| NATIVES & POLLINATORS | DIVERSITY | SOIL RESTORATION | | PARTNERING WITH NATURE | COMMUNITY OUTREACH |
Carlisle woodland garden in summer
Photo by Elizabeth Acquaviva |
Trees in winter, mackerel sky, Great Brook State Park
Photo by Kay Hurley |
Autumn color, Great Brook State Park
Photo by Debbie Bentley |
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Debbie Wright Scholarship Fund
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For over 50 years the Carlisle Garden Club has awarded the Debbie Wright Scholarship to help Carlisle students defray college costs. This year a $3,000 scholarship is available to high school seniors from Carlisle who attend either public or private high schools or are being home-schooled. Preference will be given to students who have an interest in the following fields: Botany; Landscape Architecture; Horticulture; Forestry; Farming; Conservation; Entomology; Ornithology; and Environmental Studies as well as related areas.
Download the 2022 scholarship application HERE. The application must be submitted on or before May 15, 2022. Any questions should be directed to Jane Coleman Williams by phone (617-943-7241) or email (janecolemanwilliams@gmail.com).
Download the 2022 scholarship application HERE. The application must be submitted on or before May 15, 2022. Any questions should be directed to Jane Coleman Williams by phone (617-943-7241) or email (janecolemanwilliams@gmail.com).
PRE-ORDER NOW CLOSED
VISIT IN PERSON SATURDAY MAY 21, 10:00 - 2:00
GARDENING HAS TURNED A CORNER... It's no longer enough to surround your home with some predictable evergreens and springtime rhodies for a little bloom. What the world needs now is gardeners who will rewild their property to help rebuild the rich web of life that nature had once provided. It's a project we all can subscribe to. Let's add more native plants to our landscapes, a few at a time, to bring back the pollinators. Let's adapt our management practices to attract essential beetles and bugs. Finally, let's delight in being part of a rich, renewed ecosystem.
Walter Kittredge will be on hand with additional natives from his Oakhaven Sanctuary Nursery, and we'll have our usual wonderful selection of plants from member and donor gardens. See you on the Carlisle Common on Saturday May 21 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Plan to pick up your orders and to browse to see what else we offer.
Walter Kittredge will be on hand with additional natives from his Oakhaven Sanctuary Nursery, and we'll have our usual wonderful selection of plants from member and donor gardens. See you on the Carlisle Common on Saturday May 21 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Plan to pick up your orders and to browse to see what else we offer.
Questions? We're here to help.
CGC EVENT SCHEDULE 2021-2022
Check out our public event listing for our spring activities: monthly programs, annual plant sale and other events. Guests are always welcome, so reach out if you have questions.
Education/Environment Projects
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TAKE THE SELF-GUIDED CARLISLE TREE TOUR
A draft copy of the tour with four outstanding examples is now available for download. We invite you to drive, ride, or walk to these trees and send us your thoughts or additional information. Meanwhile, we are adding other photos and examples to the tour.
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Join our Trio of Free, Guided Tree Walks this Summer
Getting to know our native trees and forest --
with Carlisle tree climber and naturalist Andrew Joslin
When: Saturday May 28, 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Where: Meet at the Spencer Brook Trail trailhead, at the intersection of West and South Streets
Joslin will guide us to some of his favorite trees and forest locales. Along the way we'll puzzle over tree identification, look broadly at the forest flora and fauna, and observe human-related artifacts and effects.
Binoculars are handy for studying trees from the ground. Be prepared to protect yourself from ticks and biting insects. We may step off the trail here and there; long pants are recommended.
with Carlisle tree climber and naturalist Andrew Joslin
When: Saturday May 28, 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Where: Meet at the Spencer Brook Trail trailhead, at the intersection of West and South Streets
Joslin will guide us to some of his favorite trees and forest locales. Along the way we'll puzzle over tree identification, look broadly at the forest flora and fauna, and observe human-related artifacts and effects.
Binoculars are handy for studying trees from the ground. Be prepared to protect yourself from ticks and biting insects. We may step off the trail here and there; long pants are recommended.
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The second walk will be Saturday, June 18, 9:00 - 11:30 AM and we will meet at the intersection of Estabrook Road and Kibby Place.
The third walk will be Saturday, July 23, 9:00 - 11:30 AM and we will meet at the Conant land behind Town Hall.
The third walk will be Saturday, July 23, 9:00 - 11:30 AM and we will meet at the Conant land behind Town Hall.
