Boston Flora

Tag: Art Scarpa

  • Saturday, May 20, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – All About Pots, Potting, and Soil Types

    The Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts will meet on Saturday, May 20 from 1 – 4 at the Norfolk Public Library, 2 Liberty Lane in Norfolk, Massachusetts. Every once in a while it’s a good idea to step back and review the basic necessities and requirements of our favorite plants. Just in time for potting season, the May program will do just that. CSSM Emeritus Member Art Scarpa (a past speaker with the Garden Club of the Back Bay) will lead an interactive session exploring all aspects of potting. Topics include Pots (plastic, glazed, ceramic, hypertufa, terra cotta), Soil Components (sand, gravel, potting soil, volcanic rock, and more), customizing your mix, potting, and repotting. This will be hands-on, with numerous soil samples to see and touch. Free and public is invited. For more information about the Club visit https://cssma.org/
     

  • Saturday, May 4, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Tour of OuchHouse

    The OuchHouse is a collection of spiny cactus, euphorbia and other succulents located in Carlisle, Massachusetts. There are about 300 plants in all, ranging in size from the 14 foot tall 3-armed Saguaro down to the humble quarter inch tall field of Lithops. There are thirteen varieties of Opuntia, all growing like mad. The opposite of an oasis, the OuchHouse is a dry spot in the midst of wetlands. Join Tower Hill Botanic Garden, garden owner Marc Raibert and cactus and succulent expert Art Scarpa for a tour of this unique greenhouse on Saturday, May 4 from 1 – 2:30. There will be plenty of time for Q&A. Directions will be sent upon registration; carpooling from Tower Hill is optional. $20 for Tower Hill members, $24 for nonmembers. Register at https://towerhillbg.thankyou4caring.org/pages/event-registration-form—tour-of-ouchhouse-carlisle-ma

  • Saturday, November 3, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Cacti and Succulents 101

    Founder of the Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts, Art Scarpa will teach you the basics of care for succulents and cacti on Saturday, November 2 from 11 – 12:30 at The Gardens at Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street in Wellesley. Art will bring live plants and describe their care: including light and watering requirements, soil mixes, sources and lots more. You’ll be able to choose the right plants for you and understand the basic care of these wonderful plants.

    Art Scarpa has been growing unusual plants all his life and his hobby greenhouse is filled to the eaves with plants that reflect his diverse interests. His curiosity has taken him to many exciting places to view them in their natural habitats, such as the US south and southwest, Hawaii, Europe, Australia, South America and South Africa. Art was awarded Mass Hort’s Gold Medal in 2013 and has spoken and led workshops at garden clubs and flower shows all over the Northeast. He is a founder and past president of the Cactus & Succulent Society of Massachusetts, and is certified as a judge by the Cactus & Succulent Society of America.
    $12 for Mass Hort members, $20 general admission. Register at http://www.masshort.org.

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  • Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Winter-Growing House Plants

    Over the years, Art Scarpa has assembled a collection of plants that extend the growing season to year round. They include camellias, clivias, tropical and hardy bulbs, jasmines, cyclamens, primroses, Living Stones from South Africa and many more. On Wednesday, September 30 at 7 pm at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, he will give tips on how to fill a bright but cold breezeway, balcony or deck with living plants for winter interest and color.

    Art Scarpa has been growing unusual plants all his life and his hobby greenhouse is filled to the eaves with plants that reflect his diverse interests. His curiosity has taken him to many exciting places to view them in their natural habitats, such as the US south and southwest, Hawaii, Europe, Australia, South America and South Africa. Now retired, Art is busier than ever, sharing his experiences and horticultural knowledge with others at flower shows, arboreta, garden clubs and fairs all over the northeast. $20 for Tower Hill members, $30 for nonmembers. Register online at www.towerhillbg.org. Image from www.ryanhomesblog.com.

  • Saturday, September 27, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Create Your Own Tropical Terrarium

    A fun, hands-on workshop, led by Art Scarpa of the Cactus and Succulent Society, will take place Saturday, September 27 at Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street in Wellesley. Create a tropical terrarium using a heavy glass jar with lid and an assortment of miniature plants suitable for an east or north window or for growing under artificial light. Participants will learn how to care for the plants, how to choose soil mix ingredients, and how to landscape with decorative stones. All materials are provided.

    Art was awarded Mass Hort’s Gold Medal in 2013 and has spoken at and led workshops at garden clubs and flower shows all over the Northeast.
    He is a founder and past president of the Cactus & Succulent Society of Massachusetts, and is certified as a judge by the Cactus & Succulent Society of America. Art has won multiple Best in Show awards for his entries at the Boston Flower & Garden Show, the Newport Flower Show and regional cactus and succulent shows.

    PLEASE REGISTER BY AUGUST 29

    Workshop Fee: Mass Hort Members $45, Non-Members $50.  Register on line at http://www.masshort.org/eventdetail/31/422|427|430|433/create-your-own-tropical-terrarium?filter_reset=1.

