Fall 2023

B E R K S H I R E B OTA N I C A L G A R D E N

FALL 2023

FALL 2023

T H R O U G H N O V. 1 9

OCTOBER 7–8

“The Garden of Curiosity” in the Leonhardt Galleries

89th Annual Harvest Festival

Referencing her deep interest in natural history, Ann Getsinger presents carefully observed and freely rendered objects, each piece serving as a fresh invention.

Our 24-acre Garden is transformed into a vibrant hub featuring family fun and 50-plus regional artisan food and craft vendors.

This quintessential Berkshire family event celebrates the autumn harvest with live music and children’s activities.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

S TA F F

Matthew Larkin, Chairman Madeline Hooper, Vice Chairman John Spellman, Treasurer Janet Laudenslager, Secretary

Co-Executive Directors Mike Beck and Thaddeus Thompson

Adegboyega Adefope Nicholas Arienti Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo Mary Copeland Adaline Frelinghuysen Lauretta Harris Nancy Hickey Ian Hooper Tom Ingersoll Jane Iredale Daniel Kasper Scott Lambert Roy Liemer Stephanie McNair Joanna Miller Linda O’Connell Ramelle Pulitzer Mark Walker Robert Wlliams Suzanne Yale K. K. Zutter

On the cover: Ann Getsinger’s “Patch” is among the works in her exhibition “The Garden of Curiosity,” in the Leonhardt Galleries through Nov. 19. See page 7.

This page: Mr. Scarecrow has been a fixture of our Harvest Festival for years. The man behind the mask speaks up for the first time — and says farewell. See page 18.

Camp Director Margaret Leahy Director of Education Jennifer Patton Director of Horticulture Eric Ruquist Director of Marketing Communications Felix Carroll Director of Special Events Rachel Durgin Education Coordinator Shannon Welch Facilities Assistant Sean McKenney Facilities Assistant Austen Dupont Garden Educator Megan Magner Horticulturalist Kessa McEwen

Trustees Emeriti Jeannene Booher David Carls Cathy Clark Craig Okerstrom-Lang Gloria McMahon Jo Dare Mitchell Judie Owens Martha Piper Jean Rousseau Honey Sharp Gail Shaw Jack Sprano Ingrid Taylor

Manager of Membership & Development Operations Mariah Baca Marketing and Communications Assistant Ruth Hanavan Operations Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator Megan Weiner Operations Manager Amy Butterworth Seasonal Gardener Kevin Johnson

CUTTINGS Felix Carroll, Editor Ruth Hanavan, Assistant Editor Julie Hammill, Designer

Visitor Center Manager Kristine Romano

NOVEMBER 12

NOVEMBER 19

DECEMBER 8–10

Annual Rooted in Place Ecological Gardening Symposium

Film + Wine at the Garden

Holiday Marketplace

Join BIFF and BBG for a screening of LIVING WINE, directed by Lori Miller, followed by a wine tasting at the Center House.

A glistening marketplace featuring the Gallery of Wreaths, artisan gifts, holiday blooming plants, and much merriment.

Explore the breadth of what regenerative design and land stewardship mean. Topics include landscape design, community outreach, pollination systems restoration, and farming.

BERKSHIRE BOTANICAL GARDEN

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THE GARDEN CONSERVANCY

CO-DIRECTOR’S CORNER THADDEUS THOMPSON

Gardens are places of complementarity.

Photo: Wit Mckay Garden (Williamstown, MA)

Open Days 2023 Visit America’s most interesting,creative, and inspiring private gardens through the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program.

Our 2023 season includes many exciting garden-visiting opportunities, Digging Deeper programs, and other educational offerings throughout Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and beyond.

See You in the Gardens!

Open Days is The Garden Conservancy’s signature program, supporting its mission to preserve, share, and celebrate America’s gardens and diverse gardening traditions for the education and inspiration of the public.

gardenconservancy.org/open-days

PRESERVING, SHARING, AND CELEBRATING AMERICA’S GARDENS

VISIT THE BBG

GIFT SHOP Take the Garden home with you!

Gifts, garden-related items and souvenirs. berkshirebotanical.org/giftshop

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Throughout the garden, one will find any number of pairings that go together as famously as macaroni and cheese, as if they were designed for one another.

There is one pairing that I’m looking forward to with particular anticipation this fall: the native asters and goldenrods that will gild our new Wildflower Meadow as the September air begins to cool the land. This extravagant pairing of purple and gold is as aesthetically pleasing as it is ecologically complementary.

Biologists have speculated that the visual effect that makes the clustering of asters and goldenrod so attractive to our eyes works a similar magic on the senses of native bees. It is a hypothesis supported by evidence that shows that, when growing together, both plants receive more pollinator visits than when they grow alone. These plants thrive in proximity and illustrate the value of what we sometimes refer to as “plant communities” — that intricate web of relationships that exist among groups of plants (and fauna) that share a common environment.

These complementary relationships, which you’ll find everywhere you look at BBG, are a reminder that the effect of a well-conceived garden is greater than the sum of its parts. It leads me to think, too, about our place as a garden within our own larger community ecosystem. Just as plant communities help to shape a natural landscape and create a unique sense of place, so do the mission-based organizations within a community help to create a rich and healthy cultural landscape.

At BBG, we’re proud to be a part of that larger cultural landscape that makes the Berkshires such a special and unique place. Our collaborations with organizations like Naumkeag, Community Access to the Arts (CATA), Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, The Clark, and the W.E.B. DuBois Sculpture Committee, as well as our relationships with the regional public schools and many more, help to define and enrich who we are and what we all do. Similarly, as we look ahead to the fall and the tapestry of autumn colors that draw so many visitors to the region, it is interesting to think that visitors are particularly attracted by the visual symphony of our native New England plants. In coming to take in the spectacle, visitors to our region are like the pollinators in our meadow.

Upbeat and determined, they buzz from place to place and take in so much of the culture that the Berkshires offers. And, like the asters and goldenrod of our meadow, each of us that makes up this landscape is better off for being a part of something larger than ourselves.

So, as you explore the beautiful Berkshires this fall and winter, I hope you’ll drop in at BBG and enjoy events like our annual Harvest Festival in October, Rooted in Place Ecological Gardening Symposium in November, or Holiday Marketplace in December. Or simply come and stroll our meadow and enjoy the splendor of the Garden’s autumn colors or visit our Galleries and the wonderful exhibit by artist Ann Getsinger. They all complement one another. And I hope you’ll shower a bit of love on our fellow cultural neighbors, too. We’re all better for it.

The

Curtain Rises Introducing Our New Wildflower Meadow

BY F E L I X C A R R O L L

BERKSHIRE BOTANICAL GARDEN

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B

efore he removed the “CLOSED” sign, before he helped welcome the crowds, Eric Ruquist stood in the middle of a field of wildflowers at Berkshire Botanical Garden and acknowledged he had a case of the jitters.

Like a producer of a Broadway show on opening day, Eric, BBG’s director of horticulture, would be overseeing the public debut of a three-year, meticulously choreographed creation: a 2.5-acre native-dominated meadow. Now, vibrant with densely interwoven native flora and carved with walking trails, the meadow was ready for its close-up. Eric breathed deeply and acknowledged, “You know, it looks pretty good.”

Just before 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, down came the “CLOSED” sign. Up went the “MEADOW OPENING” sign.

In came a crowd for the inauguration of BBG’s newest showpiece. Dubbed “The 4

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Wildflower Meadow,” the thumbs-upshaped acreage did not disappoint.

“It’s wonderful, beautiful,” said Charlotte Fairweather, a longtime BBG volunteer.

“It’s exactly what we were hoping for,” said Marli Milano, a field operations coordinator for the Pennsylvania-based Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, the group hired by BBG to oversee the establishment of the meadow.

Let’s be clear: This could’ve all been a disaster. When BBG first took ownership of the land back in 2019, the property first had to be divested of a motley throng of invasives, including garlic mustard, bittersweet and knotweed. Then, in

November 2021, a carefully curated mix of seeds was broadcasted out upon the bare land. The seed — 200 seeds per square foot — are native to the Berkshires and the region.

In the spring and summer of 2022, invasive weeds could’ve gotten a running start on the nascent native meadow, potentially smothering out the stated goal. But Eric and his horticulture crew followed a strict mowing schedule timed to slay weeds while encouraging root growth for the newly emergent meadow.

A visit in June 2022, from Larry Weaner and Marli helped allay any

YEAR TWO:

What’s Growing in the Meadow?

Seeded Species (the Good Stuff!) Include: Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), smooth aster (Aster laevis), sedge species (Carex spp.), Scarlet Paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea), partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata), pasture thistle (Cirsium discolor), tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata), wild rye species (Elymus spp.), sweet everlasting (Gnaphalium obtusifolium), Horsemint (Monarda punctata), wild quinine (Parthenium integrifolium), white beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), hairy beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus), Blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), early goldenrod (Solidago juncea), golden Alexander (Zizia aurea).

concerns. They identified what they had hoped to find, including encouraging quantities of horsemint, partridge pea, smooth aster, golden Alexander, white beardtongue, Black-eyed Susan, wild quinine, pasture thistle, butter weed, anise hyssop, tickseed, and sedge species.

Still, a year ago, the meadow, sequestered behind a “CLOSED” sign, wasn’t much to look at. As expected, to the casual observer, it remained more of a dream of fields than a field of dreams.

Eschewing the ongoing use of herbicides, and being scrupulous not to disturb the soil, Eric and his crew continued to deal with stubborn invasives by means of scheduled mowings, string trimmers and hand clippers. Last winter he had “August 2023” marked on his calendar as the time when the

Weed Species Include: Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate), sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), wild carrot (Daucus carota), teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), quack grass (Elymus repens), field bedstraw (Galium mollugo), yellow bedstraw (Galium verum), dames rocket (Hesperis matronalis), black medic (Medicago lupulina), sweet clover (Melilotus sp.), wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa praetensis), curly dock (Rumex crispus), Canada goldenrod complex (Solidago canadensis complex), red clover (Trifolium praetense), white clover (Trifolium repens), bird vetch (Vicia cracca).

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Left, an aerial view of the meadow, which is located on the northernmost end of BBG’s property, just behind the Center House. Below, Mike Beck and Eric Ruquist said the next steps for the meadow include incorporating it into BBG’s educational initiatives.

They hope to encourage BBG visitors to incorporate native flora into their own yards to support crucial pollinators.

“... it is arguably the most ecologically beneficial purpose to which we could put this land.”

–THADDEUS THOMPSON

meadow might show signs of florification such that it could be opened to the public.

And he was right.

By August, the land — which includes an open meadow, a ridge and a wetland plateau — was blanketed with the yellows and purples of blooming black-eyed Susan and pasture thistle.

At the meadow opening on Aug. 12, Marli was joined by a colleague, Rebecca Kagle, a restoration ecologist who had helped spearhead the project. The two explained to the 100 or so attendees what they were looking at.

“You’re seeing a second-year meadow,” Rebecca said. “A second-year meadow is like a teenage meadow.”

By that, she meant, that while the meadow is still in its awkward stage — and weeds must be regularly monitored and addressed — there’s more than meets the eye. Namely, underneath that blanket of thistle and Black-eyed Susan are fledgling plants that will make themselves known in 6

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the coming weeks, months and years.

“Our ultimate goal is a lowmaintenance, highly diverse pollinator garden that is pleasurable to walk in,” Rebecca said.

Mike Beck, BBG’s co-executive director, told the crowd that plans are afoot to create educational signage and to incorporate the meadow into BBG’s educational programs. The meadow, he said, reinforces BBG’s longstanding initiative promoting native plantings.

Such plantings are aesthetically rich, require far less carbon-heavy upkeep and attract wildlife, including bees, butterflies and other pollinators. These pollinators — under threat over the last century by the proliferation of unnatural, chemically sustained, green toupee turf grass — are essential for the propagation of many plants and for sustaining a healthy, natural habitat.

