Thursday, September 20, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, and Saturday, September 22, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Asters and Goldenrods

In late summer and early fall, asters and goldenrods come into their own. In this two-session New England Wild Flower Society class, the morning discussion will include a presentation of the many asters and goldenrods in our region, focusing on their ecology and identification features. We will also examine specimens from the Society’s herbarium. Later we’ll visit a nearby natural area to identify the asters and goldenrods growing in the fields, woodlands, and wetlands. In the field, we’ll look carefully at the differences that characterize these species. Bring a hand lens and a bag lunch. Ted Elliman leads the sessions at Garden in the Woods in Framingham on September 20 and 22. $86 for NEWFS members, $104 for nonmembers. Register online at www.newenglandwild.org. Image from www.27East.com.

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Thursday, September 20, 6:00 pm – Breakpoint: Reckoning with America’s Environmental Crises

Jeremy Jackson, Emeritus Professor of Oceanography, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Senior Scientist Emeritus, Smithsonian Institution, will speak on Thursday, September 20 at 6 pm in a program sponsored by the Harvard Museum of Natural History, in collaboration with the Harvard University Center for the Environment. The venue will be announced – check at https://hmnh.harvard.edu/event/breakpoint for updated information.

Mounting environmental crises—extreme weather events, uncontrollable fires, rising sea levels, droughts, and unsustainable agriculture—are pushing America toward a series of alarming environmental and economic breaking points. Jeremy Jackson will examine the country’s current environmental destruction and highlight both successful and failed attempts by communities to achieve greater environmental stability. With a call to action, he will offer achievable solutions—and optimism—for tackling this multidimensional challenge.

The free presentation will be followed by a discussion with Rebecca Henderson, Harvard Business School; John Holdren, Harvard Kennedy School; and Daniel Schrag, Harvard University Center for the Environment. Free parking at the 52 Oxford Street Garage

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Monday, September 24, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Fermentation 101 Workshop, Dinner, & Drinks

Jamaica Plain’s fabulous restaurant, Brassica Kitchen, and Boston Ferments are teaming up on Monday, September 24 from 6 – 8:30 for a night of fermentation. The workshop will include a fermented dinner & paired fermented drinks, a short lecture on the history & culture of fermentation, and a hands-on fermentation demo.

The evening kicks off with a fermentation-inspired vegetarian meal (which can be vegan and gluten free – please just let us know). We are pairing this meal with unique fermented cocktails (served in handcrafted cups which you will take home!) by our workshop leader.

Next, we will have a short discussion on the biological, political, and symbolic ‘culture’ of fermented foods around the world with Jeremy Ogusky, a local fermenting enthusiast and JP studio potter. We will then learn to make one of the simplest lacto-fermented treats – sauerkraut! We will break into groups, chop veggies and everyone will go home with a jar full of fermenting cabbage.

All participants will finish the workshop with a healthy belly full of fermented foods as well as the knowledge & confidence to begin fermenting in their kitchen, and a jar full of fermenting kraut. This starter class will cover everything you need to start fermenting on your own: philosophy, preparation and problem-solving.

If you want to learn to ferment AND go home with a handcrafted fermentation crock (at 1/2 the price! – crocks are usually $100) to create your own sauerkraut, kimchi & pickles in, this is your chance. Our instructor, Jeremy, is a studio potter and creator of the crocks and he will bring a selection of colors to the workshop that you can choose from. Then you can prepare your own sauerkraut in the workshop in your own handmade crock. Tickets range from $49 – $100 and may be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fermentation-101-workshop-fermented-dinner-drinks-at-brassica-kitchen-tickets-47476518545. Brassica Kitchen is located at 3710 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain.

