Boston Flora

  • Tuesday, January 28, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Introduction to Species Distribution Modeling

    Modeling species distributions has become essential to identifying which areas to protect in order to effectively conserve a given species now and into the future. During this Native Plant Trust online program on January 28 from 1 – 2, we will explore niche development and environmental envelopes and learn how they can be used to predict what areas are best suited as habitat for a given species. The program will conclude by looking at the different applications of species distribution models to help conserve species and predict future threats. $12 for NPT members, $15 for nonmembers. The class will be taught by Micah Jasny.

  • Wreath of the Day – Late Orders

    Each year we donate many gift certificates for fully decorated wreaths to not for profit organizations around the City. It’s a tough job keeping track of them, since the groups rarely inform us of the name of the high bidder or raffle winner, so we rely on the fact that someone will be in touch, following the instructions on the certificates we provide. However, inevitably we get a call after wreath week from a hopeful person who never looked at the envelope or perhaps didn’t receive anything but a telephone call from the group raffling the prize, and of course, because all our supplies are now safely tucked away in storage, there is disappointment. This year was no exception, but we were pleased to offer a raincheck to one lucky lady from the Brookline Garden Club, who is now, officially, our first customer for 2020. Below is a very glamorous example of a wreath she might choose next season, although we don’t ever copy from one year to another. We can, however, try to recapture the spirit of an admired wreath. There are many pictures on our website which are inspirational.

  • Thursday, January 23, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – The Role of Landscape in Our Global Environmental Crisis

    Thursday, January 23, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – The Role of Landscape in Our Global Environmental Crisis

    Many professionals in the green economy have environmentally noble goals but find it difficult to confirm that their work makes a measurable, positive impact on our global environmental crisis. In this Ecological Landscape Alliance online presentation on January 23 from 12:30 – 1:30 EST, Barry Quinn will provide an overview of his company’s approach toward creating landscapes that positively influence the biosphere. He will discuss his company’s action-oriented, vertically-integrated approach by examining a series of projects which have been completed over the past five years. In addition to describing the science and design behind his work, Mr. Quinn will discuss the power of social entrepreneurship, especially in relation to One Nature’s status as a Certified B Corp. Special emphasis will be placed on the connection between environmental ethics and aesthetics, qualitative vs quantitative metrics in assessing the impact of work, maximizing public access to ecologically regenerate resources, and social entrepreneurship. $10. Register online at www.ecolandscaping.org

  • Wreath of the Day – Merry Christmas from The Garden Club of the Back Bay

    Wishing all our subscribers, members, customers, friends, and the entire community a very Merry Christmas.

  • Wreath of the Day – Christmas Eve by the Fire

    We hope everyone will take a moment today to simply enjoy family, gather together for a comforting meal, perhaps light a fire and take a deep breath. You’ve reached the home stretch of the holiday season, so give yourself permission to stop whatever tasks you think still need doing and put your feet up. Perfection isn’t necessary. Although we think the wreath pictured below is pretty close.

  • Tuesday, January 14, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Rain Garden Plants

    Rain gardens can reduce groundwater pollution in urban landscapes by cleaning, cooling, and slowing stormwater. Learn how to maximize rain garden function by using the most durable native plants in some of the toughest spots. This Native Plant Trust webinar will be led by Anna Fialkoff on January 14 from 1 – 2 pm ad is $12 for NPT members, $15 for nonmembers. Register at http://www.nativeplanttrust.org/events/rain-garden-plants/

  • Wreath of the Day – Happy Hannukah

    Wishing everyone a Happy Hannukah on the first night of the Festival of Lights with this beautiful blue and silver wreath. We make quite a few, so next year, if you haven’t already, consider hanging one of these up when you’re making latkes for the neighbors.

  • Wednesday, January 15, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Reconnecting Water, Soils, and Vegetation: Green Infrastructure in the Urban Environment

    Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) can restore healthy waterways and revitalize urban communities but requires a multi-disciplinary design approach informed by ecology, community, engineering, and long-term maintenance.

    This Ecological Landscape Alliance webinar presentation on January 15 from 12:30 – 1:30 EST will explore several case studies of successful GSI projects in Philadelphia, focusing on examples of community engagement and ecological restoration to successfully improve water quality and healthy neighborhoods. Philadelphia’s long-term stormwater and combined sewer overflow plan, Green Cities Clean Waters, is a national model for GSI implementation in economically challenged urban areas. Julie Snell and Michele Adams lead the session. $10 – purchase tickets at www.ecolandscaping.org

  • Wreath of the Day – No Bow, Please

    Every year, during Wreath of the Day, we feature at least one wreath which, by request, omits the ribbon. They are always beautiful, but much more time consuming for our decorators since the bow usually takes up a fair bit of real estate on the wreath, and now that space must be filled. But there is no denying the elegance of the finished product. This one was destined for Beacon Hill.

  • Friday, January 17 – Adult Photography Competition Deadline for Boston Flower & Garden Show

    The Boston Flower & Garden Show has a century-long history of providing a breath of spring and brief reprieve from the New England winter. The show inspires, educates, and motivates the region’s gardeners. It’s a great place to discover new ideas, and have a lot of fun at the same time.

    The 2020 show runs from March 11 – 15, 2020, and is held at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston.

    The 2020 Adult Photography competition, entitled Garden Party, includes six classes:

    • Class 1 – Gardens of Memory – An image of an iconic or memorable American landscape 
    • Class 2 – Master Gardener – A composed still life featuring flowers, in the spirit of the Dutch Masters. Color 
    • Class 3 – Contemporary Garden – Cell Phone photos only. A close-up image taken in a garden with a cell phone. 
    • Class 4 – A Cottage Garden – A macro or close-up image taken in a garden. No cell phone photos. 
    • Class 5 – The Garden Club – An image of a tree or trees or part of a tree. Color 
    • Class 6 – The Working Garden –  A photo taken on a farm. Color 

    Complete class descriptions, rules, guidelines, time line, judging criteria, and entry information can be downloaded here.

    Please note that the registration deadline for adult photography is: January 17, 2020.

    Also, a different form is required for entries in each class. Here are the links to the entry forms: