Boston Flora

Category: Field Trip

  • Wednesday, June 24, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm – Landscapes as Essential Groundwork for Our Future

    As we move into a new age of ecological landscaping, how do we rethink our residential and civic landscapes so that they actively support biodiversity, climate resilience, and community wellbeing? As horticulture professionals, we have an essential role in the future of our world. Drawing from real-world projects and community-based design work, this workshop will explore practical approaches to creating beautiful, functional gardens that wildly expand biodiversity while connecting the human spirit back to the natural world.

    Participants in this Ecological Landscape Alliance design workshop on June 24 at Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, New York, will gain inspiration and actionable strategies for transforming landscapes from resource consumers to ecosystem contributors, strengthening connections between people and the natural realm while centering a changing world, biodiversity, and community action. We will explore real-life challenges and strategies for maintaining these ecological gardens and how to better connect design and care professionals for long-term success. We will learn how to build healthy ecosystems while at the same time connecting people back to the rhythms of the seasons, healing spirit, and building community and equity along the way.

    Walking the property at Stone Barns mid workshop, participants will enjoy a guided landscape tour of the property with real-life success and challenges on plant choices and 10+ years of garden trails from in-house staff.

    Instructor Shanti Nagel is the founder of Design Wild, a landscape design firm working at the intersection of climate, humans, and community well-being.  She believes that the relationship between humans and the natural world is essential for individual health, the strength of communities, our ecosystems, and a future on Earth. She grew up gardening as a child in upstate NY, founded an organic vegetable farm at age 20, and later managed one of New York City’s largest urban farms. Shanti is a graduate of the School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, a trained horticulturist, and a skilled landscape designer.  For the last decade, she and Design Wild have been designing naturally ferocious, beautiful, ecologically rich and incredibly durable landscapes in New York City and the greater Hudson Valley.

    $405 for ELA members (lunch included) and $480 for nonmembers (lunch included) Registration closed June 15. Register at https://www.ecolandscaping.org/new-events-calendar/

  • Saturday, June 6 & Sunday, June 7, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Drop-In Herbal Workshops

    Herbstalk is a community event that connects people + plants. They host a range of inspiring classes and an herbal market with local crafters. Join them for a joyful weekend of herbal workshops, plant walks and handmade botanical goods at Herbstalk. Explore herbalism in community and connect with local healers, herbalists, farmers and artists. Take classes in herbal and holistic health, medicine making, gardening and environmental awareness topics.

    The two days at the Armory in Somerville include:

    A vibrant and welcoming community space

    Dozens of indoor and outdoor classes focused on plants and the natural world

    A local marketplace of handmade herbal goods from New England herbalists & crafters

    More information at https://www.herbstalk.org/. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/herbstalk-2026-tickets-1987930297032?aff=oddtdtcreator

  • Thursday – Saturday, August 27, 28, & 29 – The Beth Chatto Symposium 2026: Connections Through Time

    The 2026 theme of the Annual Beth Chatto Symposium, Connections Through Time, will explore how plants, people and landscapes are shaped by interconnections and temporal relationships, in the past, present and future.

    Over three days, we will he hosting a range of presentations, conversations, discussions and workshops which will encompass new and innovative best practice, science and research within gardening, horticulture, ecology, design and landscaping, highlighting approaches that benefit to the environment, wildlife and humans, and that help confront the challenges of the climate and biodiversity emergencies, and ensure social justice.

    The event takes place at the Ivor Crewe Lecture Theatre at University of Essex, Park Road, Colchester. Full information may be found at https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/symposium/symposium-2026/

  • Saturday, May 30, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Historic Trade Demonstration: 18th Century Herbal Remedies & Women’s Medicine

    Join Historic Deerfield for 18th century herbal remedies and women’s medicine with Amy Lanham. The walkin program is free with general admission to the Museum. The date is May 30, from 10 – 4 at the Hall Tavern. For more information visit https://www.historic-deerfield.org/events/historic-trade-demonstration-18th-century-herbal-remedies-and-womens-medicine-with-amy-lanham/

  • Saturday, January 23 – Sunday, January 31 – Tropical Splendor: Costa Rica’s Gardens & Natural Wonders

    Embark on an unforgettable journey with American Horticultural Society through Costa Rica’s lush gardens and vibrant natural wonders. This meticulously crafted adventure will immerse you in the heart of Costa Rica’s tropical landscapes, where you’ll explore stunning botanical gardens and pristine rainforests. Along the way, experience guided tours of verdant gardens and an organic coffee farm, indulge in local cuisine with farm-to-table dining, unwind in natural hot springs, and discover the ecological richness of the region. With expert guides and delightful accommodations, this travel program is a paradise for plant lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking to experience the wonders of Central America’s biodiversity.

    This 2027 custom trip is part of the AHS Adventures travel program collection.

