From almonds and apples to tea and rice, many foods that we consume today have histories that can be traced out of prehistoric Central Asia along the tracks of the Silk Road to kitchens in Europe, America, China, and elsewhere in East Asia. The exchange of goods, ideas, cultural practices, and genes along these ancient routes extends back five thousand years, and organized trade along the Silk Road dates to at least Han Dynasty China in the second century BC. Robert Spengler presents a broad array of archaeological, botanical, and historical evidence, narrating the story of the origins...

Read more about Fruit from the Sands: The Silk Road Origins of the Foods We Eat

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Read more about Family Hike: Get Ready For Winter!

Chris Morgan is fascinated by the patterns and textures in nature, the shapes of trees, and the movements of birds. He captures these beautifully in his photographs, which were on display at the Arnold Arboretum in the winter of 2019. In this program, Chris will discuss his photographic interests and methods in the classroom and then move outdoors to demonstrate his techniques. Class participants will be able to learn alongside Chris, evaluating views, debating camera angles, and considering focal points in order to shoot better images. Participants should bring their preferred...

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Horticulturist Conor Guidarelli manages the Arnold Arboretum’s organic materials recycling area and has recently improved the production and quality of the resulting compost. Conor will discuss the components of compost and the nutrients that can be returned to a site when compost is applied. He will explain the mix of brown to green materials, moisture, and aeration. Class participants will start in the classroom and then travel to the Arboretum’s materials yard to see compost in various stages of development.

Fee $20 member, $30 nonmember

Register at... Read more about Compost Compendium

Explore the vast variety of native trees, shrubs, and woody vines. Learn which species grow well in shade, which support local wildlife, and how to stagger plantings for continuous bloom, fruit production, and fall color. The class discusses growth characteristics, cultural requirements, and best horticultural uses. It begins with lectures and walks at Garden in the Woods in Framingham and includes a field trip to the Arnold Arboretum in...

Read more about Native Woody Plant Materials (2 sessions)

Deepen your engagement with the autumnal landscape! Our annual members-only event features one-of-a-kind guided tours led by our staff experts. Enjoy refreshments, fun and beautiful foliage on Saturday, October 19th beginning at 9:30am. Meet for coffee and autumnal treats on the lawn of the Hunnewell Building before setting off on the theme tour of your choice at 10am. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle. For the comfort of our tour guides and participants, we request that you leave pets at home for this event.

Register to reserve...

Read more about Arboretum Members' Tour Day 2019

Capture the drama of fall, when landscapes present a vivid array of colors and the palette is most striking. Professional photographer Nancy Katz will introduce fundamental concepts of landscape photography and then teach techniques for getting the best photographs from your smartphone camera. You will capture images in dynamic color and muted shades, then learn to enhance them using a host of editing tools provided in the Snapseed App. For best results, bring your smartphone and a commitment to completing the weekly homework assignments. Class will take place indoors and out.  ...

Read more about Smartphone Photography: Capturing the Colors of Autumn (multiple sessions)

How well do you know the Arboretum's collections on Peters Hill? If you would like a refresher, or an introduction, join Keeper of the Living Collections, Michael Dosmann, on a fall saunter. He will highlight plants with compelling stories. Meet at the summit of Peters Hill and plan for 90 minutes on, and off, the beaten path. 

To reach the summit, enter the Peters Hill Gate and walk up to where the paved road goes left and right. Take the right side up the hill. You will come to another paved road leading to the summit near the top of the road.

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As the first botanical history of World War II, Plants Go to War examines military history from the perspective of plant science. From victory gardens to drugs, timber, rubber, and fibers, plants supplied materials with key roles in victory. Author and botanist Judith Sumner will speak of the many plants that were incorporated into wartime safety materials, diet and rations, and even bombers. 

Fee Free, but registration requested

Register at my.arboretum.... Read more about Plants Go to War: A Botanical History of World War II

Join Harvard’s Master Yon Lee and learn about the practice of tai chi, an ancient Chinese tradition, often described as meditation in motion. Tai chi has the potential to prevent and remedy many health conditions that are associated with aging. Move through a series of gentle, fluid movements with Master Yon Lee during an hour-long session outdoors in the peaceful surroundings of the Arnold Arboretum. Beginners welcome.

Free, registration required

In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.... Read more about Active Aging Week: Try Tai Chi

Shoots, roots, and fruits! In the fall there can be a plethora of interesting flavors out in the landscape. During this tour, we will explore some of the woody and herbaceous plants here at the Arboretum that have edible qualities. There may even be an invasive weed recipe or two for the cookbook. Please note that this walk covers possibly edible plants. We may even taste a few, but we do not encourage people to go out and harvest plant material from the Arboretum landscape.

In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.5209. 

Free, ...

Read more about Edibles in the Landscape

Improve your health and well-being with yoga. We will practice poses and breathing techniques in the tranquil setting of the Arnold Arboretum. All ability levels welcome. Chairs will be available, if needed, to aid in a more gentle form of yoga.

In the case of inclement weather, the session will move indoors (Hunnewell Building Lecture Hall).

Free, registration is limited and required at my.arboretum.harvard.edu

When our staff returns from seed collecting in the wild, there is little time for rest. Arboretum staff Andrew Gapinski, Sean Halloran, and Jared Rubinstein will travel for three weeks this September in Appalachia in search of seed from taxa targeted as part of the Campaign for the Living Collections. As the explorers return to the Arboretum with the fruits of their labor, the real work begins—from preparing seeds for their unique propagation treatments to assessing field...

Read more about Seed Collection: Processing the Bounty

Join Harvard’s Master Yon Lee and learn about the practice of tai chi, an ancient Chinese tradition, often described as meditation in motion. Tai chi has the potential to prevent and remedy many health conditions that are associated with aging. Move through a series of gentle, fluid movements with Master Yon Lee during an hour-long session outdoors in the peaceful surroundings of the Arnold Arboretum. Beginners welcome.

Free, registration required

In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.... Read more about Active Aging Week: Try Tai Chi

Invasive plants are a real concern in our parks, gardens, and other public places. Many were intentionally introduced because of their horticultural value. How do we define invasive, and how did these plants get into our landscape? See examples in the Arboretum landscape and gain a better understanding of this issue.

Free, registration requested. 

In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.5209. Read more about Exciting Introductions or Stealth Invaders?