Boston Flora

Tag: Pacific Horticulture Society

  • Pacific Horticulture Society Digital Classroom – How Much Compost is Enough?

    Pacific Horticulture Society’s online learning series connects gardeners with some of the most intriguing horticultural and environmental issues of our time. Do you want to begin “gardening like the Earth depends on it”?  Tuning into these conversations is a great way to start.  Today we highlight How Much Compost is Enough? with Calla Rose Ostrander, Marin Carbon Project partner and environmental strategic advisor. Applying compost to degraded soils benefits our gardens by sparking a microbial revolution that holds more water in dry times and encourages plant growth. Learn what up-to-date science is saying about carbon sequestration in landscapes and think through the “Goldilocks Question” of how much compost is just right for our gardens. The video may be accessed at any time at https://www.pacifichorticulture.org/digital-classroom/

  • Thursday, October 29 – Sunday, November 8 – Ecuadorian Cloud Forest & Galapagos Islands

    Thursday, October 29 – Sunday, November 8 – Ecuadorian Cloud Forest & Galapagos Islands

    The Galápagos Islands were Charles Darwin’s “Living Laboratory of Evolution,” named for the tortoises that roam the lush landscapes of the small archipelago. This Pacific Horticulture Society active learning adventure is an opportunity to experience the islands’ highly specialized and endemic flora, fauna, and environments in a way that most visitors to the Galápagos seldom do—through fun activities like snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and biking. You’ll learn about the natural and human history of the islands during visits to North Seymour, El Chato Tortoise Reserve, Mosquera Islet, Punta Carrion, Cerro Mesa, and a host of other highlights on the Enchanted Islands. The Ecuadorian Cloud Forest awaits; brimming with floral species of epiphytes, ferns, palms, and nearly 50 species of hummingbirds. The enormous biodiversity of this region is like none other! Land cost $6,580 per person, with single room supplement of $995. For complete brochure visit Holbrook Travel, https://www.holbrooktravel.com/where-we-travel/galapagos-islands/pacific-horticulture-society-20

  • Pacific Horticulture Society Digital Classroom – Gardeners as Superheroes

    Pacific Horticulture Society’s online learning series connects gardeners with some of the most intriguing horticultural and environmental issues of our time. Do you want to begin “gardening like the Earth depends on it”?  Tuning into these conversations is a great way to start.  You may access these lectures at any time.

    The first we highlight is Gardeners as Superheroes, with Pamela Berstler, PHS’s Executive Director, and CEO of G3, Green Gardens Group. Many of us garden for a love of plants, beauty, or to soothe our psyches, but emerging science on the the importance of healthy soil and biodiversity – goals we gardeners strive for –  transforms our solitary garden practice into meaningful and necessary action to combat climate change and heal the planet. Discover how we become true gardening superheroes by following the four steps of the “Watershed Approach.”  Note that internet connectivity issues make the first few minutes of the video choppy; this resolves at 9:00. Visit https://www.pacifichorticulture.org/digital-classroom/

  • Tuesday, November 5 – Tuesday, November 19 – Australia: Public and Private Gardens, Rainforests, Cloudforests, Ancient Culture, and the Great Barrier Reef

    Discover true splendor Down Under as you explore some of Australia’s best public and private gardens with the Pacific Horticulture Society November 5 – 19. The island’s biodiversity unfolds as you travel from Melbourne to Sydney to Tropical North Queensland, including an excursion to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Our itinerary includes a variety of habitats and garden styles, featuring endemic species as well as plants from around the world as we tour 19th-century colonial farm gardens, formal European-style gardens, eco-conscious contemporary parklands, and rainforest trails of the aboriginal Kuku Yalanji people. You’ll get an insider’s look at some of the most iconic public gardens, including the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and Sydney and the City Botanic Garden in Brisbane; also enjoy more intimate visits to a selection of exceptional private gardens such as Stonefields, Lubra Bend, Alowyn Gardens, Wendy’s Secret Garden, and Tabu Gardens. Discover firsthand why Australia’s diverse and abundant flora is one of its most prized assets and how climate change is affecting the landscape. Along the way, go behind the scenes to meet the curators and directors, conservationists, scientists, garden designers, and other experts who are at the forefront of the country’s most exciting horticultural projects. Land cost $7,775 per person, single supplement $1,475, does not include airfare.

