Boston Flora

Category: Field Trip

  • Monday, July 19 and Tuesday, July 20, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Bedrock Exposure: Geology of the Gardens

    This two-session set of field walks on Monday, July 19 and Tuesday, July 20 from 1 – 4 pm with geologist Robert Doyle provides exposure to the fascinating rocks of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and an overview of the geological history of Maine. The first day examines the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses and Great Lawn, focusing on folding, faulting, and metamorphic rocks. The walk will continue with an exploration of glacially-shaped “sugarloafs” along the Birch Allée, concluding at the Rhododendron Garden’s waterfall. On the second day, you’ll traverse the Haney Hillside Garden to study the Back River fault, the incredible rocks placed along the hillside and in the Meditation Garden, and numerous shoreline features. This class is geared for beginners and anyone interested in learning more about local geology.  $45 for CMBG members, $55 for non-members.  Meet in the Visitor Center.  To register, or for more information, log on to www.mainegardens.org, or call 207-633-4333.

    http://www.geology.um.maine.edu/user/phaedra_upton/Southern%20Alps/Tekapo/fault_west.jpg

  • Friday, August 20 – Sunday, August 22 – In the Garden Weekend

    The American Horticultural Society is once again teaming up with the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, for the In the Garden Weekend, held August 20-22. The 12th annual event will include presentations by André Viette, nurseryman and host of the “In the Garden” radio show; Kerry Mendez, owner of Perennially Yours in upstate New York; Paul Meyer, director of the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania; Holly Shimizu, executive director of the U.S. Botanic Garden; and Forrest Lee, the Homestead’s grounds superintendent. In addition to the presentations, tours of the Homestead’s gardens, meals, and accommodations are offered as part of the weekend package. All attendees receive a free year of membership in the AHS. Visit www.ahs.org or call 703-768-5700 for additional information.  To register, visit the Homestead’s website, www.thehomestead.com.

    http://www.clubcorp.com/Images/Library/MemFac_147/MF147_index01.jpg

  • Saturday, July 3, 10:00 am – Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Walk

    In celebration of Boston’s rich history and in partnership with the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail, the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy will offer an all-ages tour on July 3rd that commemorates the life and legacy of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. Starting at 10 AM on the Mother’s Walk in the park between Milk and State Streets, the tour weaves through parts of the North End and ends at the Rose F. Kennedy Rose Garden, where adults and children alike are encouraged to stop and smell the roses.

    Find out about more free, summer events on the Greenway, including horticulture walks and an outdoor concert series, on their website, www.rosekennedygreenway.org.

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  • Thursday, July 15, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm – UNH Stormwater Center and Land Planning

    The Ecological Landscaping Association, in collaboration with the Thompson School of Applied Science. offers this professionally guided tour at the University of New Hampshire in Durham on Thursday, July 15, from 2 – 6.  The tour will include the BMP solutions at the UNH Stormwater Center, a national research site for the effects of stormwater runoff on downstream ecosystems.  The tour will also include review and site visits of the UNH Master Plan, a model of sustainable planning for New England.  As The Garden Club of the Back Bay begins its year of the examination of water issues, we felt this program would be of special interest.   $20 ELA Member, $25 Non-Member.  To register, email ela.info@comcast.net, or call 617-436-5838.  On line registration is available.

    http://www.furbishco.com/products/roofs/images/stormwatersm.jpg

  • Sunday, July 18, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Minnechaug Mountain

    Another field trip sponsored by The New England Wild Flower Society on Sunday, July 18,  from 10 – 2, will take place in the Berkshires.  Located just a mile north of the Connecticut-Massachusetts border in the Town of Hampden, Minnechaug Mountain has a diversity of forests, wetlands, and stream corridor communties. The mountain, which is owned and managed by the Minnechaug Land Trust, has an elevation of 908 feet and is crossed by a network of hiking trails.  Its forested habitats include northern hardwoods-hemlock-white pine habitats on middle and lower slopes, and richer habitats with sugar maple and white ash at higher elevations.  The summit area has a dry hickory-hornbeam forest (a rare community type in Massachusetts) with a variety of unusual flora that are particular to this type of habitat.  Over the past two years, NEWFS Conservation staff have been working with the Minnechaug Land Trust in botanical inventories and invasive species management on the mountain.  Join us as we continue our botanical forays on this special mountain (there is still plenty of flora to search and identify!) and see some of our ongoing work to improve the quality of its habitats. Moderately strenuous—sturdy footgear recommended.  $32 for NEWFS members, $36 for nonmembers, and registration may be accomplished at www.newfs.org.

    http://www.minnechauglandtrust.org/MMAerial3.jpg

  • Sunday, July 18, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Boulder Loop Trail and Sundown Ledges

    Take a field trip to Albany, New Hampshire with the New England Wild Flower Society on Sunday, July 18, from 10 – 4, led by Chris Mattrick.  The Boulder Loop Trail leaves the Swift River Valley from the Albany Covered Bridge, one of the most scenic locations along the Kancamagus Highway in the heart of the White Mountains. Located on the north side of the “Kanc” and the Swift River, this trail ascends through the boulder-strewn forest below Sundown Ledges. The bowl created by the arc of these ledges is highly enriched and contains several rare plant species. Take a quick off-trail hike to locate the known locations and look for more. The summit is montane acidic cliff community with some pockets of enrichment. The summit of the ledges provides spectacular views of the Swift River Valley to the west and south. Explore the summit area and look for another recently discovered rare species. Recent trail work on the Boulder Loop trail makes this an easy and enjoyable hike. Sturdy hiking boots a must.  Bring a bag lunch, plenty of water, and hand lens if you have one.  $48 fee for NEWFS members, $54 for nonmembers, and you may register at www.newfs.org.

