Upcoming Meetings

Guided Tour of Lyman Plant House & Botanic Gardens, Smith College

Smith College, North Hampton MA

We are expecting about 20 people to attend the Sat., June 1, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. tour of the Lyman Plant House at the Botanic Garden of Smith College. After the tour, you may peruse the Botanic Gardens on your own. Here is a link to an interactive map of the gardens: https://garden.smith.edu/plants/outdoor-gardens/gardens-map

PLEASE RSVP

If we are going to have more than 20, we will need to reserve another guide, so please email Dina at dsamfield@gmail.com to let her know you are coming and with how many before May 11. Please give her a list of all names in your party and also let her know if you are willing to take any additional passengers (if so, how many) or if you need a ride.

Cost

For up to 20 people we will have two tour guides. The suggested donation per person for the tour is $3. This will help them continue their education programs, so please plan to donate. (It will probably work best if you give your $3 to Dina as soon as you arrive and allow her to write a check for everyone.)

Parking

Because we are going on a Saturday, parking should not be a problem, but we encourage carpooling as much as possible. See this campus parking map (PDF).

Directions

From the Shirley Town Center, it is a 90-minute drive:
1. Get on MA-2 W in Lancaster from Center Rd, Lancaster Rd and Shirley Rd. for 4.5 miles
2. Continue on MA-2 W to Orange. Take exit 16 from US-202 S. (34.3 mi)
3. Follow US-202 S, Amherst Rd and MA-9 W to College Ln in Northampton (28.9 mi)

Lunch

Lunch and shopping are on your own. There are many great shops and restaurants in the area. Here is a link of some of the nearby restaurants with their distances from the College:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/RestaurantsNear-g41742-d106805-Smith_College_Botanic_Garden-Northampton_Hampshire_County_Massachusetts.html

For more information on the plant house and gardens, see the Plant House Layout (PDF)

Early Summer Garden Tour

Our June 22 Gardeners Exchange Meeting will be a tour of member Dianne Kazanjian’s garden in Pepperell. Dianne’s property has been in her family since 1955. She began her gardens in 1986 when she and her family moved to Pepperell from Somerville. Now, over 30 years later, expansive perennial gardens and mature ornamental shrubs and trees cover the two-acre property surrounding the family home. Planted areas are complemented by extensive granite, cobblestone and brick hardscaping crafted by her two sons, a landscaped swimming pool area and a pergola covered with kiwi vine and climbing hydrangeas where we will enjoy refreshments.

Diane describes her gardening style as “eclectic” so expect to see a diversity of plant varieties, both common and uncommon, growing in both shade and sun. Included are many re-purposed trees and shrubs removed from clients’ gardens by her landscaper son, rehabilitated in her “rescue nursery” and replanted in her own garden, now of “specimen” size. Mature ornamental trees include three varieties of dogwood, tricolor and weeping purple beech trees, many Japanese maples and a 20ft umbrella pine.

Members should plan to meet at Dianne’s at 10:30am – ample parking is available so carpooling is not necessary. As always, light refreshments will be served. And remember, this is a rain or shine event – gardens are often at their best on a rainy day!

Summer Garden Tour and Potluck

Tour Lucy’s amazing daylily collection and John and Lucy’s vegetable garden. Enjoy a summer potluck with fellow members.

Location will be sent in July member email.

Vegetable Garden and Heirloom Apples at Tower Hill Botanic Garden

Tower Hill Botanic Garden, West Boylston MA

This event will be August 25th. Details including carpooling info to be added soon.

Crafting with Dried Flowers from the Garden

Hazen Library, Shirley MA

Members will present craft ideas and techniques to use dried flowers and other materials from the garden. If you have skills to share or materials such as antique rose petals, grape vines, potpourri contents, etc. Please contact member Celeste Huber to collaborate.

Potluck Supper and Planning for 2020

Center Town Hall, Shirley MA

Enjoy socializing with fellow members, sharing potluck dishes and brainstorming our 2020 season together at the Center Town Hall in Shirley.

Note that this is on a Sunday!