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Giving Back in 2019 | Heifer International
For the past several years, a Blade of Grass has been contributing to Heifer International – an amazing organization that’s “working to end hunger and poverty around the world by providing livestock and training to struggling communities.” Each year we give an amount based on our team head count and business metrics, and then an additional contribution for each client referral. We’re excited to relay that our donation for 2019 is: 39 flocks of chickens, 3 goats, and 1 alpaca! If you would like to learn more about Heifer’s programs, or make a donation, please check out their website.
First Annual Holiday House Ideas Tour | Southborough Historical Society
The Southborough Historical Society Presents the 1st Annual Holiday House Ideas Tour. Saturday, November 30, 2019. 12:00-4:00 pm. Take a tour of some of Southborough’s finest homes, decorated for the holiday season. This is your chance to be inspired by great design and decor and get you into a festive mood! Tickets can be purchased at @atnumber10 during regular store hours or at the Museum on Sundays 12-2pm. Tickets are $30 in advance and all money goes to the Southborough Historical Society. Cash or credit is accepted. More information here.
Festival of Wreaths Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction | Sudbury Historical Society
Come preview the renovated Loring Parsonage, enjoy some holiday cheer and bid on a wreath donated by one of Sudbury’s own! The Historical Society is collecting hand-made wreaths from local businesses and community members. These wreaths will be on display in the Parsonage during the week leading up to the party (December 4th – 8th) and sold at silent auction to benefit the SHS. The auction ends during the cocktail party, so make sure you’re there to place the winning bid on your favorite holiday wreath! Space is limited, so get your tickets now!.
Festival of Trees @ Elm Bank | Massachusetts Horticultural Society
Looking for some winter fun? The Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Festival of Trees and Snow Village is a great day out for both children and adults alike. This event takes place from November 29 – December 15, 2019 at Mass Hort’s The Gardens at Elm Bank in Wellesley, MA. The Festival of Trees, displayed in the Hunnewell Building, offers beautifully decorated holiday trees that are donated and decorated by local businesses (that’s us), garden clubs, and individuals. Visitors “vote” with their raffle tickets, hoping to be the tree winner at the end of the Festival. For the young at heart, there are Santa Visits and other activities. For times and details, visit Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s website.
Deck the Halls Raffle | Wellesley Gardeners Guild
Those beautiful window boxes and platers you see at the Wellesley Post Offices and Free Library? They’re the work of the Wellesley Gardeners’ Guild – a small and very dedicated group of local volunteers. To support these projects, the non-profit is selling tickets to their annual “Deck the Halls” raffle. Each ticket is $20 and only 300 tickets will be sold. Among the prizes are two outdoor planters from a Blade of Grass, and many others from local designers and shops. To purchase your tickets, please email wellesleygardenersguild@gmail.com.
“This Old House” Landscape Designer Is a Girl Boss In A Man’s Field | Exhale Lifestyle
Exhale Lifestyle has published a great article for women looking to break into the predominantly male-dominated landscaping field. With advice and tips from Jenn Nawada Evans of This Old House, Blade’s own Heather Lashbrook Jones also shares her thoughts on what it takes to succeed in the landscape design field. It’s a quick read and a must for anyone considering transforming their passion for gardening into a full-time career.
History in the Making | Boston Design Guide
Our Belmont Carriage House project is getting noticed – a winner of the 2019 APLD Award for Residential Design, and this month a nod from Boston Design Guide. Architect Patrick Ahearn and our own Jim Douthit are featured in the article which includes several great shots of the property and dive into the strategy they employed both inside and out. We really loved designing on this property (and still maintain it) and hope you’ll enjoy reading about the design process behind it. You can find the article in Boston Design Guide’s latest digital edition, pages 28-31.
Flower-free Gardens | Boston Design Guide
Believe it or not, not every garden needs flowers. In fact, we’ve designed and installed many beautiful properties throughout the Boston area that feature only natural grasses, shrubs, and stone. Yes, it requires a thoughtful design to make these elements harmonize without the expected colors and textures of the traditional flower gardens, but our clients love the results. Boston Design Guide has posted a great write-up on this topic featuring some of our “no-flower” work. Enjoy!
Jamaica Plain Garden Tour | The Trustees – Boston Community Gardens
Join The Trustees – Boston Community Gardens this Saturday (July 20th) for a peek into private gardens in lovely Jamaica Plain. After a wonderful launch last year, the Second Annual Jamaica Plain Garden Tour features a new selection of lush, expansive private gardens in the Pondside neighborhood of Jamaica Plain. This year’s sites range from small DIY gardens to spacious professionally-designed landscapes, including a property designed and maintained by a Blade of Grass. Tickets are on sale now and all proceeds from the tour support Trustees’ community gardens citywide.
Sizzling Outdoor Kitchen Designs | Boston Design Guide
Looking for some professional advice regarding outdoor kitchens? Our Heather Lashbrook Jones sat down with the folks at Boston Design Guide to discuss a few of her favorite tips – from stone selection to the use of levels to create interest and a seamless flow. There many other great ideas included in their post, so be sure to check them out if you’re considering expanding your cooking to the outdoors.