“This beautiful meadow constitutes 10 percent of BBG’s land, so it adds a big

footprint to the Garden for our guests to enjoy,” said Co-Executive Director Thaddeus Thompson. “More than that, it is arguably the most ecologically beneficial purpose to which we could put this land. It’s a win-win for our visitors and our environment. Looking ahead, we’re excited to conduct citizen-science projects in this space, monitoring and assessing the health of the meadow and the fauna that it supports.”

Just moments before the opening, Eric was out at the far end of the meadow when he gave the universal sign for shush, his finger pressed to pursed lips.

“You hear that?” he said.

He was drawing attention to a sound not heard at this spot for decades: a deep, low hum, a sleepy, surroundsound of bees in flight.

The pollinator equivalent of praise and applause.

‘The

Garden of Curiosity’ Featuring Works by Ann Getsinger, through Nov. 19

BY F E L I X C A R R O L L

Ann Getsinger’s “Leaping Deer,” oil on linen.

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I

f you’ve seen the art exhibit “The Garden of Curiosity,” now showing at Berkshire Botanical Garden, it probably wouldn’t surprise you to learn that the artist behind it, Ann Getsinger, spent her formative childhood years occupied outdoors, on hands and knees, creating worlds for her toys out of sticks and dirt.

Probably other things wouldn’t surprise you, either.

She wanted a horse and couldn’t have one, so as a young girl, she proceeded to draw horses — skillfully so, and from all angles.

It probably wouldn’t surprise you to learn she has had a longstanding experience of observing and connecting with animals — of talking to them, like you’d say hello to the UPS driver. Along the 40 or so paces of the loosely laced path leading from the back door of her home to her standalone studio in New Marlborough, Mass., a chipmunk has allowed her to stroke its head, and the rabbits and birds rarely flee for the shrubbery or skies.

She has close friends — humans — who bring her things, “gifts” or “loans,” she calls them. Maybe gourds from their gardens. Maybe wild mushrooms found in the forest. Maybe vertebrae of unknown origin.

Maybe it wouldn’t surprise you to learn that last winter, her friends Susan Sellew and Martha Bryan bequeathed her with the gift of a dead red-tailed hawk that Susan had found — a barrel8

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chested bird of prey, lying in state, its soft feathers intact, its beak clinched like a bent nail.

“They knew I’d want it,” Ann recalls.

Overcoming her hesitancy, Ann held it, felt its magnanimous weight, imagined the mechanical working of its miracle wings and then proceeded to do with it what she does with so many other such “gifts” and “loans.” She translated her awe into artwork — intricate artwork, meditative, venturesome, challenging, forceful, often odd and always stunning. Ann is an observer of nature, a participant within it, an adorer and advocate.

Her rendering of that noble red-tailed hawk is among the 30plus works — oil paintings, mixed media drawings and sculptures — that comprise “The Garden of Curiosity,” showing in Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Leonhardt Galleries through Nov. 19.

The exhibition might best be described by what it is not. This is not an escape from reality, but rather a forward plunge into

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“Art feels more essential to me than ever before, directly mirroring a world that feels more overwhelming than ever before.”

–ANN GETSINGER

life’s vibrant forces and convolutions. It’s a world that can still hurt you.

“Art feels more essential to me than ever before, directly mirroring a world that feels more overwhelming than ever before,” says Getsinger, 66, a native of Watertown, Conn., who settled as a teen in the Berkshires in the late 1970s, where she proceeded to work odd jobs, study painting under the late Sheldon Fink, live in nature, and create art.

Beginning in the early 1990s, her paintings found their way into many private collections and have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the country. She refers to her show at Berkshire Botanical Garden as “a dream come true.” Indeed, she describes her artistic process in gardening terms, “where things grow, rest and grow again.”

Maybe it’s not surprising that the title of her exhibition pays homage to a famous work of art that has most inspired her: the mystical, sensual, ecological, and poetic triptych oil painting “The Garden of Earthly Delights,” painted on oak panel 500-plus years ago by Hieronymus Bosch.

The title of her show, “The Garden of Curiosity,” properly describes Ann’s collection, which showcases both her abundant technical skills and her inclination to see — and to present — familiar objects as puzzlingly new.

“Creating visual art is the closest I’ve ever come to having my life make any sense at all,” Ann says. “It’s both indulgent and essential. It’s about balancing freedom and discipline in order to explore this temporary existence, to consider the meaning and sensuality of nature and my personal

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Film + Wine at the Garden Sunday, Nov. 19 | 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Join Berkshire International Film Festival and BBG for a cozy afternoon of film and wine. We will present a screening of LIVING WINE, directed by Lori Miller, followed by a wine tasting of organic and biodynamic wines at the Center House. “The idealism, selflessness and commitment of the growers and producers is inspiring” New York Times. See BerkshireBotanical.org for more details.

Ann Getsinger’s “Visitation,” oil on linen.

connection to it. I’m always challenged to go deeper.”

Her work often combines Realism and Surrealism, creating a captivating effect of paintings within paintings. Centrally placed, life-size subjects — bones, insects, plants, seashells, fruit, leaves, and orange peels, accurately detailed, non-stylized — often are set against, or integrated with, dreamlike and sometimes disjoined landscapes. She often references the Berkshire Hills in her backgrounds, along with occasional ocean locations inspired by her frequent visits to the Maine coast.

Her artwork reveals a profound unity, where everything in the world is intricately connected on both biological and metaphysical levels. A glass ball in the woods can completely transform the surrounding scenery, challenging familiar perceptions and inviting new discoveries. She compares her artistic process to wandering through imaginative halls, armed with both binoculars and a magnifying glass, allowing her inner scientist to observe and marvel, and translating her wonder into visual form.

Among her new discoveries are squirrels.

“Have you ever just watched squirrels, the way they move?” she asks. “Their tail is always doing something that’s counteracting the body. They are really underappreciated.”

Curiosity, indeed, is what draws Ann to her studio each day. Through a two-story wall of glass, natural light from the north rummages around the room as if looking for an idea to anoint.

Ann ties on her apron. The fun — the freedom — begins.

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I N TH E N E W S:

Horticulture Graduate Makes a Discovery for the Record Books

A

2023 graduate of Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Horticulture Certificate Program has been credited for what one state botanist has called an “extraordinary” discovery. Syke van der Laan was on a walk in the woods with his family in southern Berkshire County on July 5, when something curious caught his eye.

“It was a little red plant, about eight inches tall and no leaves to speak of and just this red stalk with these dangly flowers, and I was like, ‘What is that?’”

Syke told us. “First, I posted it on a Facebook group, and somebody pointed out to me that it had never been seen before in Massachusetts.”

MassWildlife’s State Botanist Robert Wernerehl and retired MassWildlife Biologist Tony Gola met Skye on site and confirmed the plant was the first record in the state of pine-drops (Pterospora andromedea). “The discovery of a new native plant here in Massachusetts is extraordinary,” said Wernerehl.

Syke van der Laan (left) with the ecologist Ted Elliman, during a BBG field study in July in Sheffield, Mass.

We extend our congratulations to Syke, a self-described amateur botanist from Albany, N.Y. Syke said enrolling in the Horticulture Certificate Program in the fall of 2022 marked a critical life change after having become burned out from a 30-year carpentry career. He now works as a trail steward in Bethlehem, N.Y. He credits his keen eye for rare plants to the training he received through BBG. Following his graduation from the Horticulture Certificate Program in April, he attended BBG’s spring wildflower field study in May and natural plant communities field study in July, both led by the ecologist Ted Elliman.

“It all influenced me greatly,” he said. “I kind of rediscovered my former passions.

And after that first field study with Ted,

The pine-drops discovered in the Berkshires in July by Syke van der Laan.

Photo: MassWildlife

it just got me really interested in seeing what was out there. I kind of got excited about finding rare plants.”

Rare orchids and yellow lady slippers had been among his more noteworthy finds until he came upon the pine-drops, a plant most common in the Rocky Mountains and listed as endangered in New England.

Native Plant Trust describes pinedrops as “a nonphotosynthetic, parasitic plant that obtains nutrients from its host via mutualistic fungal hyphae that form connections between the roots of the parasite and its host plant. In New England this species is represented by a few populations each in New Hampshire and Vermont, in coniferous or mixed woods over limestone or clay.”

MassWildlife said it’s unclear whether more pine-drops exist in the state or why they went undetected for so long.

“The pine-drops prefers dry pine forests, and we have plenty of that,” said Wernerehl. “We’re grateful to the sharp eyes and careful observations of naturalists like Syke that help us expand our understanding of biodiversity in the Commonwealth.” — Felix Carroll

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Mother Earth Lodge Enlarged Education Campus Helps Revitalize Farm in the Garden Camp

By Ruth Hanavan

It’s a steamy Monday morning in July at Berkshire Botanical Garden’s Farm in the Garden Camp, and young campers pop out like gumballs from cars and minivans. With lunch boxes and sun hats, and rain gear stashed in their backpacks, they make their way down the new driveway to the recently completed camp building, the Mother Earth Lodge. There, Julian Vallen, the camp director, awaits, along with his camp staff.

As Julian checks in each camper, he chats with parents, grandparents and other caregivers. One family is interested in the best way to plant and tend the seeds that their camper came home with the day before, while another asks for advice about the squash growing in their home vegetable garden.

“Our goal for the Farm in the Garden curriculum is to connect children to the Garden, to our food system, the environment, and to one another,” Julian says. “We send home seeds and seedlings for them to plant in their home gardens, plants that they have grown here at

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Camp, so they can keep experiencing Camp even when they aren’t here.”

The Mother Earth Lodge, completed in June, is a game-changer for BBG. The 30-by-50-foot building, built by local craftspeople from bare boughs and milled and scribed posts and beams, provides BBG with the opportunity to increase the number of campers from 30 children a week to 50.

The Lodge is cool inside, giving the campers a break from sunny, summer days, and the sliding doors on the side of the Lodge open to a grassy lawn that leads to the Children’s Vegetable Garden, providing a refreshing breeze and helping to make the campers feel that even when they are indoors, they are also outdoors.

This proved particularly helpful this past summer, when the unpredictable weather necessitated that campers and

staff quickly toggle between indoor and outdoor activities. Part of the new, expanded education campus includes an adjacent pergola classroom, which served as a perfect venue this summer for the camp’s weekly Farm Feast, a time when all the campers and counselors gather around the long, wooden table to share a meal at the end of each weekly session.

The sheltered space also provides room for the Camp Farmer’s Market, held every Thursday, where campers sell the harvest from their vegetable garden as well as baked goods they prepared in the kitchen. Other perks of the Lodge itself include the deep prep sink built at kid-height, dedicated camp restrooms, a mudroom and cubby space, and an underground root cellar.

Immediately outside the sliding doors of the Lodge is the vegetable garden, planted and tended by the Farm in the Garden campers. Again, camper height factored into the design, including the height of the raised beds and the garden’s wide paths.

A row of higher, accessible garden boxes line the end of the garden closest to the Lodge, near a new watering system that — if

needed — emits a timed amount of water to ensure that not a drop goes to waste.

The Lodge and its vegetable garden and pergola classroom were built thanks to the generous support of Barbara and Melissa Leonhardt. Through the New York Community Trust, the sisters donated the construction funds in the memory of their mother, Anne Leonhardt, who died in 2017 at the age of 92.

“She had a lot of passions,” said Barbara, who lives in Stockbridge. “Children’s education, the environment, helping people who are underprivileged, and empowering women and girls” were chief among those passions.

“She loved having the opportunity to give where there was a need,” Barbara

said. “And now, to keep her legacy going: this building. … It’s amazing.

She’d be so happy.”

