What’s In Bloom?

September 2, 2010 by Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

by Matthew Lobdell

Sweet Autumn Virgin’s Bower (Clematis terniflora var. terniflora)

Originally native to China, Japan, and Korea, Sweet Autumn Virgin’s Bower has found a new home growing amongst the Pergolas of the North End Park. Though the flowers are only slightly more than an inch across, their interesting shape, fragrance, and sheer quantity produces an impressive effect regardless.

Clematis Terniflora var. terniflora

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Actually a naturally occurring hybrid of Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata), peppermint has seen some use in ornamental gardens due to its purple flowers, purple-tinged stems, and characteristic fragrance. Use with caution however as it is a rampant grower considered invasive in some parts of the world. Peppermint can currently be seen blooming in Dewey Square Park next to related Pineapple Mint (Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’).

Mentha x piperita

Purple Lovegrass (Eragrostis spectibilis)

A native plant with a range as wide as Southern Canada throughout the Eastern United States and all the way into Mexico and parts of Central America, Purple Lovegrass is a plant adaptable to a wide array of conditions. Being extremely drought tolerant, it continues to perform well in spite of the rather dry summer we have experienced. The pinkish-purple inflorescences come are borne the base of the plant, hiding the foliage while in bloom and giving the grass a “cloudy” look. It can be seen in the Wharf District Parks planted amongst other New England Natives.

Eragrostis Spectibilis

Also in Bloom:

  • North End Parks: Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Robust Grape-leaf Anemone (Anemone tomentosa ‘Robustissima’)
  • Wharf District Parks: Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis), White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata), Heavy Metal Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’)
  • Urban Arboretum: Pink Velour, Red Rocket, and Burgundy Cotton Crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit III’, ‘Whit IV’, and Whit ‘VI’), Zuni Crepemyrtlye (Lagerstroemia ‘Zuni)
  • Fort Point Channel Parks: Neon Showy Stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Neon’), Tri-color Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii ‘Tri-color’), Pamina Anemone (Anemone ‘Pamina’)
  • Dewey Square Park: Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica), Variegated Pineapple Mint (Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’)
  • Chinatown Park: Adagio Chinese Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’)

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Q & A with Sam Davol

August 27, 2010 by Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

This week we sat down with Sam Davol, founder of Boston Street Lab and organizer of the Films at the Gate festival, to learn more about the festival and find out why it is that public space inspires him.

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What’s In Bloom?

August 27, 2010 by Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

by Matthew Lobdell

Pamina Anemone (Anemone ‘Pamina’)

Flowering very late in the Summer, Japanese Anemones tend to be seen as a harbinger of fall, remaining as one of the last bright flowers as winter begins to approach. The cultivar ‘Pamina’, a bright pink form, can be seen in the Fort Point Channel Parks.

Anemone 'Pamina'

Thinleaf Sunflower (Helianthus decapetalus)

Native to most of the Eastern United States, Thinleaf Sunflower is a widespread aggressive grower providing a nice splash of yellow color throughout the summer. It grows to about five feet in height, and is planted throughout the Wharf District along with the closely related Paleleaf Woodland Sunflower (Helianthus strumosus), which can achieve a height of eight feet.

Helianthus decapetalus

Hameln Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’)

Native to Japan, Fountain Grass has found its place in American Gardens as well due to its attractive inflorescences which often remain showy until early winter. ‘Hameln’ is a more compact form of the species growing only two to three feet tall. Also present on the Greenway is ‘Little Bunny’, an even more compact form maxing out at about a foot and a half in height. Both of these are planted in the Fort Point Channel Parks.

