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.
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/
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.
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
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.
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:
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:
We had a couple of requests this year for wreaths in a teal and coral colorway, a bit unusual for Christmas but we aim to please. The teal proved to be no problem – we had some peacock ribbon that fit the bill. The coral was tougher, and we settled for copper, and hoped that would suffice. The wreath below was picked up, and the customer was very happy.
Join the Massachusetts Horticultural Society on January 16 from 1:30 – 3 for a special tour of one of Harvard’s most famous treasures- the internationally acclaimed Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, the “Glass Flowers.” This unique collection of over 4,000 models, representing more than 830 plant species, was created by glass artisans Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, a father and son from Dresden, Germany. For more information visit https://masshort.org/education-events/tour-harvards-glass-flower-collection/
Each year our Club donates gift certificates to all the member and affiliate Clubs of The Boston Committee of the GCA. Our Club is an affiliate member and the proceeds support The Blossom Fund, an annual grant given to enhance a public project in the Greater Boston area. You can read all about current and past projects at http://www.bostoncommitteegca.org/ One of this years winners explained her design theme this year was to be candy canes, and our decorator found the perfect ribbon and even some real candy canes to bedazzle the design. The winner kindly forwarded a photo of the decorated house entrance, which we so appreciate since we love to see our wreaths in situ.
The picturesque South West of England is home to a veritable treasure trove of impressive stately homes and atmospheric manors. These magnificent properties boast extraordinary interiors and often feature fascinating garden styles and parkland too, many of which were created by 18th-century garden design trendsetters such as ‘Capability’ Brown.
On this Royal Oak Foundation tour, we will enjoy a wonderful Downton Abbey experience with a special visit to Highclere Castle, an evening Downton Abbey-themed event and a tour of filming locations of this iconic television series and film.
We also will uncover some classic and sometimes hidden gems, from the Elizabethan Longleat House to the tranquil Heale House Gardens and Italianate Peto Garden. There is a guided walking tour of Bath with afternoon tea at The Pump Rooms for all you Jane Austen fans, a guided tour of the Bishop’s Palace & Gardens, tour and lunch at Bowood House, and much more. The trip, August 2 – 11, is $4,990 per person, and details may be found at https://www.royal-oak.org/downtown-abbey-experience-with-royal-oak/