The day camp serves children ages 4 through 12, providing them with the opportunity to care for plants and animals, go on nature walks, create botanical crafts, and learn about the natural world.

A good part of the day at the Farm in the Garden Camp includes specific farm chores — feeding and caring for animals, collecting eggs, and planting, watering and harvesting vegetables.

Campers this year learned flora and fauna identification. They made balms and natural bug sprays. They created art using the materials in the natural world. On a typical day, campers march around the

garden, holding flowers and singing songs, as they move between activities.

Each year, Camp begins the last week in June and continues through August – eight, week-long sessions. The Camp also runs during school breaks in February and April.

For years, the Farm in the Garden camp operated out of the Education Center. The large exhibit hall, small classroom and full kitchen worked well for the small group, but there were also limitations.

“It felt more like a classroom than a Farm Camp,” Julian explains. “Now that we are in the Lodge, we can expand the number of kids at camp and utilize the outdoor space so much more.”

Garden’s Bumper Crops Include Generations of Educated Youth Berkshire Botanical Garden, established in 1934, has always included children’s education in its programming. The official “Report of Berkshire Garden Center,” dated Oct. 1, 1935, references “children’s activities carried on under the chairmanship of Mrs Simpson, including a contest for collecting tent caterpillar egg-clusters throughout the winter … a Children’s Flower Show … and distribution of gourd seeds” that would be displayed at the upcoming Harvest Festival.

From those humble beginnings, the Garden continued its youth programming through the years, including holding an annual Children’s Nature Walk in the spring, a flower and vegetable show in August. In 1942, the first Children’s Vegetable Garden was established, “cared for by one small boy under the direction of the 4-H Club.” In 1959, the first Summer Youth Workshops were developed, and in 1971, the original Youth Building was completed, adjacent to the greenhouse.

Amy Butterworth, BBG’s current operations manager, remembers coming to the Garden as a child for art and garden classes.

“When we moved here, my mother immediately became involved with BBG,” she recalls. “And my sisters and I and all of our classmates spent time at the Garden. It was the thing to do. There were drawing classes that we would take and gardening classes, of course. The gardening classes were taught by Mrs. Boutard,” Amy recalls, referring to Sherry, the wife of Roy Boutard, the Garden’s venerable executive director from 1955 to 1985. ”My own children attended classes here and volunteered in the summers as well.”

Since then, the Farm in the Garden Camp has become a crown jewel of BBG’s youth education initiatives. The Camp, in its modern form, became a reality in 2010, when 15 campers showed up for the first session. Now, with the new Mother Earth Lodge, the Camp can accommodate up to 50 campers, with eight full-time seasonal counselors. — Ruth Hanavan

Amy Butterworth, BBG’s operations manager, is 99.9 percent certain that’s her in this photo — front row, second from the right (the girl wearing the cardigan). Since its founding, Berkshire Botanical Garden has emphasized children’s education in its mission. In this photo, Roy Boutard leads Amy and her peers in a garden class in the 1970s. “I could’ve been home watching ‘F Troop,’” jokes Amy, who has been a BBG mainstay for more than 50 years.

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‘Does This Predate the Botanical Garden?’

An Old Stone Wall Transforms into a Seemingly Ancient Amphitheater Marcia Downing came up the wooded path, stood at the foot of the Garden’s amphitheater and paused. A first-time visitor from Indiana, she couldn’t help but express her awe. Turning to a staff member, she posed a question that would bring joy to the creators of this new, ancient-looking masterwork of landscape design.

“Does this predate the Botanical Garden?”

Mission accomplished.

While the Berkshire Botanical Garden has been in existence since 1934, the Williams Family Amphitheater was merely a dream until this spring. Last year, the

dream took shape as a rough sketch, followed by a stroke of good fortune, followed by an astonishing achievement of craftsmanship.

BBG had long recognized the Garden’s need for additional outdoor event space for children’s programming, performances, presentations, and weddings. Last year, Matt Larkin, BBG’s chairman of the Board of Trustees, met up with fellow Trustee Tom Ingersoll, an arborist and landscape designer, and the two agreed in general terms on what the amphitheater should be. Namely,

it should be something spectacular, preferably made from native stone.

Good fortune came earlier this year when Matt was approached by the stonemason Mark Mendel of Monterey Masonry, who has taught many classes at the Garden over the years. Mark had clients nearby who wanted an old stone wall on their property removed.

BBG seized the opportunity, conducting a reconnaissance mission to measure and inventory the wall.

Constructed from locally quarried marble long ago, the wall provided just enough

The Williams Family Amphitheater was made possible through funding provided by longtime Berkshire Botanical Garden supporters Rob and Carol Williams.

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material to meet BBG’s needs. The rough stones were also the right size for seating. They were blocky. They were perfect.

“This was a heaven-sent opportunity,” Tom said.

By then, Matt had secured funding for the amphitheater’s construction from Rob and Carol Williams, who have long supported the Garden’s mission, especially its education programs both at the Garden and in local schools.

By April, the stone wall had been disassembled and transported to its new home upon a sloping site in the wooded southern portion of BBG’s property. The project had begun.

Notably, the amphitheater that emerged over the next two months was not the result of high-tech engineering or computer-aided design. It was a testament to old-school oomph and artistry.

“Literally,” said Tom, “it was figuring out how it was going to work, on the ground, in person, live.”

Tree removal was kept to a minimum, primarily targeting ash trees already under attack by the emerald ash borer.

Matt and Tom were particularly careful to preserve two stunning cherry trees and a beautiful silver maple, which now contribute to the amphitheater’s cathedral-like canopy.

“Even as we got half-way done the project, Matt and I were looking at each other and going, ‘Holy moley!’” said Tom. He hastens to give credit to his crew — members of the Gomez family — a father, son and uncle who originally hail from Puebla, in Mexico.

Visitors who come upon the amphitheater are surprised to discover this 65-seat marvel in the woods. Newly planted native flora accompany the intricately tiered stonework, along

with a pergola and presentation screen, both built by Aaron Dunn out of locally harvested locust trees. The materials used in the construction all are local. In fact, the Goshen stone — used on the stair treads and elsewhere — came the furthest distance, a mere 30 miles away, Tom said.

“From the beginning of Matt’s concept, we talked about, ‘Can we build something that complements the existing landscape, as opposed to making something deliberately modern, angular and imposed upon the landscape?’” Tom said. “We wanted it to look as if you’ve just come upon ancient ruins.”

The Williams Family Amphitheater is built in honor of Rob and Carol’s two sons and their five grandchildren.

“This is just better than we could have imagined,” said Rob, a 20-year BBG trustee. “I love it.”

“It’s just right,” said Carol.

The amphitheater was swiftly put to use this summer, the site of activities for BBG’s Farm in the Garden Camp, special presentations, classes, and the Family Fridays series.

By the way, if you find yourself questioning the comfort of the stone seating, fear not. Krissy Romano, Visitor Center manager, has thoughtfully provided cushions (paid for by Rob and Carol) that can be borrowed during events for added relaxation. — Felix Carroll

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HARVEST FESTIVAL A Quintessential Berkshire Event Returns

By Ruth Hanavan

When the fall foliage is at its peak, that’s when the Berkshire Botanical Garden’s annual Harvest Festival comes alive. Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 and 8, as this iconic event returns.

During these two days, the 24-acre Garden undergoes a remarkable transformation into a vibrant hub for the celebration of community, the natural world and our agricultural heritage.

Offering an array of family-friendly activities, live music and a wide selection of regional artisan food and crafts vendors, the Harvest Festival has been a beloved tradition in the Berkshires for generations, dating back to 1935. Originally envisioned as a 16

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harvest-season family and community festival, it has grown to become one of the largest and longest-running events of its kind in the country.

Relax in the BBG Beer Garden and enjoy a selection of craft beers. Wander through the booths of vendors, and sample the international cuisine of our Food Truck Corral!

Once again, BBG Volunteers have been hard at work sorting, cleaning and organizing items for the giant tag sale, featuring repurposed housewares, dishes and glasses, tchotchkes, art, and more.

Be sure to visit the Accessorize! Pop Up shop, selling gently used clothing, hats, shoes, jewelry, purses, and other fun accessories.

Bring the entire family and enjoy our Children’s Area, which includes the ever-popular obstacle course, the Haunted House, pony rides, pumpkin carving, the hay jump, hay maze, face-painting, and a cider press. And right around the corner is the Main Stage, a continuous music venue featuring regional performers, including folk crooner Cierra Fragale and the groovy O-Tones.

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The Horticultural Tent will be selling garden books and supplies, as well as mums, pumpkins and seasonal bulbs.

Harvest Festival is first and foremost a celebration of community, showcasing local artisans of the highest quality, supporting local services and promoting a wide array of Berkshire area products.

To put things into perspective, our first Harvest Festival boasted one booth and a cider press. In 2023, our vendors include woodworkers, jewelry-makers, candles, glass artisans, pottery, hand-made apparel, resin art, alpacawool mittens, puzzles, and many more.

The Harvest Festival is also the Garden’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds supporting adult and children’s year-round, educational programming, including the summer Farm in the Garden Camp.

Admission to the Harvest Festival is $10 for adults; children under 12 are admitted free. There is no charge for parking in several fields near BBG, and pre-registration is not necessary. Dogs (with the exception of registered service dogs) are not permitted at the Harvest Festival.

BERKSHIRE BOTANICAL GARDEN

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HARVEST FESTIVAL ‘The Most Priceless Thing’ Mr. Scarecrow Says Farewell Allen Timmons, the kindly, blue-eyed man with an Alabama accent whose sweet-filled syllables stretch like taffy, has a message to share with his many friends here at Berkshire Botanical Garden, particularly the children who attend the annual Harvest Festival.

Diagnosed earlier this year with Stage-4 lung cancer, he wishes to extend his gratitude — and a fond farewell.

Let it be known here and now, that was Allen behind that mask. For more than a dozen years up until last year, he served as the Harvest Festival’s ubiquitous Mr. Scarecrow, a character of his own creation. As he recalls it, the scarecrow plan was hatched after he and his wife, Nancy, were invited to attend the Festival

by BBG members the late Karl and Marianne Lipsky.

“I noticed there was no scarecrow,” he said recently at his home in Ashley Falls, “and I just thought, ‘You know, gosh, you’ve got to have a scarecrow at a harvest festival.’” The next year, a live scarecrow showed up, unannounced. He was a hit.

“The only thing I could think of was, I put a pumpkin over my head,” Allen recalls. “I got a large pumpkin, and I carved it out, paper thin, and I barely squeezed the thing over my head, and it rested on my shoulders, and it was just the most hilarious thing.”

“Those are the moments he treasure. He liked that no one knew it was him. He felt free.

He loved it.”

He and Nancy modified the costume over the years. They replaced the pumpkin with a woven burlap hood. Copious hay or corn stalks issued from flannel and denim.

Allen’s relationship with the Garden would grow over the years. A professional builder of birdhouses and tree forts, he submitted one of the 11 structures included in the Garden’s 2017 outdoor exhibition entitled “PlayDate!: Playhouses in the Garden.” His playhouse remains here, the focal point of the Children’s Discovery Garden. He donated it.

VOLUNTEER AT THE HARVEST FESTIVAL! October 7-8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Allen has always been a gentle soul, a big guy, full of heart,” said Nancy. “His love for life is always bright. He’s the man I love, and I can’t bear the thought of losing him to this terrible disease.” The couple has a grown daughter, Emilie.

As Mr. Scarecrow, he chose not to speak but instead freely roamed the Garden, warmly greeting people and often posing for pictures with them.

One little girl once asked him if he was a “real scarecrow.” He shook his head “yes,” and she replied, “I knew it, I knew

Help needed with: Admissions, Plant Sale, Kids Activities (Pumpkin Painting, Hay Jump, Cider Press), Silent Auction, Tag Sale, and much more! Email mweiner@berkshirebotanical.org or call 413-305-1714.