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’

Also in Bloom:

  • North End Parks: Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Robust Grape-leaf Anemone (Anemone tomentosa ‘Robustissima’)
  • Wharf District Parks: Pink Tickseed (Coreopsis rosea), White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata), Heavy Metal Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’)
  • Urban Arboretum: Pink Velour, Red Rocket, and Burgundy Cotton Crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit III’, ‘Whit IV’, and Whit ‘VI’), Zuni Crepemyrtlye (Lagerstroemia ‘Zuni)
  • Fort Point Channel Parks: Neon Showy Stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Neon’), Tri-color Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii ‘Tri-color’), Overdam Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Overdam’)
  • Dewey Square Park: Goldsturm Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’), Purple Hollow-stemmed Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum ‘Atropurpureum’), Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
  • Chinatown Park: Adagio Chinese Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’)

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What’s In Bloom?

August 20, 2010 by Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

by Matthew Lobdell

Pink Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana ‘Rosea’)

Native to the Eastern United States, Obedient Plant is a perennial growing to approximately three feet tall by three feet wide. The name “Obiedient Plant” refers to the tightly held arrangement of flowers on the stem, which will remain intact regardless of disturbance. Many gardeners view Obedient Plant as anything but however, due to the plant’s aggressive spreading tendencies.

Physostegia virginiana Rosea

Zuni Crepemyrtle (Lagerstroemia ‘Zuni’)

A close relative of the Crepemyrtles featured earlier this year, ‘Zuni’ is a purple flowering shrub introduced by the US National Arboretum. Currently there is only one ‘Zuni’ on the Greenway, in the Urban Arboretum where it was planted just this summer. Though as currently pictured it appears to be only hovering above the Zebra Chinese Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’), in future years it will be more evident as it approaches its adult height of 8-9’.

Lagerstroemia Zuni

Adagio Chinese Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’)

Chinese Silvergrass is a hardy ornamental grass, and relatively low maintenance so long as it receives full sun. The cultivar ‘Adagio’, found in Chinatown Park, is known for having a more silvery colored foliage than the standard variety, as well as only growing to approximately half the size (four feet rather than eight feet). Many horticulturists consider the species to be showy throughout the winter months as well, and will not generally cut it back until early spring.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio'

Also in Bloom:

  • North End Parks: Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Gateway Hollow-stemmed Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum ‘Gateway’)
  • Wharf District Parks: Pink Tickseed (Coreopsis rosea), White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata)
  • Urban Arboretum: Pink Velour, Red Rocket, and Burgundy Cotton Crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit III’, ‘Whit IV’, and Whit ‘VI’)
  • Fort Point Channel Parks: Pamina Anemone (Anemone ‘Pamina’), Lady Sedum (Sedum ‘Matrona’), Neon Showy Stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Neon’)
  • Dewey Square Park: Goldsturm Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’), Purple Hollow-stemmed Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum ‘Atropurpureum’), Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
  • Chinatown Park: Adagio Chinese Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’)

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What’s Cookin’?

August 19, 2010 by Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

by the Boston Public Market Association

This week at the Boston Public Market on Dewey Square, look out for EGGPLANT!

Health Benefits
Eggplants are 90% water and are therefore low in calories.  It renews arteries, treats dysentery, and is used for bleeding problems and to influence blood in the lower part of the body.

Use
Eggplant pairs well with strongly flavored vegetables and may be fried, stir-fried, sauteed, baked, stuffed or simmered.

To improve flavor and digestibility of eggplant cut eggplant into half-inch slices and sprinkle with salt.  Place on an absorbent paper, cover with additional paper, and top with a heavy or weighted cookie sheet for 30 minutes.  Rinse off the salt, drain or pat dry, and cook as directed.

Buying
Eggplant is at its peak in summer – purchase only firm and unblemished eggplants; discoloration or dents indicate a bitter fruit.  The smaller varieties generally have a thinner skin, firmer texture, sweeter flavor, and few if any seeds.

SETA’S EGGPLANT BRUSCHETTA
Courtesy of Seta’s Mediterranean Foods

4 tablespoons canola oil
1 large Spanish onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
6 ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
6 baby eggplant
1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley

1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the canola oil. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring often, for 8 minutes or until the onions soften.

