Boston Flora

Tuesday, June 17 – Bees, Blossoms, and Botanicals: Garden to Glass

GCA in the City, Boston, launches on June 17th with Bees, Blossoms and Botanicals: Garden to Glass. Join us at a secret historic garden in downtown Boston for a tour and some light botanical foraging, followed by a lecture by gardener and beekeeper Allison Waters. Waters will teach about beekeeping and the art of seasonal botanical mixology. This is one garden party you won’t want to miss! GCA in the City events are fun and interesting opportunities to make new friends and learn about the work of the Garden Club of America. They are open to young, non-members. For more information about the event and receive an invitation, email gcainthecity@gcamerica.org

Tuesday, June 10, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Nantucket Coastal Conference 2025

Join community members, local and regional scientists, and planners at the 2025 Nantucket Coastal Conference on Tuesday, June 10, from 9 to 5 at the Great Harbor Yacht Club.

Learn about coastal resilience and retreat strategies both on and off the island and what’s ahead for our shoreline. The event is free, and lunch is provided!

Space is limited. Register now at Nantucket-ma.gov/coastalconference.

Thursday, June 12, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Installing Drip Hydration

Join expert gardener and Heritage Museums & Gardens’ Curator of Hydrangeas Mal Condon on June 12 to learn why his “LEGOs for Gardeners” system is essential for keeping our hydrangeas happy during our often too dry summers – and how you can install drip irrigation in your home garden. Successful irrigation for hydrangeas (and all the other woody ornamentals in your garden) is all about surface irrigation via low-flow drip emitters to gradually apply water to the base of the plant on a defined schedule. The installation techniques demonstrated during this program are well within the capabilities of most gardeners, and DIY-ers will love it! During this small group workshop, you’ll see exactly how it’s done, be introduced to the needed tools and supplies, and learn where to obtain them. Even if you’re not interested in doing the installation work yourself, you’ll become knowledgeable enough to better interact with your chosen irrigation contractor.

There will be plenty of ongoing time for questions and discussion and following the program, you’ll receive a PDF file via email containing presentation content for your reference. Advance registration is required, and we expect this popular program to sell out.

This program will take place rain or shine. In good weather, it will take place partly outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held fully indoors inside the Heald Center at the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery. In either weather situation, we will meet and conclude our session indoors.

Program fees fund Heritage’s mission to inspire people of all ages to explore, discover, and learn together. Thank you for your support. Program Registration Fee: $30 Members, $40 Non-Members. Register at www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org

Saturday, June 14, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Peony Garden Tour

The Peony Society of Maine will sponsor a Peony Garden Tour on June 14 from 10 – 3, beginning at 1348 Ohio Street in Bangor. Four gardens will be featured. Open to the public, for a $5 donation per person. For more information visit https://peonysocietyofmaine.net/

Friday, June 20 – Sunday, June 22 – Ogunquit Museum Art in Bloom & Garden Party

The Ogunquit Museum of American Art will host its annual Art in Bloom event from Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22. During this three-day event, the museum will showcase up to 15 floral sculptures created by area garden clubs, professional florists, and independent floral designers. Responding to works of art on view, each designer will present an arrangement made from organic matter including seed pods, driftwood, and other natural treasures. Art in Bloom is included in the price of museum admission.

Join us for an afternoon of celebration at our annual Garden Party! Join friends and the floral designers of Art in Bloom for drinks, light fare, music, and a stunning view of the ocean in our beautiful gardens and grounds. The visitor’s choice award for best floral display from Art in Bloom will be announced live at this event. The celebration will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the museum’s outdoor Sculpture Garden, weather permitting. Tickets are $50 per person, and may be purchased at https://ogunquitmuseumofamericanart.ticketing.veevartapp.com/tickets/view/list/the-garden-party-2025

The Museum is located at 543 Shore Road in Ogunquit, Maine.

For more information email info@ogunquitmuseum.org.

Friday, June 13, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern – Shade Gardening: Dazzling Plants and Design Tips, Online

This illuminating American Horticultural Society lecture on June 13 at 2 pm, online, will put the spotlight on gorgeous, rugged plants (shrubs, trees, evergreens, perennials, vines, annuals, and bulbs) that shine in lower light. Many of these stars also work great in containers. Topics include assessing shade; modifying shade to allow more light; key design tips for maximizing color; solutions for dry shade; and gardening under trees.