    Visit the Green Ark Botanical Garden, showcasing over 1,600 species of tropical plants and fruit trees.
Enjoy a coffee farm tour at Finca Rosa Blanca, including a “cupping” session to taste gourmet coffee.
Hike through Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges with spectacular views of Volcano Arenal.
Relax at the Titoku Hot Springs, featuring a variety of temperature-controlled pools.
Visit Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve, a protected tropical rainforest with over 500 acres of wildlife habitat.
Explore the Organization of Tropical Studies’ La Selva Research Station and its 4,000 acres of land.
Enjoy a boat ride on Rio Sarapiqui, surrounded by rainforest and wildlife.
Take a hands-on chocolate tour to learn about the cacao plant and its cultural significance.
Participate in a cooking class, making traditional Costa Rican dishes like empanadas and tortillas.

    Contact

    AHS Travel Department
    (703) 768-8801
    travel@ahsgardening.org

  • Sunday, May 24, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm – Spring Guided Nature Walk with Jeff Adams

    Please join expert naturalist Jeff Adams for a Guided Nature walk at Fresh Pond Reservation on Sunday, May 24 at 10 am. Our focus will be Plant ID on a selection of native species with some non-natives too. We’ll also discuss select natural history, folklore and science.

    This walk meets at the Ranger Station under the clock tower at 250 Fresh Pond Pkwy, Cambridge MA. Contact agarms@cambridgema.gov for more information. Register here: tinyurl.com/FreshPondEvents
    Registration caps at 16.

  • Tuesday, July 7 – Thursday, July 9 – The Seventeenth Annual Nantucket Garden Festival

    A collaboration of gardeners, educators, designers and business leaders, the 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. 2026 marks the 17th anniversary of the Festival! Join us for a celebration of gardening through a host of educational workshops, exquisite garden tours, family activities and parties. View the schedule of events here: www.NantucketGardenFestival.org.

    Nantucket Lighthouse School’s educational garden and greenhouse provide students with a living laboratory and a deeper connection to the natural world. Advised by the late Russell, Morash, Chair of Childhood Horticulture at Nantucket Lighthouse School, our weekly horticulture classes allow children to grow, experiment, observe, and learn—while also teaching them how to care for the environment.

    Your support of the Nantucket Garden Festival, at any level, nurtures a year-round community of Nantucket Lighthouse School students who practice and model the spirit of sustainability every day.

    To learn more about NGF26 sponsorship opportunities for individuals and businesses, please contact Nantucket Lighthouse School.

  • Friday, October 1 – Sunday, October 3 – The Historic Role of American Plants in British and Irish Gardens

    Join the Northern Ireland Heritage Gardens Trust for a weekend in October at its Annual Conference, to be held at the Brandon House Hotel in New Ross, County Wexford. Commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, this conference aims to highlight how North American plants have profoundly shaped Ireland’s gardens, evolving from the exotic, treasured specimens brought back from the early colonies to the staples of modern prairie-style popularized by Piet Oudolf.

    Pioneering expeditions in the 17th century, such as thos of Tradescant to Virginia, brought back the tulip tree, swamp cypress, plhlox, asters, and Virginia creeper, while collectors in the following century such as John Bartram and Peter Collinson introduced maples, magnolias, and rhododendrons amoung many others, fostering a trend for “American gardens”.

    The 19th century exploration of the Pacific Northwest by collectors such as David Douglas, Thomas Coulter, and Theodor Hartweg, introduced many more new tres and shrubs, their transport helped by the invention of the Wardian case, all of which have made an enduring impact on Ireland’s parks and gardens. The conference will visit the JF Kennedy Arboretum, established in 1968, which has one fo the most comprehensive and significant collections of woody plants in the world,

    For complete information on cost and registration visit https://www.nihgt.org/events/27/thurs%2D1%2Doct%2D2026%5F2026+annual+conference/

  • Sunday, May 10, 10:00 am – Duckling Day

    Duckling Day returns to the Boston Common this Mother’s Day, May 10. Duckling Day is designed to move at your family’s pace – wander and play, make it your own, rain or shine. At 10 am the family fun, games, and activities begin at the Parkman Bandstand, and the Family Parade, led by the Duckling Mascot and Junior Park Champions, begins at noon. This is a free event, open to all, and every registered child receives a goody bag, because the best days should come with a little extra. Register today at https://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/events/ducklingday/

  • Saturday, May 9, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Gibson and the Garden

    In partnership with Boston Parks & Recreation, the Gibson House Museum will be hosting a Promenade in the Public Garden to celebrate Boston’s Victorian history. Dress up in your Victorian-inspired finest and experience firsthand the Boston elite practice of parading around to be seen. Enjoy a formal promenade with costume contest at the Public Garden, then walk to the nearby Gibson House Museum for an open house featuring a special exhibition : It’s About That Walk: Victorian Promenade Culture and Costume. The program is supported in part by a grant from the Boston Cultural Council. Free, but reserve a spot through Eventbrite HERE.