  • Saturday, December 14, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Tropical Terrarium Workshop

    Art Scarpa is a busy man. As part of its Festival of Trees Celebration Mass Hort is offering this hands-on workshop to create a glass tropical terrarium with lid to give as a gift or to keep for your own home.

    You will be making a 2-gal. round glass terrarium with lid. Included in fee are up to five miniature tropical plants, soil mix, charcoal, pea stone top dressing and decorative stones for landscaping. All necessary tools are provided. The terrarium will be suitable for an east or north window exposure with bright natural light- no direct sunshine needed – or you may choose to grow under fluorescent lights.

    Art Scarpa is known for his expertise in growing succulents and for his love for unusual plants, is certified as a judge by the Cactus and Succulent Society of America and has competed and judged at numerous major shows, including Boston, Newport and Philadelphia and many regional cactus and succulent shows. Art is also a 2013 Mass Hort Gold Medal recipient.

    All materials will be provided. Space is limited to 20 participants.  Cost: $45 for Mass Hort Members; $55 for non-members. Register online at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8d31iohc35843b1&oseq=&c=&ch=

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  • Thursday, December 12, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Succulent Dish Garden Workshop

    As part of its Festival of Trees Celebration Mass Hort is offering this hands-on workshop on Thursday, December 12, from 7 – 9 at Elm Bank, to create a succulent dish garden to give as a gift or to keep for your own home.

    Your succulent dish garden will be planted in a twelve inch Italian terra cotta container with South African succulents. Art Scarpa has been growing cacti and succulents since he was a boy and is an expert on their care. Art will provide you with all the information you need to care for your garden year round in a fun and informative presentation. Workshop fee includes plants, soil, container, top-dressing, and hand selected decorative stones. All tools will be provided.

    Art Scarpa, known for his expertise in growing succulents and for his love for unusual plants, is certified as a judge by the Cactus and Succulent Society of America and has competed and judged at numerous major shows, including Boston, Newport and Philadelphia and many regional cactus and succulent shows. Art is also a 2013 Mass Hort Gold Medal recipient.

    Workshop Fee: $45 Mass Hort members; $55 non-member.  Register online at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e8d45ipc97363cd1&llr=kzaorjcab.

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  • Thursday, October 17, 7:00 pm – 114th Honorary Medals Dinner

    Please join The Massachusetts Horticultural Society for an evening of cocktails and dinner and welcome  keynote speaker William Cullina, Executive Director of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens,  the 2013 George Robert White Medal of Honor Awardee.

    The 114th Honorary Medals Dinner will take place Thursday, October 17, 2013 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Hunnewell Building Carriage House,  900 Washington Street, Wellesley, Massachusetts. The keynote address is Gardening On the Edge of the Continent.  Gardening in Coastal Maine has more than its share of challenges and opportunities. Close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean buffers the coast from the worst of winter cold and as importantly, summer’s heat. Still, winter is long and snow-cover unreliable. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is trying out many, many perennial species and cultivars for suitability and adaptability. In this talk, William Cullina will detail some of the Gardens’ triumphs, failures, and “too soon to tells” in an informative, humorous, and visually rich presentation about gardening on the edge of the Continent.

    Other award winners include Mary Ann Streeter, Allandale Farm, Art Scarpa, the Garden Club of America, the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, Katherine Tracey of Avant Gardens, and meteorologist David Epstein.  Tickets are $125, and may be ordered online at www.masshort.org.

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  • Sunday, September 22, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm – Mass Hort’s 15th Anniversary at the Gardens at Elm Bank

    The Massachusetts Horticultural Society invites you to join them for a community day at the Elm Bank Reservation, 900 Washington Street in Wellesley, on Sunday, September 22. Free Admission all day.

    10:00: Nature Walk Through Trails with a DCR Ranger

    10:00-noon: Mass Dairy Council

    11:00-2:00: Follow the Honey – Honey Tasting and Live Bee Exhibit

    12:00, 3:00, & 5:00:Garden Tours:

    Take a guided tour of the 12 gardens on the Elm Bank reservation, lead by one of our staff members or trained tour guides. Please meet in the Maple Grove by the membership table.

    12:00-6:00: Wellesley Society of Artists Art Show and Sale – paintings from around Elm Bank

    The Wellesley Society of Artists have been spending their summer around the property gaining inspiration for their own work. The Hunnewell Carriage house will feature an exhibit of their works as well as many that are for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going to support Mass Hort.

    1:00: Cake and Ice Cream Celebration: The moment we have all been waiting for! Come join us in the Crockett Garden for a cake and ice cream celebration to commemorate the 15 years the Massachusetts Horticultural Society has taken residence at Elm Bank. A welcome from DCR representatives, Mass Hort President and more.

