Boston Flora

Tag: language of flowers

  • Saturday, February 16, 10:30 am – 12:00 noon – Potpourri: Rotten Pots with a Loving Message

    Potpourri, French for rotten pot, is a fragrant, often beautiful, mix of scented plant material with a long and fascinating history. The Tower Hill Botanic Garden class begins at 10:30 am on February 16 in Tower Hill’s library with a display of books, old and new, on potpourri and stillroom techniques plus a short history of fragrance and the art of using it in the home. Then we will move to the classroom to learn the basics of potpourri making. Each attendee will create a quart of potpourri based on the Language of Flowers to take home and enjoy. It’s Valentine season, what better time to create a beautiful, fragrant blend of rose petals and other sweet smelling herbs that breaths a message of Love? Recipe sheets included. This class is suitable for adults and for families with children 10 years and older. All fragrances used are natural, essential oils. All materials included. $40 for THBG members, $54 for nonmembers. Register at www.towerhillbg.org.

    Betsy Williams teaches, lectures and writes about living with herbs and flowers. A gardener and herb grower since 1972, Betsy trained as a florist in Boston and England. She combines her floral and gardening skills with an extensive knowledge of history, plant lore and seasonal celebrations. Betsy is the author of several books on the uses and stories of herbs and flowers. She has appeared on the Discovery Channel and greater Boston cable sites about living with herbs and flowers. A gardener and herb grower since 1972, Betsy trained as a florist in Boston and England. She combines her floral and gardening skills with an extensive knowledge of history, plant lore and seasonal celebrations. Betsy is the author of several books on the uses and stories of herbs and flowers. She has appeared on the Discovery Channel and greater Boston cable stations as well as local and national radio talk shows. Betsy lectures and teaches locally and nationally.

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  • Through October 11, 8:30 – 4 pm – Botanical Architecture Exhibit

    Students in Smith College’�s Introduction to Architecture: Language and Craft studio, taught by Jim Middlebrook, were asked to reinterpret the spatial language of flowers. Each student chose a flower from the Botanic Garden, then photographed it and analyzed its spatial character. Students built models according to this visual �language.� These forms were used to design a theoretical pavilion for flower display next to Paradise Pond. On display are the photos, models, and pavilion designs. Come to the Smith College Lyman Plant House, Church Exhibition Gallery, 15 College Lane, Northampton, Massachusetts now through October 11 to see the fabulous work created by these very talented students. Admission is free.  For further information, contact Pamela Dods, garden@smith.edu.

  • Thursday, July 30, 6-7:30 – Opening Reception, “Illuminating Nature” Scanner Photography

    Ellen Hoverkamp was a pioneer in using the flatbed scanner as a tool to create fine art.  Her technique involves making intricate arrangements from plants, vegetables and natural objects.  The light from the scanner reflects the subject making the arrangement appear to glow against a dark background.  Inspiration for her work comes from the Victorian botanical illustration, particularly “Language of Flowers” bouquets, and Dutch still life painting.  Hovercamp gratefully utilizes cuttings offered from local gardeners and farmers in her scanned compositions. This collaboration with the gardening community began in 1997 and continues today, as she works to preserve souvenirs of the garden.  She views her pictures, often named for the gardeners, as portraits of flowers and also portraits of those who grew them.  “Friends, family, neighbors, and even people I hardly know invite me to cut and use their flowers and vegetables for my work.”  See more of Ellen Hoverkamp’s work at www.myneighborsgarden.com.  The Exhibit will run from July 28 – September 16, 2009 at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, Massachusetts. The reception will feature a cash bar and light refreshments.  Free and open to the public.    For more information, call 508-869-6111 or log on to www.towerhillbg.org.