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  • Time for the Public Garden Tropicals to Travel to Their Winter Quarters

    After last weekend's tropical rain and the first warning of frost in our area, gardeners began moving the Public Garden tropical plants to their greenhouse winter quarters in Franklin Park. 

    IMG_0705 copy

    Standing guard over the plants is gardener Josh Altidor. You can read more about him and his love for his job in this Boston Globe article. He told the Globe, “I want the design to be eye-catching.” He certainly caught our eyes this year. (And, from the number of photos in our files of his flower bed designs, he caught our camera lenses too!)

    IMG_0713 copy

    Bed-by-bed the plants were lifted and set in neat rows on the back of Parks Department trucks for the ride across town. 

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    Once upon a time, the Victorian tropical plants would have been walked to the greenhouse that was once located on the Beacon Street side of the Public Garden. The 1862 Public Garden photo above is from the Boston Public Library's collection.

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    Here's a photo (circa 1924) of the palm greenhouse at Franklin Park also from the Boston Public Library's collection.

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    Be ready for a change of scene on your next visit to Boston's gem of a park. It's time for the fall foliage and mums to take over the spotlight. And, before you know it the caretakers will tuck in the flower beds for winter.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny Cherubino with historic photos courtesy of the Boston Public Library as credited above. 

    Related articles
    Messing About in Boats, 1939 Style
    Once Upon a Time Dogs Sold Soap
    Sunday Dog Assignment: Make Holiday Reservations Now!

  • Time for the Public Garden Tropicals to Travel to Their Winter Quarters

    After last weekend's tropical rain and the first warning of frost in our area, gardeners began moving the Public Garden tropical plants to their greenhouse winter quarters in Franklin Park. 

    IMG_0705 copy

    Standing guard over the plants is gardener Josh Altidor. You can read more about him and his love for his job in this Boston Globe article. He told the Globe, “I want the design to be eye-catching.” He certainly caught our eyes this year. (And, from the number of photos in our files of his flower bed designs, he caught our camera lenses too!)

    IMG_0713 copy

    Bed-by-bed the plants were lifted and set in neat rows on the back of Parks Department trucks for the ride across town. 

    5554337048_e39e6ed72b_z

    Once upon a time, the Victorian tropical plants would have been walked to the greenhouse that was once located on the Beacon Street side of the Public Garden. The 1862 Public Garden photo above is from the Boston Public Library's collection.

    5554353128_d303baab9c_z

    Here's a photo (circa 1924) of the palm greenhouse at Franklin Park also from the Boston Public Library's collection.

    CHE_1197

    Be ready for a change of scene on your next visit to Boston's gem of a park. It's time for the fall foliage and mums to take over the spotlight. And, before you know it the caretakers will tuck in the flower beds for winter.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny Cherubino with historic photos courtesy of the Boston Public Library as credited above. 

    Related articles
    Messing About in Boats, 1939 Style
    Once Upon a Time Dogs Sold Soap
    Sunday Dog Assignment: Make Holiday Reservations Now!

  • Pick Up Your Fall 2016 Edible Boston and the New To Market Publication

    My preview copy of Edible Boston's fall 2016 issue arrived with a copy of the brand new publication from the Edible team, To Market. 

    CoverEBfall16   ™_2_Cover_Website_01

    I recommend that you pick up both of these great sources of information and intelligent writing on the local food scene. 

    Publisher Ilene Bezahler explained the scope of her new venture in a press release. "To Market will take a regional approach to local food but with the added impact of tackling policy issues, exploring trends across state lines and how the New England states interact to form a vibrant regional food economy."

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    One great example in the current issue is the article, Craft Cider Is the Next Craft Beer. Who knew there were 72 cideries in New England? And, as one who does love craft cider, it was a pleasure to learn more about its history and clip the page to keep the list of a few local ciders that I should try.

    TheFallGarden

    Ilene indicated that Edible Boston would continue to focus on seasonal, local food but will be able to shift more towards foods grown, prepared, and preserved in Boston area homes.  