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  • Tuesday, October 26 – Thursday, November 4 – Wabi Sabi 2010

    It is well understood that the nature of Japanese gardens differs greatly from those in the Western World. They are regarded as representing the universe and its elements, and expressing a specific philosophy. Some of the most highly acclaimed are those located in and around the ancient city of Kyoto. This fall, Tuesday, October 26 – Thursday, November 4,  a small group, limited to only 20 participants, will enjoy a unique opportunity to visit some of the most renowned gardens, temples and palaces in this region personally selected by Professor Lennox Tierney, current Curator of the Art of Japan for the Utah State Museum of Fine Arts, the Mingei Museum, San Diego, and Art Director of San Diego’s Japanese Friendship Garden.

    Professor Tierney is also the author of “The Nature of Japanese Garden Art”, in which he examines the Zen principles that relate to Japanese gardens, and the terms WABI SABI, which reflect the value of understatement and the richness of aging. On the tour he will provide a unique orientation and understanding of the many specific elements encountered in the places visited. In 2007 Professor Tierney received the Order of the Rising Sun from the Emperor of Japan for his services.

    For pricing information, contact Sterling Tours at 619-299-3010, or email sterling1@cox.net.  The web site for Sterling Tours is www.sterlingtours.info.

    http://www.csuohio.edu/class/history/japan/JapImages/kenrokuen1.jpg

  • Saturday, June 26 – Sunday, June 27, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Lavender Festival

    Johnson Hill Farm is a unique place where you will find a Lavender Labyrinth, Doves, an 1800’s Cemetery, and more – all high on a hill, down in a hollow of scenic Buckland, Massachusetts. It is the home of the Lavender Labyrinth where you can experience the beauty of nature and aroma of Lavender. The Lavender Festival is held here during the last full weekend of June each year.  Admission is free, and the hours are 10 – 4 each day.  You will enjoy a relaxing self-guided tour of the Farm, local artisans and crafters vending their products, demonstrations throughout the weekend, workshops in pounded flower art, lavender wand making, wild flower gathering and wreath making, cooking with lavender, and more.  Each day there will be a release of the doves, weather permitting.

    The Farm, located high on Johnson Hill, is nestled in a Hollow surrounded by the rolling hills of Buckland. This is now both a home and the home of the Lavender Labyrinth, the owner’s doves, an historic cemetery, and the all too friendly farm dogs. Entering the labyrinth can be a healthy walk or a gentle wander through the lavender, or for some a spiritual exercise or experience.

    For those interested in historic cemeteries, Sandy and Glenn Cardinal now carefully tend the Johnson Hill Cemetery. Photos are encouraged, but the stones are too fragile now to allow rubbings.

    Lavender grown and hand-harvested from the Labyrinth on the South Meadow provides the material for fresh cut or dried lavender and related hand-crafted products. Tucked between the plants you will find ‘verb garden stones’ (some practical, others whimsical) on display. Other crafts become available when inspiration and skill decide to work successfully together. Call 413-625-6439 for more information, or log on to www.lavenderland.com.

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  • Sunday, June 27, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Collectors & Philanthropists Tour

    Join Anthony Sammarco for a tour on Sunday, June 27 highlighting the lives of intriguing collectors and generous philanthropists buried at Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Avenue, Boston. The Jordans of Jordan Hall, Forsyth of the Forsyth Dental Clinic, and Carney of Carney Hospital are just a few of the men who made vast fortunes and then became patrons of the arts, science, and social causes. Many wealthy women were also active philanthropists, such as Pauline Agassiz Shaw, founder of the North Bennet Street School and supporter of the American kindergarten movement, pictured below.

    Meet at Main Gate. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water; this is a 2-hour walk (with frequent stops) over varied terrain. Admission: $9.  For more information, log on to www.foresthillstrust.org.

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  • Saturday, June 26, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – South Berwick Strawberry Festival

    Celebrate Historic New England’s 100th Birthday with strawberry shortcake and free house tours during South Berwick’s Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 26, from 10 – 4. The Strawberry Festival is family friendly event that welcomes thousands of visitors to the town’s center for a day of musical performances, children’s games, craft and fine art vendors, food and, of course, the fabulous home made strawberry shortcake. Free tours of the first floor of the Jewett House throughout the day plus a Historic New England information booth on the festival grounds featuring a drawing for the new Windows on the Past book.  Free admission.  For more information, call 207-384-2454, or log on to www.historicnewengland.org.

    Windows on the Past: Four Centuries of New England Homes