Boston Flora

Tag: New England Botanic Garden

  • Saturday, September 14, 9:30 am – 11:30 am – Buzzing into Autumn with Bees!

    Buzz into autumn on September 14 at 9:30 am with New England Botanic Garden as we guide you in planning a bee-utiful garden full of the best pollinator plants. Peek inside our resident honeybee hive and sweeten your experience with a honey tasting featuring local varieties and honey straight from the source. It is beekeeping with no “stings’ attached.

    Buzz into autumn with New England Botanic Garden as we guide you to planning a bee-utiful garden, a visit to our hives, and a honey tasting.

    Instructor Hunter Blanchard is a horticulturist at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, MA. He has been with the organization since 2018, serving in roles that allow him to share his passion for making plants accessible to people and for nurturing growing things. Today, Hunter leads a three-person team responsible for 10 acres of naturalistic garden spaces that foster plant biodiversity and support pollinator populations through a focus on North American native plant species. He enjoys interpreting these garden spaces for visitors through tours and talks, hoping that these learning opportunities inspire people to engage more with plants at home or in other areas of their lives. A community builder, Hunter serves on the board of directors for F.E.R.N., a nonprofit that supports conservation by promoting synergy between individuals, communities, and organizations, and on the Conference Planning and Education Committees for the Ecological Landscape Alliance. Hunter holds an A.S. in sustainable horticulture from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and a B.S. in plant soil science from Umass Amherst.

    Alyson Prokop serves as the Manager of Adult Education at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylton, MA. She joined NEBG in May 2024 after a decade at the Royal Botanical Gardens Canada, where she worked as a botanical horticulturist overseeing the Teaching and Community Food Gardens, in addition to her roles as Public Programs Coordinator and Horticultural Societies Liaison. She is passionate about leading and expanding garden programs, with a particular interest in initiatives that connect people with plants. Alyson is especially interested in food security and strives to make programming accessible to diverse audiences.

    Alyson’s background as an educator, field botanist, horticulturist, and market gardener informs her dedication to promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices. She prioritizes integrating community engagement and botanical stewardship in program development. Guided by her values of continuous learning, collaborative leadership, and sustainability, Alyson aims to contribute to plant conservation and educational projects in a managerial or curatorial role within botanical gardens.

    $35 member adult, $45 nonmembers. Register at www.nebg.org

  • Tuesday, September 10, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Goth Your Garden: Garden Design

    Want a garden that is more unusual than usual?  In this New England Botanic Garden design class on September 10 at 6 pm, you will learn about dark, spiky, leathery, and creeping plants for your goth-themed garden.  From native plants in shade gardens to dark leaves and flowers in full-sun gardens, we will cover a variety of planting situations and seasonal interest.   

    During this class, we will cover a variety of plants for every planting situation and every season.  We will also have a brief tour of the Garden to see some of the plants that we will discuss. In the second part of the class, we will discuss the basics of garden design and practice designing a small goth cottage garden.  We will also discuss adding plants with flare to an existing garden to help bring it to the dark side.

    Every garden needs some décor, and we will share a few ideas fit for the spookiest and most stylish house on the block.  The goal is to help you plan your garden in the fall so that you can plant it in the following spring. All materials included as well as a themed mocktail.

    Instructors: Meg Varnes & Liz Ives

    Meg Varnes has been with New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill for over 9 years.  She is the Conservatory and Formal Garden Horticulturist 2 and manages several hundred conservatory plants, thousands of orchids during the Orchid Exhibition, and the gardens surrounding the conservatories with a team of 2 gardeners.  She has a bachelor’s in Ornamental Horticulture and Floriculture from Delaware Valley University and is a lifetime gardener who loves connecting people with plants. Her favorite garden space at NEBG is The Court – A Garden Within Reach, because it allows her to use plants that stimulate all the senses and is a garden designed to be accessible to all.

    Liz Ives serves at the Registrar at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, where she is passionate about making art and arts education available to everyone. As a textile arts teacher with 25 years of experience in all types of education, from college lectures to private mentorship, Liz believes firmly that anyone can do art if they have a desire to try.

    Liz has a BFA from the Art Institute of Chicago in textile arts and an MA in history from Villanova University with a focus on material culture. She believes that learning about material culture, the things created and used in daily life, can teach us about the past and inform the present. In her personal life she enjoys sewing, weaving, spinning yarn, fashion history, quilting, natural dyeing, embroidery, and many other types of textile arts. As a long-time kitchen and garden witch she enjoys cultivating her own goth garden.

