Boston Flora

Category: Cape Cod & Islands

  • Friday, July 11, 8:15 am – 1:15 pm – Hydrangea University 2025

    Heritage Museums & Gardens and the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society are pleased to continue our partnership to present the ninth annual Hydrangea University on July 11 – the premier event of the annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival. During this symposium-style event, expert guest speakers will inspire and entertain while increasing participants’ knowledge of hydrangeas. This year’s speakers include:

    Joan Harrison, Author and Speaker
Russ Norton, Horticulture & Agriculture Educator, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
Mal Condon, Curator of Hydrangeas, Heritage Museums & Gardens

    Following the program, participants will have the opportunity to tour the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society Display Garden and the North American Hydrangea Test Garden.

    Included with registration:

    Presentations by three expert speakers
Admission to all of Heritage Museums & Gardens for the entire day, until closing at 5 pm
Morning refreshments (coffee, tea, pastry)
A goodie bag
A hydrangea plant to take home

    Advance registration is required, and we expect this popular program to sell out quickly.

    Program fees fund both Heritage’s mission to inspire people of all ages to explore, discover, and learn together, and the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society’s mission to share knowledge and enjoyment of hydrangeas with the broader community. Thank you for your support.

    Program Registration: $80 Members of Heritage Museums & Gardens or the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society; $90 Non-Members. Register at www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org

  • Wednesday, June 18, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm – The Future PRFCT: Ground Rules for Gardening in a Perfect World

    Do you want to do something truly beneficial—for your family, your community, and the environment? It all starts with how you relate to your land. Join Perfect Earth Project’s Edwina von Gal in the Far Barn at the Polly Hill Arboretum in West Tisbury on June 18 for an inspiring and practical talk on ecological land care. She’ll explore what it means to work with your landscape rather than against it—eliminating toxic chemicals, reducing maintenance stress, and fostering resilience, biodiversity, and beauty. Learn how simple changes can create a healthier, more sustainable outdoor space that supports pollinators, wildlife, your pets, and you. After the talk, Edwina will be joined by local experts for an interactive Q&A and discussion. Bring your questions on topics like toxic-free lawn care, habitat creation, tick and pest management, and cost-saving alternatives to conventional landscaping.

    Free. Space is limited, those who are pre-registered will be admitted first. Pre-register here.

  • Tuesday, June 10, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Nantucket Coastal Conference 2025

    Join community members, local and regional scientists, and planners at the 2025 Nantucket Coastal Conference on Tuesday, June 10, from 9 to 5 at the Great Harbor Yacht Club.

    Learn about coastal resilience and retreat strategies both on and off the island and what’s ahead for our shoreline. The event is free, and lunch is provided!

    Space is limited. Register now at Nantucket-ma.gov/coastalconference.

  • Thursday, June 12, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Installing Drip Hydration

    Join expert gardener and Heritage Museums & Gardens’ Curator of Hydrangeas Mal Condon on June 12 to learn why his “LEGOs for Gardeners” system is essential for keeping our hydrangeas happy during our often too dry summers – and how you can install drip irrigation in your home garden. Successful irrigation for hydrangeas (and all the other woody ornamentals in your garden) is all about surface irrigation via low-flow drip emitters to gradually apply water to the base of the plant on a defined schedule. The installation techniques demonstrated during this program are well within the capabilities of most gardeners, and DIY-ers will love it! During this small group workshop, you’ll see exactly how it’s done, be introduced to the needed tools and supplies, and learn where to obtain them. Even if you’re not interested in doing the installation work yourself, you’ll become knowledgeable enough to better interact with your chosen irrigation contractor.

    There will be plenty of ongoing time for questions and discussion and following the program, you’ll receive a PDF file via email containing presentation content for your reference. Advance registration is required, and we expect this popular program to sell out.

    This program will take place rain or shine. In good weather, it will take place partly outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held fully indoors inside the Heald Center at the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery. In either weather situation, we will meet and conclude our session indoors.

    Program fees fund Heritage’s mission to inspire people of all ages to explore, discover, and learn together. Thank you for your support. Program Registration Fee: $30 Members, $40 Non-Members. Register at www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org

  • Thursday, June 5, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Art in the (Polly Hill) Arboretum Opening Reception

    Art in the Arboretum is an exhibit designed to showcase views and interpretations of the Polly Hill Arboretum, 795 State Road in West Tisbury, by 11 artists who are full-time residents, seasonal residents, or regular visitors to the Island. This year’s show will feature photographs, sketches, and paintings. The weatherproof replicas, along with information about each artist, will be displayed on the grounds in the location where the original piece was inspired. The exhibit will be on display through October 31, 2025. An opening reception and tour are scheduled for June 5 from 4:30 – 6 pm. The cost is included with $10 admission to the Arboretum, free for PHA members. For more information visit https://www.pollyhillarboretum.org/event/art-in-the-arboretum/?instance_id=2556

  • Saturday & Sunday, May 24 & 25, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club Plant Sale

    On Memorial Day weekend, join the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club for its annual plant sale at the Old Mill, 690 Edgartown Road in West Tisbury. All proceeds benefit the Club’s civic projects. For more information visit https://www.marthasvineyardgardenclub.org/

  • Wednesday, August 6, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm – 2025 Nantucket Annual House and Garden Walking Tour: A Scenic Sconset Stroll

    The Nantucket Garden Club’s much-anticipated annual event and fundraiser will return on AUGUST 6, 2025, 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.  This year it will feature homes in ‘Sconset. $90. Buy tickets online at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/nantucketgardenclub/1626991

    Please note:  

    • The tour will be held rain or shine. 
    • No refunds will be issued due to weather or for any other reason.
    • Unfortunately, because of the ages and configuration of the homes, they are NOT handicapped accessible. 
    • No strollers, no pets. 

  • Saturday, April 12, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm – Honor the Earth Fair

    The Honor the Earth Fair is returning to the Mashpee Wampanoag Government Center, 414 Main Street in Mashpee, on Saturday, April 12 from 11 am to 4 pm. Native Land Conservancy is thrilled to once again partner with the tribe’s Natural Resources Department to sponsor this event featuring organizations that share our mission to rescue, protect and preserve land and all the gifts of the Earth. There will also be tribal craft vendors and artisans, cultural activities, activities for children, and the Taste of the Earth Cooking Contest. Save the date!

  • Saturday, September 27, 8:00 am (Rain Date October 4) – Nantucket Land Bank’s 6th Annual Cross-Island Hike

    Save the Date. The Nantucket Land Bank will hold its 6th Annual Cross-Island Hike on Saturday, September 27, starting at 8 am. There is a rain date of October 4. Maps will be available soon at https://www.nantucketlandbank.org/

  • Wednesdays, March 12 & 16, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Marine Debris Art Workshops

    Join artist Sarah Thornington to make your own marine-debris creations at the Center for Coastal Studies, Larking Hall, 5 Holway Avenue in Provincetown.

    Learn a little about sea jellies and/or North Atlantic right whales, climate change and ways you can help protect this beautiful planet of ours while creating your own piece of marine-debris art.

    These FREE programs are thanks to generous support from the Provincetown Cultural Council, Mass Cultural Council and the Center for Coastal Studies. No experience necessary and all supplies will be provided – though feel free to bring your own beach finds if you’d like.

    Wednesday, March 12th 5:30 – 7:30pm, North Atlantic right whales

    Wednesday, March 26th, 5:30-7:30pm, sea jellies

    Limited spaces available, sign-ups are required by emailing Sarah at EbbtheTide@gmail.com. Be sure to include your cell number and which program(s) you’d like to sign up for.