Boston Flora

Saturday, June 9, 11:30 – 12:30 am and 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Plants Behaving Badly

The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History presents a two part PBS documentary film Plants Behaving Badly on Saturday, June 9 at 11:30 am and 1 pm. Two groups of plants exhibit such intriguing behavior that a century and a half ago they attracted the attention of Charles Darwin. These same plants, the orchids and the carnivorous plants, still fascinate scientists today. In two one-hour films, Plants Behaving Badly reveals a world of deceit and treachery worthy of any fictional thriller. The Museum is located at 869 Main Street, Route 6A in Brewster. Free with admission. For more information visit http://www.ccmnh.org/Events

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Tuesday, June 19, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm – Two Fabulous Gardens in Washington, Connecticut

Visit two fabulous gardens in Washington, Connecticut in one day with Berkshire Botanical Garden: the beautiful, panoramic Highmeadows Garden (pictured), the private estate of fashion designer Linda Allard, and Hollister House, an American interpretation of such classic English gardens as Sissinghurst, Great Dixter and Hidcote. Linda Allard will provide a tour of her gardens at Highmeadows. A tour of Hollister House will be led by head gardener Krista Adams. The trip will take place Tuesday, June 19, from 9 – 4:30. $50 for BBG members, $65 for nonmembers. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Transportation to and from BBG included in price and time. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/site-field-study-washington-connecticuts-two-fabulous-gardens

Saturday, June 16, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – South End Garden Tour

Procure your tickets for the 25th Annual South End Garden Tour, Saturday, June 16th, 10:00AM – 4:00PM. Enjoy a mix of public and private spaces including private back yards, front gardens, roof deck gardens, community gardens, and neighborhood ‘pocket parks.’ This always-popular neighborhood event provides an opportunity to explore some of the South End’s most spectacular private outdoor spaces. Thread through alleys and walkways for a self-guided, behind-the-scenes look at gardens ranging from intimate, informal, and even quirky spaces designed by resident gardeners, to the work of noted landscape designers — many of which are open to the public only on the day of this tour.

The tour rotates through the neighborhood opening new gardens every year. This year’s tour starts at the South End branch of the Boston Public Library and features gardens in an area bounded by Dartmouth St., Columbus Ave., Rutland Sq., and Tremont St. Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance for $24 for Members of the Trustees and $30 for Nonmembers or at the door for $28 for Members of the Trustees and $35 for Nonmembers.

Tickets may be purchased online at http://thetrustees.org/SEGT Event Contact: Peter Bowne; 617-869-6720 or pbowne@thtrustees.org

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Friday, June 22 – Sunday, June 24 – The Newport Flower Show: Cottages Smart and Small

Gilded Age “cottages” were built with every convenience, designed for entertaining and to represent a lifestyle. Today’s cottages, much like their gilded ancestors, are also about lifestyle. Join The Preservation Society of Newport County to celebrate the tiniest of homes, which are smart in both technology and style. Their adjacent gardens are equally thoughtful, livable spaces, both functional and beautiful. All proceeds from the Newport Flower Show benefit the preservation and restoration of the historic landscapes
of The Preservation Society of Newport County.

Friday, June 22, 2018: 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Opening Night Party 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, June 23, 2018: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 24, 2018: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Individual tickets are available now at http://www.newportmansions.org/events/newport-flower-show/tickets-and-events

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Saturday, June 16, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Coastal Farming Walking Tour

On this special walking tour on Saturday, June 16 from 11 – 12:30, explore the history of Historic New England’s Cogswell’s Grant, 60 Spring Street in Essex, as a working farm. Walk through fields and down to the marsh, discover the stories of the families who lived and farmed here, and learn how coastal farming has evolved over the centuries. $5. For more information call 978-768-3632.