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it!” She then proceeded to tell him all about herself.

“Those are the moments he treasured,” said Nancy. “He liked that no one knew it was him. He felt free. He loved it.”

Despite now being paralyzed in half his body due to his illness, Allen wants this to be known: “I’m a very happy man. I’m incredibly blessed. I’m so grateful.”

We’d like to share with you some particular thoughts of the man behind the mask, our dear friend: I found that when I looked through the mask, all I saw were the eyes of the children and the adults, and that, to me, was very magical. Mr. Scarecrow’s view

of the world is very narrow; there’s no peripheral vision. Everything is only what’s in front of him at that moment, and so most of the time, I was looking into the eyes of these children. And what I discovered, something really quite profound, is that children, when they look at us, they look deep into our eyes because they’re looking for truth and meaning. Our eyes are the windows to our soul. So that’s what Mr. Scarecrow gave me. He gave me an opportunity to look into the souls of people, of children, and to see the power that Mr. Scarecrow possessed, this incredible joy that he has in his own life, to bring a smile upon that face — wonderment, laughter, a moment of joy — it’s just the most priceless thing I can think of in life.

I don’t think there’s anything in life that can give us more than that, than seeing the evidence or the power that we have within our own self to affect other people’s lives in a very real time. That to me is the magic of Mr. Scarecrow. — Felix Carroll

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Questions? Comments? Concerns?

A Master Gardener Is Standing By

By Felix Carroll

Master gardeners Margy Gwozdz (left) and Donna Meczywor are in the house — BBG’s Center House. The Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association provides volunteers at BBG to answer questions from callers and walk-ins.

The phone was quiet on a recent Monday morning at the Master Gardener Hotline, and the master gardeners who run the hotline acknowledged that a friendly reminder of the hotline’s existence might be a good idea.

Oh, it exists all right. The number is 413-298-5355. Again, that’s 413-298-5355.

Call on a Monday between 9 a.m. and noon, from May through September, and you’ll get a real, live master gardener who won’t steer you wrong. Call any other time, any day, any month, leave a message, and a master gardener will get back to you within a week, likely reading from a set of meticulously prepared notes that render a verdict, that counsel and encourage.

If, say, you find yourself with a pair of shears in your hand standing in front of 20

FALL 2023

your azaleas questioning if now might be an excellent time to prune, lay the shears aside and call.

This is not to say that Monday mornings the hotline volunteers aren’t busy.

Voicemails await from home gardeners, professional landscapers, from a caller named Debbie (town unknown) seeking help to identify and eradicate a weed that’s flat with spaghetti-like arms. Or Robert of Westfield seeking information about a certain species of fruit fly attacking his late-blooming raspberries.

If the caller admits to having tried an insecticide, you can bet the master gardeners will wince and worry.

The hotline, a free service provided by the Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association since the 1990s,

operates from space donated by the Berkshire Botanical Garden, in the Center House’s Henriette Granville Suhr Library, with its venerable glass-fronted shelves, comfortable seating and 1,500-plus tomes.

In addition to those tomes, the hotline volunteers have built up their own impressive reference library that includes books, fact sheets and bulging binders.

Yes, they utilize the internet, eschewing the dot coms for dot edu’s and dot org’s, thank you very much. A rotation of more than a dozen volunteers field about 100 inquiries a year, the bulk of which come in June and July, when gardens are growing and so are the problems.

Still, the master gardeners prefer the phone to ring between 9 a.m. and noon on Mondays. It’s a “hotline,” after all; a

little more sense of urgency would seem in order. This is gardening — gardening!

— a battle between good bugs and bad, alkaline and acidic, droughts and floods, life and death. Not that the weed of boredom could ever take root in a room of master gardeners.

On a recent Monday, master gardeners Margy Gwozdz of Cheshire and Donna Meczywor of Adams were staffing the hotline. They had placed a sandwich board out in front of the Center House inviting Garden visitors to step in with questions, comments and concerns. BBG horticulture staff are among the frequent visitors.

By 9:15 a.m., Margy and Donna had already listened to the hotline messages and then listened again. Now they are taking notes, thinking and tapping pens to their temples. They are researching a caller’s question regarding the safe and effective removal of moss from a roof and another caller’s question about a frostdamaged Japanese maple.

But in between the research, a day on the hotline can easily turn into an amusing, informative confab about everything and anything involving the natural world — why a hydrangea might not be blooming this year; or the lime content in Berkshire County soil; or the fiendish battle of aphids versus rose bushes; or how people blame moles for root damage caused by voles; or about the master gardener who found an invasive jumping worm in a bag of MOO DOO;

or an observation on how caretakers of malls and shopping plazas will beautify their parking lots with fresh plants in spring and then proceed to never water or weed around them for the rest of the season.

“You drive by and you watch it all dry out,” says Donna, a retiree with a new grandchild she’d soon be visiting in Florida. She’s among western Massachusetts’ newest master gardeners, having graduated in January from the intensive 13-week class, all for the honor to volunteer.

With a curious walk-in visitor, the two volunteers shared the best piece of advice they could give.

“You’ve got to be an optimist to garden,” said Margy. “If you’re a pessimist you can’t garden.”

“Yes,” said Donna. “Gardens are living things, ever changing.”

A good portion of the hotline volunteers’ time is spent counseling the public on the benefits of native gardens that support pollinating insects. In other words, said Margy, there’s a lot of “plant this instead of that” and “do this instead of that.”

The master gardeners are the first to admit that in this online, digital, information age, a landline hotline may seem conspicuously anachronistic. But they point out that some gardeners, particularly in the hill towns, still lack reliable internet service. Moreover,

Margy said, many people still prefer to hear from a human on the other end of a telephone call. And so the verdict stands: The hotline will exist for as long as people keep asking questions.

“Our mission,” said Margy, a master gardener since 2009, “is to try to educate the public on good gardening organic practices so they don’t do any more damage than what’s already been done to the poor earth.”

She hastens to add, “You still have the people who want to spray all the bees off their roses, and you just want to cringe.”

GOT A GARDENING QUESTION?

Call 413-298-5355.

Or email askwmmga@yahoo.com

Come visit and see what makes Bay State special!

BERKSHIRE BOTANICAL GARDEN

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Contributors The following constituents made contributions of $150 or more during BBG’s 2022 fiscal year from Jan. 1, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2022. Contributions include membership dues, unrestricted contributions to the Annual Fund, donations to designated funds, as well as grants and sponsorships.

$50,000+ Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo The Dorothea L. Leonhardt Foundation The Frederick H. Leonhardt Fund / New York Community Trust Carol and Robert Williams

$25,000-$49,999 Maria and David Carls The Non Nobis Solum Foundation

$10,000-$24,999 Estanne Fawer Madeline and Ian Hooper Tania and Mark Walker

$2,500-$9,999 Anonymous Jeannene Booher Rachel and Justin Carafotes Carol and Paul Collins Susan and Ronald Collins Mary Copeland and Jose Gonzalez, Jr. Lynn and Stewart Edelstein The Frelinghuysen Foundation Adaline Frelinghuysen Lainie Grant and Matt Larkin Guido’s Marketplace Lauretta Harris and Louis Cohen Nancy Hickey Sherry and Daniel Kasper Melissa LeVangie and Tom Ingersoll Geri and Roy Liemer Joanna and Warren Miller Caitlin and Mitchell Nash Linda O’Connell Governor Deval and Diane Patrick Ramelle and Michael Pulitzer Mary Ann and Bruno Quinson Georgeanne and Jean Rousseau The Estate of Elizabeth Ford Sayman Suzanne Yale Kathleen and John Zutter

$1,000-$2,499 Anonymous Susan Abramowitz Francine and Nicholas Arienti Elizabeth Bean and Lynn Bertelli Michael Beck and Beau Buffier The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Stephanie and Carl Bradford Kathi Cafiero Patricia and John Chory Mary and James Cooper Nynke Darhout Nathaniel Day Janet and John DePiero

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Michele Dodge Susan and JW Dunlaevy Thomas Evans Charlotte Fairweather Nancy Fitzpatrick and Lincoln Russell The Green Pastures Fund Carol and Joseph Green Maura Griffin and Joseph Carry Harold Grinspoon Ellen and Scott Hand Elise and Carl Hartman Donna and James Hurley Jane Iredale and Robert Montgomery Genet Jeanjean Laura and Eric Jordahl The Guttman Family Foundation Karen Kaufman Trent and Steven Kinney Larry Klein Joan and Larry Kleinman Leslie Lassiter Janet Laudenslager and Maxime Aflalo Mary and Gregor Leinsdorf Barbara Leonhardt Buffoni and Mark Buffoni Lyn Mason Cindy McCollum and John Spellman Leonard and Barbara McCue Kate and Hans Morris Jeryl Oristaglio Pamela Pescosolido Lauren and Scott Pinkus Rodney Pleasants and Steve Godwin Adam Rolston Carolina Schulze Joseph Shapiro Lauren Smith Anna and Starbuck Smith The Marcia Brady Tucker Foundation Margot and Kip Towl Lisa Townson Seaman Shari and Jonathan Turell Greg Ward Ed and Judy Warren Harriet Wetstone Jane and Christopher White Robert Williams Susan Wolf

$250-$999 Robin and John Abbott Margaret Abbott and Theresa Johnson Emily Aber and Rob Wechsler The Academy Garden Club of Lenox Mary M. Ackerly and Michael Sconyers Lauri Aibel and Tim Sleeper Laura and Richard Allen Samantha Anderson Jane Angelini Pauline and Anthony Archer-Wills

Leah Barber Marisa and Robert Becker Gregory Beck Jack Benmeleh Francine Bernitz Juliana Biasin Jackie Blombach and Michael Duca Chase Booth and Gray Davis Royden Booth Sheryl Boris-Schacter Ben Boyd and Dennis Adamson Sarah and Bronly Boyd Mary Lou Bradley Patty and Timothy Burch Carolyn Butler Lee Buttala Terri Chegwidden and Nathan Casto Lauren Clark Tess Coon Ellen Cooper Klyce Deborah and Gary Crakes Clayton Crawley Catherine Culver Christine Davis Marilyn and Michael Dee Christina and Paul Del Balso Jacqueline Del Rossi Susan Dempsey Matthew Deres Caroline Devereux and Robin Devereux Page Dickey and Bosco Schell Adrian Doherty LizAnn and Adrian Doherty Katharine Dufault Carol Edelman Janet and John Egelhofer Pamela Evans Barbara Fabiani Nancy and Fred Fagelman Judith Fetterley and Sara McCain Susan Fisher and Gary Schieneman Susan and Henry Flint Robert Fried and Karen Kowgios Joseph C. and Esther Foster Foundation Debbie Gangemi Sherry Donovan and John Gelb Olivia Georgia and Steve Oakes Mary Michelle Gilligan and Lester Ettlinger Barbara and Steven Glicksman Linda Goff Jennifer and Rob Goldwasser Rocky Greenberg and Susan Popper Samuel Grubman and Paul Morris Mary Hamel Hilary Harley Amy Harren Marilyn and Nathan Hayward Anita Heller Callie Herzog and Frank Walton

