Boston Flora

Tag: White House

  • Thursday, December 12, 6:30 pm – Decorating “The People’s House”

    Author and renowned event producer Bryan Rafanelli and Jeremy Bernard, former White House social secretary under President Obama, will share their memories of holidays in the Obama White House on December 12 beginning at 6:30 in WBUR’s CitySpace at the Lavine Broadcast Center, 890 Commonwealth Avenue.

    The pair will discuss how the process of designing holiday décor was more than creating visually stunning displays, it was one that honored the history of a great house and the values of the First Family. $10, and door will open at 5:30 Buy tickets at www.wbur.org

    Jeremy Hobson, co-host of Here & Now, will moderate. Copies of Rafanelli’s new book, A Great Party – Designing The Perfect Celebration will be on sale. Rafanelli will sign copies following the discussion.

  • W. Atlee Burpee & Company Saves White House Kitchen Garden

    A $2.5 million gift has been announced to ensure the operation and maintenance of the White House Kitchen Garden initiated by First Lady Michelle Obama. The donation will be made by the home gardening company, W. Atlee Burpee, and The Burpee Foundation. The gift will ensure maintenance of the garden over a 17-year period.

    According to George Ball, chairman and CEO of the 140 year old Pennsylvania based Burpee, establishment of a formal vegetable garden at The White House resurrects a tradition that goes back to John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. “As America’s leading home gardening company we recognize the importance of continuing The White House Kitchen Garden and developing its educational activities in support of The White House initiative.” The gift will be made to the National Park Foundation (NPF) to cover direct costs to expand and maintain the Garden. The donation is a long-term commitment to the preservation of the White House Kitchen Garden.

    “Everyone at Burpee is proud of the First Lady’s ‘Can-Do!’ attitude,” Mr. Ball says, “and we hope that a well-conceived longlasting version of The White House Kitchen Garden will be fully supported by ensuing Administrations for so long as The White House serves as the residence for The President of the United States.”

    Burpee has been working with the NPF for more than two years to help reverse the dramatic loss of bees and other pollinators. The company donated more than one million seed packets to help home gardeners plant gardens that attract bees and butterflies. The packets were distributed free of charge to visitors to national parks throughout the 2015/2016 season.

    Funding for the donation will come from W. Atlee Burpee Company, a privately owned home gardening company in Bucks County, PA, and The Burpee Foundation, which was established in 2003. The Burpee company breeds, produces and distributes seeds and plants of vegetables and flowers both nationally and internationally.

    The First Lady of the United States commended Burpee and The Foundation for its generous gift in support of the future preservation of The White House Kitchen Garden and its impact on her “Let’s Move!” initiative, at a ceremony, Wednesday, October 5th, on the South Lawn next to the Garden which she planted in 2009.

    The Garden Club of the Back Bay thanks the Burpee organizations for their foresight and generosity.

  • Saturday, May 7, 2:00 pm – All the Presidents’ Gardens: Madison’s Cabbages to Kennedy’s Roses

    On Saturday, May 7 beginning at 2 pm at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive in Boylston, author and garden historian Marta McDowell will show us how the White House grounds reflect America’s enthusiasms, from George Washington’s obsession with collecting trees to Michelle Obama’s kitchen garden.  The talk and book signing is free with admission, but pre-registration is required.  Register at www.towerhillbg.org or call 508-869-6111, ext 124.

  • Friday, April 25 – Monday, April 28 – Art in Bloom

    As part of the MFA’s 2014 Season of Color, join them for this exuberant spring festival of art and floral design! Once again, garden clubs and professional designers from across New England will create floral arrangements inspired by the MFA’s works of art. Art in Bloom is open during regular Museum hours (10 am–4:45 pm) and is free with Museum admission; no reservations are required to see the floral arrangements and participate in most of the programs listed below. Events with prices require tickets.

    This year’s featured speaker is Emily Thompson.  Born in Vermont, she came from the north woods with her artist’s eye, a love of nature, and an unfettered imagination to become one of the nation’s most sought-after creators of organically beautiful, yet classically composed, floral designs.  Thompson, a sculptor, is one of New York’s premier floral artists, and received significant acclaim for her exquisite 2011 holiday decoration of the White House.

    ‘Tinis and Tulips Preview Party
    Shapiro Family Courtyard
    Friday, April 25, 7–9:30 pm
    Swing into spring at the MFA’s inaugural Season of Color preview party and enjoy a festive evening of colorful cocktails, light bites, music, and a scavenger hunt. Open to visitors 21+. Valid ID with proof of age required for entry. Tickets: Members $25; Adults (nonmembers) $50.

    Emily Thompson: Master Class I
    Druker Family Pavilion 160
    Saturday, April 26, 10:30 am–12:30 pm
    Hands-on flower instruction from a renowned, highly innovative sculptor turned floral designer. Tickets $250.

    Emily Thompson: Master Class II (advanced)
    Druker Family Pavilion 160
    Sunday, April 17, 10:30 am–12:30 pm
    Hands-on advanced flower instruction from a renowned, highly innovative sculptor turned floral designer. Tickets $250.

    Emily Thompson: Spring in the Wild Kingdom
    Remis Auditorium
    Monday, April 28, 10:30 am–12:30 pm
    A floral demonstration and lecture by Emily Thompson whose highly innovative and dramatic arrangements combine her love and reverence for nature with classical ornamental design. Tickets $55.

