center.

    Kelly Monnahan is an architect and principal of Kelly Monnahan Design (KMD) in Boston and Truro, Massachusetts. The firm’s work has appeared in numerous trade publications, including Metropolitan Home, Boston Home, and Design New England. Recognition has included “Best Modern Architect” from Boston Home and a Boston Society of Architects Honor Award in 2003.

    Prior to founding KMD in 1999, Mr. Monnahan held design positions at Michael Prodanou Design, Graham Gund Associates, Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbot, and Sasaki Associates. His work encompassed architectural and interior design for libraries, university buildings, corporate headquarters, and private residences. Among his projects were the Investcorp headquarters in London, a private residential art gallery in Boston, and renovation of the Harvard Medical School Countway Library of Medicine, also in Boston. Mr. Monnahan graduated from the University of Oregon School of Architecture and received his master’s degree in architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture. He currently serves on the Board of Provincetown Commons, a recent startup that provides space and resources for year-round use by artists and the community.

    Thanks to the generosity of our hosts and sponsors, tickets ($100) for Garden Dialogues are tax-deductible, and proceeds benefit the educational programs of The Cultural Landscape Foundation. These events sell out quickly, so visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/garden-dialogue-2018-massachusetts-tickets-45300002527 immediately!