Upcoming programs at Berkshire Botanical Garden
STOCKBRIDGE – Berkshire Botanical Garden presents the following upcoming programs. Saturday, Feb. 10, 4 to 5 p.m., “Love: The Heart of Compassionate Participation in our World.” Join meditation-in-nature guide Sandrine Harris for a community meditation gathering open to all adults exploring cultivating a heart-centered life in relationship with the Earth and each other. During this time together, participants will explore brief practices, have meaningful conversations, and invite our whole selves (body-heart-mind) into investigating love as a skillful path to compassionate participation in our world. No meditation experience is needed to join in, and you will not be in a single, hour-long guided meditation. There will be pauses, walking (optional), sitting, and conversation. All adults (18-plus years) are welcome to join via advance registration. Cost $15 members, $25 nonmembers; Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., “Plant-Pollinator Interactions on the Landscape: Natvie Pollination Systems.” Instructor Evan Abramson will discuss the critical role that plant selection plays in designing biodiverse landscapes. Understand why pollinator habitat is the single most important factor to consider in creating resilient terrestrial ecosystems. An interdisciplinary presentation on plant-pollinator interactions and their intersections with science, design, climate resilience, ecological health and food security will be followed by a day-long design workshop with participants working in small teams. All necessary research and drafting materials and light lunch will be provided. Cost $140 members, $160 nonmembers. To register or for more information, visit www.berkshirebotanical.org. Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.
Springfield Garden Club scholarship
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Garden Club is accepting applications for their annual $2,000 scholarship awarded to a graduating high school senior, undergraduate or graduate college student majoring in a full-time plant science or environmental studies program, such as horticulture, floriculture, landscape design, conservation, forestry, botany, agronomy, plant pathology, environmental control, land management or other allied fields.
The candidate must be a resident of Hampden County, demonstrate financial need and have adequate academic standing. High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate college students are eligible for consideration. For additional information and to request a copy of the application contact Jane Glushik at SGCscholarship@gmail.com.
Scholarship applications are to be complete and meet the submission deadline of April 1, to be eligible for consideration. The SGC has awarded over $80,000 to more than 50 students during the past 30 plus years. Funds for the scholarship are raised at the annual plant sale held each year in the spring. The annual plant sale this year will be held at Forest Park on Sumner Ave. on Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information on the Springfield Garden Club events, visit www.springfieldgardenclubma.org or visit them on Facebook.
East Longmeadow Garden Club Scholarship
EAST LONGMEADOW – The East Longmeadow Garden Club announces that the 2024 Esther A. Rosati Memorial Scholarship applications are now available at the East Longmeadow High school guidance office, the East Longmeadow Public Library, and can be downloaded from its website at eastlongmeadowgard.wixsite.com/gardens.
Applicants must presently be an East Longmeadow High School senor or a recent graduate of East Longmeadow High School and is planning to attend an institution of higher learning in the fall of 2024 or a Graduate student who is a resident of East Longmeadow and is attending or planning to attend an institution of higher learning or an East Longmeadow student who is a resident and has been accepted to participate in a special program.
All applicants must be planning to pursue a degree in agriculture, botany, environmental science, permaculture, or any other related field.
Applications be received on or before Feb. 28. Applicants being considered may be contacted by the East Longmeadow Garden Club’s Scholarship Committee for an interview. The recipient will be awarded the $1,000 scholarship at the annual May meeting of the east Longmeadow Garden Club.
Send completed application and documents to East Longmeadow Garden Club Scholarship Committee, c/o Diane A. Tiago, 38 Rogers Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.
Springfield Garden Club hosts beginning gardening series
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Garden Club will host “Gardening Basics” a series of classes on the basics of starting a garden. The series will be at 10 a.m. on Saturdays in the winter and spring.
Feb. 10 is “Starting Seeds Indoors.” Tips and tricks for getting seeds started successfully. President by Judy Cmero and Claire Valenti of the SGC.
March 9, is “Preparing Garden Soil.” How to make sure you have soil (not dirt) for your plants. Presented by Kerisa Perazella of Crow River Farm in East Longmeadow.
April 13, is “Composting.” How to turn kitchen scraps and garden waste into brown gold. Presented by Janet Dolder, SGC member and Master gardener.
The classes will be held at the Shea Building at Forest Park, 300 Sumner Ave. The fee is $10 per class or the series of four for $30. Tickets are available on Eventbrite, by emailing spfldgardenclub@gmail.com or by calling 413-285-3163.
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