Natick Report

Since 2020: More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.

Want to do more than dream of spring gardens?

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The Morse Institute Library in Natick recently opened a Seed Library on the second floor, in front of the Reference Desk. Using an old card catalog, the seeds are listed alphabetically; the current list of available seeds is next to the drawers, along with a reference guide.

Seeds will be added in the near future, so future gardeners are encouraged to stop by to see what’s available.

A library card is not required, and the packets are free.

For information, call the library at 508-647-6520 and ask for Kate Markopoulos.

new seed library
Seed Library at Morse Institute Library (photo by Maureen L. Sullivan)

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Here’s how to apply for a Natick Community Garden plot

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Natick is home to four vibrant community gardens, where residents transform overlooked green spaces into thriving hubs of local connection and edible abundance. These gardens are more than just plots of dirt; they are welcoming sanctuaries where growers come together to nurture the land and forge bonds.

Trade your screen time for green time, and participate in this enriching program. The annual cost for a plot is $75. Plots are available to Natick residents only.

March 16: applications for returning gardeners open

April 13: new gardeners can apply

Lane Community Garden
Lane Community Garden, 185 Speen St.

DIGITAL APPLICATIONS: online via CommunityPass through Natick Recreation and Parks

PAPER APPLICATIONS: available at Natick Recreation & Parks Dept., 179 Boden Lane

For additional information, email communitygardens@natickma.org

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Rare corpse flower blooms at Elm Bank

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By Erica Noonan

Corpse Flower at Elm Bank
Eliza blooms (photo by Erica Noonan)

 

Eliza corpse flower at Elm Bank
Close-up (photo by Michael Tobin)

 
Eliza, a rare Indonesian corpse flower, began her dramatic and very short bloom cycle Sunday night at The Garden at Elm Bank. 

Local plant enthusiasts wasted no time in getting to Wellesley, and by the time gates opened for the first set of timed tickets at 8 p.m., nearly 100 people were in line, including some from as far away as Worcester. 

Lining up for Eliza at Elm Bank
Lining up for Eliza at Elm Bank (photo by Michael Tobin)

 
Eliza-watch had been ongoing for days, with a livecam on the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s website, where she is visiting from her permanent residence at Wheaton College in Norton. 

Her bloom is estimated to last just 24-32 hours, and the decision was made to move her to Elm Bank which had more capacity for public visitation during the summer months, said Amanda Bettle, Wheaton’s Greenhouse Manager. 

Eliza had bloomed before, but only partially, about two years ago, Bettle said. 

But Sunday night’s opening was the real deal, she said. Beetles and flies were already crawling on her partially opened leaves, which true to Titan Arum (Amorphophallus Titanum) form smelled like garbage and rotting meat.   

Because its eager pollinators won’t easily find another corpse flower in Swellesley, Elm Bank managers got pollen from a handful of the other rare corpse blooms in the U.S. shipped in to try to help the bugs complete their mission.   

Tickets to see Eliza at The Garden at Elm Bank, 900 Washington St. can be found here. Tickets are $14 for adults, $5 for children, MHS members may enter free of charge. 

Eliza and friend
A “before” photo of Eliza, with friend (courtesy photo)

 
Corpse Flower at Elm Bank
Photo by Glen Glater

 
Corpse Flower at Elm Bank
Nighttime shot (Photo by Glen Glater)

 

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Bartlett Tree Experts—trusted to care for European Beech Trees at MassHort

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SPONSORED POST: Bartlett Tree Experts always look forward to spring, especially when their arborists are asked to provide species-specific scientific tree care for the much-loved European Beeches at Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Garden at Elm Bank in Wellesley.

Bartlett Arborist Representative Harrison Shaw and a team of his fellow Bartlett arborists recently pruned the spectacular hardwood hedge that surrounds Elm Bank’s beautiful Italianate Garden. The pruning was completed by trained Bartlett experts who meticulously used hand tools for precision. In addition, the team provided soil care and treatments to the trees, to keep them in optimum health.

Such diligent care is essential to help ward off beech leaf disease, which can be lethal to both American and European beech trees. In the years since its discovery, beech leaf disease has spread to 15 states, affecting beeches throughout New England, and further north including Ontario, Canada, to as far south as Virginia.

Bartlett Tree Experts
Harrison Shaw beside the European Beeches at Elm Bank.

Shaw, who grew up in Grafton and makes his home in Wellesley, works closely with MassHort to provide scientific tree and shrub care to ensure the health and beauty of the organization’s wide collections of trees and woody plants.

Founded in 1907, Bartlett Tree Experts is the world’s leading scientific tree and shrub care company.

Let Bartlett care for your trees

The best approach to caring for beech trees is multi-dimensional with a focus on improving overall tree health and vigor. Research scientists at the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories continue to develop groundbreaking treatment strategies that have proven to be highly effective.

If you have beech trees on your property, contact your local Bartlett arborist to discuss treatment options and scientific tree care solutions to ensure the health and vitality of these beautiful trees.

Learn more about beech and beech leaf disease at the video linked here, European Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

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