Monday, November 18, 7:00 pm – A Taste of Autumn

Russ Cohen, celebrated local naturalist and wild foods enthusiast, will teach us about the snacks we can find in our own backyards- there’s more out there than you think!  On November 18 at 7 pm Russ will give a presentation about foraging and seeing a landscape with an eye for edibles.  We’ve already harvested the garden, but there’s more to enjoy right at our feet if we know how and where to look, and how to gather safely and respectfully. Some of Russ’s favorites include shagbark hickory, black walnut and beach plum, and we’ll be lucky enough to taste some of his recipes. The event takes place at the Durant-Kendrick House, Education Center, 286 Waverly Avenue, Newton, Massachusetts.

Passionate about maintaining and expanding our native edible landscape, Russ can often be found removing invasives and planting native edibles in their place.  He is an authority on edible plants, maintaining a list of about 190 native plant species in Massachusetts and the Northeastern US, and has led walks and workshops for 50 years.  To register and for more info visit grownative.org/our-programs/workshops

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Thursday, November 14, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Eastern – The Ericaceae of New England: Diversity, Ecology, and Phylogeny, Online

With over 4100 species found across the globe, the Ericaceae—commonly known as the Heath Family— is an incredibly diverse group of flowering plants. New England is home to a broad assortment of these species, many of which grow—and thrive—in some of the region’s most challenging environments. Through the consideration of a subset of these species, this Native Plant Trust online class on November 14 at 6 Eastern will explore some of the traits and interspecific relationships that contribute to the ecological success of the Ericaceae. Additionally, we will touch on the phylogenetic (evolutionary) relationship that exists among some species in this group.

Please note: We do not make video or audio recordings of classes or programs available after the fact, because we believe education is interactive, with instructors and students building a community and culture of learning. $17 for NPT members, $20 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/events/the-ericaceae-of-new-england-diversity-ecology-and-phylogeny/ Image courtesy of iNaturalist.

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Friday, November 24 – Sunday, January 5, 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Night Lights 2024

Night Lights is an annual celebration held at The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, MA just outside of Worcester. Night Lights is an inclusive, secular event where visitors of all backgrounds can celebrate winter, light, and nature together. Amidst a quarter million lights, enjoy a delightful evening with popular favorites such as s’mores, seasonal drinks, a model train, holiday shopping, and fun photo opportunities for the whole family! NEW this year, a skating rink will debut for the first time in Night Lights’ history to bring joy to the young and young at heart. Colorful landscapes, immersive experiences, and lifetime memories await this winter! 

NIGHT LIGHTS Daily, 4 pm to 10 pm
Celebrate the season with enchanting landscapes, fun experiences, and thousands of lights. Enjoy seasonal fare and spirits, visit our Garden Shop for unique gift ideas, or give the gift of four-season membership. Pre-purchased timed-entry special event tickets are required for entry after 4pm.

Night Lights ticket prices for Tower Hill members and nonmembers range from depending on age and date. Nonmembers pay slightly more. Reserve at https://nebg.org/nightlights/

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Wednesday, November 13, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Eastern – Rare Flora of the Sanctuaries, Online

Native Plant Trust acquired its seven plant sanctuaries for the exceptional flora present in each space. Each sanctuary has a different habitat characterized by unique flora. In this November 13 webinar from 6 – 7:30 pm Eastern, Native Plant Trust’s Ecological Programs Coordinator Erik Sechler focuses on the ecology and characteristics of the unique and rare plant species found in these natural areas. $26 for NPT members, $30 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/events/rare-flora-of-the-sanctuaries/

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Saturday, November 16, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Regional Impact Award Presentation and Talk

The Native Plant Trust is pleased that Dr. John Daigle, a tribal member of the Penobscot Indian Nation, professor of Forest Recreation Management, and a program leader for the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism program at the University of Maine, will accept Native Plant Trust’s 2024 Regional Impact Award. The award recognizes individuals or organizations for regionally significant leadership and achievement in conservation, horticulture, or education. Director of Conservation Michael Piantedosi nominated Daigle for his role in the Ash Protection Collaboration Across Wabanakik, whose mission is to center, protect, and restore the sacred relationship between Wabanaki peoples and ash ecosystems. In Wabanaki culture, brown (aka black) ash (Fraxinus nigra) appears in the creation story and provides an important basket-making material.

Daigle and his research team collaborate with Wabanaki tribal partners, the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance, Brown Ash Task Force, private landowners, and others in order to manage and protect brown ash from destruction by the emerald ash borer. This project exemplifies Daigle’s ongoing efforts to facilitate conversations among individuals who bring unique ways of knowing to a common ecological question.