    SoupCourse

    In the fall issue, Andrea Pyenson's article, Soup course with Governor Michael Dukakis, shows us the food and nurturing side of a man we admire for so many non-food reasons. 

    Edible Boston is a local business, too.

    And they can also use your support. Here's what I always say about that.

    How do you support a publisher like Ilene Bezahler and her remarkably talented team?

    Here's where you can pick up a copy.

    May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on Facebook, and in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

    And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Artwork: Courtesy of Edible Boston Photos by the extremely talented Michael Piazza

     

  • Pick Up Your Fall 2016 Edible Boston and the New To Market Publication

    My preview copy of Edible Boston's fall 2016 issue arrived with a copy of the brand new publication from the Edible team, To Market. 

    CoverEBfall16   ™_2_Cover_Website_01

    I recommend that you pick up both of these great sources of information and intelligent writing on the local food scene. 

    Publisher Ilene Bezahler explained the scope of her new venture in a press release. "To Market will take a regional approach to local food but with the added impact of tackling policy issues, exploring trends across state lines and how the New England states interact to form a vibrant regional food economy."

    Static1.squarespace

    One great example in the current issue is the article, Craft Cider Is the Next Craft Beer. Who knew there were 72 cideries in New England? And, as one who does love craft cider, it was a pleasure to learn more about its history and clip the page to keep the list of a few local ciders that I should try.

    TheFallGarden

    Ilene indicated that Edible Boston would continue to focus on seasonal, local food but will be able to shift more towards foods grown, prepared, and preserved in Boston area homes.  

    SoupCourse

    In the fall issue, Andrea Pyenson's article, Soup course with Governor Michael Dukakis, shows us the food and nurturing side of a man we admire for so many non-food reasons. 

    Edible Boston is a local business, too.

    And they can also use your support. Here's what I always say about that.

    How do you support a publisher like Ilene Bezahler and her remarkably talented team?

    Here's where you can pick up a copy.

    May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on Facebook, and in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

    And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Artwork: Courtesy of Edible Boston Photos by the extremely talented Michael Piazza

     

  • Sunday Dog Assignment: Make Holiday Reservations Now!

    Columbus Day weekend is the perfect time to make travel reservations, if you have companion animals. 

    Whether your furry pals are traveling with you or staying with friends for the holidays, make whatever reservations you will need as soon as possible.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017c32987f00970b-800wi

    Pet sitter and boarding kennel schedules can fill up fast for the holiday season. Airlines limit the number of pets in the cabin and pet-friendly lodgings might have no vacancies, if you wait too long.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340192acaa4f12970d-500wi

    Poppy usually travels with us and is packed and ready to go at a moments notice when we find a vacancy at one of our favorite vacation spots that welcome our whole family of three. 

    Friends & Family Deserve Notice Too

    Even informal agreements with family, friends, and other pet lovers for care while you travel should be arranged well in advance to ensure a visitor will fit with their holiday plans. If you’re counting on Mom or Dad to take Fluffy while you are away, check now to see if that feline visitor is welcome this year.

    We often meet dogs in the parks who are “grandpups” visiting their “grandparents.” If you have a family member or friend who shares your pet care values and is willing to take your place while you travel, you’re fortunate.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c8824b21970b-500wi

    We've covered this topic many times before, both here and in other publications. Here are a couple of BostonZest posts with tips and more advice on boarding or traveling with your dog. 

    Is Your Sunday Dog Traveling for the Holidays? Reserve Now! Plus 8 more Tips

    This "Sunday Dog" Loves to Travel

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino and traveling dog from istockphoto.

    Related articles
    The Dogs of the Boston Public Library Collections
    Finding Pros for Your Dog in Boston: Walkers, Pet Sitters, and Kennels
    Sleeping Dogs & Cats – What You May Be Surprised to Learn

  • Sunday Dog Assignment: Make Holiday Reservations Now!