    For complete itinerary details and information about booking this trip, visit www.holbrooktravel.com

  • Wednesday, May 8 – Monday, May 20 – Wales: Gardens and the RHS Spring Show at Malvern

    Join Pacific Horticulture Society as we explore the glorious gardens, castles, and historic sites of Wales. Our tour begins with the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, featuring creative display gardens, horticultural exhibits, and vendors with the latest inventive gardening solutions. Moving on we’ll tour famous public gardens including Bodnant, with its stunning gold laburnum arch, the National Botanic Garden, Powis Castle, Aberglasney, with a private behind the scenes tour, and small cottage gardens such as Plas yn Rhiw. On the Isle of Anglesy we’ll board a small narrow-gauge train through the Snowdonia Mountains. Other visits include Crûg Farm Nursery, offering rare plants collected on worldwide expeditions, Plas Cadnant, a lovely wooded garden, and Plas Brondanw, a private Italianate garden where tender, exotic plants thrive due to the moderating influence of the mild Gulf Stream. Accommodations on our tour will be in atmospheric country inns.

    Our tour includes an optional extension to London with Chelsea Flower Show tickets.

    For complete itinerary details and information about booking this trip click https://www.sterlinggardentours.com/wales2019

    Image result for Malvern garden festival

  • Saturday, April 15 – Saturday, April 29, 2017 – Japan

    Travel with the Pacific Horticulture Society north and west of Tokyo on this in-depth 2017 tour of Japan to visit some of its most beautiful and less traveled countryside including World Heritage sites, designated National Treasures, a variety of temples large and small, historic shrines, and varied Japanese gardens. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in Japanese style accommodations, relax in an onsen (hot springs) if you like, and dine on the very best of Japanese cuisine.

    The summer palace complex, shrines, and mausoleum of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu who first united all of Japan is a beloved treasure for all Japanese who strive to visit it once in their lifetime. Situated the pine forests of Nikkan hour north of Tokyo, it features dozens of buildings, and includes the famous three monkey sculpture: hear-no-evil, speak-no-evil, and see-no evil. Along the way you’ll visit the village of Omiya, famous for its bonsai nurseries and museum. Your trip continues through Kairakun and then north to Sendai where one of Japan’s famous five-story pagodas is located at the Rinnoji Temple and garden.

    Another highlight is a visit to Matsushima Bay, with its 250 pine-covered islands, considered by many one of the top three scenic sites in Japan. You’ll tour the bay by boat where every view offers a spectacular view. Hiraizumi is home to Choson-ji, one of Japan’s most significant temple complexes, housing the golden Amida Hall, Japan’s first designated National Treasure. From there you visit Tono, the birthplace of some of Japan’s oldest and most fascinating folklore legends.

    Next you head south and then west. Yamadera boasts one of the most impressive displays of cherry blossoms along the river and through town (always subject to the yearly weather pattern). Its temple complex was founded over 1,000 years with temple halls spread throughout rich pine forests.

    You’ll visit Nigata famous for its sake, seafood, and hot springs—and several famous gardens. You’ll stay in Tsukioka Onsen, pictured below, one of the area’s most famous hot spring resorts renowned for its mineral enriched waters that promote “eternal youth, longevity, and beauty.”

    From Nigata you’ll enjoy a fast ride on the bullet train back to Tokyo for your return trip home or join us for a Kyoto extension. In Kyoto you’ll visit its most famous temples, pavilions, and palaces and experience cultural experiences such as the Japanese Tea Ceremony and a multi-course dinner with a private Geisha meeting and performance (subject to confirmation).

    Greg Graves, former PHS board member will escort this tour. Note: Our 2016 Japan tours have sold out quickly; if interested click http://www.sterlingtoursltd.com/Japan2017.html to read a detailed itinerary and discuss your interest with our Tour Company partner, Sterling Tours, Ltd.

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  • Friday, March 4 – Monday, March 14 – Horticultural Trip to Cuba

    Join the Pacific Horticulture Society March 4 – 14, 2016 for a cultural journey with a botanical slant. Our itinerary begins with a tour of Havana whose old town is rich with culture, music, museums, architecture, and more. Your travel around this island nation continues to Zapata National Park, the Escambray Mountains, and the Spanish colonial cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, where you’ll see Cuba’s diverse landscapes, including the plains or llanos, mountain regions, and coastal wetlands.

    Throughout your journey, there will be special emphasis on meeting the people of Cuba—botanists, environmentalists, teachers, scientists, students, and national park personnel—and learning about their lives and work, culture and traditions.

    During your stay in Cuba, you’ll:

    Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Old Havana and Trinidad.