Dr. Daigle will deliver a talk following his acceptance of the award. Please join us to celebrate Dr. Daigle and learn more about his research to protect brown ash. The event takes place November 16 at 3:30 in the Commonwealth Salon Community Room, Boston Public Library Main Branch, Boylston Street, Boston. Free, but registration required at https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/events/regional-impact-award-presentation-and-talk/

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Thursday, November 21, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern – Leave the Leaves, Online

In this American Horticultural Society online talk on November 21 at 2 pm Eastern, we will explore why fallen leaves, sticks, and dead-head flowers are important to wildlife and soil fertility. Then, we will address practical concerns that arise when we keep autumn materials on home or community properties. How can careful plant selection, plant care, timing, and good landscape design help us to keep properties attractive at the same time as we practice good stewardship? This talk is accompanied by an extensive reference document. $15 for AHS members, $20 for nonmembers. Register at www.ahsgardening.org

Kathy Connolly is a landscape designer who specializes in naturalized designs, low-impact landscape techniques, and native plants. She works with homeowners, municipalities, and organizations through her business, Speaking of Landscapes. She has a master’s degree in ecological landscape planning and design from the Conway School and is an Accredited Organic Land Care Professional. Connolly has received award and recognition for her communications efforts on the topic of invasive plants.

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Monday, November 18 and Wednesday, December 18, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Botanical Talk and Tour at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Join a member of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum horticulture staff on either November 18 or December 18 for a 30-minute presentation about the role of plants at the Museum, past and present. Then, step into the enchanting world of plants at the Gardner Museum for an hour-long guided experience through the galleries. Experience the magic of the verdant Courtyard, view the Monks Garden designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (below), and discuss botanical imagery embedded throughout Isabella Stewart Gardner’s collection.

This is a ticketed event, and space is limited. Click HERE to see pricing and availability, and to purchase tickets.  

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Tuesday, January 28 – Sunday, February 2 – Abstracting the Land Through Photography

North Country Studio Workshops in Bennington Vermont offers five-day intensive workshops for artists and craftspeople, in an atmosphere of discovery, energy, collaboration, and inspiration. Clay, fiber arts, printmaking, drawing, jewelry, paper and book arts, painting, sculpture, basketry, encaustic, mixed media, and photography are taught by nationally and internationally-known artists and instructors.

Nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains of Vermont, the classic New England campus of Bennington College provides workshop facilities, accommodations, and an inspirational setting.Expand your understanding of landscape photography to convey metaphorical, personal, and historical narratives. Learn traditional and alternative techniques such as photograms in cyanotype and lumen prints alongside digital capture. Engage in studio and outdoor sessions crafting visual stories. Lectures and critiques provide perspective and feedback. Perfect for those seeking an exploratory approach to creative landscape photography. Some photography experience helpful. Instructor Rachel Loischild is an artist, mother, educator, and Massachusetts Cultural Council Fellow in Photography. Holding an MFA from Pratt Institute, her work has been shown at galleries and museums including  the Danforth and the Newport Art Museum, and the Jounju Photo Festival in Korea. Her work is held in numerous collections.

• Application Fee: $60.00
• Residents: $1,555.00
  (Tuition, Fees, Room & Board Tuesday dinner through Sunday lunch)
• Commuters: $1,255.00
  (Tuition, Fees, Lunch and Dinner Tuesday dinner through Sunday lunch)

Click here for a list of supplies that you will need to bring for this workshop. Register at https://ncsw.org/photography

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Tuesday, November 19, 2:00 pm Eastern – Lost Gardens of London, Online

Todd Longstaffe-Gowan’s online talk for London Parks & Gardens on November 19 at 2 pm Eastern will focus on and celebrate the evanescence of London’s vast and varied garden legacy, and will provide insights into his forthcoming exhibition Lost Gardens of London which will open at the Garden Museum in October 2024. The gardens he will examine range from the capital’s humble allotments and defunct squares to amateur botanical gardens, princely pleasure grounds, artists’ gardens and private menageries gardens that have either vanished or that have changed beyond recognition. Lost Gardens will seek to remind us of what a precious asset gardened greenspace is, and how it has contributed over the centuries to the quality of life and well-being of generations of inhabitants of the Metropolis. £8.00. Recording will be available to registrants for one week following the live lecture. Register at https://londongardenstrust.org/lecture-details/?event=Lost-Gardens-Of-London

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Friday, November 22 – Saturday, January 4 – NightWood, An Outdoor Sound & Light Experience

Please join fellow nighttime enthusiasts for a fantastical journey through sound and light at The Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts. The ethereal winter landscape inspired by The Mount’s unique architecture and history is open each Sunday through Thursday, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Night. NightWood combines music, lighting, and theatrical elements to create seven unique scenes that evoke feelings of wonder, mystery, and magic.

Wander the illuminated 1 mile route through the woods and gardens for an otherworldly experience that evokes wonder and awakens the imagination. It includes both paved and unpaved pathways, inclines, and stairs. It takes approximately 45 minutes. Please use caution and stick to the paths. Dress for the weather! Trails may be muddy or icy at times, so winter boots are strongly recommended. Our NightWood Café is open for every performance, from 5pm to 8pm, serving snacks and hot beverages in the Forecourt. The Mount Bookstore will also be open for NightWood visitors. Advanced purchase of timed-entry tickets is highly recommended. Dates and times frequently sell out.

Tickets and more information at https://www.edithwharton.org/calendar/nightwood/

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