Boston Flora

Tag: Massachusetts Avenue

  • Saturday, May 1, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Medieval Gardens Workshop

    This one-day workshop on Saturday, May 1, from 10 – 4, traces the history and evolution of medieval gardens in western Europe, from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance. Topics of discussion include the varieties and influence of monastic gardens, the impact of the water gardens of Islamic Spain, and the exquisite ornamental gardens of the fifteenth century, designed solely for pleasure and sensual delight. Selected slide images of paintings and manuscript illuminations illustrate details of medieval gardeners at work, the tools they used and the surprising views of their garden designs.

    The image below is the re-created medieval garden Commanderie des Templiers de Coulommiers.  The buildings were part of a monastery belonging to the Knights Templar.  The garden design, inspired by paintings of medieval gardens, was designed by Joel Chatain, a landscape architecture graduate from Versailles, and the work was carried out by young volunteers.  Extensive use is made of wattle fencing.

    The course is taught by Priscilla Baumann, Ph.D. in Medieval Studies from Boston University, and is part of the Lesley University/Art Institute of Boston’s  Spring Seminar Series in the Arts.  The cost of this workshop is $100, and it will take place at University Hall, Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Room 4-040.  To register, or for more information, log on to www.lesley.edu/aib/EXTRA/courses.html, or email darcadip@aiboston.edu.

    http://www.gardenvisit.com/assets/madge/coulommiers_medieval_garden_2061_jpg/600x/coulommiers_medieval_garden_2061_jpg_600x.jpg

  • Garden Club of the Back Bay Holiday Wreaths – Saving the Elms

    One mission of The Garden Club of the Back Bay is to beautify the neighborhood, and one historic aspect of the neighborhood is its majestic elms.  As we know, the elm tree population has been decimated by Dutch elm disease, a fungal disease spread by the elm bark beetle.  For many years, the Garden Club has helped fund the inoculation of elm trees, through grants to The Friends of the Public Garden.  This is not inexpensive.  A single application cost between $200 – $300 in the 1980’s.  Thirty years of inflation, naturally, has taken the price, depending on the size of the tree, to the $1,000 range.  In 2009, we gave $4,000 to inoculate trees between Massachusetts Avenue and Charlesgate East.

    Without our fund raising efforts, including the Holiday Wreath project, this financial assistance would not be available.  Please remember the elms as you decide to purchase one of our exquisite wreaths or our full, extra large poinsettia plants.  To order, click here.

  • Saturday, November 21, 1 – 4 pm – Roots and Shoots Day at Barefoot Books

    Celebrate Roots and Shoots, the Jane Goodall Institute’s international environmental and humanitarian program for youth of all ages. Come in to Barefoot Books at 1771 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, MA for an afternoon of Roots and Shoots activities, art projects, and snacks, on Saturday, November 21, from 1 – 4 pm.

    Learn about Roots and Shoots and how they are empowering youth to make positive changes happen for communities, for animals, and for the environment.

    PLUS 25% of all in-store sales will go directly to Roots and Shoots New England’s Sprouts of Hope Fund.  For more information, log on to www.rootsandshoots.org.

    Roots and Shoots LogoRoots and Shoots Logo Icon

  • Saturday, June 27, 10:00 – Children’s Gardens

    The Bird House Garden Center presents a free seminar in Children’s Gardens, the final seminar in its Spring Seminar Series.  The seminar offers tips, techniques, and great information for both beginning and experienced gardeners.  The class will begin at 10:00.  The Bird House is located at 34 Massachusetts Avenue (Route 111) in Boxborough, MA.  For more information and directions call 978-263-1628, or log on to www.birdhousegardencenter.com.