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Saturday, June 23, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm – Garden Dialogues 2018 – Pamet Valley in Truro

This breathtaking property on Cape Cod posed a special challenge: design and site a new house, guest house, pool, and adjacent gardens on one of the Cape’s undeveloped hilltops with only minimal disturbance to the native environment. Ever mindful of the potentially detrimental impact of developing the top of a pristine knoll, owners landscape architect Keith LeBlanc and architect Kelly Monnahan collaborated to site structures that harness the dramatic tension between the natural and designed environments. This study in contrast resulted in a series of compelling and unexpected garden spaces that ultimately enhance the natural features of the pine and oak woodland setting. The main floor of the home, which was designed to project into the landscape, is contrasted by the soft edges of multiple gardens surrounding the house and pool. These varied spaces are overlooked by the home’s second story, which prominently features dramatic views to Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The house and garden have been published widely and have garnered numerous accolades, including Honor Awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and the Boston Society of Architects.

After the Cultural Landscape Foundation tour on June 23 from 1:30 – 3:30, guests are invited to relax and enjoy refreshments and snacks poolside while talking with the owners.

Keith LeBlanc, FASLA, a TCLF Board Member, established his landscape architecture firm in Boston in 1997. A graduate of Louisiana State University, he is a nationally recognized landscape architect who has dedicated more than 30 years to the design of residential landscapes. His firm, LeBlanc Jones Landscape Architecture, has gained local and national recognition with multiple awards from both the Boston Society of Landscape Architects and the ASLA. Projects from his office have been honored by peers and the public alike, including recognition from The Southern California chapter of the ASLA, the Institute for Classical Architecture and Art, and The James Rose Center. In 2012 Mr. LeBlanc was named a Fellow of the ASLA in the works category. He avidly supports several organizations on Cape Cod, including the Truro Center for the Arts, Provincetown Commons, and The Fine Arts Work Center.

Kelly Monnahan is an architect and principal of Kelly Monnahan Design (KMD) in Boston and Truro, Massachusetts. The firm’s work has appeared in numerous trade publications, including Metropolitan Home, Boston Home, and Design New England. Recognition has included “Best Modern Architect” from Boston Home and a Boston Society of Architects Honor Award in 2003.

Prior to founding KMD in 1999, Mr. Monnahan held design positions at Michael Prodanou Design, Graham Gund Associates, Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbot, and Sasaki Associates. His work encompassed architectural and interior design for libraries, university buildings, corporate headquarters, and private residences. Among his projects were the Investcorp headquarters in London, a private residential art gallery in Boston, and renovation of the Harvard Medical School Countway Library of Medicine, also in Boston. Mr. Monnahan graduated from the University of Oregon School of Architecture and received his master’s degree in architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture. He currently serves on the Board of Provincetown Commons, a recent startup that provides space and resources for year-round use by artists and the community.

Thanks to the generosity of our hosts and sponsors, tickets ($100) for Garden Dialogues are tax-deductible, and proceeds benefit the educational programs of The Cultural Landscape Foundation. These events sell out quickly, so visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/garden-dialogue-2018-massachusetts-tickets-45300002527 immediately!

Monday, July 30 – Friday, August 3 – 36th Annual Perennial Plant Symposium

The Perennial Plant Symposium is the only yearly symposium devoted entirely to perennials. This industry-focused conference brings together more than 500 professionals for networking, learning, and special events. The symposium moves to a different region each year, giving participants a unique experience and insight into the region’s perennial scene.

This year’s symposium takes place at the Hilton North Raleigh/Midtown, in the horticulturally vibrant Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina region. You can explore outstanding local gardens, visit vibrant retail garden centers, and tour innovative production facilities. You’ll also hear and engage with industry experts from around the world. Most importantly, you’ll spend time with the best in the industry.

Registration is now open at http://ppa2018raleigh.com/register/ with early bird discount rates through June 15. Customize your experience and maximize your time at the symposium with our range of registration options. The PPA 2018 Symposium E-Brochure is now available to download at http://ppa2018raleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PPA_2018_Symposium_E-Brochure.pdf. This brochure provides attendees with a detailed overview of all the happenings and events throughout the symposium. The symposium also welcomes perennial enthusiasts with a full day of Plant Talks on Monday, which are open to the general public and industry professionals.

