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By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter
As notes of sweet, fresh florals lingered in the air, visitors of Wellesley’s Massachusetts Horticultural Society enjoyed the perfect weather, talented band, and joyous atmosphere at the “Goddesses in the Garden” event. The event, sponsored by the Wellesley Bank Charitable Foundation, welcomed the public to the gardens to listen to a live band, see the blooming flowers and plants, and partake in activities around the gardens.
Thursday, August 17’s event brought families and individuals to the gardens to walk around before heading to the large field where they could picnic and enjoy the live music. As guests explored the garden, they stumbled upon statues, a Zen garden, and water fountains while being surrounded by the beautiful scenery. Children’s imaginations ran wild as they found hollowed-out logs and pointed out “fairy holes” in a tree.
Visitors at the Horticultural Society tasted a variety of carrots and gave feedback on their appearance and flavor.
“What’s Goin’ On,” a blues, jazz, soul, and R&B band performed with vocalist Nicole Webster at the event, providing entertainment as families ate their picnic dinners in the grassy field. Some children danced with their parents to music, while others participated in a beanbag toss. The Horticultural Society’s Education Manager, Katie Folts, and Student Master Gardener, Ann Dorfman, also kept kids busy with games about the garden. One game asked children to guess which of 15 different plants required pollinators to create the seed. Some of the most popular foods, including cocoa beans, pumpkins, avocados, watermelons, apples, and cucumbers depended on bees, the game revealed. Folts and Dorfman also taught children about the appearance of crops that produce different types of vegetables.
Photos by Sonia Subramaniam “What’s Goin’ On”, a Blues, Jazz, Soul, and R&B band and vocalist Nicole Webster performed at the “Goddesses in the Garden” event.
While some adventurous children tried the harvest tasting, the different types of carrots and Swiss chard that the Horticultural Society was offering had the adults flocking to the tables. The tables showcased different types of basil and bright lights, a type of Swiss chard, and a variety of carrots, including Danvers, Bolero, Dragon, Oxheart, and Yellowstone carrots. Tasters were encouraged to fill out a ballot ranking the carrots based on their appearance and flavor, and were given a packet of carrot seeds to start their own gardens. Other tables offered information on pollinators and information on how to become a member of the Horticultural Society.
“It’s really about getting people here and educating them about all the things the Horticultural Society has to offer,” said Zee Camp, a membership associate.
Although few of the attendees were already members, every visitor undeniably adored the gardens and appreciated the effort it takes to maintain them as they enjoyed the breathtaking garden vista.
The “Goddesses in the Garden” event provided educational opportunities for young gardeners.
