Boston Flora

Tag: Arnold Arboretum

  • Thursday, November 3, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Sustainable Practices for Managed Landscapes

    Managing our environment responsibly is a challenge that requires us to make philosophical and behavioral changes. In his work over the past 25 years, Eric T. Fleisher has developed protocols to help our landscapes recover from the harmful impacts of industry and chemicals. He will describe the design and implementation of a sustainable landscape management program, using the highly trafficked public spaces at Battery Park City and the campus at Harvard University as models. Fleisher’s programs avoid the use of toxic chemicals and significantly reduce the use of nitrogen in the landscape. His techniques focus on encouraging natural nutrient cycling systems through proper soil management and plant care. This Arnold Arboretum lecture will be held in the Hunnewell Building on Thursday, November 3, with refreshments served at 6, and lecture at 6:30. Offered with the Boston Society of Landscape Architects
    Free to Arnold Arboretum and BSLA members; $25 General Admission. Students: call 617-384-5277 to register for free.  You may register online as well, https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/info.aspx?EventID=1#November.

  • Saturday, November 5, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Trees and Gardens: Photography by Joseph Flack Weiler

    For 45 years, photographer Joseph Weiler has been capturing trees, both in the wild and in parks and gardens. The breathtaking black-and-white images in this Arnold Arboretum show, running from October 29 through December 18, are accompanied by detailed descriptions, and touch upon the many ways trees and the landscapes they inhabit affect and enrich the lives of the humans around them.  A reception with the artist will take place in the Hunnewell Building Lecture Hall on Saturday, November 5, from 1 – 3.  For more information, visit www.arboretum.harvard.edu, or call 617-384-5209.

  • Saturday, October 29 and Saturday, November 5, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm – Propagating Trees and Shrubs from Cuttings and Seeds

    Need to nurture? Then join longtime Arnold Arboretum propagator Jack Alexander at the Dana Greenhouse at the Arboretum on two Saturdays, October 29 and November 5, from 9 – 4, to learn basic information and techniques for propagating most woody plants. Session One includes a lecture and workshop on seed propagation and construction of a propagation case. Session Two will be a lecture and workshop on hardwood cuttings. You will leave class with numerous cuttings and seeds to care for. To participate, you must sign an Assumption of Risk and Release in order to practice the techniques taught in class. Bring a lunch and beverage. If you own hand pruners, bring them to class. A sharp knife and an apron may also be helpful. You will be collecting propagules from the Arboretum grounds on both afternoons regardless of weather, so dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes. Fee $180 member, $240 nonmember. Register at www.arboretum.harvard.edu.

  • Thursday, October 27, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm – Wood Decay Fungi Common to Urban Living Trees in the Northeast

    NOTE: THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELLED.  WE WILL PUBLISH INFORMATION ON RESCHEDULING WHEN ANNOUNCED.  In this Arnold Arboretum workshop on Thursday, October 27, Chris Luley of Urban Forestry LLC in Rochester, New York will introduce Wood Decay Fungi Common to Urban Trees, their identifying characteristics and decay pathways, and methods and equipment available to test for decay. He will also present the results of a recent research study on visual assessment, sounding, and Resistograph testing for decay in urban trees. This program will take place in the Weld Hill classroom beginning at 9 am with some demonstrations in the landscape. Morning coffee is included; please bring your lunch. Register at www.arboretum.harvard.edu. Fee $90 Arboretum or ELA member, $120 nonmember.  Offered with the Ecological Landscaping Association. Photo of Schizophyllum commune by Carla Wick.

  • Thursday, October 27, 6:00 pm – The Emergent Forest of New England

    New England is a naturally forested landscape and has been for thousands of years. On Thursday, October 27, beginning at 6 pm, Peter Del Tredici, botanist and senior research scientist at the Arnold Arboretum, will present an overview of the recent history of the forests of southern New England as impacted by natural disasters, shifting land-use patterns (urbanization and suburban sprawl), introduced pests and pathogens, invasive species, acid rain, and climate change. He will speculate on how the “emergent” forests that develop in response to these factors will differ from those that dominated New England in the past. Free and open to the public, Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford Street. Cosponsored with the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Part of the Challenges and Choices lecture series.  For more information, visit www.hmnh.harvard.edu.