Maureen and Paul Hickey Paul Hirt and Lynn Campana Dale Hoctor Katherine Holbrow Stacey Horner Hawkins Amal Hussein Marianne and Richard Jaffe Nancy Johnson Richard Kalb and Karl Laird Michael Kelly Anita and John Killea Emily Kirshen Patti Klein Phyllis Klein Jane Kresch Scott Lambert Taylor Lamme Pam Lassiter Jorie and Steve Latham Robert Lee Burt Levering Benjamin Liptzin Katinka Locascio Susan and Tom Mann Judy and Dennis Mareb Mary Trev Thomas and Richard Matturro Judith and Kim Maxwell Camilla and Hugh McFadden Dorothy McTeigue Dorinda Medley Brian Mikesell and John Weinstein Jo Dare and Bob Mitchell Barbara Kahn Moller Susan Morris Ann and Donald Morrison Anne and Peter Most Elizabeth and James Murray Frank Muytjens and Scott Edward Cole Anjani and Barbara Nelson Judy Ney and Lee Elman Lukasz and Dana Niedzielski Sarah and Glenn Novak Andrea O’Meara Lauren Pacifico and Jason Rosa Gale Page Jim Panichella Sally Parrott Evelyn Pascal Wendy Philbrick and Edward Baptiste Jane Pinckney Alexandra Pinheiro Barbara and Michael Polemis Nanda Prabhakar Patrick Riordan Adele Rodbell Frank Rosa Carol Rossetti Catherine Cave and Peter Rothstein Rosa Ruales Debbie and Eric Ruder Deborah Sagner and William Dineen Lorraine Santhay and James Lindler Loretta Scheel Gary Scheft Mitchell Schlansky Erik Sebesta Carol and Richard Seltzer Peter and Lynn Shaffer

Honey Sharp and David Lippman Gail Shaw Mark Smith and John O’Keefe Suzanne Smith Amy and David Sorkin Katie and James Stewart Appy and John Stookey Elizabeth Strand Cimini and Dean Cimini Mark Strieter and Anthony Machado Lenore and Paul Sundberg Lucia and Thaddeus Thompson Sheila and Randy Thunfors Lisa Townson Seaman Barri Trott Lisa Trumble Barbara Tsarnas Barbara Turner Hart Edward Wacks Franklin Walton Judy Warren Celeste and William Watman Andrew Weiss Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association Cynthia Wick and R. Channing Gibson Marianne and Howard Zimberg

$150-$249 Jennifer and David A. Anderson Ruth Abram and Herbert Teitelbaum Deborah Adams Mary Ann Aiello Paul Allen Elizabeth and Kevin Allen Naomi Alson Judith Ambery Paula Angerstein and Paul Grosso Abraham Avni-Singer Maureen Banner Leah Barber Emmett Barcalow and Deb Patterson Francesca Barstad Maureen Barton Joanne and Stuart Beck Lisa and Chris Beede Elizabeth Bellows Cindy and David Berger Jillian Bergman Pamela Berkeley Ricky Bernstein and Elisabeth Cary Marc Bernstein Alfred Bingham and Paula Kelley Laura and James Blodgett Jared Boesse and Colin Levy Margie and Michael Bogdanow Elizabeth Bone and David Cook Penelope Borax and John Donald Anselm Bradford Nancy and Stephen Brenner Iona and Robert Brigham Marcia Brolli Heather Brookman Jytte and John Brooks Richard Brousseau Cipora Brown and Steven Feiner Mary and David Buehl Susan Bues Harriet and Abby Bussel

Edward Cabot Rebecca Caine Kevin Cantor Karen Carmean and Thomas Doane Perry III Kristin and Patrick Carnahan Virginia Carrington Lisa Carullo and Eric Bachman Linda and David Cass Claudine Chavanne and Harry Stuart Luis Chavez Joshua Cheslow Tory Chlanda Kathleen and Neil Chrisman Axel Clark Elaine R. Cohen Licia and Michael Conforti Laura Conklin Jacqueline and William Connell Deb Cox Marta and Gregory Cutter Lori and Marek Danek Liz and John Darley Leslie Davidson and Rob Gennari Helen and John Davies Jennifer and Steph DeFranco Daniel DelRoccilli and Michael Kantrowitz Barry and Judith Dichter David Draper and Janet Lanphier Heather Dunhill Constance Eagan Marilyn Elie and Roger Witherspoon Dan and Jo England Wendy and Eric Federer Deborah Fenster and Edward Seliga Mary Ann Fernandez and Richard Pierce Chris Ferrero and Marty Sennett Patty Fili-Krushel and Kenneth Krushel Peter and Elizabeth Finn Richard Fitzgerald and Bernadette Kennedy Terry and Bonnie Flynn Christine Fontana Fort Orange Garden Club Liz Foulser Audrey and Ralph Friedner Don Fries and Janice Tassinari Steve Gabel and Deborah Garry David Gallager Mara Gandal-Powers and Jan Gandal Leslie and John Garwood Laura Gates Marie and Donald Gelston Ellen Gendler and James Salik Virginia and James Giddens Karen Gingras and Daniel Barowy Susan Ginns Elizabeth Gioia Pamela Goguen and Peter Conzett Susan and Marc Goldman I. Michael Goodman and Judith Uman Allyson Gray Melissa Greenlaw Adrienne Gruskin Neil Gutierrez Margy Gwozdz Catherine and Eric Haines Crocus Hale Dan Harden John Hartman BERKSHIRE BOTANICAL GARDEN

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Donna Hassler Teresa and Steve Hayner Holly and Ralph Hebb Robert Hegeman Melissa and Joseph Henaghan Frances and Robert Herman Pat Hogan Chris Holmes and Anne Rocheleau Lisa Holmes Natalie and David Hosford Nancy and John Howell Katherine Huh Kevin Humphrey Stanley Hurwitz and Gloria Hurwitz Janet and John Hutchison Brian and Sistine Jarvis Claudia Jasinski and Tom Jasinski Heather Jassy and Jon Jassy Marie and David Johnson Jane Johnson Helga Kaiser Elisa Kammeyer Jillian Kasow Kathleen Keresey Diane Kern MD Kerswill and Laureen Vizza Hannah King Thomas and Rosanna Koelle Iris and Louis Korman Arthur Kreiger and Rebecca Benson Ilana Krishnamurti Andrea Kust and Stephen Shapiro Sherilyn LaCerra Gregory Lalley and Constance Miner Kendra and Rich Lassor Emily Laurenti Travis Layton and Caitlin Layton Jaeok and Kang Lee Sally and Stuart Lesser Elizabeth and Peter Levin Regina Little and Pamela Little Tripsas Jens Lobb Roger and Jane Loeb Susan and Michael Lynch Jane Lyon Maggie Mailer Keith and William Marman Samantha Marturana Christopher and Dawn Masiero Diane McAveeney and Candace Palangi Wendy McCain Cynthia McCallister Colleen McGuinness-Clarke and Charles Clarke Helen McIver Margaret McLallen James McNaughton Andrea and Fred Mensch Debra Meyers Lynden Miller Ann Millett Ozawa and Edwin Ozawa Susan Mitrano Kevin Moody Don Moon and Lucy Ferriss Megan Moore and Joby Baker Pat Murtagh Margaret Muskrat Marianne and Eric Nadel Christine Neill and Lew Fifield

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Phyllis and Marc Newman Linda and Robert Noonan Sandra Northrup and Dean Walton Ellen Nuffer Susan O’Donnell Ann O’Donnell Christine OConnor Christine Orena Charles Pardoe and Mariet Westermann Gregg Pasternack Bonnee Pecquex Steven Peddy Tom and Chris Pepper Thomas Doane Perry and Karen Carmean Marlene and David Persky Susan Pettee Mary Jane Piazza Martha Piper Bonnie Podolsky and Douglas Rich Steven Porter and Douglas Stroup Audrey Proto Ronald Prunty and Connie Congdon Elaine Radiss William Rafelson Jeremy Rawitz and Nancy Tomasovich Cheri Reed Michael Roberts and Jay Corcoran Elizabeth Roberts Robert Roggeveen Eileen and Marc Rosenthal Julie and Tim Ross Susan and Jeremy Rudd Cecelia Rufo Katherine Rupert and Sean Blinn Julia and James Russell Carol Saginaw and Joachim Frank Irene Samuels and David Gonsalves Carey Samuels Hochberg and Mark Hochberg Dale Scalise-Smith Louise Schaper and Leonard Schaper Christopher Schiavone and Rome Bautista Jessie Schilling Sally Schoenknecht Janice and John Schott Richard Schulhof Emily and Jake Scudder Susan and David Shapiro Jane and Terrence Shea Elizabeth Sheffer-Winig Evelyn Shen and Jason Tong Susan and Al Shurtleff Ben Silberstein Yael and Tacy Silverberg-Urian Doris and Michael Simon Linda Sirois Tom and Paula Skinner Michelle Slater and Dmitri Sinenko Jane Smith and Jules Anderson Carol and Irving Smokler Alison Sneider Donna and Robyn Spector Carmel and Christopher Steger Cynthia Stewart Wendy Strothman Csilla Szabo and Brian Baxter Thomas Taylor and Karen Erickson Susan Tercek Emily Terry

Theresa Terry Michney and Gerard Michney Andrew Urbanowicz Karen Valiasek Joyce Vandemark and Alan Zablonski Reinout VanWagtendonk and Kristine Huffman Louise Vargas-Levy and Jay Levy Emily Vasiliauskas and Ryan Riley William and Diane Vogt Ellen and Wade Walbrun Theresa Walker and Eileen Rice Alison Walter Kathleen Ward Phyllis and Dale Webb Brigitte and Robert Weible Judy Wein Betty and Edward Weisberger Judeth Wesley Marriel Weston Carolyn White Heather Wittmann Michael Wolkowitz Jeff Zimmerman and Lauren Behrman

Honorary & Memorial Contributions In Honor of Phyllis W. Coldwell Audrey Proto In Honor of Madeline & Ian Hooper Ramelle Pulitzer In Honor of Mary Carol Lodge Dory and Walter Lodge In Honor of Jo Dare & Bob Mitchell’s Anniversary Phyllis Patti Klein Janet Egelhofer In Honor of Ramelle Pulitzer & Fete Des Fleurs Phyllis Klein In Honor of Bridgette Stone Heather Dunhill Jane Kresch In Memory of Diane Antonazzi Emily Laurenti In Memory of Glenn DeVries Rodney Pleasants In Memory of Eileen Duncan Anne Wild-Rocheleau In Memory and Honor of Lucy Jensen Deborah Dean In Memory of Wendy T. Linscott Taylor Lamme In Memory of Erica Leopold Jonathan Yetto In Memory of Nancy Nirenberg Allison Forsman In Memory of Harriet Sturtevant Bill Oberst In Memory of Edmund Strzepa Elizabeth Leonard

Thank you to our Plant Sale Donors Amherst Nurseries Andrew’s Greenhouse Bay State Perennial Farm Beardsley Gardens Becker’s Farm Botanic Barn Garden Center Broken Arrow Nursery, LCC Brookside Nursery Callander’s Nursery & Landscaping, Inc. Campo de’Fiori

Chatham Berry Farm Clark’s Garden Center Countryside Landscape Cricket Hill Garden Faddegon’s Nursery, Inc. Freund’s Farm Market Gade Farm Garden Magic, Inc. DBA as Country Caretaker Glendale Botanicals Hadley Garden Center Holiday Brook Farm Hudson Valley Organics Ingersoll Land Care Kent Greenhouses Keyes Perennial Farm Landcraft Environments LTD Left Field Farm Litchfield Hills Nursery Maple Lane Nursery Markristo Farm McEnroe Organic Farm Meadow View Farms Monrovia Nursery Mt. Williams Greenhouses Nasami Farm North Creek Nurseries Northern Nurseries O’Brien Nurserymen, LLC Old Farm Nursery Oliver Nurseries Paley’s Farm Market Pioneer Gardens, Inc. Pond Side Nursery Pride’s Corner Farms R & C Floral, Inc Randall’s Farm and Greenhouse Salisbury Garden Center Secret Gardener Sixteen Acres Garden Center Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. Summer Hill Nursery, Inc. Sunny Border Nurseries Sylvan Nursery, Inc. Taft Farms The Plant Group The Robert Baker Company Tomich Landscape Design Troy’s Landscape Supply Twin Brooks Van Berkum Nursey Wahconah Street Greenhouses Wanczyk Evergreen Nursery, Inc. Ward’s Nursery, Inc. Whalen Nursery Inc. Whitney’s Farm Market & Country Gardens Wildflowers Florist Windy Hill Farm, Inc. Zema’s Nursery, Inc.

