This Massachusetts Horticultural Society lecture at The Garden at Elm Bank on September 28 at 10 am explores how native plants can provide color, texture, and structure throughout fall and winter. Learn how to incorporate striking foliage, architectural forms, and the vibrant hues of branches, berries, and seed pods to create visual interest while also supporting birds, pollinators, and other wildlife during the colder months. Weather permitting, the session will conclude with a walk in the garden. $48 for Mass Hort members, $56 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.masshort.org/upcoming-classes
In this September 24 Massachusetts Horticultural Society immersive session, Nadine Mazzola will guide you through watercolor techniques like washes and expressive brushstrokes to help you capture the essence of the garden’s beauty. Choose your own subjects—from trees and flowers to sweeping landscape views or abstract compositions—allowing your creative vision to emerge.
Nadine Mazzola (she/her) is an artist, educator, certified forest therapy guide, and author of the multi-award-winning book, Forest Bathing with Your Dog. She has shared her signature, holistic, heart-centered style of teaching with hundreds of students, from those with no art experience to professional artists. She is known for creating a supportive environment within each class for learning, exploring, creating and nurturing a sense of play and joy. Nadine’s favorite color is yellow because of the joy it brings her. A cancer survivor, Nadine often works with groups affected by cancer. She is a senior trainer for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy since 2016, and an expressive arts teacher at the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden since 2017. Nadine brings a depth of life experience bridging Nature, expressive arts, and somatics.
All materials are provided. No experience needed. $88 for Mass Hort members, $120 for nonmembers.
In this two-day online Massachusetts Horticultural Society class with Tara Connaughton, we’ll draw and paint birds & bugs with botanical subjects using ink and colorful washes of watercolor. We’ll focus on gathering and using different references, drawing techniques, as well as composition methods for using various references to incorporate flowers, branches and other botanical elements into our illustrations. Class lessons will also include different ways to use ink with watercolor, painting and color mixing techniques, and inspiration for creating beautiful ink and wash illustrations that are full of life. The class takes place September 16 and 19 from 9:30 – 1:30 Eastern.
Tara Connaughton is an artist and art instructor living on the coast south of Boston, MA (where she finds much of her inspiration). She is a graduate of the Certificate in Botanical Art & Illustration Program at Wellesley College Botanic Gardens. Her botanical and nature-inspired paintings have earned multiple awards, and she has exhibited her work through local and regional galleries and venues. She uses her passion for painting and love of nature to inspire others to create and connect with the world around them. MHS members $145, nonmembers $180. Register HERE
Hydrangeas are some of the most striking flowering shrubs, from the size and color of their inflorescences to their lengthy flowering times. However, there is much confusion regarding water and soil requirements, sun exposure, fertilization, and pruning of these colorful shrubs. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society sponsors a walk through the gardens on July 13 starting at 10 am and participants will visit many cultivars of common species in New England: macrophylla (Big Leaf), arborescens (Smooth), paniculata (Paniculate), quercifolia (Oak Leaf). A handout will provide information for the proper care of the different species and a listing of the plants visited.
For over 25 years in San Francisco and Boston, Reed Pugh has worked in multiple nurseries; had his own design, installation, and maintenance businesses on both coasts; managed a 30-acre historic private estate in Brookline; and managed one of the top fine-gardening companies in New England. Currently, he focuses his passion on working individually with people in their gardens and showing them how to make their gardens and landscapes beautiful through inspiration, knowledge, and proper care with his company, Barking Dog Gardens. $40 for Mass Hort members, $56 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.cognitoforms.com/MassachusettsHorticulturalSociety/_250713Hydrangeas101
Join in on this Massachusetts Horticultural Society hands-on workshop on July 12 at the Gardens at Elm Bank, designed for both beginners and experienced artists. Create beautifully textured paste papers using colorful paint mixtures and an array of texture tools. These one-of-a-kind papers will serve as the foundation for your own imaginative collage compositions. Through cutting, layering, and arranging designs, you’ll explore the principles of composition, pattern, and visual balance.
