Boston Flora

Tag: Pbs

  • Friday, February 9, 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm Eastern – Will Carbon Capture and Storage Continue Its Failure to Reduce Global Warming?

    GBH, in partnership with Science for the Public, presents a free online lecture on February 9 at noon Eastern. The major cause of the global warming crisis is excess atmospheric CO2 emitted mainly by fossil fuels. The extreme level of atmospheric CO2 is well beyond a “capture and storage/sequestration” solution, yet the hype persists that some clever extraction innovation will resolve the problem. Dr. Charles Harvey, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, MIT, has extensive experience with both CO2 capture/storage (CCS) engineering and the realization that CCS cannot reduce CO2 enough to reduce global warming. He argues instead for rational policy: drop fossil fuels and shift to renewables. Now. His expert advice is gaining a wide audience.

    Charles Harvey is internationally recognized for outstanding research in multiple areas of the field of environmental engineering. He has received numerous awards and has appeared in PBS (Frontline) and BBC productions. He is a Fellow of both the American Geological Society the American Geophysical Union. To register, visit https://www.wgbh.org/forum-network/lectures/carbon-capture-and-storage-will-not-reduce-global-warming

  • Wednesday, June 5, 1:30 pm – Garden Herbs: Their Cultivation, Cookery, Cures, and Caveats

    Many medicinal plants brought to the New World escaped dooryard gardens and naturalized in our local flora, which now includes many plants with legitimate or presumed curative properties. A number of these same medicinal herbs were used in cookery and food preservation, revealing the ethnobotanical wisdom of herbal antibiotic properties. On June 5 at 1:30 pm, Judith Sumner, a specialist in ethnobotany, flowering plants, plant adaptations, and garden history,  will present an intriguing overview of medicinal and culinary plants—from ancient traditions to gourmet cookery, military history, and modern medicine.

    Sought after as a speaker, Sumner has been  guest on the “Martha Stewart Living” TV show, the PBS program “Cultivating Life,” and various other PBS and educational programs. She lectures widely at botanical gardens, universities, and various symposia. The talk will be held at the Lexington Depot, followed by a tour of the Lexington Historical Society’s Hancock-Clarke House herb gardens and refreshments in Hancock-Clarke Barn.  Tickets available at https://www.lexingtonhistory.org/events.html

    An optional private tour of the Hancock-Clarke House is available after the presentation at 4:30 PM. LHS/LFGC members free, $10 for non-members. This add-on is available at the ticket link above.
    ​This tour is limited to 30 people.

  • Thursday, May 16, 1:00 pm – What Plants Talk About

    The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History presents a free with Museum admission Nature Screen Even on May 16 at 1 pm entitled What Plants Talk About. Hard core science is effortlessly integrated with a light-hearted look at how plants behave, revealing a world where plants are as busy, responsive and complex as we are. From the stunning heights of the Great Basin Desert to the lush coastal rainforests of west coast Canada, plant ecologist J.C. Cahill and a variety of other experts in plant communication take us on a journey into the “secret world of plants,” revealing an astonishing landscape where plants eavesdrop on each other, talk to their allies, call in insect mercenaries and nurture their young. It is a world of pulsing activity, where plants communicate, co-operate, and sometimes wage all-out-war. Come along for the ride and discover that plants are a lot less passive and a lot more intelligent than you think. For more information call 508-896-3867, ext 133.

  • Wednesday, December 19, 11:30 am – 12:30 am – Christmas in Yellowstone

    The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will screen a PBS original nature documentary, Christmas in Yellowstone, on Wednesday, December 19 at 11:30 am.As snow falls and Christmas lights glow in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a holiday season of a different sort settles over the great winter world of Yellowstone National Park, designated America’s first national park in 1872 and one of the greatest expanses of unspoiled nature and wildlife anywhere on Earth! NATURE follows in the snowy footprints of Yellowstone’s red foxes, spies on the predatory warfare of wolves and elk, and climbs into the den of a grizzly bear that gives birth to two cubs while deep in hibernation.

    In addition to the stunning footage of landscapes and wildlife, trail alongside author and photographer Tom Murphy, who has been coming to Yellowstone for the past 26 winters, camping and photographing amid the silence and solitude of the park. And go behind the scenes with filmmaker Shane Moore to find out how he kept up with Murphy during a harrowing trek, reminiscent of the legendary John Colter’s first journey into the park nearly two hundred years ago.

    Join us for a breathtaking look at wintertime deep within America’s first national park. Free with Museum Admission. For more information please call: 508-896-3867, ext. 133

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  • Thursday, July 12, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Nantucket Open Day

    Thursday, July 12, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Nantucket Open Day

    The Garden Conservancy announces Nantucket Open Day on Thursday, July 12 from 10 – 4. Admission to each garden is $7 for members and nonmembers without tickets purchased in advance.

