On May 17 the Massachusetts Horticultural Society will hold the Mass Hort and Society Row Plant Sale, featuring thousands of perennials, fifteen local plant societies, children’s activities, garden tours, plant demo stage and the Master Gardener Help Desk. The public really can “Ask the Experts” and add to their collections of rare and unusual plants sold by the growers themselves. Also included is the American Rhododendron Society Sale & Truss Show in the Manor House. Browse the historic beauty of the Chaney-Baltzell mansion, while enjoying the beautiful rhododendron show, This is a free event. For more information, log on to www.masshort.org. Parking – $5 suggested donation.
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Thursday, May 21, 5:30 – 7:30 – The Esplanade Association’s Eighth Annual Meeting
You are cordially invited to attend The Esplanade Association’s Eighth Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 21, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm, at The Hampshire House, 84 Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108. The keynote address is entitled “The Leadership Challenge of Having a ‘Green’ Mission.” In the midst of tough economic times, how do we care for the beautiful and historic Charles River Esplanade as it enters its second century? RSVP by May 18 to Justin Burke, 617-227-0365, x 110, or email jburke@esplanadeassociation.org.
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Through Sunday, May 31 – The Book As Art
The Book as Art, Artists’ Books From the National Museum of Women in the Arts, presents four decades of artists’ books by the medium’s finest female practitioners from around the world. These works are inspired by lives d’artiste-deluxe, books illustrated with prints by such celebrated artists as Georges Rouault and Pablo Picasso. By the end of the twentieth century artists’ books had moved away from the traditional codex format. Examples on display, often sculptural in form, reveal an innovative interweaving of image and text through the use of a broad range of media, materials, and techniques. Hours are weekdays 11 – 4, weekends noon – 5 pm, McMullen Museum of Art, Devlin Hall, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, at Boston College. Closed May 25, 2009 (Memorial Day). Admission is free. For directions and more information, email arts@bc.edu, log on to www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/artmuseum/or call 617-552-8100.
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Monday, May 11, 10:00 a.m., The College Club, 44 Commonwealth Avenue – Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Past and Present
The Garden Club of the Back Bay is pleased to present John W. Trexler, Executive Director of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, who has taken time from his very busy schedule to speak to our Club about Tower Hill Botanic Garden.
John, a plant and garden expert, has contributed to the world of horticulture in many ways. His primary accomplishment is the creation and development of Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, Massachusetts, the home of the Worcester County Horticulture Society. In addition, he has founded and led several Plant and Garden Societies and is an active member of many other plant related groups. He inspires donors, volunteers, and staff to help complete his vision. His drive for perfection has created a world class garden in just 25 years. The garden is not only a show piece but a rich educational environment. John is a founding member of the Garden Conservancy and is on their Steering Committee. He worked with Frank Cabot in 1989 to create this National nonprofit organization which preserves exceptional American gardens for public education and enjoyment. He began his career in New Jersey at Skyland Manor State Park as assistant horticulturist. When he left New Jersey for Worcester less than ten years later, he had convinced the Governor of NJ to designate Skylands as the State Botanic Garden and he had served as president of the Skylands Association.
Tower Hill Botanic Garden has been created under John Trexlers guidance from the beginning. He was instrumental in every phase of its conception and development. Environmentally sensitive planning of Tower Hill is exemplified by the Wildlife Pond which collects the run off from the buildings and naturally purifies it and at the same time feeds and shelters wildlife with native plants.
At the Annual Meeting in Houston this May the National Garden Clubs, Inc. will bestow the Award of Excellence to John Trexler for his outstanding contributions in horticulture: the establishment of Tower Hill Botanic Garden, a world class garden, for his service to the plant societies and gardening organizations, and for his work to preserve and enhance the environment. Mr. Trexler embodies Excellence through his skill in horticulture and creation of exceptional gardens, and perhaps more important, in his leadership and enthusiasm in developing environments where everyone can share and learn these skills.
An optional lunch will follow the meeting ($19 per person). To reserve, contact The Garden Club of the Back Bay at info@bostonflora.com.
