News Archive

Seeing a lot of winter damage in your yard? Restorative Pruning 4/9

Friday, 04 March 2016 14:42

Horticultural Triage: Assessing and Repairing Your Winter-damaged Landscape

We all know that winter is always brutal on plants, trees and shrubs, with many broken branches and limbs, animal damage, and plants drying out. Our Restorative Pruning Workshop, April 9, 9:00-11:30 am, led by the estate’s Landscape Director Debbie Merriam, will cover the basics of good pruning theory and practice, with a particular emphasis on evaluating and restoring plants that have been damaged by weather. After a brief classroom session, Debbie will demonstrate some rejuvenative pruning methods and participants will practice their skills on plants in the estate’s formal garden. Dress accordingly. Please bring safety glasses and hand-pruners if you have them; if not, they’ll be provided. If time allows, Debbie will also cover transplanting and soil health. Cost for this session is $30 for non-members; $20 for members. Space is limited; pre-registration required. To register, call  617-333-0924.

February Stone Soup: Revisiting Polly's 1966 Trip to Europe 2/25

Tuesday, 02 February 2016 15:11

This month we continue our 2016 Stone Soup and Speakers Series on Thursday, February 25th, 6:00-7:30 pm as we revisit Polly Wakefield's 1966 European trip with her husband Kennard to view gardens and sights in France, Germany, and Portugal.

Our "stone soup" programs are held on the final Thursday of each month over the winter months. Participants can begin the evening by enjoying a simple meal of homemade soup before settling in for a short presentation by a featured speaker.

The theme for this year's series is "Lessons From The Journey." Each month a featured speaker will include a slide presentation of a journey or adventure and explore the lessons learned along the way.

Suggested donation - $5-$10. Space IS limited. Pre-registration is required. To RSVP or for more information, please call 617-333-0924 x22.

Backyard Homesteading Series: Raising Your Own Chickens 2/27

Tuesday, 02 February 2016 14:58

Have you been thinking of raising your own chickens and enjoying your own fresh eggs? Our annual Backyard Homesteading workshop is a great way to explore the idea. This session is designed for people interested in learning how to start a backyard chicken coop and grow healthy, productive chickens for years of enjoyment and fresh food. After the indoor portion of the workshop, there will be a tour of the coops and chicken tractors on site, so dress accordingly.

$30 for non-members, $20 for members; space IS limited, so please pre-register by calling 617-333-0924 x22.

Seeing a lot of winter damage in your yard? Restorative Pruning 4/9

Tuesday, 12 January 2016 09:49

Horticultural Triage: Assessing and Repairing Your Winter-damaged Landscape

We all know that winter is always brutal on plants, trees and shrubs, with many broken branches and limbs, animal damage, and plants drying out. Our Restorative Pruning Workshop, April 9, 9:00-11:30 am, led by the estate’s Landscape Director Debbie Merriam, will cover the basics of good pruning theory and practice, with a particular emphasis on evaluating and restoring plants that have been damaged by weather. After a brief classroom session, Debbie will demonstrate some rejuvenative pruning methods and participants will practice their skills on plants in the estate’s formal garden. Dress accordingly. Please bring safety glasses and hand-pruners if you have them; if not, they’ll be provided. If time allows, Debbie will also cover transplanting and soil health. Cost for this session is $10 for members; $20 for non-members. Space is limited; pre-registration required. To register, call  617-333-0924.