Kerry Ann Mendez is an award-winning garden educator, author, design consultant and proprietor of Perennially Yours based in southern Maine. As an exceptionally popular educator and communicator, she has presented hundreds of lectures to thousands of gardeners in 23 states. In 2014 she received the Gold Medal award from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society for “Exceptional teaching and writing that increases public enjoyment and appreciation of horticulture.” Kerry Ann has written four gardening books, the most recent being The Budget Wise Gardener and The Right-Size Flower Garden. In 2016 Kerry Ann started producing international gardening Webinars that have been enjoyed by thousands.

Thursdays, June 12, 17, & 19, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Botanical Sketchbook: In the Garden, Inspired by Beatrix Potter, Hybrid Class

Join this Massachusetts Horticultural Society three part Beatrix Potter-inspired class with Tara Connaughton on Thursdays, June 12, 17, and 19. Previous drawing and watercolor experience is helpful, but all levels are welcome! Students will be encouraged to sketch ’botanicals and beyond’ (bugs, birds, birdhouses, nests, bunnies, chipmunks, etc.) and to use techniques and materials similar to that of this beloved illustrator. Students will be provided with paint dots of watercolor paint and ink similar to those Beatrix used. The first and third sessions will be held at the Gardens at Elm Bank, and the June 17 session will be live online via Zoom. MHS members $190, nonmembers $225. Register at www.masshort.org

Saturday, June 7, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm – Hosta and Perennial Sale

The Lyman Estate will host its annual hosta and perennial sale on June 7 from 9:30 – 4 at the Greenhouses, 185 Lyman Street in Waltham. Hosta and perennial plants of all shapes, sizes, and colors are available, including many new and hard-to-find varieties. Our experts can help you choose the right plants for your gardenHistoric New England members save 10% on purchases. Please call 617-994-5913 for more information.

Wednesday, June 11, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Eastern – Waterwise Gardening: Irrigation Basics for a Drought-Resilient Garden, Online

This American Horticultural Society online talk on June 11 at 7 Eastern covers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about plants and irrigation but were unsure how to ask. Nan starts with the basics of water conservation and why is it important, along with an overview of how plants use water, why some need more and some need less. She talks about how plants evolve and adapt to their growing conditions – arid or otherwise – to help you understand how often and how long to water plants growing in your garden. Nan then turns the focus to irrigation methods and technologies, especially the most effective and most efficient approaches to watering, managing water, capturing rainwater, using graywater, and much more.

Nan Sterman is a Southern California native and a trailblazer in water-efficient, sustainable gardening practices for dry, Mediterranean-type climates. As a plant expert, garden designer, botanist, speaker and journalist, Nan inspires gardeners with her wealth of knowledge and passion for plants. Her latest book, Hot Color, Dry Garden, is a vibrant guide to creating stunning, waterwise gardens bursting with color. You’ll find Nan’s engaging articles in top gardening publications, including The American Gardener.

Nan is a sought-after speaker, sharing her expertise with groups and organizations nationwide. Nan also created and hosts the award-winning public TV show A Growing Passion, which connects people, plants, and the planet in exciting and educational ways. Since its launch in 2010, Nan’s popular Easy Seed Starting Course has taught several thousand aspiring gardeners how to grow their own vegetables. During the COVID quarantine, she added Nan Sterman’s Garden School, a year-long program packed with classes, field trips, how-to videos, and a supportive community. It’s all designed to teach gardeners how to think critically and grow thriving, eco-friendly gardens using science-backed, practical techniques. She also offers Third Thursday webinars and leads international garden tours.

Friday, June 27, 1:00 pm – An Introduction to Botanic Gardens Conservation International and the Ecological Landscape Alliance

Mark Richardson, Executive Director, US branch of Botanic Gardens Conservation International and Ecological Landscape Alliance, in addition to Director of Strategic Horticulture Partnerships for New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, will present
An Introduction to Botanic Gardens Conservation International and the Ecological Landscape Alliance on June 27 at 1 pm at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, Massachusetts.

This meeting will also include the option to tour New England Botanic Garden following the presentation, attend a field trip, and/or meet for dinner in the evening. Please visit www.nebg.org for a detailed schedule.