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Saturday, May 30 – Sunday, May 31 – Open House, A Standard Flower Show
The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts and The Massachusetts Horticultural Society present Open House, A Standard Flower Show, at The Manor House & The Educational Building, Elm Bank Horticultural Center, Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02482. Hours are Saturday, 10 – 4, and Sunday, 11 – 4. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Garden Club of the Back Bay Member Donna Morrissey is Co-Chairman of the Flower Show Committee, so we hope all our members will try to attend. Open House is the second joint venture in what may become a biennial tradition at Elm Bank, home of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Each organization is dedicated to the pursuit of perfection in horticulture and design. Inspired by the surroundings at Elm Bank and mindful of the elements and principles of design, the aim of this show is to complement the Georgian House. For directions and more information, log on to www.masshort.org. or www.gcfm.org.
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Sunday, May 10, 10 – 4 – Lilac Sunday
Of the thousands of flowering plants in the Arboretum, only one, the lilac, is singled out each year for a daylong celebration. On Lilac Sunday, garden enthusiasts from all over New England gather at the Arboretum to picnic, watch Morris dancing, and tour the lilac collection. On the day of the event, which takes place rain or shine, the Arboretum is open as usual from dawn to dusk. Refreshments are available for purchase from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Street parking along the Arboretum perimeter is limited and visitors are advised to take public transportation. Some parking spaces outside the gates will be designated for special-needs visitors. No unauthorized vehicles will be allowed within the gates during the event. A limited number of wheelchairs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; wheelchairs may not be reserved in advance. Please inquire at the front desk of the Hunnewell Building or at the information tents inside the Forest Hills Gate and Center Street Gate if you or someone in your party requires a wheelchair. Log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu/plants/lilac_sunday.html for more information.
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Sunday, May 17, 11:30 a.m. – Hill House Backyard Dash
Lace up your sneakers and get the entire family warmed up for a day of outdoor fun along the Esplanade at the Hill House Backyard Dash. The 1 mile fun run/walk along the Charles River will take off from Fiedler Field, and will precede the community picnic and “backyard” themed kids festival, with family-friendly carnival games & activities ranging from obstacle courses to face-painting. There will also be the second annual toddler-trotted Diaper Dash for children 4 and under. Mayor Thomas Menino, along with Wally the Green Monster, will be on hand to add to the excitement of the day. The event is open to participants of all ages. The race fee is $10 per child, $15 per adult, and $50 for a family. Then, the day after the Dash, head over to Charles Street where several businesses will be offering deals and discounts to anyone wearing their Backyard Dash bracelet or medal. For more information, or to register on-line, log on to www.hillhouseboston.org.
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Friday, May 1, 1:30 – 4:30 pm – Memorial Service for Esther Gaum
The life of the late Esther Gaum, a member of The Garden Club of the Back Bay for over forty years, will be celebrated on Friday, May 1, at The College Club of Boston, 44 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston. Esther, who passed away peacefully at her home on October 9, 2008, was a member of The College Club, The Merry Matrons, and was a talented craftswoman. A brief memorial service at 1:30 will be followed by tea and refreshments. By Invitation Only.
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Tuesday, May 12, 12 noon – Fred Mauet Bench Dedication
You are invited to attend the dedication of a memorial bench for Fred Mauet on Tuesday, May 12 at 12 noon on the Berkeley to Clarendon block of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall (near the General Glover statue.) The bench is a gift to the Mall from the Friends of the Public Garden and from the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay in honor of Fred’s life and service to our neighborhoods and parks. Refreshments to follow at The College Club of Boston, 44 Commonwealth Avenue. Please respond to Liz Vizza at fopg@gis.net by May 5th. Fred was a great friend of The Garden Club of the Back Bay, and we are pleased to join with the Friends and with NABB at this event.
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Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – 29th Annual Herb Plant Sale
The New England Unit of the Herb Society of America is sponsoring the 29th Annual Herb Plant Sale at Elm Bank, home of the Masachusetts Horticultural Society, 900 Washington Street (Route 16), Wellesley, MA on Saturday, May 9 beginning at 9 a.m. Free Admission and Parking. Over 200 varieties of perennial and annual herbs will be available for sale, including culinary, fragrant and medicinal herbs. Proceeds help support educational projects, including the Teaching Herb Garden at Elm Bank. Visit www.neuhsa.org for directions and more information.