    Columbus Day weekend is the perfect time to make travel reservations, if you have companion animals. 

    Whether your furry pals are traveling with you or staying with friends for the holidays, make whatever reservations you will need as soon as possible.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017c32987f00970b-800wi

    Pet sitter and boarding kennel schedules can fill up fast for the holiday season. Airlines limit the number of pets in the cabin and pet-friendly lodgings might have no vacancies, if you wait too long.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340192acaa4f12970d-500wi

    Poppy usually travels with us and is packed and ready to go at a moments notice when we find a vacancy at one of our favorite vacation spots that welcome our whole family of three. 

    Friends & Family Deserve Notice Too

    Even informal agreements with family, friends, and other pet lovers for care while you travel should be arranged well in advance to ensure a visitor will fit with their holiday plans. If you’re counting on Mom or Dad to take Fluffy while you are away, check now to see if that feline visitor is welcome this year.

    We often meet dogs in the parks who are “grandpups” visiting their “grandparents.” If you have a family member or friend who shares your pet care values and is willing to take your place while you travel, you’re fortunate.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c8824b21970b-500wi

    We've covered this topic many times before, both here and in other publications. Here are a couple of BostonZest posts with tips and more advice on boarding or traveling with your dog. 

    Is Your Sunday Dog Traveling for the Holidays? Reserve Now! Plus 8 more Tips

    This "Sunday Dog" Loves to Travel

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino and traveling dog from istockphoto.

    Related articles
    The Dogs of the Boston Public Library Collections
    Finding Pros for Your Dog in Boston: Walkers, Pet Sitters, and Kennels
    Sleeping Dogs & Cats – What You May Be Surprised to Learn

  • Sunday Is Leif Erikson Day, Discover his Boston Statue!

    October 9th has been the official Leif Erikson Day since Congress declared it so in 1964. If Hurricane Matthew allows us to have a nice day on Sunday, we suggest you take a walk along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall to the corner of Charlesgate East (map) and discover Boston's Memorial to this Viking explorer. 

    IMG_0623 copy

    At the moment, many details of the monument are hidden by tropical plants. 

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    In this photo from the Boston Public Library Collection, you can see that he stands above a dragon-headed boat and that boat would have been the basin for a fountain rather than a planter.

    According to an 1887 Boston Globe article, the memorial's dedication was originally located on a traffic island at Commonwealth Avenue and West Chester Park, the former name of Massachusetts Avenue. We are still trying to confirm when it was relocated.

    20101102DSC_8714 - Version 3 copy

    Here's a photo that Penny took a few seasons ago with more of the monument showing in the setting sun.

    Plan a return visit!

    Be sure to come back in winter to discover all the lovely details that sculptor Anne Whitney incorporated into this work of art. A few years ago, we interviewed Sarah Hutt, the Friends of the Public Garden Collections Care Manager. She admitted that this is her favorite statue on the Mall. “I just find that so playful,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to go up on the scaffolding [during a restoration] and look at it. There is so much interesting detail… It has all these little stories of his voyages engraved in it.”  

    IMG_0632

    How Do You Spell It? 

    Back in 1000, when this man was said to be sailing up the Charles, people were not as fussy about spelling as we are today. References to him include the following spellings: Leif, Leifur, Leiv, Erikson, Ericson, Ericsson, or Ericksson. As you can see on the information plaque attached to the statue, the city has gone with the Leif Erikson version so we are following their example for now. 

    Our research files on this monument contain many more interesting tidbits that we'll share at a later date. For now, enjoy the fall weather and take a walk to see this piece of Boston public art.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny Cherubino, historic photo by Moulton Photograph Co. courtesy of the Boston Public Library.

    Related articles
    Russet May Be the Color of Autumn 2016 in Boston – BostonZest
    Boston Area Commencement Dates for Spring Impact Hotel Prices, Availability, Restaurant Reservations and More
    Lucy Stone and a Leaf (Part 2)

  • Sunday Is Leif Erikson Day, Discover his Boston Statue!