  • Through October 23 – Artists in the Arboretum 2011

    In conjunction with Jamaica Plain Open Studios, The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is proud to present a juried exhibition of works inspired by the collections and landscape of the Arnold Arboretum, featuring the work of Susan Johnson Bergin, Kurtis Brown, Alexander Budnitz, Jennifer Burnham, Deb Coolidge, John Diehl, Bob Evans, Susan CB Hampton, Susan Hardy Brown, Betsey Henkels, Alexander Korman, John Maciejowski, John Merrill, Candice Amber Milionis, John Nunziato, Maggie Redfern, William H. Scully, Rebecca Skinner, Regina Valluzzi (her painting seen below),  Maureen Vezina and Christine Wirth.  The show is on view through October 23 in the Hunnewell Building lecture hall at 125 Arborway.  For more information, visit www.arboretum.harvard.edu, or call 617-384-5209.

  • Tuesday, October 25, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Autumn Colors: A Mystery Revealed

    Part of the magic of living in New England is the stunning display of autumn foliage. But how, exactly, does the shift from greens to crimsons, yellows, burgundies, and oranges take place? And why are we treated to such a display? David Lee, a tropical biologist at Florida International University who has spent his career studying the intricacies of color in plants, will explain some of the biological processes that take place within a deciduous plant come fall and also the signals to humans and animals that are communicated through plant pigments. The Tuesday, October 25 class will begin at 7 p at Weld Hill, 1300 Centre Street in Boston, and is sponsored by the Arnold Arboretum. Register at http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu. Fee: Free for Arboretum members; $15 nonmembers.

  • Saturday, October 22, 2:00 pm – Wicked Bugs: The Louse that Conquered Napoleon’s Army and Other Insect Monstrosities

    In a follow up to her very successful New York Times bestseller Wicked Plants, Amy Stewart tackles the insects, worms, and spiders that have tormented humankind for centuries. With wit and style, Stewart will reveal some of her discoveries. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Fee $5 sponsoring member, $15 nonmember.  Offered by the Arnold Arboretum,  Roslindale Green and Clean and Wellesley College Friends of Horticulture, and held on Saturday, October 22 beginning at 2 pm, at Weld Hill, 1300 Centre Street in Boston.  Register at www.arboretum.harvard.edu.

  • Thursday, October 20, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Marvelous Maples

    Maples are a great group of plants when it comes to brilliant fall color in shades from gold to orange to fiery red. The Arnold Arboretum is a treasure trove of maples, from common North American species to rare and endangered Asian types. On this walking tour with Nancy Rose, editor of Arnoldia, on Thursday, October 20 from 1 – 2:30, we’ll look at a number of the Arboretum’s special maple accessions in all of their autumn glory.In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.5209. Meet at the Hunnewell Building. This activity is free, but please sign up at www.arboretum.harvard.edu.

  • Tuesday, October 18, 10:00 am – Tour of the Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection at the Arnold Arboretum

    A ninety minute docent-led guided tour of the Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection at the Arnold Arboretum will kick off the Garden Club of the Back Bay’s “Japan Year” programs on Tuesday, October 18 at 10 am. We will view the historic bonsai collection in the lathe house, then see their full grown counterparts in the landscape. The Collection is one of the premier collections of bonsai in the United States and includes a Hinoki cypress over 250 years old.  The Bonsai Pavilion where the trees are housed are part of a complex of buildings known as the Dana Greenhouses.  The Collection is on display from mid-April to the end of October, when they are moved and  held in cold storage at temperatures slightly above freezing throughout the winter. Comfortable shoes are a requirement.  Written notices with car pool information will be mailed to club members.  The tour is limited to twenty participants, so will accept reservations on a first come, first serve basis.  Non-club members may email info@bostonflora.com to be put on a wait list (non-member charge $15).