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Thursday, September 20, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – COG Annual Project Showcase

Reservations accepted at https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Info.aspx?DayPlanner=1778&DayPlannerDate=9/20/2018

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Sunday, September 16, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Rocky Summits, Spruce Forests, and the Habitats in Between

On Sunday, September 16 from 10 – 2, hike with Patricia Swain and the New England Wild Flower Society through Mt. Watatic Reservation’s open summits, the adjoining spruce and northern hardwoods forests, and several types of transition communities between them. The views of the multiple community types should provide near-peak fall color, great for differentiating species and for our enjoyment. Habitat: northern forests including spruce, fir, northern hardwoods, and rocky summits, known for red spruce forest, spruce and northern hardwood forests, acid rocky summits, open oak forest, ridgetop heathland, blueberries, and huckleberry barrens. Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult. $38 for NEWFS members, $46 for nonmembers. Register at www.newenglandwild.org.

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Wednesdays, September 19 – October 24, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Plant Form and Function

This six-session New England Wild Flower Society introduction to botany covers the basics of plant anatomy and physiology and addresses the fundamentals of the plant kingdom through slides and live materials. Microscopic study provides a close look at roots, stems, leaves, and their component tissues. Participants examine flowers, fruits, and seeds and discuss pollination, fertilization, dispersal, and germination, with an emphasis on the relationship between plant form and function. Classes will take place Wednesday evenings September 19 – October 24 from 6:30 – 9, and are taught by Nancy Eyster-Smith. $231 for NEWFS members, $272 for nonmembers. Register at www.newenglandwild.org.

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Peggy Nakache, 1932 – 2018

It is with great sadness that The Garden Club of the Back Bay announces the passing of one of our long time members, Peggy Nakache. Peggy moved to Palo Alto, California earlier this year to be with family while in hospice care. Below is a picture taken at one of our January tea meetings a few years ago.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut to Joseph and Alice Lynch, Peggy received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Rhode Island School of Design in 1954. She continued her studies for two years at École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, obtaining certification in French language studies. An accomplished, celebrated artist, Peggy’s work is found in the permanent collections of L’Ambassade du Liban in Paris, Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC and exhibited in solo and group shows at galleries in the United States and France. In 1957, Peggy married Fernand Robert Nakache, who predeceased her. She is survived by their two daughters, Catherine “Kate” Kemether and Patricia Nakache.

A memorial service celebrating Peggy’s life will take place on Cape Cod in the near future. Notes of condolence can be sent to her daughters in care of:
Patricia Nakache
1360 Hillview Drive
Menlo Park, CA 94025

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Saturday, September 15, 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm – Wetlands of East Leverett Meadow

Following muddy and mossy trails, this field study in the East Leverett Meadow on September 15 from 12 – 2 explores different wetlands and their plant compositions. Naturalist George LoCascio highlights local plants, wetlands ecology, and the importance of conserving the plants. Aquatic invertebrates make a special cameo appearance. The walk is co-sponsored by the New England Wild Flower Society and the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions. $21 for members of sponsoring organizations, $25 for nonmembers. Register online at www.newenglandwild.org.

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Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm – 2018 Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts Show and Sale

2018 Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts Show and Sale Dates: Saturday, September 15, 2018 and Sunday, September 16, 2018

Show Times: 9 AM – 4 PM, both days.

Sale Time: 9 AM – 4 PM, Saturday Only

Location: Norfolk Public Library – 139 Main St, Norfolk, MA 02056

Enjoy weekend-long displays of common and rare Cacti and Other Succulents. Many examples of WINTER HARDY cacti and succulents that you can grow right here in New England will be exhibited. Experts will be on hand to guide you through the many plant families on display. Admission is FREE (plus, one free plant to the first 50 visitors each day!) For more information visit https://cssma.org/annual-show-%26-sale

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Saturday, September 15, 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm – Blue Hills Ferns Walk

This New England Wild Flower Society field study on September 15 from noon – 4 explores a particularly biodiverse area in Milton, near Blue Hills Reservation, inhabited by more than a third of the fern species native to Massachusetts. In addition to ferns, participants encounter and learn about several club-mosses, horsetails, and hybrids. This easy/moderate hike will be led by Don Lubin, and is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions. $38 for members of sponsoring organizations, $46 for nonmembers. Register online at www.newenglandwild.org.

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