    October 9th has been the official Leif Erikson Day since Congress declared it so in 1964. If Hurricane Matthew allows us to have a nice day on Sunday, we suggest you take a walk along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall to the corner of Charlesgate East (map) and discover Boston's Memorial to this Viking explorer. 

    IMG_0623 copy

    At the moment, many details of the monument are hidden by tropical plants. 

    5790833630_3043cb0850_z

    In this photo from the Boston Public Library Collection, you can see that he stands above a dragon-headed boat and that boat would have been the basin for a fountain rather than a planter.

    According to an 1887 Boston Globe article, the memorial's dedication was originally located on a traffic island at Commonwealth Avenue and West Chester Park, the former name of Massachusetts Avenue. We are still trying to confirm when it was relocated.

    20101102DSC_8714 - Version 3 copy

    Here's a photo that Penny took a few seasons ago with more of the monument showing in the setting sun.

    Plan a return visit!

    Be sure to come back in winter to discover all the lovely details that sculptor Anne Whitney incorporated into this work of art. A few years ago, we interviewed Sarah Hutt, the Friends of the Public Garden Collections Care Manager. She admitted that this is her favorite statue on the Mall. “I just find that so playful,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to go up on the scaffolding [during a restoration] and look at it. There is so much interesting detail… It has all these little stories of his voyages engraved in it.”  

    IMG_0632

    How Do You Spell It? 

    Back in 1000, when this man was said to be sailing up the Charles, people were not as fussy about spelling as we are today. References to him include the following spellings: Leif, Leifur, Leiv, Erikson, Ericson, Ericsson, or Ericksson. As you can see on the information plaque attached to the statue, the city has gone with the Leif Erikson version so we are following their example for now. 

    Our research files on this monument contain many more interesting tidbits that we'll share at a later date. For now, enjoy the fall weather and take a walk to see this piece of Boston public art.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny Cherubino, historic photo by Moulton Photograph Co. courtesy of the Boston Public Library.

    Related articles
    Russet May Be the Color of Autumn 2016 in Boston – BostonZest
    Boston Area Commencement Dates for Spring Impact Hotel Prices, Availability, Restaurant Reservations and More
    Lucy Stone and a Leaf (Part 2)

  • Farmers Markets Still Going Strong! Some Remain Open Until Thanksgiving

    Are you still making weekly or bi-weekly stops at your favorite farmers markets? If not, why not? In addition to more local food options, we now have longer seasons to enjoy the fruits of local farm labor.

    IMG_0584
    While some markets close down earlier, at locations like Copley Square, farmers will be hauling great food onto their market stands and setting up for sales until Thanksgiving.

    If you are someone who thinks that seasonal markets end after Labor Day, thankfully they don’t. Many Boston-area outdoor markets remain open into October and a few operate until Thanksgiving. Fall is a season of abundance at your favorite farmers market.

    Autumn is also a great time to take a longer walk, a bus or subway ride, or even a drive to visit a different farmers market or a nearby farm stand.

      CHE_0134

    Stocking Up

    This is the time of year when I stock up on my favorite winter pantry items such as jams, preserves, honey, syrups, and pickles from vendors I may not see over the winter. It’s easier to carry home one or two items a week than to try to do it all in November.

    If you miss out on doing this, be sure to check the Boston Public Market. I’ve seen some of my favorite pantry staples available in the area around the Siena Farm Stand. Now I don’t have to worry about running out of Old Friends Farm Ginger Syrup, Kitchen Garden Sriracha Sauce, or Raspberry Infusion Sweet Vinegar from Silferleaf Farm. You’ll also find local honey and other bee-related products at the market’s Boston Honey Company stand. These products make wonderful holiday gifts, hostess gifts, and local surprises when you visit friends in distant places.