    All Day:

    Mass Hort Historical Exhibit, Information Booth and Membership Table

    In the Maple Grove you will find an exhibit about the history of the Elm Bank Reservation and the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, information about the programs and activities going on daily, how to become a member, and ways support Mass Hort!

    Food Vendors – Concessions and Catering by Kiss. Bring a blanket, grab your lunch, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and gardens

    Farmers Market Exhibit – Did you know that Mass Hort sponsors the Wellesley Farmers Market located at Whole Foods? Come visit their information table and learn more about the booth, produce from one of the vendors, and even see a live demonstration.

    Youth Activities

    10:00-4:00: Kids Mural Activity in the Gardens

    10:00-4:00: Elm Bank Scavenger Hunt

    10:00-12:00: Build a Fairy Garden in Weezie’s Garden

    10:00-12:00: Linx Camp – Discovery Grove Field

    Game and Nature Arts and Crafts station

    Adult Activities

    10:00-12:00: Floral Design Workshop with Marisa McCoy– Create a Fall Basket centerpiece with Marisa McCoy. Join Mass Hort and Marisa McCoy in creating a Fall Basket centerpiece on our 15th Anniversary Day of Celebration. Hands on workshops are one of our most popular education events and as we celebrate what we do at Elm Bank we are offering this opportunity to create a floral design. Marisa’s depth of experience and gentle direction help to provide the perfect atmosphere for beginner to expert to release the creative juices and take home a design to be proud of. Participants will have their choice of fresh and dried materials including seed pods, seed heads, and berries, as well as flowers and foliage chosen from a bright fall color palette.

    Marisa McCoy is a Trustee of Mass Hort, a Nationally Accredited Master Flower Show Judge, and the current President Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts. Currently, Marisa is a floral design instructor, garden club speaker, active member of the MFA Senior Associates, and a custom wedding and special occasion floral designer.Program fee: $30 MEMBERS AND $35 NON MEMBERS- all materials included.  Registration required. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

    11:00-12:00: Extending Your Growing Season – Lecture.

    2:00-4:00: Succulent Container Workshop with Art Scarpa – Hands on workshops are one of our most popular education events and as we celebrate what we do at Elm Bank we are offering this opportunity to plant a succulent dish garden with guidance from Art Scarpa. Participants will plant a twelve inch Italian terra cotta container with South African winter growing succulents. Workshop fee includes plants, soil, container, top-dressing, and hand selected decorative stones.

    Known for his expertise in growing succulents and for his love for unusual plants, Art is certified as a judge by the Cactus and Succulent Society of America and has competed and judged at numerous major shows, including Boston, Newport and Philadelphia and many regional cactus and succulent shows.Program fee and registration required. $40.00 MEMBERS, $45 NON MEMBERS. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

    2:00-3:00: History of Elm Bank Lecture

    4:00-6:00: Champagne and Strings in the Italianate Garden: $20.00 MEMBERS, $25.00 NON MEMBERS. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

    Wrap up the evening with light appetizers and bubbly in the beautiful Italianate Garden, designed by the Olmsted Brothers Firm. While taking in the view, enjoy the music provided by the Fensgate Chamber Players. Tickets can also be purchased during the day at the membership table (Program fee and registration required).

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  • Monday, February 13, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Winning the Blues

    Do you have a beautiful plant that you have lovingly cultivated and cared for that brings you such pride you want to show it off? Don’t let your abundance of questions keep your pride and joy from taking the show. Although there is no way to guarantee a first place finish, there are ways to increase the odds of doing well in a flower show. Even if you’re not sure about entering a plant for this years’ show, this talk on Monday, February 13, from 6:30 – 8 at Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street in Wellesley, is guaranteed to give you valuable tips and the inspiration you might need to take a chance at a Blue Ribbon.

    Learn first hand from Art Scarpa and Carrie Waterman, both horticulture judges and blue ribbon winners many times over, what judges are looking for in a blue ribbon winner and what the best exhibitors do to prepare their plants for competition. Art and Carrie team up to give a lesson in what wins ribbons at a horticultural competition. They will discuss all aspects of preparing your plant for presentation including grooming, exhibit composition, nomenclature, rules and requirements, and etiquette. Registration is $8 for Mass Hort Members and $12 for non-members. To sign up, visit www.masshort.org.

    Once you’ve been given the inside scoop on winning a ribbon, what better place to put your skills to the test than at BLOOMS! at the Boston Flower and Garden Show? BLOOMS! features an Amateur Horticulture Competition open to all individuals, plant societies, and garden clubs. This year Mass Hort is delighted to welcome back junior exhibitors, age 16 or under, with a selection of Junior Horticulture Classes. Submissions for the BLOOMS! Am Hort competition must have been in your possession no later than December 11, 2011 and will be accepted for admission at the show on Monday, March 12th, 2012.