    $65 Member Adult; $75 Adult (Includes admission to the Garden) Register at www.nebg.org

  • Thursday, September 5, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – New England Botanic Garden LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration

    Join the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill on September 5 as it celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and the two weeks of Pride Worcester with an evening of lively entertainment and fun festivities. Enjoy gardens of beautiful blooms and a Beer Garden serving craft drinks and light bites, with featured food and drink specials from Femme Bar! Show your support by shopping local from talented LGBTQ+ artisan vendors and connect with community organizations providing valuable resources. The celebration continues with dancing and a spectacular Drag Show featuring music by DJ Dayglow and several fabulous drag performers. Complete details on all the activities and registration may be found at www.nebg.org Please note this event is pre-ticketed only. Admission tickets are FREE but must be reserved in advance.

    Enjoy a variety of craft beers, wines, cocktails, mocktails, and snacks from our Beer Garden and regular menu selections from Farmer and the Fork Café, plus featured specialty cocktails and food specials from Femme! Menu coming soon. Outside alcohol is not permitted at the Garden.

    Farmer and the Fork Café: Dinner: 5–7:30pm | Drinks and Desserts: 5–8:30pm

    Beer Garden: 5–8:30pm

  • Wednesday, August 14, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Glass Gardens: Terrarium Workshop

    Get creative, learn a new skill, and enjoy the Tower Hill Gardens by sunset as you sip on a craft beer or cocktail.  All programs in our Craft & Cocktail series include one complementary drink with your choice of a soft drink, beer, wine, canned cocktail, or the evening’s signature cocktail.   

    Our New England Botanic Garden Glass Gardens Terrarium workshop provides all the elements needed to craft a glass garden for your home. From an array of plants to decorative stones, you’ll have the tools to design a personalized terrarium that reflects your unique style. 

    No prior experience is necessary; Founder & Florist of Bluebird Bouquets, Haley, will guide you through the process, offering tips on plant care and design techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a novice green thumb, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn, create, and take home a stunning terrarium to adorn your space. 

    The event, led by Haley Cormier, will be held August 14 at 6 pm, and is $100 for adult members, $115 for nonmembers. Register at www.nebg.org

  • Thursday, August 15 – Tuesday, October 15 – Seasons of Change: Photography Above the Garden

    Photographer John Rich spent the last year visiting New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill and capturing the Climate Garden and the Garden of Inspiration from a truly unique vantage point: from above. The result is a collection of photographs that offers a rare aerial view of the Garden, highlighting seasonal transformations and shifting daylight. Each photograph displayed in this exhibition preserves an instant in time, enabling the viewer to glimpse the Garden’s cyclical changes, from moments of bloom and growth to decay and rest.

    Experience the natural beauty of the Garden from a whole new perspective. Seasons of Change will be on display in the Milton Gallery from August 15 to October 15. This exhibit promises to be a visual treat for anyone who appreciates nature’s beauty and the art of photography.

    This exhibit is included with General Admission. We recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred date. You can also buy tickets in person at the Garden.

  • Wednesday, August 21, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Painted Sunflower Slate

    Get creative, learn a new skill, and enjoy the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill by sunset as you sip on a craft beer or cocktail.  All programs in our Craft & Cocktail series include one complementary drink from your choice of soft drink, beer, wine, canned cocktails, or the evening’s signature cocktail. 

    Join your teacher, Miranda Buck, On August 21 at 5:30 to learn to sketch, paint, and create a decorative sunflower slate to display on your front door using easy-to-use acrylics.  All materials are included in this easy, make-and-take class. Miranda has been an artist since the day she could hold a crayon. Throughout her studies she has explored many forms of media including watercolor and ink. In 2007 she self-published a children’s book, Rapid Duck, and worked on wildlife illustrations during graduate school. Miranda is drawn to styles of brush painting that capture the essence of the subject in a few elegant brushstrokes, making the act of painting into a meditative experience. She continues to pursue her career and perfect her skills, drawing inspiration from the natural world.

    $60 Member; $75 Adult (includes admission to the Garden) Register at www.nebg.org.

  • Monday, August 19, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Flora Fête

    Enjoy a themed multicourse dinner in an intimate setting curated by Peppers Artful Events, in the Orangerie at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill on August 19 at 6 pm. Savor creative, wholesome dishes that celebrate the bounty of the earth, offering a nourishing and delicious feast that’s as good for the planet as it is for your palate. Showcasing the finest seasonal vegetables, hearty grains, and delectable legumes, artfully prepared to highlight their natural goodness.
    Click here to see full menu. $100 per person. This is a multi-course, family-style meal and each admission includes one complimentary beverage. Event is 21+ only. 