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There can be no purpose more inspiring than to begin
the age of restoration, reweaving the wondrous diversity of life that still surrounds us. -- E. O. Wilson, 6/29/1929 to 12/26/2021 |
HAVE A QUESTION? REQUEST? COMMENT? WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Entomologist/conservationist Douglas Tallamy uses the E.O. Wilson quote in Nature's Best Hope to introduce a chapter that explains why and how to join the HOMEGROWN NATIONAL PARK (HNP) movement. Guidelines for optimizing each of Tallamy's suggestions can be found in his core books:
- Bringing Nature Home, Timber Press, 2007, updated 2009. Contains the original research that describes ecological damage created during mankind's industrial era. Appendix One starts with a list of desirable New England native plants with wildlife value. Appendix Two is a gardener's wonderlist that catalogs beloved species of butterflies and showy moths, as well as the names of host plant species that attract each genus of the family lepidoptera.
- With Rick Darke, The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity. Timber Press, 2014. Their gardening guide enables you to create a garden that fulfills your human needs and the needs of our vast society of wildlife companions.
- Nature's Best Hope, Timber Press, 2019. Jam-packed with ideas for rethinking/rewilding/rescaping/ restoring your landscape to a productive natural web of soil and habitat that restores biodiversity to your property. Wonderful pictures of many caterpillars we all need to learn more about (and see also the David L. Wagner book under More Resources below.) Chapter 11 summarizes what each of us can do.
- The Nature of Oaks, Timber Press, 2021. According to Tallamy, the oak is the premier keystone tree species, which supports far more life forms and interaction than any other North American tree. If this book doesn't inspire you to do something to rewild your property, nothing will!
A fascinating tour of the our planet's great hope
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“A forest is not a static thing; it is a constantly evolving mosaic of species in multiple relations with each other as well as with the rocks, the atmosphere, and the climate. The pioneering Russian ecologist Sukachev called this interrelated system biogenocoenosis. The [indigenous Alaskan] Koyukon call it “the world that Raven made.”
So explains Ben Rawlence, whose first foray into climate writing,The Treeline, explores the science and stories of the world’s last remaining great forest – the planet’s great northern/boreal system that forms a fragmented necklace that lies across the Arctic regions of the Earth. As the subtitle explains, it is the mission of the book to research this immense forest and the future of life on Earth. |
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Useful Websites
HOSTS - A searchable database from UK's venerable Natural History Museum that lists host plants of the world's lepidoptera. You need to know at least the scientific family name of the butterfly/moth you're seeking. The more precise your request, the more focused the data returned. Tip: Scroll down to specify the USA location to limit the display.
The Lepidopterists' Society - Professional association. Some online articles, and membership confers full benefits.
Monarch Watch - All things Monarch. Seeds for school or community projects are free if available, or they may be purchased.
North American Butterfly Association - Citizen projects, butterfly count info, photo contests, garden certification, and more.
The Xerces Society - A major publisher of information on North American pollinators. Some documents are available as online PDFs.
The Lepidopterists' Society - Professional association. Some online articles, and membership confers full benefits.
Monarch Watch - All things Monarch. Seeds for school or community projects are free if available, or they may be purchased.
North American Butterfly Association - Citizen projects, butterfly count info, photo contests, garden certification, and more.
The Xerces Society - A major publisher of information on North American pollinators. Some documents are available as online PDFs.
Invasives & Natives in Eastern Massachusetts
COMMON INVASIVE PLANTS LISTED BY MASS AUDUBON SOCIETY
Click this link to see a picture gallery of invasive species that you can learn about.
ALISON SAYLOR'S STEWARDSHIP TEMPLATE
Her valuable list of natives to consider planting.
Click this link to see a picture gallery of invasive species that you can learn about.
ALISON SAYLOR'S STEWARDSHIP TEMPLATE
Her valuable list of natives to consider planting.
NATURAL ART by Todd Lynch, Principal of Ecotropy, LLC, in the Pioneer Valley, shows how storm trimmings can be repurposed into joyous landscape art.
Composting
COMPOST IF YOU POSSIBLY CAN: YOUR COMPOST IS BLACK GOLD!
It's wonderful that Carlisle has a contract with Black Earth to handle composting on a town-wide basis -- and thanks to Launa Zimmaro and all the forward-looking people who made this possible) but the VERY BEST DEAL is to keep your compostable material (kitchen waste, leaves and grass/yard cuttings) on your own property. It may take a special strategy to dispose of your kitchen scraps over the winter, but those scraps are the perfect fertilizer for a vital garden bed, a shrub border, or a tree understory. Remember to mix kitchen scraps with shredded paper and leaves in a ratio as high as 1:9 to mimic nature's ratio.
THANKS TO ANGELA SMITH FOR GUIDELINES FROM BLACK EARTH COMPOST (click link below for info):
what's compostable at the Transfer Station, and what is not
HOPE IT HELPS YOU SORT IT OUT.
It's wonderful that Carlisle has a contract with Black Earth to handle composting on a town-wide basis -- and thanks to Launa Zimmaro and all the forward-looking people who made this possible) but the VERY BEST DEAL is to keep your compostable material (kitchen waste, leaves and grass/yard cuttings) on your own property. It may take a special strategy to dispose of your kitchen scraps over the winter, but those scraps are the perfect fertilizer for a vital garden bed, a shrub border, or a tree understory. Remember to mix kitchen scraps with shredded paper and leaves in a ratio as high as 1:9 to mimic nature's ratio.