    A must – visit is Blueberry Hill. An oak forest and tupelo grove protect the house and garden from ocean winds. The naturalistic landscape, designed by Lucinda Young, contrasts with rolling serene meadow views of West Polpis Harbor. An enclosed garden, set in a small building envelope on a conservation restriction, consists of heaths, heathers, and a crabapple espalier. A hidden garden contains a flower and shade garden. Chickens roam the property. At the request of the Garden Host, directions to this garden are provided at additional gardens open on this date, or by calling the Garden Conservancy office toll-free weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, 1-888-842-2442.

    The Garden at 7 Pocomo is located, naturally, at 7 Pocomo Road. A cottage resting atop a knoll surrounded by Nantucket’s natural beauty, the land itself is a tapestry of undisturbed native plants. Interwoven grass paths connect a series of protected rooms. The garden was created to bring joy to many generations of family. There are cutting and vegetable gardens to supply the house and friends all summer, as well as a flock of chickens! The cutting garden focuses on the color palette of summer, and the vegetable garden is chockfull of reliable food all summer long. This property is sure to be a treat for novice and experienced gardeners.

    The gardens belonging to Gale H. Arnold at 110 Wauwinet Road are reflective of its place in time, architecture, and utility. Tree, shrub, and perennial plantings are integrated into the natural landscape. Walkways and lawn space allow for free movement throughout and provide a clear view of the inner harbor and sunset. A collection of scented plants and fruit grow inside the 18th-century-style glass house. An enormous native oak, typical of Wauwinet, dominates the back of the Queen Anne-style residence.

    House in the Woods is a naturalistic landscape design. The property wraps around a large wetland, which has determined the aesthetic of the landscape, embracing native meadows, pollinator gardens, pool gardens, and native groundcovers. The connecting property emphasizes edibles in extensive vegetable gardens with wonderful woodwork and stonework details throughout.
    At the request of the Garden Host, directions to this garden are provided at additional gardens open on this date, or by calling the Garden Conservancy office toll-free weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, 1-888-842-2442.

    Finally, all PBS fans will want to see the Morash Victory Garden at 41 Shawkemo Road. The Morash Victory Garden has expanded several times during the past thirty years. Today, polypropylene deer fencing protects twenty earthen raised beds that were built on native sandy soils amended generously with local and site-made compost. Benefiting from such strategies as winter cover cropping, grass mulching, plastic sheeting, and clean cultivation, the garden grows the usual suspects found in most backyard vegetable gardens. Potatoes and pumpkins, tomatoes, and cut flowers are important crops. Sufficient water, abundant sunshine, and a hardworking homemade greenhouse, together with countless happy hours from an old gardener, are some of the secret weapons to be found in this vegetable and flower display.

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  • Saturday, June 9, 11:30 – 12:30 am and 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Plants Behaving Badly

    The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History presents a two part PBS documentary film Plants Behaving Badly on Saturday, June 9 at 11:30 am and 1 pm.  Two groups of plants exhibit such intriguing behavior that a century and a half ago they attracted the attention of Charles Darwin. These same plants, the orchids and the carnivorous plants, still fascinate scientists today. In two one-hour films, Plants Behaving Badly reveals a world of deceit and treachery worthy of any fictional thriller. The Museum is located at 869 Main Street, Route 6A in Brewster. Free with admission. For more information visit http://www.ccmnh.org/Events

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  • Saturday, October 1, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – The Art and Science of Pickling

    Food preservation can be a challenge, and before refrigeration, pickling was an essential strategy for safe food storage. In this Berkshire Botanical Garden illustrated talk and demonstration on Saturday, October 1 from 1 – 4, participants will investigate the origins of vinegar, the alchemy of fermentation, and the anti-microbial properties of herbs and spices that are at the center of the art of pickling. Noted ethnobotanist and historian Judith Sumner will share modern pickling recipes and methods (and the science behind them), ranging from fresh pack dill pickles in crocks to bread and butter pickles processed in a hot water bath, and enjoy a tasting of pickle recipes and analysis of recipes from various historic sources. The workshop will also include making some quick pickled onions to be taken home by participants.