VOLUNTEER NEWS

Let’s Not ‘Kill’ Any More Time!

It’s an unfortunate expression that everyone uses: “I was killing time until (fill in the blank).” But if time is our most precious resource, do we really want to kill it? How much better to seize the day and make the most of every moment!

One easy way to do that is to volunteer. If you have any extra time in your week that you are frittering away on not much of anything, you can turn that time into a rewarding experience at Berkshire Botanical Garden. You can volunteer for an occasional event, for a weekly task, or whatever works with your schedule.

Our Volunteer shifts are typically just four hours, morning or afternoon. And even in that short time, you start to experience the pleasures of being part of the BBG family, and doing something for the greater good.

When you help out at BBG, you are supporting our mission of ecological stewardship, and contributing to programs that educate the public, that help preserve a healthy environment, and that support our vital pollinator population of birds and bees, butterflies and more.

You don’t have to be a gardener to volunteer here. There are many ways to be involved. You can assist in the Visitor Center, be a docent in the art galleries, help on special projects, and more. To get started, simply register on the Volunteer page of our website at www.berkshirebotanical.org. You’ll get our e-news announcements of upcoming volunteer jobs.

You can also email our Operations Associate Megan Weiner at mweiner@ berkshirebotanical.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

So reach out to us, and dig deeper into the joys of the Garden. You may never kill time again!

Lauretta Harris President, BBG Volunteer Association

BERKSHIRE BOTANICAL GARDEN

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berkshire international film festival

may 30 - june 2, 2024

join us!

become a FRIEND OF BIFF today to enjoy year-round events

visit biffma.org for exciting new updates

SEPT 27–OCT 15 BOYD-QUINSON STAGE 30 UNION ST, PITTSFIELD, MA

“A rich new play! Both contemplative and comic.”

—New York Times

2023 PULITZER PRIZE WINNER!

by Sanaz Toossi

directed by KNUD ADAMS

based on the Studio Theatre production

BARRINGTONSTAGECO.ORG • 413.236.8888 26

CUTTINGS

FALL 2023

EDUCATION

SEPTEMBER 2023 – JANUARY 2024

Education Berkshire Botanical Garden is offering a wide variety of classes this Fall and Winter, including arts and science based classes, experiential learning and a symposium exploring biodiverse landscapes. The Horticulture Certificate Program is filling up fast, producing another cohort of graduates re-entering the landscape with new knowledge and a better understanding of plants, soil and design. Please join us for one or more classes, complementing the seasonal fun of Harvest Festival and Holiday Marketplace.

For more information on classes and events happening at the Garden, visit berkshirebotanical.org.

SEPT

23 Field Study: Asters and Goldenrods Identify the features and habitats of about 40 species of goldenrods and asters and learn to distinguish them in the field. Learn more on page 30.

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EDUCATION

Classes, Lectures and Workshops

ONLINE Our online classes are offered over Zoom.

Students receive class log-in information and materials lists, when applicable, once they’ve registered.

IN-PERSON The location of onsite classes is subject to change in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Students will be notified as soon as possible if classes require a change in location.

SEPTEMBER Herbaceous Plants H IN-PERSON at BBG Tuesdays, Sept. 5 through 26, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Members: $215/Non-Members: $240 This intensive four-session class led by Lee Buttala explores the world of herbaceous plants, from their identification, selection and use in the garden through their basic botany, life cycle, and propagation. Participants are asked to create a final project highlighting a genus or plant family related to the curriculum. A part of the Level 1 Horticulture Certificate Program core curriculum, this class is essential for the committed gardener and includes lectures, hands-on activities, field study, and group discussion.

The class aspires to give participants a deeper understanding of annuals, perennials, and ornamental vegetables and their role in the garden. Students should dress for outdoor field study.

All students participating in this class as part of the Horticulture Certificate Program are required to complete a final project.

HYBRID These classes are held both online and in person. They feature the lecture portion of class online and a hands-on component in-person and outdoors.

OFFSITE These classes are held off-site.

HORTICULTURE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

symbol denotes Horticulture Certificate H This Program classes, workshops, and lectures open both to students seeking credit towards one of BBG’s five acclaimed horticulture certificates as well as the general public. Please visit berkshirebotanical.org or call 413-357-4657 for additional information.

Kitchen classes are sponsored by Guido’s Fresh Marketplace with stores located in Great Barrington and Pittsfield.

Fall Flower Fest IN-PERSON at BBG Wednesdays, Sept. 6 through 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members: $235/Non-Members: $255 Join us for four fabulous weeks of watercolor fun with beloved artist Pat Hogan, painting gorgeous fall blooms in the comfort of the studio. We will hone our skills in mixing colors, painting containers and backgrounds, and economical brushwork. Most importantly, we will practice painting light.

Flowering Bulbs, Houseplants & Holiday Decor SAVE with your BBG membership & EARN rewards! learn more In-store or Online.

Qigong in the Garden IN-PERSON at BBG Saturdays, Sept. 9 through 30, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Members: $65/Non-Members: $80 Individual Class Fee: Members: $20/Non-Members: $25 Enjoy the ancient Chinese mind-body practice of Qigong (life energy optimization) in the beautiful garden. Qigong, a simpler form of Tai Chi, combines gentle movements that mimic nature, self-applied massage, breathwork, and meditation with the goal of improving and maintaining our health and well-being. This selfcare practice has been found to relieve stress, calm the mind, and may help reduce pain, improve mobility, balance, posture, strength, immunity and sleep. *Series includes Qigong on the autumn equinox, Sept. 23.

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FALL 2023

Ward’s Nursery & Garden Center - Open 8-5 600 Main - Great Barrington

413-528-0166

WardsNursery.com

TO R EGISTER , VISIT BER KSHIR EBOTA N I CA L .OR G

EDUCATION

Overwintering Your Plants IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members: $25/Non-Members: $40 At the end of the summer, what do you do with all those special patio plants that you have fussed over for the summer months? This class will give gardeners tricks of the trade to protect their tender perennials, house plants, woody potted specimens, and succulent collections and encourage them to thrive during the winter season. Taught by Jenna O’Brien, this class will include cultivation, fertilizing, watering, and healthcare.

Learn by doing, and take home some plant companions.

A Celebration of the Season: Tomatoes IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members: $40/Non-Members: $55 Join tomato maven Miriam Rubin as she talks all things tomatoes in this demo class. First, we’ll taste a sampling of heirlooms from Miriam’s garden so we can appreciate the differences in taste, juiciness and texture.

Then Miriam will prepare some dishes from her book, Tomatoes, on sale in the Garden Shop. Recipes will include a lively curried tomato soup, a tomato pie and an heirloom tomato salad, all of which we’ll get to devour. She’ll also share tips about putting up the harvest, both canning and freezing, and she’ll explain which types of tomatoes work best for different purposes. You’ll be able to buy a personally signed copy of Tomatoes at the end of the class.

Fall Foliage Eco-Printing IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members: $90/Non-Members: $110 Join textile artist Maggie Pate in an introduction to eco-printing.

Capture a moment in time with this seasonal workshop. Offered this fall with local foliage. Students will leave with a luscious 100 percent silk charmeuse scarf that they will design and eco-print during the class.

we’re excited to see you!

Serving the greater Berkshire area since 1992; providing cross disciplinary expertise in design, horticulture, arboriculture, irrigation and excavation for both residential and commercial clients.

stop by for something special.

Countrysidelandscape.net 413.458.5586

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@berkshirecoop

BERKSHIRE BOTANICAL GARDEN

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EDUCATION

The Language of the Flowers Continues with a Splash of Color IN-PERSON at BBG Monday to Wednesday, Sept. 18 through 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Members: $245/Non-Members: $265 All flowers hold different meanings, often based on the flower type, the time of year in which they bloom, the flower’s color, or all of the above, but the same is true of the story that makes them so meaningful to us. This introductory class teaches you essential 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 articulating your floral specimen’s singular and brief story. In this class, you will learn that drawing consists of three simple elements: line, shape, and form. Plus, we will explore color theory and colored pencil techniques. Botanical Drawing for all levels, no pre-requisite required. Led by writer and botanical artist Anastasia Traina.

Introduction to Smartphone Photography IN-PERSON at BBG Sept. 20, 9 to 11 a.m.

Members: $25 /Non-Members: $40 Need to understand the true photographic capabilities of your smartphone or tablet? Over the course of this two-hour session with Apple-certified teacher Thaddeus B. Kubis, we will review the basic camera operations of your smartphone/tablet, including exposure, filters, zooming, and specific options like LIVE, Portrait, Video, Slow-Mo, Time-Lapse/Hyper speed, Pano and more. This session will include editing, sharing and other related camerabased operations. If time allows and weather is supportive we will walk the garden to apply what was presented.

Asters and Goldenrods HYBRID Thursday, Sept. 21, 6 to 8 p.m. (on-line presentation) Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (field study) Members: $65/Non-Members: $80 The many kinds of goldenrods and asters are a visually striking and ubiquitous feature of our late summer and fall landscapes.

However, since many of them look much alike, they can be a challenge to identify. This class, led

by Ted Elliman, will focus on the identification features and habitats of about 40 species of goldenrods and asters, looking closely at the characteristics that help to distinguish them in the field. A Thursday evening Zoom presentation will provide an overview of these species and their identification features, and the Saturday field trip to a location rich in both asters and goldenrods will provide the opportunity to see many of them in natural conditions. *Rain date for field day, Sunday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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FALL 2023

Cyanotype on Paper IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Members: $50/Non-Members: $65 Magical and simple cyanotypes are a camera-less technique that results in graphic blue and white prints. Developed in 1852, this alternative photographic process uses a light-sensitive solution on paper, sunlight, and pressed plants to make beautiful botanical images. All supplies, including pressed plant material, will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring objects or pressed plants with interesting silhouettes from home to use in their compositions. Led by Madge Evers.

Black Ash Berry Basket IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Members: $165/Non-Members: $180 This workshop, led by homesteader Penny Hewitt, is a great introduction to the extraordinary qualities of the black ash tree. Weave a square-to-round basket, approximately 6 inches by 6 inches, with optional leather strap. Included is a discussion on how the material is harvested and processed. Registration includes a materials fee. Please bring lunch.

Mixed Bark Black Ash Basket IN-PERSON at BBG Sunday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Members: $165/Non-Members: $180 In this hands-on basket course, start with a black ash base and use a variety of native barks including willow, cedar and birch to create your own unique design. This one-day workshop, led by homesteader Penny Hewitt, is appropriate for both adults and teens.

Registration includes materials fee. Please bring a bagged lunch.

The Inner Harvest: A Meditation Gathering for the Autumnal Equinox, with mindfulness-in-nature facilitator Sandrine Harris IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Sept. 23, 5 to 6 p.m.

Members: $20/Non-Members: $30 Experience the turn of the season at the autumnal equinox, on Saturday, Sept. 23. Learn to reflect upon your “inner harvest” time, in the early moment of Fall, with mindfulness facilitator Sandrine Harris.

Through a fluid mix of outdoor walking, quiet sitting and guided moments for reflection, you are offered an opportunity to be with the seasonality and energy of this time of year, and of this time in your life. All adults (18 years and older) are welcome, and no experience with mindfulness or meditation is needed. Please bring a yoga mat or blanket for outdoor sitting in the grass, and wear clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor walking. In the event of rain, this event will take place inside BBG. TO R EGISTER , VISIT BER KSHIR EBOTA N I CA L .OR G

Field Study: Innisfree and Wethersfield Thursday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Members: $75/Non-Members: $90 Transportation: $10 Join Berkshire Botanical Garden for an exploration of two beautiful yet distinctly different public gardens in Dutchess County, New York. Both are large, predominantly green gardens but Innisfree Garden nestles organically in a natural bowl wrapping around a glacial lake while Wethersfield Estate and Garden is a classical idyll atop a hill surrounded by rolling fields and forests. Innisfree is a powerful work of art and an iconic postwar design. During a curator-led tour, experience how Innisfree is a remarkably low-maintenance landscape that merges the essence of Modernist and Romantic ideas with traditional Chinese and Japanese garden design principles in a form that evolved through subtle handling of the site and slow manipulation of its ecology. After the morning at Innisfree and time for a Bring Your Own Picnic, we will travel to Wethersfield Estate and Garden.