THANKS TO ANGELA SMITH FOR GUIDELINES FROM BLACK EARTH COMPOST (click link below for info):
what's compostable at the Transfer Station, and what is not
HOPE IT HELPS YOU SORT IT OUT.
UPCOMING EVENTS TO WATCH FOR
GROW NATIVE MASSACHUSETTS - EVENINGS WITH EXPERTS 2022
This free series of expert talks features some of the foremost researchers and influencers of the horticulture community. Offered at no cost via Zoom on three Wednesday evenings from March to May in 2022:
This free series of expert talks features some of the foremost researchers and influencers of the horticulture community. Offered at no cost via Zoom on three Wednesday evenings from March to May in 2022:
- Native Species, Hybrids and Cultivars: What is Best for My Garden? by Uli Lorimer, Director of Horticulture at Native Plant Trust. Wednesday, March 16, 7:00 - 8:30 pm -- to be archived.
- A New Garden Ethic by Benjamin Vogt, author of A New Garden Ethic: Cultivating Defiant Compassion for an Uncertain Future. Wednesday, April 13, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
- Urban Landscape Inspirations from Native Plant Communities by Ethan Dropkin, Larry Weaner Landscape Associates. Wednesday, May 4, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
- Visit Grow Native Mass (Evenings with Experts page) to register. You can also find videos of talks from previous years on this page.
Membership Notes
Dues for the upcoming 2022-23 season are payable now until September 30. You may send a $50 check, payable to Carlisle Garden Club, to PO Box 231, Carlisle, MA 01741 or bring it to an upcoming meeting.
You can also use PayPal to pay online (a small PayPal service fee is added to the total.)
To access the current member list, choose Members/Program from the Members menu at the top of this page. The Club password will be requested.
You can also use PayPal to pay online (a small PayPal service fee is added to the total.)
To access the current member list, choose Members/Program from the Members menu at the top of this page. The Club password will be requested.
PUMPKIN PATCH RECAP
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Photos by Karen Root Watkins
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WE'RE GRATEFUL TO ALL who visited the Carlisle Garden Club’s 2021 pumpkin patch last fall. Thanks to your generous support, we sold out down to the last pumpkin exactly at 2 PM! It was a great day, and wonderful for us to see your beautiful harvest of smiles! Proceeds from the sale will help fund the club's community projects, such as public beautification and college scholarships for Carlisle graduates.
STILL AVAILABLE: CHATTING WITH OUR 2021 TOUR GARDENERS
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The 2021 Carlisle Country Gardens chat video is now available on demand Click here to see our video conversations with the five gardeners on the Tour. If you visited the garden in person, you can now hear how the garden came to be. You can click Show More beneath the video to see a list of gardens that match their number in the program booklet. The videos were shot during the week preceding the Tour.
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THANKS TO OUR 2021
COUNTRY GARDEN TOUR SPONSORS
Our deepest thanks to the sponsors who so generously supported the 2021 tour. It is the Club's major fundraiser, which supports our community outreach and educational events such as college scholarships for Carlisle students, civic beautification, the spring seed swap/share, Old Home Day appearances, and other special activities.
Please patronize our sponsors whenever possible and spread the word among your friends. Click any sponsor's logo to visit their website.
Please patronize our sponsors whenever possible and spread the word among your friends. Click any sponsor's logo to visit their website.
Community Garden Sponsors
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Wildflower Garden Sponsor
Herb Garden Sponsors
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2021 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
OUR 2021 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER, PIPER HARRING, was announced at the Club's annual meeting on June 7, 2021. Follow this link for details.
PERENNIAL HIBISCUS, GROWN FROM SEED IN CARLISLE, BLOOMS IN LATE SUMMER ON THE ROTARYThe Garden Club's Rotary renovation is underway, with plans to include native shrubs and pollinator plants in one of the sunniest spots in town. This glorious plant, which blooms in late July and August, is just one more thing to check out as you negotiate the roundabout. Look for it behind the lush bloom of the colorful, annual cosmos and the dramatic, low giant-blooming hibiscus.
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SOWING THE SEEDS OF CLIMATE ACTION IN YOUR GARDEN |
AN IMPORTANT PIECE IN THE BOSTON GLOBE contained valuable information about how your garden projects can help combat carbon pollution. Click here to access this interesting and useful article.
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LOVE TO GARDEN? JOIN THE CLUB. If you'd like to be part of the Carlisle Garden Club or if you'd like to attend a meeting as our guest, click the button below to contact our member chair.