2. Add the tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and Aleppo or crushed pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring often, for 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, pull a vegetable peeler lengthwise along the eggplant to peel off strips of skin, leaving 3 strips of purple skin on each one.

4. Scrape the tomato mixture into a bowl.

5. Set the oven at 375 degrees. Have on hand a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

6. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of canola oil in the skillet. Add the eggplant, setting them peeled sections down in the oil. Cook for 8 minutes, turning several times, or until they are golden.

7. Halve each eggplant lengthwise without cutting all the way through, so you can open each eggplant like a book. Fill the eggplant with the tomato mixture. Transfer to the baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a skewer.

8. Cut all the way through each eggplant, sprinkle each half with parsley.

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What’s In Bloom?

August 13, 2010 by Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

Goldsturm Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’)

Native to the meadows of the Midwestern US, Black-eyed Susan has become an immensely popular garden plant. It is often paired with Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), a species Black-eyed Susan was once thought to be very closely related to (In some parts of the country, Black-eyed Susan is actually called Orange Coneflower). The cultivar ‘Goldsturm’ is German in origin, roughly translating into “Gold Storm.”

rudbeckia lacinata 'goldsturm'

Pink Fountain Lindheimer’s Beeblossom (Gaura lindheimeri ‘Walgaupf’)

Lindheimer’s Beeblossom (also sometimes called White Gaura), is a fast growing and spreading perennial native to Texas, Mexico, and Louisiana. Its drought tolerant nature has also made it a good addition to perennial gardens in New England as well. Two varieties were introduced to the Fort Point Channel Parks this year, ‘Pink Fountain’ (Pictured), and ‘Passionate Rainbow’.

Gaura lindheimeri 'Walgaupf'

Also in Bloom:

  • North End Parks: Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Gateway Hollow-stemmed Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum ‘Gateway’)
  • Wharf District Parks: Pink Tickseed (Coreopsis rosea), White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata), Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’)
  • Urban Arboretum: Pink Velour, Red Rocket, and Burgundy Cotton Crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit III’, ‘Whit IV’, and Whit ‘VI’)
  • Fort Point Channel Parks: Pamina Anemone (Anemone ‘Pamina’), Lady Sedum (Sedum ‘Matrona’), Kopper King Rose Mallow (Hibiscus ‘Kopper King’)
  • Dewey Square Park: Goldsturm Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’), Purple Hollow-stemmed Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum ‘Atropurpureum’), Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
  • Chinatown Park: Adagio Chinese Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’)

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The Big Hammock on the Greenway

August 13, 2010 by Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

There is a new art installation on the Greenway, and…well, it’s kind of a BIG deal.

Rendering

The Big Hammock, brainchild of architect and artist Hansy Better Barraza, is an 8’ x 38’ hand-woven hammock that is being created and installed in the Greenway’s Fort Point Channel Parks.  Once completed, the hammock will be able to seat a maximum of fifteen people at once!  (Talk about a power nap.)

The Big Hammock project, funded through the Awesome Foundation as well as Kickstarter.com, is intended to create a new way to interact with and admire the urban and historical setting, enforcing the idea of the Greenway as space of public leisure.  Park-goers are encouraged to sit, lounge, and nap on this truly inspired piece of art!

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What’s Cookin’?

August 10, 2010 by Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

by the Boston Public Market Association

This week at the Boston Public Market on Dewey Square look out for PEACHES!

Health Benefits
Peaches are lower in calories than apples and pears and are high in vitamin A and C and are one of the few fruits that contain calcium.  They help to build body fluids in the case of dry coughs.

Peach leaves and bark are used as a medicinal tea for chronic bronchitis, coughs and gastritis.  Peach leaf tea is used for morning sickness, to purge intestinal worms and to cleanse the kidneys.

