Spring Splash at Old Frog Pond Farm

Buds appear on the apple trees in mid-April

One of our favorite spots, any time of year, is Old Frog Pond Farm in Harvard, Mass. Families can visit, volunteer, and purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from the organic farm stand. Adding to the experience are outdoor sculptures by Farmer Linda Hoffman and her colleagues, which surprise the visitor around every turn, and perfectly complement the farmscape.

Right now, the buds on the apple trees are beginning to open (see photo). First, a bit of green peeks out, then the bud-leaves start to unfold. Orchardists have names for every stage of the bud opening. This one is called 1/2 in green or mouse ears, an apt description for the tender leaves. The amazing small signs of life in the orchard affirm the mystery of growth about to burst forth. We're clearing out all of last year's canes, fertilizing the young plants, and beginning the spring weeding. Volunteers are always welcome, please send an email if you have a few hours to share. It's lovely out in the fields with the plants.

In Linda Hoffman's sculpture studio, "3D Play" sculpture workshops are led by Linda and

Applying bio-fertilizer.

Margot Stage. In the first class, participants made sculpture with wire, wood, apple branches, and found objects, learning to attach disparate materials and ground their project with a solid base. The next two classes will be sculpture that hangs in the air and sculpture that floats on water. To be on the list for future classes, email farmer/sculptor Linda Hoffman.

"Right now, there is a spreading carpet of greens growing - salads, kale, spinach, mesclun, and more. We will be selling greens directly from the farm. The first planting will be ready in two weeks," Linda told the Dispatches. To be to be notified, send an email to vegetables@oldfrogpondfarm.com.

Meadow Magic at Garden in the Woods

New England Wild Flower Society will celebrate "Meadow Magic" Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, 2009, at Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA. Garden in the Woods is open both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., however, special Meadow Magic events are scheduled noon to 4 p.m. There is free parking on premises both days.

See peak meadow bloom from ground level and above on the new Observation Deck. This will be the inaugural event for the 12' X 24' Observation Deck which will put a whole new perspective on looking at the meadow. Be amazed at the height of the wildflowers in the meadow. This can mean native species in bloom up to 7 or 8 feet tall. Beside these "giant sized" plants are others that are quite small and delicate.

Look for butterflies, bees, ladybugs, and more as they fly from flower to flower collecting and spreading pollen. Learn about plant pollinators, play games, and more. The Bugmobile brings craft projects and live bugs to the meadow. Enjoy a scavenger hunt in the Garden too. A beekeeper will join us at the Garden to explain how bees work in the web of life. Discover what a bee hive is all about, how bees make honey, and which bees make honey. Meet some fun, costumed characters who explain their roles in our ecosystems.

Take a special walking tour of the 45-acre botanic museum, scheduled at 2 p.m. both days. Tours, included in the price of general admission, cover the Invasive Plant Jail, Idea Garden, Lily Pond, Lost Pond, and unique New England Garden of Rare and Endangered Plants.

Visit the Garden Shop and its nursery to find which plants could bring beautiful insects and wildlife to your garden. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in a butterfly garden design, birdhouse selection, or plant combo for a great container garden. Books and eco-friendly gifts complete the Garden Shop experience. Visitors receive a special discount on merchandise at he Garden Shop on August 15 and 16; 10% off the cost of native plants, books, eco-friendly gifts, clothing, and tools.

Founded in 1900, New England Wild Flower Society, the nation's oldest native plant conservation organization, promotes the conservation of temperate North American flora through education, research, horticulture, habitat preservation, and advocacy. The Society owns and operates Garden in the Woods, a 45-acre public botanic garden in Framingham, MA, and Nasami Farm, a 75-acre native plant nursery in Whately, MA, as well as ten sanctuaries located in New England. The Society's vision is a future where vigorous native plant populations live in healthy, balanced, natural ecosystems—protected, enjoyed, and beneficial to all life. For more information, visit newenglandwild.org.

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BUG Me!

Why drive thousands of miles for a vacation this year when you can have loads of fun close to home? New England Wild Flower Society’s Garden in the Woods is the exclusive 2008 New England site for 13 BIG BUGS, David Rogers’ sculpture exhibit and the Web-of-Life Extravaganza through October 31. Every week there is another festival with giant sculptures, costumed characters, crafts, live bugs, lots of outdoor activities, even a Bug-Venture Guide to help you maximize your experience. Enjoy a remarkable mini-vacation each week and share the glories of Garden in the Woods with friends and family.

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Art of Farming at Old Frog Pond

Around the farmer's art
glow bountiful raspberries
accenting green bushes;
ample apples invite
your pies and crisps
as Old Frog Pond Farm
yields autumn fruit.

Visitors to Old Frog Pond Farm are picking organic Macs, Cortland and Golden Delicious in the orchard - Heritage is the variety of their splendid fall raspberries (photo).

Pick-Your-Own
Farmstand on the front porch
Sculpture in the studio and around the farm
Certified Organic by Baystate Organic Certifiers
Directions