Join gardening enthusiasts on a free tour of public and private pollinator gardens in Newton, the Garden City. Learn more at https://newtonconservators.org/events/3rd-annual-newton-pollinator-garden-tour/
Tag: Newton garden tour
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Saturday, September 17, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm – Native Gardens in Newton
Learn how a landscape designer working with urban properties and their sustainably- minded owners can create enticing native gardens in small spaces. The first garden we visit, situated around a Victorian house, received a front yard overhaul, which was achieved by removing lawn and creating a habitat garden by adding many natives with four-seasons of interest. A photo of this property illustrated an article in Money Magazine naming Newton as one of the best places to live in America. The second homeowner wished to make her garden as eco-friendly as possible, reducing its carbon footprint, reusing materials and creating habitat for wildlife. A walkway of recycled brick was installed, rain gardens improved drainage around the existing edible garden, and 100-year old recycled seawall blocks were installed as sitting walls. Shrubs from the front of the property were replanted in the back and a mostly native woodland garden was created under a red maple. The New England Wild Flower Society tour is co-sponsored by the Ecological Landscaping Association. Fee is $22 for members of the sponsoring organizations, and $25 for non-members. Register at www.newfs.org. Photo of a Newton garden space by Lorianne DiSabato, published on her blog, www.hoardedordinaries.wordpress.com.
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Saturday, June 12, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – “Alternative” Lawns
The Ecological Landscaping Association, in conjunction with Green Decade, sponsors a tour of four residential Newton properties on Saturday, June 12, from 1 – 4 pm. Are you looking for alternatives to traditional, monoculture lawns that require a lot of water, chemicals, and time? There are many alternatives to a resource-intensive, chemically-maintained lawn. Visit four beautiful and successful properties in Newton to see organic lawns, meadow gardens, and edible landscapes. Each location that you visit will have a professional on-site to discuss the project design, maintenance, answer your questions, and help you understand the options that you have this season to move to more sustainable and organic practices. All of the sites will be open during the entire tour, so you may choose how much time to spend at each location.
Perennial and Meadow Gardens: Elaine Bresnick is a technology entrepreneur. A few years ago, her gardens, which she called “the final frontier,” were rescued from over 25 years of neglect by Risa Edelstein, a local landscape designer, who designed and installed the lovely, indigenous and drought tolerant organic plantings which thrive there today. The design was inspired by Elaine’s neighbor, Virginia Inglis, who adopted the notion of no lawn, years before. Virginia’s backyard garden, terraced with billows of grasses and perennials, is a wildlife sanctuary in the middle of Newton. Risa will be on hand to guide you through these gardens and answer your questions.
Edible Garden: Ted Chapman, another local landscape designer, is opeing his own property for this unique opportunity to tour a successful example of an edible landscape. Sustainability and energy efficiency are hallmarks of this property. Using a permaculture model, Ted began designing this edible landscape in 1983. The mature plantings are both beautiful and productive and are a testament to sustainable maiintenance practices. Ted’s property also features a 1983 passive solar retrofit of an 1880 working class Victorian home.
Organic Lawn: This private property will demonstrate a successful organic lawn installation that has been managed sustainably for a few years. Frank Koll, an organic lawn care professional, will be on hand to answer your questions about organic fertilizers, compost tea, watering, and organic lawn care.
$15 for ELA or Green Decade Members, $20 for non-members. Registration is limited. Call 617-436-5838, or email ela.info@comcast.net.
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Sunday, May 23, 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm – Newton House Tour
Eight private Newton homes located in several of Newton’s historic neighborhoods and villages will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 23, including the 1732 Durant-Kenrick House (below) . The tour, sponsored by Historic Newton - The Jackson Homestead and Museum, proudly celebrates 28 years of touring Newton’s homes. Take the opportunity to view distinctive homes, unique additions, and inspiring interior and landscape design. If you’re looking for renovation ideas or want to appreciate the beautiful work done in these homes, the House Tour is for you. Proceeds from the tour benefit Historic Newton and support programs and events at the Jackson Homestead and Museum, and the community. Tour tickets, $30 (members, $25), will be available at the Newton History Museum, 527 Washington Street (Jackson Street). For advance tickets and information: (617) 796-1450 and www.ci.newton.ma.us/Jackson/calendar/house-tour_list_2010.asp.