Wethersfield mixes the formal lines, green hedging, vistas, and water features characteristic of Italian Renaissance gardens, with elements of English Arts and Crafts style.

During this curator-led tour, you will learn about the garden’s history of innovative gardening practices with an emphasis on land stewardship and conservation.

GRANT LARKIN INTERIORS LIGHTING FURNITURE 414-698-2599 GRANTLARKIN.COM

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BERKSHIRE BOTANICAL GARDEN

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EDUCATION

Botanical Bounty: Creating and Using Herbal Infused Oils Inspired by the Harvest Moon

Clever Design Tips for Everblooming, Low-Maintenance Gardens

IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members: $65/Non-Members: $80

ONLINE Saturday, Sept. 30, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Members: $20/Non-Members: $25

Delight in celestial inspired tea while making lip balms, skin salves and roll-on perfume inspired by the autumnal full moon! Enjoy a fun and educational experience as you learn about the healing properties of calendula and create your own natural skincare products to take home. Calendula has been used for years internally and externally as a healing herb, and no first aid kit should be without this super all-purpose ointment! With the help of instructor Nicole Irene, you will be guided through the process of making your own products, from selecting the right ingredients to packaging and labeling. You will also have the opportunity to customize your products with essential oils. You will come away from this class with an understanding of how to harvest, dry and use calendula, while sipping farm-fresh herbal tea and enjoying the community of like-minded plant people. The energetics, properties, and myriad of uses for this plant will be discussed. Cost includes all of your supplies and products you will take home.

This inspiring lecture led by Kerry Ann Mendez will surprise you with creative, easy-to-implement strategies for extending the blooms of popular plants for weeks! Also showcased are time-saving design tips including distinctive plant combinations that provide unstoppable color spring through fall, as well as groundcover tapestries that smother weeds and delight pollinators. You will also learn valuable lessons from before and after design projects to avoid costly landscape mistakes.

NEW! Native Evergreens IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Members: $25/Non-Members: $40 Evergreens are an indispensable part of all home landscapes. They provide year-round color and textural interest, give structure to the garden, and offer shelter and food sources for birds. Learn the cultural requirements, ornamental qualities, and various uses of native conifers and broadleaved evergreens that will boost the aesthetic and ecological value of your property. Led

by Duncan Himmelman.

New! Knockout Natives for Every Garden IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Sept. 30, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Members: $25/Non-Members: $40 Great landscapes are brought to life with beautiful, high-performing plants that provide multi-season interest and simultaneously welcome wildlife into the garden. Discover a selection of native plants, from perennials and shrubs to small and medium-sized trees, that have strong ornamental appeal, regional adaptability, and great ecological value. Led by Duncan Himmelman.

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O C TO B E R Understanding Woody Plants H IN-PERSON at BBG Tuesdays, Oct. 3 through 24, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Members $215/Non-Members: $240 This four-session course will focus on the bones of the garden with a survey of ornamental woody plants for residential landscape design. Jenna O’Brian will cover ornamental shrubs, small flowering trees, shade trees and broadleaf and needle evergreens. Students will become familiar with the many gardenworthy woody plants that thrive in Zone 5. The course covers plant ID, selection, siting, cultivation and possible design uses.

Students should dress for outdoor field study. All students participating in this class as part of the Horticulture Certificate Program are required to complete a final project.

Studio Visit: Ann Getsinger Friday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Members: $50/Non-Members: $65 Transportation: $10 Join the Berkshire Botanical Garden in visiting Ann Getsinger’s studio in New Marlborough, MA, and witness the magic of her painting as she combines Realism and Surrealism to create a captivating effect of a painting within a painting. Ann Getsinger’s exhibit titled The Garden of Curiosity is on view at the Leonhardt Gallery September 1 through November 19, and this studio visit will provide an intimate setting to explore the artist’s centrally placed, life-size subjects often set against, or integrated with, dreamlike and sometimes disjoined landscapes. Enjoy the exhibit at Berkshire Botanical Garden, and then meet the artist where she works to learn more about her process in the studio and beyond.

TO R EGISTER , VISIT BER KSHIR EBOTA N I CA L .OR G

Poetry in Place IN-PERSON at BBG Friday, Oct. 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

FREE for Members and Non-Members Join BBG’s Mariah Baca for an evening of poetry and spoken word meant to bring communities together. The Mohican Lands of Western Massachusetts will be the “Place” for the launch of this poetry series.

Deer Defense IN-PERSON at BBG Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Members: $20/Non-Members $30 You don’t have to sacrifice your garden to marauding deer!

Learn from Cornell research how to protect your garden with three categories of proven methods: 1. Barriers, 2. Repellents, 3.

Lots of Alternative Plant Choices. Our goal is to give you bestodds techniques for shutting down the Snack Bar! Led by Chris Ferrero, a gardening speaker, writer and consultant.

Stonemasonry: An Overview IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Members: $140/Non-Members: $160 This workshop led by Sam Mercier will focus on the steps taken to start new projects and methods for fixing existing problems. It will start with classroom demonstration and Q&A, then a walk of the grounds examining masonry and looking at techniques for fixing stone projects that have been worn down over time. After an in-depth look at the basics on the planning board and in the field, the instruction will move to masonry tools, finishes and fabrication. This will cover cutting stone with saws large and small, splitting stone, chiseling, and other finishes necessary in stone projects. With these new skills each participant will create a birdbath or planter that you take home.

Creative Composition IN-PERSON at BBG Wednesday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Members: $25/Non-Members $40 Taking pictures has become a simple (nearly) automated function, but how does a photographer move from the realm of taking pictures to the world of creating fine art photographs? This twohour session with Apple-certified teacher Thaddeus B. Kubis will include walking the BBG property with the attendees, learning about and working with the various templated compositions formats, as well as discussing the concept of each photographer creating their own photographic vision.

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EDUCATION

Four Seasons of Tree Identification IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Members: $50/Non-Members: $65 In this four-part class, we will revisit trees through the seasons, and witness their unique characteristics with and without leaves. We will learn how to identify species of trees, ID a tree by its bark, and understand which trees flower in which seasons. Come join in the journey of the magic of trees, starting with how to identify them in the landscape and forest settings. This four-part, four-season class was created in response to popular demand! Led by Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll, Certified Arborist (MCA, ISA, NH) CTSP and Tom Ingersoll, a Massachusetts Certified Arborist.

Mark your calendars and sign up today: • Fall – October 28th • Winter – December 16th • Spring – May 4th • Summer – June 29th

Autumn Energetics: Herbs for Self-Care and Ritual IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members: $90/Non-Members: $110 The fiery energy of summer has diminished and begins to move inward – into the home and hearth. In this class led by Nicole Irene, you will connect with the energy of the autumnal season through creating anointing oils, prayer candles, bonfire starters and hand-mixed incense.

Understanding Soil Health and Structure H IN-PERSON at BBG Tuesdays, Oct. 31 through Nov. 21, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Members: $215/Non-Members: $240 This four-session course, led

by John Howell, will explain how plant growth is affected by soils, from drainage to pH and nutrients. Learn how to evaluate soils, improve those that are less than ideal and amend soils for specific garden uses. Fertilizers, soil amendments, making and using compost, moisture management and the pros and cons of mulching will be covered. Students need to get a soil sample before class and bring the results to the first class. All students participating in the Horticulture Certificate Program are required to complete a final project.

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N OV E M B E R Canopy Exploration – Tree Climbing IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (rain date Nov 5) Members: $250/Non-Members $280 (scholarships available) Do you remember the sense of freedom you felt when climbing trees as a kid? Are you an avid lover of trees? A birder?

Photographer? Artist? Poet? Musician? Author? Arborist? Any and all of the above are welcome to come explore the arboretum from a new perspective, above, climbing trees. The Berkshire Botanical Garden and the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop have created a one-day tree climbing experience. This event provides a rare opportunity to just show up, be curious and excited to be in the canopy. Led by Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll and Bear LeVangie.

Add Spice to Your Life! Create an Herbal Delight!

IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Nov. 11, 1 to 3 p.m.

Members: $70/Non-Members $85 Looking for ways to use those herbs you grew in the garden this summer? Join members of BBG’s Herb Associates for this handson workshop and learn some of their culinary secrets. Add a bit of spice to your life by creating a delicious herbal salad dressing and exciting herbal dips for the holidays. All materials will be provided.

TO R EGISTER , VISIT BER KSHIR EBOTA N I CA L .OR G

Establish a Vineyard in Your Backyard IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Members: $25/Non-Members: $40 J. Stephen Casscles, author of Grapes of the Hudson Valley, will lead a discussion on how to establish a vineyard in your backyard. Grow grapes for fresh consumption, jellies & preserves, or for making wine.

The class will explore: location of the vineyard, soil types best for a vineyard and how to amend soil, growing conditions needed, and grape varieties that can be easily grown. The class will also look into establishing a trellis system, pruning, and how to manage disease and damage from both fungus and wildlife. These same concepts for a home vineyard can be applied to those who one day would like to establish a small commercial vineyard. There will be lots of time for questions and answers. There will also be some discussion on New England heritage grape varieties that can be planted in your new vineyard.

At the end of our class, copies of his book Grapes of the Hudson Valley and Other Cool Climate Regions of the US and Canada, will be available for sale with the author’s signature.

Giving | Grants | Scholarships berkshiretaconic.org

Serving the Berkshires since 1981

Beginners Chainsaw Skills Workshop IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Nov. 11, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Rain Date: 11/12) Members: $165/Non-Members: $175 Learn to use a chainsaw safely! Taught by arborists Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll and Bear LeVangie, this workshop is designed for the novice-to-beginner chainsaw operator who wishes to gain greater confidence with this powerful tool.

The class will combine lecture and hands-on learning, covering topics such as personal protective equipment, the anatomy of a chainsaw, reactive forces, basic chainsaw maintenance, and additional tools for use with a chainsaw. Techniques will include holding and starting a saw, hazard ID, escape options, log analysis (binds), planning cuts, overall plan, and bucking and limbing. Attendees will cut logs on the ground and/or elevated on sawhorses, leave with a better understanding of the safety features of a chainsaw, and will be able to operate a chainsaw based on safety fundamentals. No experience necessary. Note: Equipment will be provided; if you have your own chainsaw or personal protective equipment, please bring it with you. Dress and prepare for the weather including long sleeves, pants and boots.

Bring a bag lunch.

Native Habitat Restoration Returning Balance to Nature

Wetlands Woodlands Meadows Fields Invasive Plant Control

(organic options)

Field Clearing Forestry Mowing Wetland Restoration

(413) 358-7400 NativeHabitatRestoration.weebly.com Licensed in MA . CT . NY . VT

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EDUCATION

Petals and Pigment Bundle Dyeing IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members: $85/Non-Members: $100 Students will create a silk scarf that is bright and unique using petals from seasonal local flowers and pigments from natural dye extracts. In this steam color dye technique, each attendee will lay out their design then bundle their fiber into a roll and steam bath the piece. After 1 hour in a steam bath, the scarves will reveal brilliantly saturated atmospheric patterns. Students will pick from the three steam color options to insure diversity - Sunset, Prairie, or Cosmic — and we will mix fresh local florals into the materials as well. Led by Maggie Pate..