    Ticket Refund & Exchange Policy:Tickets are non-refundable and are only valid for the date selected. All sales are final.
    Please note: Tickets will not be available to purchase onsite during the event. Pre-registration is required. General Admission discounts and passes do not apply to this special event. Pets should remain at home. Service dogs are welcome throughout the gardens and buildings at all times. Register at www.nebg.org

  • Sunday, August 4, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm – Summer Sensory Arrangement from Nature

    Take deep breaths, slow down and leave your “to do” list behind.  Experience the therapeutic benefits of horticulture while creating floral arrangements including beautiful flowers with shades of summer colors, foliage with amazing textures and fragrant herbs. 

    Feel calm and refreshed with positive energy by focusing on being in the moment and engaging each of your five senses – sight, touch, sound, smell, and taste — while interacting with sensory rich plant materials.  You will design and make an arrangement while learning basic floral arranging techniques.  Information will be shared on plants you can easily grow, or collect, for your own unique summer arrangements.

    This New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill class on August 4 from 12:30 – 2:30 will include an overview of the therapeutic benefits and power of horticulture to understand why and how it can be used personally, and for people of all ages and abilities.  We will discuss the difference between therapeutic horticulture and horticultural therapy.  You will learn about benefits including increased relaxation, decreased anxiety, stress relief, sensory stimulation, hope, improved cognitive abilities, engagement in life, connectedness, and physical exercise.  It will be clear how plants and the natural world give you support and a sense of well-being when life gets overwhelmingly busy or stressful.   We will spend approximately 40 minutes delving into this.

    Join Deborah Krause, Horticultural Therapist, in these relaxing sessions where you may leave with a smile, feeling of calm and peace, and pride in your creation.

    Deborah Krause is a Registered Horticultural Therapist. She is passionate about wellness and the therapeutic benefits of horticulture for people of all ages and abilities. She has served in various capacities in the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) and the Northeast Horticultural Therapy Network (NEHTN), which she co-founded, and currently is on the Board of Directors. Deborah developed the horticultural therapy program at Perkins School for the Blind and was the horticultural therapist and coordinator of the horticulture center there for 40 years. She is currently a program coordinator at The Nature Connection whose mission is to improve the well-being of individuals and communities through the therapeutic use of nature. Deborah is the horticulture educator at the Memorial Spaulding School Garden where students grow produce to donate to food pantries. She is a horticulture instructor at Danny’s Place for youth. She presents webinars for AARP on adaptive gardening. Deborah consults with non-profit organizations to design and facilitate therapeutic and educational horticulture and nature programs. Deborah’s popular classes for adults creating sensory rich seasonal flower and plant arrangements have focused on relaxation, stress reduction and positive thinking and she is honored and happy to continue to bring this to New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.

    $80 for NEBG members, $95 for nonmembers. Register at nebg.org

  • Saturday, June 15, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm – New England Rose Society Show & Sale

    Come see a large, colorful array of cut roses displayed at the annual New England Rose Society Show on June 15 from 12:00 – 3:00 at The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. The roses are judged and awarded ribbons and certificates by horticultural judges within the American Rose Society. Learn tips and tricks for easy rose growing and ask consulting rosarians your questions. You do not need to be a member of the New England Rose Society to enter roses. The New England Rose Society is affiliated with the American Rose Society and has been in existence for over 80 years. Their task is to inform and educate people about our national flower, the rose. For more information about the society, visit http://www.rosepetals.org/. This event is included with General Admission. We recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred date. You can also buy tickets in person at the Garden. There will be two lectures. At 10:30 am, enjoy Easy Roses, Happy Gardens: A Stress-Free Introduction, and at 11:30, hear Friends and Foes of the Garden.

  • Saturday, May 18, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, and Sunday, May 19, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Massachusetts Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society Show & Sale

    Rhododendron, lovingly known as “Rhodies,” are a genus of woody plants native to Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. They grow in temperate deciduous forests often along hillsides and mountain slopes. This spring, the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society brings you a show that will immerse you in the world of rhodies.

    The event includes fabulous rhododendron flower displays, educational lectures and workshops, and opportunities to purchase unusual and rare rhododendrons, azaleas, and other compatible plants grown by society members. As a portion of the event, rhododendron flowers grown by society members will be entered into competition, grouped, and judged by type. A guided informational tour of the show’s entries will help you learn what qualities to look for in your own flowers. Bring your questions! Expert growers will be on-hand to help you learn more about all things rhododendron.

    The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill will host the two day event. On Saturday, May 18, the sale will begin at 10, and at 2:00 pm, there will be a lecture on Interesting New Rhododendron Hybrids for New England Gardens.

    Sunday, the show and sale will take plae from 10 – 4, sale while supplies last, and a lecture Intro to Rhododendrons and Their Care (2 pm.)

    On both days, there will be a Guided Flower Show Tour from 12:30 – 1. For more information visit www.nebg.org