All materials will be provided, including paper, mounting boards, texture tools, brushes, adhesives, and handouts to support your process. $70 for Mass Hort members, $93 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.masshort.org/upcoming-classes
This Massachusetts Horticultural Society class at The Gardens at Elm Bank on July 10 from 9 – 4 is suited for stitchers of all levels. Kawandi is an organic technique that does not require precision stitching. Design decisions are made as each patch is added to the quilt. Every quilt is unique, bearing evidence of the quilter’s “hand” and design aesthetic in its composition. If you have taken Shibori or eco-printing classes before, this is a wonderful opportunity to take the fabric you created and turn it into a finished project. $125 for Mass Hort members, $155 for nonmembers. Register at https://www.masshort.org/upcoming-classes
Pierre-Joseph Redouté was one of the most talented botanical artists ever known. His mastery of both flowers and foliage was extraordinary. Using his paintings as inspiration, you will study his compositions and color choices to explore the potential of watercolor washes, glazes, and dry brush, learning about these essential traditional botanical art techniques in a step-by-step approach. Suitable for beginners. This Massachusetts Horticultural Society two session class taught by Sarah Roche takes place at the Gardens at Elm Bank on June 24 & 26 from 10 – 1, and is $140 for Mass Hort members, $175 for nonmembers. Register at www.masshort,.org
Discover the ancient art of Sgraffito in this Massachusetts Horticultural Society beginner-friendly class at The Gardens at Elm Bank on May 17 from 10 – 1. Sgraffito is a decorative pottery technique where you can draw or scratch the surface of your clay piece to reveal a contrasting color underneath, resulting in stunning designs. Join us for a fun and engaging experience where you’ll not only learn a new skill but also design a beautifully glazed and fired piece of art that you’ve created yourself. No prior experience is needed; just bring your creativity. Fired ceramics are available for pick up a week after the final class. Register at https://www.masshort.org/upcoming-classes
A Japanese gardening tradition, known as the “poor man’s bonsai.” Kokedama, which translates to “moss ball,” is a centuries-old art form that celebrates the harmony between nature and design. This Massachusetts Horticultural Society May 10 workshop is centered around creating a beautiful living plant arrangement that is both decorative and unique.
Led by Garden Educator, Melissa Pace, participants will learn techniques necessary to craft a thriving kokedama.
The role of substrate composition in supporting plant health and moisture retention
How moss functions as a natural moisture regulator.
The relationship between root structure, aeration, and plant stability
Best practices for plant selection based on growth habit, light requirements, and humidity tolerance
Each kokedama is not only a living garden but also a captivating conversation piece. Experiment with different displays, including a shallow dish or hanging with a macramé!
Show off your creation! We invite you to enter your kokedama in the New England Fall Flower Show this September! Either enter your kokedama from the workshop or use your new skills to create another one! Click here for details on dates and how to register. Pro Tip: Bring a box to safely transport your new creation home!
Workshop size is limited – Preregistration here is required. $45 for Mass Hort members, $53 for nonmembers.
The Boston Committee of The Garden Club of America will hold its Spring Meeting, Lecture and Luncheon on April 24 at The Gardens at Elm Bank in Wellesley. The meeting will include a lecture, lunch, and tour of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s 55,000 tulips in bloom. Mass Hort Executive Director James Hearsum will speak on Gardens as a Community Asset. James Hearsum is an accomplished horticulturist and leader with a proven track record of advancing botanical and community-focused organizations. From 2014 to 2019, he served as the Executive Director of St. Andrews Botanic Garden in Scotland, where he spearheaded transformative initiatives in guest experience, outreach, and education. Under his leadership, the garden established a sustainable Urban Farm, a Butterfly House, and a Community Hub, while also expanding its reach to previously underserved communities.
Since 2020, Hearsum has brought his extensive horticultural experience and dynamic leadership to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, continuing to advance excellence in horticulture and community engagement.
Members of member clubs of The Boston Committee will receive an invitation. $35 lecture only, $60 lecture and luncheon. If you are not a member, you may consider joining The Garden Club of the Back Bay, which is one of the affiliate clubs.