Rock Mosaics for the Garden IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Members: $75 /Non-Members: $100 Led by artist/educator Beth Klingher, students will create an outdoor rock mosaic to brighten their garden. Learn how to cut glass, ceramic and other materials and to adhere them to a large garden rock or cement block using colored thinset cement. Your mosaic may represent a flower, a plant, a tiny animal, or an abstract design. These rock mosaics will weather the New England winters and provide a colorful spark for your garden regardless of the season. Bring your own rocks!

Grounded In Gratitude: Mindful Thanksgiving IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members: $90/Non-Members: $110 Give thanks for the bounty of the harvest by making Gratitude-Candle centerpieces for Thanksgiving, mixing a delicious spice blend, and creating Blessing-Wax fire starters while enjoying herbal mulled cider.

Even if you do not celebrate Thanksgiving as a holiday, add these thanks giving crafts to your daily routines to encourage happiness and blessings every day of the year. Led by Nicole Irene.

Plant Healthcare H IN-PERSON at BBG Tuesdays, Nov. 28 through Dec. 19, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

BBG Members: $215/Non-Members: $240

Is Beaujolais the New Burgundy? An Evening of Wine & Food from this Fabled French Wine Region IN-PERSON at BBG Friday, Nov. 17, 6 to 8 p.m.

Members: $90/Non-Members $110 Every November, wine lovers celebrate the brilliant young wine known as Beaujolais Nouveau that goes from field to bottle to table in only two months and produces the loveliest pinkypurple hue. Find out why we love it so much and why we’re firm believers that it’s on track to become the ‘New Burgundy’.

Register for this wine tasting seminar and discover a fantastic introduction to the various Crus and styles of this diverse region. Also, you will enjoy a culinary celebration of Beaujolais with a hand-selected, chef-curated tasting menu while a guest wine expert walks you through every flavor and dimension of this world-famous wine region. A night you won’t forget! Led

by Benjamin and Mary Daire, owners and operators of Dare Bottleshop & Provisions located in Lenox, MA.

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This program, led by arborist Ken Gooch, Tawny Symisky and Nick Brazee, focuses on factors that affect plant health care, including insects, diseases, pathogens, and abiotic influences. Basic diagnostic techniques will be taught. Learn to minimize potential problems through proper site preparation, plant selection and placement.

Managing problems using biological, chemical and cultural techniques will be discussed with a focus on integrated pest management.

Students’ participatation in Horticulture Certificate Program are required to complete a final project.

DECEMBER The Quieting: A Meditation Gathering to Welcome Winter’s Energy, with mindfulness-in-nature facilitator Sandrine Harris IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Dec. 2, 4 to 5 p.m.

Members: $15/Non-Members: $20 Led by mindfulness-in-nature facilitator Sandrine Harris, students will gather by candlelight at sunset for this nourishing process of quiet, guided meditation. Moments of dynamic talking, poetry, and listening are balanced with deep quiet and inner celebration of the gift of slowing down for deep winter. All adults (18+) are welcome, and no experience with mindfulness or meditation is needed. This process takes place inside the gallery space, with chairs for sitting.

TO R EGISTER , VISIT BER KSHIR EBOTA N I CA L .OR G

IN-PERSON at BBG Wednesday to Friday, Dec. 6 through 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Members: $245/Non-Members: $265 All flowers hold different meanings, often based on the flower type, the time of year in which they bloom, the flower’s color, or all of the above, but the same is true of the story that makes them so meaningful to us. This workshop, with botanical artist Anastasia Traina, will work with seasonal plants such as tree nuts, winter berries, or mushrooms; since our substrate will be vellum (calf-skin.), our subjects need to be small. Dry brush is a watercolor painting technique used in traditional botanical illustration. The method involves a “skin” of dried paint on the palette and a small, slightly damp brush. We will also create botanical tints for the base layer, generating shape by adding a luminous shadow. Students will receive a photograph and an outline of the seasonal flora. This workshop will meet for three consecutive days, for five hours each session.

Herbal Holiday Gifts Workshop IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members: $70/Non-Members: $85

Science of Plant Propagation H IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 6 and 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BBG Members: $215/Non-Members: $240 Learn about the art and science of plant propagation with Broken Arrow Nurseries grafting guru, Adam Wheeler.

Focus on the basic botany needed to understand and successfully propagate plants. Sexual and asexual propagation methods including sowing seeds, cuttings, grafting, layering, and division will be covered. Students will learn the fascinating science behind propagation along with the various techniques used to create new plants. Students’ participation in the Horticulture Certificate Program are required to complete a final project.

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Making a gift for someone is an opportunity for you to create something unique and beautiful, something truly useful and practical, and express love from your heart for that special person. The Herbal Holiday Gifts Workshop with Nicole Irene is an opportunity to make rich and diverse herbal gifts for the holidays, or other occasions, feel connected with the gift-giving process, and nourish another person by crafting something special for them from the Earth. You are offering your loved one the opportunity to dip into that vibrant, natural health by gifting them with a handmade herbal gift that will support their well-being.

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The Language of the Flowers on Vellum

Chainsaw Maintenance IN-PERSON at BBG Saturday, Dec. 16, 1 to 5 p.m.

Members: $75/Non-Members: $90 Does this sound familiar? You’re headed out for a day of cordwood cutting and you pull out your chainsaw, bar oil, fuel, and tools. You get set up at your work site and begin to start your saw and it won’t start.

Or your saw starts but begins to smoke. How about your chain is slowly creeping around the bar and your hand is not even on the throttle? Or, you’re trying to cut and you are creating fine dust and not flying out wood chips. This can all be avoided! Come and learn 10 ways (at least) to keep your saw running efficiently and cutting great. BYOS – Bring your own saw, tools, and PPE (and things you have questions about).

Led by Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll and Bear LeVangie.

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RO OT E D I N P L AC E 9TH ANNUAL ECOLOGICAL GARDENING SYMPOSIUM

BUI LD IN G RE S ILIE NCY T H R O U G H E C O LO G I CA L DES IG N A N D L A ND S CA PE M A N AG E M E N T Sunday, Nov. 12 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Members: $85/Non-Members: $100/Students: $55 Join experts in the field of ecological design to learn about their varied approaches to building resilient landscapes and communities. This day-long symposium will explore the breadth of what regenerative design and land stewardship mean and will feature a range of speakers with experiences as diverse as landscape design, community outreach, pollination systems restoration, and farming. After lunch, there will be a “Tour of the Trees” in the gardens of BBG. Later, participants will have the opportunity to work hands-on with the day’s speakers to design their own projects.

Evan Abramson – Beyond PollinatorFriendly: Designing Landscapes and Corridors to Support Biodiversity and Climate Resilience Evan Abramson is the founder and principal of Landscape Interactions, which, since 2019, has been responsible for over 300 acres of habitat installed in the Northeast, specifically targeting at-risk bee and lepidoptera species for each project location. He holds a Master of Science in ecological design from The Conway School and certificates in permaculture design and biodynamic gardening. He is the author of numerous publications, including “Pollinate Now,” “Lincoln Pollinator Action Plan,” “Egremont Pollinator Pathway,” and “Great Barrington Pollinator Action Plan.”

Jono Neiger – Regenerative Agriculture and Agroforestry: Food, Soil Health, and Diversity on the Farmscape Jono Neiger leads the Regenerative Agriculture Wing at Regenerative Design Group (RDG). He has taught at The Conway School and was the founding board president of the Permaculture Association of the Northeast.

Before starting RDG, Jono worked as a land manager for Lost Valley Educational Center, a conservation officer for the Town of Palmer, Mass., and a restoration specialist with the Nature Conservancy. He holds a Master of Arts in law and diplomacy from The Conway School and a Bachelor’s degree in forest biology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Jono is the author of The Permaculture Promise and the founder of Big River Chestnuts, a chestnut agroforestry farm in Sunderland, Mass.

Moderator: Elizabeth Keen, Indian Line Farm • Panelists: Marie Chieppo (native plant designer), Owen Wormser (author of Lawns Into Meadows), Jim Schultz (of Red Shirt Farm)

WO R K S HO P : DESIGN FOR R ESIL IENCY Participate in an ecological landscape design charrette. Participants will be divided into teams and tasked to create a design for a site with a particular set of criteria or purpose.

To register, visit BerkshireBotanical.org 38

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Save the Date!

HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE DECEMBER 8 PREVIEW PARTY DECEMBER 9–10 | 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.

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BBG is Going Digital!

Join or renew today with our new digital membership option!

In September 2023, Berkshire Botanical Garden will be transitioning from paper to digital membership. By choosing to go digital, BBG is making a conscious decision to reduce our carbon footprint, make a positive impact on our environment and continue meeting our mission of preserving the environment, while making the process of renewing and accessing member benefits more efficient for our dedicated members.

Benefits of the BBG Digital membership include: renewal alert text messages, scannable entry to the Garden, guest passes that can be shared via email, and best of all, the convenience of having your membership card right on your phone – never lose your card again!

As always, your BBG membership includes: n Unlimited free admission to the garden n Members only events n 10% discount at the Garden’s Visitor’s Center Gift Shop n Early buying privileges and 10% off all purchases at the annual Plant Sale, plus early admission to the Holiday Marketplace. n Free subscription to Cuttings, the Garden’s magazine, plus a free subscription to Better Homes and Gardens n Advance notice and exclusive discounts on classes, lectures and workshops, including Rooted in Place, Winter Lecture and Farm in the Garden Camp n Free or discounted reciprocal admission to over 100 participating gardens, arboreta and conservancies throughout the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean n Discounts on purchases at local and online nurseries, garden centers and retailers Beginning in September 2023, new and renewing members will have the option to ‘opt-in’ to digital membership cards. By June 2024, BBG will only offer digital memberships to new and renewing members. Those members who wish to continue with paper membership will be charged a ‘green fee’ beginning in June 2024.

Membership to the Berkshire Botanical Garden makes a wonderful gift!

Contact Mariah Baca, membership manager, mbaca@berkshirebotanical.org or call 413-298-4532 for more information.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

‘A Rollicking Old Time Fair’ A Harvest Festival Is Born From an article in Nature Magazine, May 1946, titled, “Berkshire Garden Center: A Big Idea that Started Small and Grew”: The first year, 1935, was largely one of sod breaking and organization. With little equipment and few tools to start with, the new director [A. Kenneth Simpson] went to work with energy and gusto. Land for the trial gardens was plowed and fitted, the house was furnished with simple things mostly donated, Mr. Simpson and his wife occupied one side of the house, the other side being a small assembly room and a tiny combination office and library. On May 22, a pilgrimage of 40 members and officers of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts arrived. Although the season was late, and not even the apple trees were in bloom, the visiting gardeners overlooked the sketchiness of the new Center and enthusiastically endorsed the project.

That summer, Mr. Simpson freely admits, was one of trial and error but progress was definitely made. …

Autumn found the new Center well on its way, but income from memberships and gifts had not kept pace with expenditures. A Harvest Festival was staged on October 15. It brought young and old together in a rollicking old time fair. Fruits, vegetables, cider, apple butter, homemade bread and cakes were sold. “Pop your own corn” read one sign, and the pony rides made a hit with the children. So successful was this festival, both as a money-raiser and as a social event, that it became an annual occasion to close the garden season.

The Harvest Festival, in the early years, if not its earliest year of 1935. The Festival began as a necessary fundraiser for what was then called the Berkshire Garden Center. The Center was first organized the year before, in November, 1934. The annual autumn celebration continues to this day as a primary fundraiser that enables the Garden to accomplish its mission “to fulfill the community’s need for information, education and inspiration concerning the art and science of gardening and the preservation of our local environment.”

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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Qualprint 5 West Stockbridge Road Stockbridge, MA 01262 413-298-3926 • berkshirebotanical.org

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