    Judith Sumner is a botanist who specializes in ethnobotany, flowering plants, plant adaptations, and garden history. She has taught extensively both at the college level and at botanical gardens, including the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University and Garden in the Woods. She has been a guest on the Martha Stewart Living television show, the PBS program Cultivating Life, the Annenberg Channel, and various other PBS and educational programs.  BBG members $30, nonmembers $35. Register online at https://berkshirebotanical.org/education/lectures-and-workshops/

  • Thursday, October 15, 6:30 pm – Massachusetts Horticultural Society Honorary Medals Dinner

    Each year, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society presents the Honorary Medals Dinner where the leading lights of horticulture are honored. The event gives us the opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of horticulturalists, plant innovators, and those who have made significant contributions to the enjoyment and appreciation of plants and the environment. This year’s dinner will take place Thursday, October 15 beginning at 6:30 pm in the Hunnewell Building at Elm Bank.

    THE GEORGE ROBERT WHITE MEDAL OF HONOR: Kris Jarantoski, Executive Vice President and Director, Chicago Botanic Garden- Keynote Speaker

    Kris Jarantoski (pictured below)  develops and directs the horticulture, plant collections, and facilities and planning of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Since joining the Garden in 1977, Jarantoski has played a major part in the creation of each of the 26 distinct gardens and four natural areas on the Garden‘s 385-acre campus.

    During his time at the Garden, Jarantoski has received a number of notable awards. In 2007, the American Horticultural Society presented Jarantoski with its Professional Award for his significant contributions to the field of horticulture. In 2011, the Garden Club of America presented Jarantoski with its Distinguished Service Medal for outstanding service in the field of horticulture.

    In July 2014, Jarantoski received the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) Honorary Life Member Award—its most prestigious—recognizing “an enduring commitment and contribution to the organization and leadership in the field of public gardens.” Announcing the award, Casey Sclar, executive director of the APGA, wrote, “Kris’s service to the Association for almost four decades is a beacon of leadership for others to emulate. He not only has taken the Chicago Botanic Garden from fledgling garden to one of the great gardens of the world, but has lifted the entire profession along the way with his charismatic, positive grace.”

    Most recently, in November 2014 Jarantoski was awarded the 2015 Arthur Hoyt Scott Medal and Award. The Scott Medal and Award, established in 1929 by Swarthmore College, recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding national contribution to the science and art of gardening; it has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in horticulture.

    In addition, the Thomas Roland Medal will be presented to Joann Vieira, Director of Horticulture at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, The Jackson Dawson Memorial Medal will go to The American Chestnut Foundation, and Gold Medals will be awarded to Roger Cook, for his expertise on This Old House and his promotion of the public’s understanding and appreciation of horticulture and gardening, Mrs. Dorrance H. Hamilton for her support of excellence in horticulture through the Preservation Society of Newport County Flower Show, and Mrs. Maureen Ruettgers for her support of excellence in horticulture at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

    For information on attending, visit www.masshort.org.

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  • Thursday, November 5, 6:00 pm – How Nature Can Save Us

    We live in the Anthropocene, the age of humans, and not since cyanobacteria transformed Earth’s early atmosphere has one species–Homo sapiens–had such an outsized influence on the diversity of life on the planet. Saving nature in the human age is a challenging proposition, but perhaps a more relevant question might be how nature can save humankind. In an epic journey across 24 countries accompanied by a film crew from PBS and National Geographic, M. Sanjayan, Executive Vice President and Senior Scientist, Conservation International. compiled awe-inspiring stories that illuminate the inextricable link between the environment and human beings. In this program, he will discuss his journey and the basic truth it revealed: that saving nature is really about saving ourselves.

    Presented in collaboration with the Harvard College Conservation Society. This program is located at the Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford Street in Cambridge. Free parking is available at the 52 Oxford Street Garage. Free and open to the public.

  • Thursday, October 15, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – The Art and Practice of Saving Seeds

    The time-honored tradition of saving seeds merges botany, history, observation, and experience. On Thursday, October 15, from 7 – 8:30 in the Hunnewell Building at the Arnold Arboretum, Lee Buttala, editor of The Seed Garden, by the Seed Savers Exchange, will provide an overview of plant reproduction and pollination, how to preserve varietal traits, and the many reasons for saving seeds from your favorite heirloom and open-pollinated plants. Even if you don’t have seeds to save, Lee will help you understand the origin of that heirloom tomato that you picked up at the farmers market and share knowledge that has been passed down through generations by farmers and home gardeners for preserving the plants that sustain us. Lee Buttala is an Emmy Award–winning television producer of Martha Stewart Living and was the creator, producer, and director of Cultivating Life, a PBS series on outdoor living and gardening. He has written for The New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, New York, and Metropolitan Home. He also served as the preservation program manager for the Garden Conservancy and has studied garden design at the Kyoto University of Art and Design, the Chelsea Physic Garden, and the New York Botanical Garden. Free for Arboretum members, $5 nonmembers. Register at my.arboretum.harvard.edu or call 617-384-5277.