Boston Flora

Tag: Forest Hills Gate

  • Friday, April 12, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Taiko Drumming in the Cherry Blossoms

    In Japan, the appearance of cherry blossoms (sakura) in early spring is marked by festivals, family gatherings, and flower viewing where the trees thrive. At the Arnold Arboretum, the cherry collection along Forest Hills Road draws visitors to enjoy their spectacular and ephemeral displays. Among the showstoppers is the Sargent cherry, which was introduced to North America by the Arboretum and named for our founding director who collected the species on his 1892 expedition to Japan.

    Come celebrate sakura and Japanese culture in our Bradley Rosaceous Collection near the ponds and the Forest Hills Gate on Friday, April 12 from 6–7 p.m. Enjoy the rhythms of Taiko drumming by Karen Young and KASA Taiko from 6–6:30 p.m. and learn calligraphy and Japanese games with Showa Boston Institute. Visitors are welcome to bring a blanket to sit on for the performance. This event is appropriate for all ages.

  • Saturday, July 23, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – A Walk on the Wild Side Pond Tour

    The three ponds that Fredrick Law Olmsted designed into the Arnold Arboretum teem with aquatic and terrestrial life in late summer. Join Bob Mayer at the Forest Hills Gate on Saturday, July 23 at 1 pm for a walk and a discussion of the invertebrates and other fauna in and around the ponds. Bring binoculars if you have them for closer look at nature.

    In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.5209. Free, but registration requested at 617-384-5251, or email adulted@arnarb.harvard.edu.

  • Sunday, May 10, 10 – 4 – Lilac Sunday

    Of the thousands of flowering plants in the Arboretum, only one, the lilac, is singled out each year for a daylong celebration. On Lilac Sunday, garden enthusiasts from all over New England gather at the Arboretum to picnic, watch Morris dancing, and tour the lilac collection. On the day of the event, which takes place rain or shine, the Arboretum is open as usual from dawn to dusk. Refreshments are available for purchase from 10 AM to 4 PM.

    Street parking along the Arboretum perimeter is limited and visitors are advised to take public transportation. Some parking spaces outside the gates will be designated for special-needs visitors. No unauthorized vehicles will be allowed within the gates during the event. A limited number of wheelchairs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; wheelchairs may not be reserved in advance. Please inquire at the front desk of the Hunnewell Building or at the information tents inside the Forest Hills Gate and Center Street Gate if you or someone in your party requires a wheelchair. Log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu/plants/lilac_sunday.html for more information.