    Spend time in the Spanish colonial city of Cienfuegos, on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its representation of a19th century Spanish city.

    Visit leading botanic gardens where you’ll see amazing plant collections that thrive in this climate.

    Explore the mountain station at Topes de Collantes, and take in the extraordinary views from these highest peaks in the Escambray.

    See the extraordinary plant life in the Sierra del Escambray, including Cuba’s national flower, the white mariposa (Hedychium coronarium).

    Learn about Las Terrazas reforestation project, the site of Cuba’s earliest surviving coffee plantation and today a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

    See the orchids at the Orquideario Soroa with it collection of 700 species in a hillside garden (pictured, from www.thecubanhistory.com).

    Visit Vivero Alamar, an impressive project for sustainable agriculture in suburban Havana where fresh vegetables and fruits are grown for the community.  For costs and complete itinerary visit www.pacifichorticulture.org.

  • Monday, February 15 – Sunday, February 21 – Oaxaca Garden Tour

    The Pacific Horticulture Society will travel to Mexico February 15 – 21, 2016. Visit Oaxaca, Mexico and you’ll quickly become entranced with its history and vibrant cultural traditions.

    The original inhabitants were known for textiles, ceramics, cuisine, and myriad plant use. In fact, corn and squash were first domesticated in this part of the Americas. A major destination on this tour is Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca (pictured) — an ethnobotanical garden where you’ll experience breathtaking landscape design and also learn how plants have always interacted with the culture of this region.

    Your stay will be in Oaxaca’s Casa Antigua, a small, 19th-century traditional style hotel built around a courtyard and noted for their especially delicious breakfasts. It’s central location makes it the right location to explore this delightful town.

    A highlight of our visit will be a walking tour of the local food market to taste spices and regionally grown produce followed by a cooking class in the home of Susana Trilling, cookbook author and host of the PBS series Seasons of My Heart: A Culinary Journey through Oaxaca.

    You will be welcomed into the homes and studios of local artists and you’ll travel through the lush, fertile countryside to visit the village of San Martin Tilcajete, center for the delightful carved animals called “alebrjie.” You’ll also visit a ceramic workshop, a handmade paper factory, and a tinwork studio, another of Mexico’s colorful art forms created with precision and artistic flair.

    Immerse yourself in the world of colors, flavors, textures, landscapes, and plants on this trip to fascinating Oaxaca, Mexico. For complete details contact office@pacifichorticulture.org.

  • Saturday, April 18 – Sunday, April 19, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Hortlandia 2015

    In April of every year, The Hardy Plant Society of Oregon sponsors an event that is probably the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Vendors from far and wide – from nearly the Canadian border to the California border – come to Portland to offer the latest plant introductions as well as the time-tested (and hardiness-tested!) plants. Complementing the plant vendors are specialty garden art vendors bringing one-of-a-kind pieces made from metal, wood, glass, ceramic, fabric, and stone. Each work of art is handcrafted by the vendor. This is a wonderful event, and it’s particularly nice to have so many nurseries and artists, with so many plant choices and specialty works, all under one roof. If you’ve thought of visiting Portland, Oregon, this may be the weekend to do so.

    Hortlandia is held at the Portland EXPO Center, Saturday and Sunday, April 18 – 19 from 10 – 3. This event is open to both HPSO members and non-members, and admission is free. There is plenty of parking.

    A few things to keep in mind: No pets, wagons, strollers or carts are permitted inside the building. HPSO will make reasonable accommodation or will provide assistance for people with disabilities. Please contact the HPSO office in advance so arrangements can be made, and let a Greeter at the entrance know if you require assistance.
    – See more at: http://www.pacifichorticulture.org/events/hortlandia-2015/#sthash.3yPCUByC.dpuf.

  • Tuesday, June 23 – Sunday, June 28 – Gardens of Greater Chicago

    Join Pat Wipf and the Pacific Horticulture Society June 23 – 28 for a tour of top public and private gardens of the Windy City and surrounding towns and hamlets.  Check in to the Embassy Suites near the Magnificent Mile and have dinner at Rick Bayless’s Frontera Grill.  The next day you’ll visit Rick Bayless’s garden with Bill Shores (pictured below,) a completely organic garden serving as a model for urban food production.  Enjoy an architectural river cruise, a tour of a unique Bucktown garden designed by Julie Siegel, the Lily Pond at Lincoln Park, Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and a number of private gardens in Chicago and Evanston. Read details and get pricing information at http://www.sterlingtoursltd.com/Chicago2015.html.Â