Use
Peaches are a popular fruit to can, dry, or make into preserves, sauces, butter, chutney, confections and liqueurs.  For easiest peeling, blanch peaches in boiling water for a few seconds then plunge into cold water until cool enough to handle; the skin will slip right off.  To keep sliced peaches from discoloring, mix them with a little lemon juice or ascorbic acid.

Buying
Peaches harvested for shipping are unripe when picked and their flavor never fully develops – so be sure to buy local peaches from a farmers market or farm stand.  A peachy aroma indicates ripeness, as does softness; choose a peach that gives slightly to palm pressure – but do not squeeze it!

BAKED ORCHARD’S PEACHY KEEN ICE POP
Courtesy of Rob from Baked Orchard

2 pounds cantaloupe
1 pound peaches
1 tablespoon dried lemon zest
2 tablespoons of simple syrup (2 parts water to 1 part sugar)
lemon juice to taste

Puree fruit and lemon zest.  Stir in simple syrup and lemon juice – add more to taste. Strain the mixture and freeze in pop molds.  Don’t forget to add sticks!

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You Are Here: New Signs Come to the Greenway

August 9, 2010 by Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

Last week the Greenway Conservancy installed nine new signs along the Greenway.  The three-sided, kite-inspired signs are designed to both orient and inform park-goers. Park maps not only orient, but also inform visitors about unique park features, while the bulletin board feature on the signs displays up to date information about programs and events happening on the Greenway.

Two main sign types, the 8’6” Greenway Identification signs and the 7’6” District Park Kiosk signs, each serve a specific function.  Greenway Identification signs are meant to introduce visitors to the Greenway and orient them to the area, whereas the District Park Kiosk signs act as bulletin boards displaying information and upcoming events specifically related to the district park in which they are located.

The hope is that these pedestrian friendly, informative signs will not only orient Greenway-goers, but serve as a park-linking element along the mile-long Greenway.

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What’s In Bloom?

August 6, 2010 by Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

by Matthew Lobdell

Lady Stonecrop (Sedum ‘Matrona’)

A hybrid of two popular sedums of garden origin, Lady Stonecrop combines the long-blooming pink flowers and dark colored foliage characteristic of its parents. It flowers from late summer to early fall, and can currently be seen alongside a brighter-flowered selection, ‘Neon’, in the Fort Point Channel Parks.

sedum 'matrona'

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

A New England Native, Cardinal Flower is currently blooming in the Wharf District Parks. It is planted for its flowers, colored a brilliant crimson-red. Like its relative, Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica), currently blooming in Dewey Square Park, Cardinal Flower prefers wet conditions, mimicking the stream beds and damp meadows it is indigenous to.

lobelia cardinalis

Herbstsonne Shiny Coneflower (Rudbeckia nitida ‘Herbstsonne’)

Shiny Coneflower, a relative of Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida), is native to the Southern United States, where it is a perennial growing approximately two to four feet tall. However, the cultivar ‘Herbstsonne’ grows two to three times that size, reaching a height of seven feet! A new addition planted this spring, It can currently be seen blooming in the Fort Point Channel Parks.

Rudbeckia nitida 'Herbstsonne'

Also in Bloom:

  • North End Parks: Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Gateway Hollow-stemmed Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum ‘Gateway’)
  • Wharf District Parks: Pink Tickseed (Coreopsis rosea), Black Baneberry (Actaea racemosa), Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’)
  • Urban Arboretum: Pink Velour, Red Rocket, and Burgundy Cotton Crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit III’, ‘Whit IV’, and Whit ‘VI’),
  • Fort Point Channel Parks: Lavender Chiffon Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodone’), Big Sky™ Summer Sky Coneflower (Echinacea ‘Katie Saul’), Pamina Anemone (Anemone ‘Pamina’)
  • Dewey Square Park: Goldsturm Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’), Purple Hollow-stemmed Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum ‘Atropurpureum’), Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)

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