    Elegant Tea
    Koch Gallery 250
    Saturday. April 26, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm
    Sunday, April 27, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm
    Monday, April 28, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm
    Tickets required. Limited tickets available each day for purchase at the box office in person.
    Tickets: Adults $30, Children under 12 $10.
    Parties may be combined as needed.

    Marc Hall and Janie Haas: A Blooming Affair
    Alfond Auditorium
    Monday, April 28, 3–4 pm
    Enjoy learning about the latest in design trends for events and weddings from Marc Hall, a renowned designer and event planner and Janie Haas, a 2013 award winner of Boston Magazine’s “Best of Boston.” Tickets $25.

    Tom Strangfeld: The Entry Courtyard Garden
    Alfond Auditorium
    Saturday, April 26, 3–4 pm
    Come let Tom show you how your front yard is far more than just another part of the landscape… rather it is the first room in your home, welcoming family and friends.

    Art in Bloom French, Italian, and Russian Tours
    Meet at Sharf Visitor Center
    Saturday, April 26, 2:45–3:45 pm
    Tours given in French, Italian, and Russian include art and floral arrangements throughout the galleries.

    Members’ Night
    Saturday, April 26, 6–9 pm
    Doors open at 5:30 pm.
    Enjoy a members-only viewing of the MFA’s 38th annual festival of fine art and flowers.

    Family Day
    Various locations throughout the Museum
    Sunday, April 27, 10 am–3 pm
    Celebrate Art in Bloom with family-friendly activities for all ages including live entertainment, art-making activities, and storytelling.

    Dora Lee: Celebrate the Season of Color with Ikebana
    Alfond Auditorium
    Sunday, April 27, 3–4 pm
    Drop in to see Dora Lee demonstrating Sogetsu Ikebana from basic to freestyle.

    https://www.mfa.org/sites/default/files/images/artinbloom2014_main_web.showcase_3.jpeg

  • Friday, November 25 – Saturday, December 3 – Easton Garden Club Festival of Trees

    Enjoy an indoor display of decked-out holiday trees at Queset House, 51 Main Street, North Easton, sponsored by the Easton Garden Club.  Hours are November 25, 6 – 9, November 26 and 27, noon – 9, and weekdays, November 28 – December 2, 4 – 9.  The final day, Saturday, December 3, the Festival will be open from 10 – 9.  There will also be a greens sale at the Railroad Station on Sullivan Avenue in the Village of North Easton.  All trees are donated by individuals, local businesses, organizations, and schools.  Many award-winning Easton Garden Club floral designers will participate, including Gloria Freitas-Steidinger, a past President and GCFMA accredited judge, who also holds the distinction of decorating for the White House.  Admission: $5 adults, kids free.  Tree raffle tickets will be available at the door (a sheet of 26 tickets is $8)  For more information visit www.eastongradenclub.org, or email info@eastongradenclub.org.

    Easton Festival of Trees

  • Thursday, June 16, 3:00 pm – The President’s House and Garden

    An important aspect of the 2011 World Flower Show, to be held June 15 – 19 for the first time in the United States, is the series of terrific lectures available for a modest (in this instance $10) fee.  William Seale will present a program entitled The President’s House and Garden, in the Amphitheater of the Seaport World Trade Center on Thursday, June 16, beginning at 3 pm. William Seale is author of the recently updated two-volume set, The President’s House—which includes an epilogue on the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush years. He also serves as editor of White House History, the journal of the White House Historical Association. Drawing from his vast knowledge of this national landmark, Seale will offer an unforgettable account of the White House from its origins during the nation’s beginning to today, a continuing story of adapting and altering, yet always keeping close to the original image and purpose of the landmark. In addition to showing how the different presidents and their families used and lived in the White House, he will also reveal the roles played by scores of characters—butlers, housemaids, caterers, gardeners, coachmen, architects, interior decorators, and even fortune-tellers—in the keeping and management of the house. Tickets may be ordered on line at www.wafausa.org.

     

  • Saturday, April 30 – Monday, May 2 – Art in Bloom

    Celebrate spring at this annual festival of fine art and fresh flowers on April 30–May 2! See the MFA’s galleries transformed by fifty extraordinary arrangements inspired by magnificent works of art. This year a highlight of Art in Bloom is the Art of the Americas collection, on display in its spectacular new wing.

    Art in Bloom is free with Museum admission; no reservations are required to see the floral arrangements and participate in most of the programs listed below.

    Family Day on Saturday, April 30, features storytelling, performances, and activities for children. On the evening of Sunday, May 1, there will be a special members-only viewing of the festival with dining, shopping, and spotlight tours in the galleries. On May 2 from 5 to 9 pm, the Museum throws open its doors to the greater Boston community for a free Monday evening Open House featuring entertainment, flowers, and art. Free gallery tours and floral demonstrations will be offered from Saturday through Monday, and Elegant Tea will be served on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (reservations required for Elegant Tea; call 617-369-4204).

    This year’s special events include an illustrated lecture and floral demonstration—as well as a flower arranging master class—presented by the renowned Nancy Clarke, former chief floral designer, The White House. Mrs. Clarke has created thousands of beautiful decorations and floral designs for six American Presidents and First Ladies, their families, and international dignitaries. For 30 years she designed everything from simple bud vases for the First Lady’s nightstand to elaborate, formal arrangements for state dinners. Her floral designs and holiday decorations have delighted kings and queens, heads of state, members of Congress and journalists, as well as thousands of White House visitors. Mrs. Clarke will be appearing on Monday, May 2.  For complete details, log on to www.mfa.org/programs/series/art-bloom.