Upcoming programs at Berkshire Botanical Garden
Stockbridge – Berkshire Botanic Garden offers the following upcoming programs. From Monday, September 18 to Wednesday, September 20, “The language of flowers continues with a splash of colour,” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All flowers carry different meanings, often depending on the type of flower, and the time of year you live. It’s the bloom, or the color of the flower, or all of the above, but the same is true of the story that makes it so meaningful to us. This introductory class teaches you basic skills in botanical illustration techniques to help you make realistic drawings of branches, stems, leaves, and flowers using graphite and colored pencil in hopes of illustrating the single, concise story of your floral specimen. In this chapter you will learn that drawing consists of three simple elements: line, shape, and form. Additionally, we will explore color theory and colored pencil techniques. Botanical drawing for all levels, no prerequisite is required. Cost: $245 for members, $265 for non-members; Wednesday, September 20, 9-11 a.m., “Introduction to Smartphone Photography.” Need to understand the true photographic capabilities of your smartphone or tablet? Over the course of this two-hour session, we’ll review your smartphone/tablet’s basic camera operations, including exposure, filters, zoom, and select options like LIVE, Portrait, Video, Slow-Mo, Time-Lapse/Hyper speed, Pano, and more September 20, from 9 to 11 am. This session will include editing, sharing, and other related camera-based operations. If time permits and the weather is supportive, we will walk through the park to apply what has been presented. Cost is $25 for members, $40 for non-members; Thursday, September 21 from 6-8pm via Zoom, and Saturday, September 23 from 10am-2pm “Asters and Goldenrod” Field Studies. The many species of asters and golden roses are an eye-catching and ubiquitous feature of the late summer and fall landscape. However, since many of them look very similar, it can be difficult to recognize them. This course, led by Ted Elliman, will focus on characterizing the traits and habitats of about 40 species of goldenrod and aster, looking closely at the characteristics that help distinguish them in the field. Thursday evening’s Zoom will provide an overview of these species and their identification features, and Saturday’s field trip to a site rich in both asters and goldenrods will provide the opportunity to see many of them in natural conditions. Field Day Rain Date, Sunday, September 24, 10am-2pm Cost $65 for members, $80 for non-members; Saturday, September 23, 5-6 p.m., “Inner Harvest: A Meditation Gathering for the Autumn Equinox, with Mindfulness in Nature facilitator Sandrine Harris.” Experience the start of the season at the fall equinox, Saturday, September 23, from 5 to 6 p.m. Learn how to think about your “inner harvest” time, the first moment of fall, with mindfulness facilitator Sandrine Harris. Through a seamless blend of outdoor walking, quiet sitting, and guided meditation moments, you have the opportunity to be with the seasonality and energy of this time of year, this time of your life. All adults (18+) are welcome, no mindfulness or meditation experience necessary. Please bring a yoga mat or blanket to sit outdoors on the grass, and wear appropriate clothing and shoes for outdoor walking. In case of rain, this event will be held inside the main building at BBG. Cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. To register or for more information, visit www.berkshirebotanical.org. The Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.
Springfield Garden Club Program
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Garden Club will host “Rain Gardens, Why They’re Important and How to Make One Successful,” presented by Rachel Lindsay, Head of Landscape Design at Regenerative Design Group, Thursday, September 22, at 11:30 a.m. The event will be in person at the Barney Carriage House in Forest Park.
Rain gardens are an effective nature-based “green infrastructure” solution to prevent greater environmental problems caused by runoff, especially during large storms, from our streets, rooftops, driveways and patios. They can also add little patches of color, beauty, and habitat to our neighborhoods. With a master’s degree in environmental design from the Conway School, a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Wesleyan University, and her experience as head of landscape design at the Regenerative Design Group, Rachel is particularly qualified to show us what problems rain gardens can help solve, and how to solve them. Planning it, and what risks should be avoided.
The meeting will be held at the Carriage House at Barney Estate, Forest Park, 300 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA 01108. Lunch will be served, including gluten-free options, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Guest fee is $5 and tickets are available At the door or on Eventbrite. For more information about this and other Springfield Garden Club events, go to www.gcfm.org/springfieldgardenclub or visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldMAGardenClub/.
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