Boston Flora

Tag: Italian Garden

  • Wednesday, October 1, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – A Walking Tour of the Hunnewell Estate

    On Wednesday, October 1 (rain date Wednesday, October 8), beginning at 10 am, David Dusenbury, Superintendent of the Walter Hunnewell Estate property will lead a walking tour of the horticultural and botanical features of this historical property, including the Pinetum, started in 1866 by Horatio Hollis Hunnewell, founder and creator of the estate.  There are more than 350 specimen conifers in the Pinetum, including spectacular mature specimens of Sargent’s weeping hemlock, cedar of Lebanon, and dawn redwood.  Other highlights include the lakeside topiary of the Italian Garden, the massive weeping beech in front of the residence, and the Hunnewell rhododendrons, said to be the oldest cultivated specimens in the United States.  Meet at the Wellesley College Botanic Garden Visitor Center to walk over to the Hunnewell Estate.  The rain date will be used in case of thunderstorms or torrential downpours only.  Please dress appropriately for the weather, including suitable footwear.  Note that there will be a moderate amount of walking over uneven paths.  Courtesy of the generosity of Wellesley alumna Luisa Hunnewell, DS ’94, Wellesley is able to share her wonderful landscape with the Friends.  $20 for WCGB Friends, $30 for nonmembers.  Call 781-283-3094 to register.

     

  • Sunday, May 2, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm- Castle Hill on The Crane Estate Open House

    In celebration of spring, The Trustees of Reservations invite you to the 2nd Annual, FREE Spring Open House at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate to enjoy a day of fun. Plant a seedling and help them recover some of the hundreds of trees lost in the recent nor’easter. Pack a picnic and they’ll provide lawn games such as croquet and bocce ball, a Maypole dance, self-guided tours of the Great House and grounds, refreshments, and more. Please feel free to bring friends and family, but leave furry friends at home.

    The Open House thanks the public for its support of The Trustees’ ongoing restoration of the Castle Hill grounds, which in recent years has included historic plantings and restorations of the Italian Garden and the Great House forecourt. This February, The Trustees began the first phase of a 3-year renovation plan of the Grand Allee, the one-half mile long, undulating, grassy lawn framed by classical sculptures, Norway spruce, and pine hedgerows. Phase One of the project includes the removal of approximately 150 trees and the planting of 65 7-foot Norway spruce and White Pines.

    The Allee Restoration was disrupted by the late February nor’easter that wreaked havoc on the North Shore. Castle Hill was hit particularly hard, with more than 300 trees coming down in the storm. Crews worked tirelessly to clean up the property and make it safe for the public. Much work, including replanting trees and stabilizing stripped embankments, remains. The Trustees invite the public to help by planting seedlings in celebration of spring at the May 2nd Open House.

    Location:
    The Crane Estate
    290 Argilla Rd.
    Ipswich , MA 01938

    Sponsor: The Crane Estate
    Time(s): Noon – 6 pm Saturday; Noon – 4 pm Sunday
    Phone: 978.356.4351 x4015
    Fax: 978.356.2143
    Email: membership@ttor.org
    http://www.craneestate.org

    http://cd7.e2bn.net/e2bn/leas/c99/schools/cd7/website/images/victorian-maypole.jpg