    IMG_0595

    Farmers markets that are still open with their closing dates:

    East Boston/Central Square: October 19th (Wednesdays)
    Cambridge Center (Kendall MBTA): October 26th (Wednesdays)
    Mission Hill/Roxbury, Brigham Circle: October 27th (Thursdays)
    Charlestown: October 26th (Wednesdays)
    South End/SOWA: October 30th (Sundays)
    Jamaica Plain (677 Centre Street): November 5th (Saturdays & Tuesdays)
    Brookline/Coolidge Corner: November 17th (Thursdays)
    Union Square, Somerville: November 19th (Saturdays)
    Roslindale/Adams Park: November 19th (Saturdays)
    Central Square, Cambridge: November 21st (Mondays)
    Copley Square: November 22nd (Tuesdays and Fridays)
    Harvard University Farmers Market, Cambridge: November 22nd (Tuesdays)
    South Station/Dewey Square: November 22nd (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
    Davis Square, Somerville: November 23rd (Wednesdays)
    Boston Public Market, North End: Year-Round (7 days a week)

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Boston Area Commencement Dates for Spring Impact Hotel Prices, Availability, Restaurant Reservations and More – BostonZest
    August Is Time for a Stillman's BLT

  • Farmers Markets Still Going Strong! Some Remain Open Until Thanksgiving

    Are you still making weekly or bi-weekly stops at your favorite farmers markets? If not, why not? In addition to more local food options, we now have longer seasons to enjoy the fruits of local farm labor.

    IMG_0584
    While some markets close down earlier, at locations like Copley Square, farmers will be hauling great food onto their market stands and setting up for sales until Thanksgiving.

    If you are someone who thinks that seasonal markets end after Labor Day, thankfully they don’t. Many Boston-area outdoor markets remain open into October and a few operate until Thanksgiving. Fall is a season of abundance at your favorite farmers market.

    Autumn is also a great time to take a longer walk, a bus or subway ride, or even a drive to visit a different farmers market or a nearby farm stand.

      CHE_0134

    Stocking Up

    This is the time of year when I stock up on my favorite winter pantry items such as jams, preserves, honey, syrups, and pickles from vendors I may not see over the winter. It’s easier to carry home one or two items a week than to try to do it all in November.

    If you miss out on doing this, be sure to check the Boston Public Market. I’ve seen some of my favorite pantry staples available in the area around the Siena Farm Stand. Now I don’t have to worry about running out of Old Friends Farm Ginger Syrup, Kitchen Garden Sriracha Sauce, or Raspberry Infusion Sweet Vinegar from Silferleaf Farm. You’ll also find local honey and other bee-related products at the market’s Boston Honey Company stand. These products make wonderful holiday gifts, hostess gifts, and local surprises when you visit friends in distant places.

    IMG_0595

    Farmers markets that are still open with their closing dates:

    East Boston/Central Square: October 19th (Wednesdays)
    Cambridge Center (Kendall MBTA): October 26th (Wednesdays)
    Mission Hill/Roxbury, Brigham Circle: October 27th (Thursdays)
    Charlestown: October 26th (Wednesdays)
    South End/SOWA: October 30th (Sundays)
    Jamaica Plain (677 Centre Street): November 5th (Saturdays & Tuesdays)
    Brookline/Coolidge Corner: November 17th (Thursdays)
    Union Square, Somerville: November 19th (Saturdays)
    Roslindale/Adams Park: November 19th (Saturdays)
    Central Square, Cambridge: November 21st (Mondays)
    Copley Square: November 22nd (Tuesdays and Fridays)
    Harvard University Farmers Market, Cambridge: November 22nd (Tuesdays)
    South Station/Dewey Square: November 22nd (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
    Davis Square, Somerville: November 23rd (Wednesdays)
    Boston Public Market, North End: Year-Round (7 days a week)

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Boston Area Commencement Dates for Spring Impact Hotel Prices, Availability, Restaurant Reservations and More – BostonZest
    August Is Time for a Stillman's BLT