The roster of 20+ speakers includes:

Patrick McMillan – Naturalist, author, educator, and creative force behind Emmy award-winning Expeditions with Patrick McMillan
Fergus Garrett – Head Gardener, Great Dixter
Richard Olsen – Director, United States National Arboretum
Christian Kress – Founder, Sarastro-Stauden Nursery
Ron Gagliardo – Manager, Horticultural Services, Amazon.com LLC
Ann English – Program Manager, RainScapes Program in the Watershed Mmgt. Div. of the Montgomery County, MD Dept. of Environmental Protection
Anne Spafford – Associate Professor of Landscape Design, North Carolina State University
Richard Hartlage – Founding Principal/CEO, Land Morphology

Tour sites include:

JC Raulston Arboretum
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Hoffman Nursery, Inc.
Plant Delights Nursery & Juniper Level Botanic Garden
Metrolina Greenhouses
Niche Gardens
North Carolina State Farmers’ Market
Big Bloomers Flower Farm

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Saturday, June 9, 10:00 am – 11:30 am – Spice Blending: Curry Powder

In this hands-on workshop at KITCHEN at Boston Public Market on Saturday, June 9 from 10 – 11:30, you will learn about the history of curry powders, different types of curry powders, and the main ingredients used in making curry powders. You’ll get to sample some quick and easy recipes using curry powder and then make your own curry powder blend to take home from a wide selection of possible ingredients.

Amy Hirschfeld is one of the owners of Soluna Garden Farm and the primary recipe developer for Soluna’s tea and spice blends. She has a B.A. in Archaeology from Tufts University and an M.A. in Anthropology/Archaeology from Harvard University, and is currently a senior lecturer in the Gordon Institute at Tufts University. She has been growing herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables for more than 30 years and has an avid interest in the connections between people, places, and plants, especially in the context of both local and global sustainable agriculture and cuisine. She has explored these interests through extensive travel and professional experience in the Mediterranean region and the Arabian Peninsula, where she worked as an archaeologist studying the ancient incense trade.

Soluna Garden Farm, a certified organic herb and flower farm in Winchester, Massachusetts, growing over 100 different varieties of culinary and medicinal herbs, from which we make seasonal herbal products, such as herbal vinegars, cocktail syrups, and tea blends. Soluna Garden Farm is also a specialty food producer that makes small-batch, hand-crafted herb, spice, and tea blends from organic ingredients. This program, sponsored by The Trustees, is $40 for Trustees members, $50 for nonmembers. Register at http://www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/greater-boston/event-39610.html?srrelated_property=580688683

Sunday, June 10, 11:30 am – 12:30 am and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Needham Garden Tour

The Needham Women’s Club presents the 5th Needham Garden Tour, which will be held on Sunday, June 10th, 1:00-4:00pm. There will be a Garden Party at Historical Society from 11:30am-12:30pm with a guest speaker. This year’s tour will feature six homes with beautiful gardens and one home with table settings for outdoor entertaining. There will also be a special raffle of container/plantings designed by local gardeners. This event’s proceeds will go to Charles River Center and the Needham Women’s Club. Photo below courtesy of HGTV.com. Tickets ($30 in advance, $35 on day of tour) may be purchased online via at http://www.needhamwomensclub.org

Saturday, June 9, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm – Taste of the Market: Strawberry Jam

The Coastal Growers Market and Historic New England invite you to enjoy the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables and the sounds of local music at this celebration of springtime on Saturday, June 9 from 8:30 – 12:30 at Casey Farm, 2325 Boston Neck Road, Saunderstown, Rhode Island.

Shop for artist-made crafts and tasty treats including Casey Farm’s own organic produce as you listen to talented musicians perform live. Gorgeous views, flowering gardens, young farm animals, and tours of historic Casey Farm add to the delightful day. Free. Please call 401-295-1030 ext. 5 for more information.