Some additional club highlights
Download the most recent member list (password required)
2021-22 Officers and Committees
Alison Saylor's Template for land stewardship
Judy Blaikie Lane's Flower arranging demo
2021-22 Officers and Committees
Alison Saylor's Template for land stewardship
Judy Blaikie Lane's Flower arranging demo
Add habitat for native bumblebees to your landscape
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At a fascinating April, 2019 lecture sponsored by Grow Native Massachusetts in Cambridge, biologist Rob Gegear of Worcester Polytechnic Institute shared his research on the ecology of native bumblebees, and offered many evidence-based actions to help conserve these vital pollinators. A key component of Rob's guidelines for creating high-quality bumblebee habitat was plant selection, described later in this article.
His guidelines: first and foremost, avoid using non-native plants as much as possible. Exotic species disrupt the ecological systems within which bumblebees and native plants have evolved, and may actually contribute to bumblebee declines. Of the eleven bumblebee species native to Massachusetts, only a few have stable or expanding populations. Many of the species that are now rare have declined significantly from their historical abundance. Some non-native perennials might buzz with bees when in bloom, but they are often attracting only the most common, least threatened bumblebees. The true indicator of valuable habitat is seeing a diversity of pollinator species. |
Bombus impatiens on New England aster. © Janet Wilder
TO VIEW OTHER VIDEOS IN THE EVENINGS WITH EXPERTS SERIES VISIT THE GROW NATIVE WEBSITE . |
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Native Plant Trust: a new name for a beloved New England institutionYou need an appointment these Covid days to visit or shop at Native Plant Trust in Framingham. Don't recognize the name? It's the organization formerly known as NEWFS -- the New England Wild Flower Society, still headquartered at Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road in Framingham. It's been renamed to reflect their important work in protecting native species. Take a look at the website, then plan a visit (or several) to watch the wondrous parade of NE native plants in bloom. You can even purchase natives, grown locally from seed, to grace your own property. Call 1-508-877-7630 for info.
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RETHINKING YOUR GARDEN:
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OVER THE MOON ABOUT THE MOON?
If you're one of those wonderful "lunatic" gardeners who believes in planting or harvesting by the phases of the moon, you can click this link for a chart of the moon phases this month. |
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PLEASE SHARE THE RECIPE FOR YOUR FABULOUS DISH |
OUR POTLUCK PARTIES LEAVE US YEARNING FOR ONE MORE TASTE of that amazing salad or casserole, dessert or other special treat you brought to a party this year -- or any year. Though our version won't match your artful preparation, we'd love to share those tasty delights at our own family gatherings. And those who couldn't make it to the event will appreciate a vicarious bite, we're sure.
Pinterest graphic from http://www.jeanettelynton.com
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THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS
CHECK OUT THIS PAGE TO SEE A LIST OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT OUR WORK. Many thanks to all our sponsors, donors and supporters. Please patronize them in return, whenever possible, and mention them to your friends.
What else is new?
PREVIOUS SEED SWAP/SHARE EXPOS HAVE FEATURED SEED BOMBS, PEA SHOOTS, MILK-JUG MINI-GREENHOUSES, ORIGAMI ENVELOPES FROM RECYCLED PAPER, MASON BEE HOMES AND NEW COMPOSTING IDEAS for gardeners of all ages. Click here to visit archived Seed Swap documents.
KEEP MOVING, GARDENERS: TRY THE EGOSCUE STRETCHES FOR HEALTH AND REJUVENATION, available for all to download here.
A WORKOUT ROUTINE FOR GARDENERS WHO WANT TO GET IN SHAPE. Available to all site visitors.
MORE PUBLIC LINKS HAVE BEEN ADDED: Check out some exciting new addresses on our favorite links page describing permaculture resources, over-wintering tender fig trees, and new sources for obtaining native New England shrubs and perennials. These links are available to all site visitors.
MEMBER DOCUMENTS NOW AVAILABLE: Get a copy of our downloadable current member list, as well as recent newsletters, and meeting minutes here. Get archived documents and member reimbursement form here. You'll be asked for the site password.
A WORKOUT ROUTINE FOR GARDENERS WHO WANT TO GET IN SHAPE. Available to all site visitors.
MORE PUBLIC LINKS HAVE BEEN ADDED: Check out some exciting new addresses on our favorite links page describing permaculture resources, over-wintering tender fig trees, and new sources for obtaining native New England shrubs and perennials. These links are available to all site visitors.
MEMBER DOCUMENTS NOW AVAILABLE: Get a copy of our downloadable current member list, as well as recent newsletters, and meeting minutes here. Get archived documents and member reimbursement form here. You'll be asked for the site password.
HAVE A QUESTION OR SUGGESTION FOR THE CLUB?
OPEN OUR RESOURCES PAGE TO SEE WHAT'S NEW, ASK A QUESTION, OR SUGGEST A TOPIC. . .