Online workshop to explore peony cultivation
Stockbridge — Berkshire Botanical Garden will present the online class “The World of Peonies” Sunday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Presented by Dan Furman of Cricket Hill Garden in Thomaston, Connecticut, the class will cover the botany and cultivation history of the various types of peonies from China, Japan and the U.S. Participants will learn how to create a successful peony garden, including growing requirements for New England. Additionally, Furman will present a virtual tour of his garden and the variety of cultivars in bloom.
Furman is a second-generation peony grower at Cricket Hill Garden. Since joining the business in 2010, he has worked to expand the peony hybridization and production programs at the nursery. In addition to peonies, he is interested in growing pawpaws, persimmons, Asian pears, and other unusual fruits in northwestern Connecticut.
The class is $25 for the general public and $20 for members. The class will take place over Zoom. Advance registration is recommended. For more information or to register, see the Berkshire Edge calendar, or contact Berkshire Botanical Garden at (413) 298-3926 or info@berkshirebotanical.org.
–E.E.
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‘Together…Every Step of the Way’ virtual run to support Construct
Great Barrington — From Saturday, May 23, through Sunday, May 25, Fairview Hospital will sponsor “Together… Every Step of the Way,” a virtual walk/run to benefit Construct, which supports individuals and families who face housing instability.
The event can be completed while maintaining social distance in one’s own neighborhood, at a favorite running trail or park, or even on a treadmill. Participants can complete a 5K, 10K, half marathon or just a few symbolic steps in recognition of the event’s purpose.
According to organizer Sophia Veinoglou, NP: “We recognize that there is a close relationship between a stable home and its impact on health. In recent weeks, the ‘shelter in place’ order presumes that you have a home to go to, but with the closure of local businesses, more people are looking for help to secure a stable home, to pay the rent and to continue being a landlord.”
A donation of $20 is requested but gifts of all sizes are welcome and will be directed to the cause. For more information or to join or support the event, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or call Sophia Veinoglou at (413) 854-9739.
–E.E.
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Jacob’s Pillow to livestream ‘Festival 2020 Artists’ Perspective’
Becket — On Wednesday, May 20, at 5 p.m., Jacob’s Pillow will host the livestream discussion “Festival 2020 Artists’ Perspective.”
The discussion will incorporate four U.S. choreographers, all of whose companies had planned to perform in person at the 2020 festival, to relay thoughts on the present and plans for the future. Moderated by Pillow director Pamela Tatge, the panel will include Ana Maria Alvarez of CONTRA-TIEMPO, John Heginbotham of Dance Heginbotham, Liz Lerman, and Cleo Parker Robinson of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Jacob’s Pillow at info@jacobspillow.org.
–E.E.
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Berkshire Community Land Trust to screen cohousing documentary
Great Barrington — On Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m., the Berkshire Community Land Trust will offer an online screening via Zoom of the short documentary film “The Best of Both Worlds: Cohousing’s Promise.” Following the film, BCLT will hold a conversation about the potential for cohousing in the Berkshires.
Written and directed by John de Graaf in 2019, the film explores the concept of cohousing, an intentional community of private homes clustered around shared space. The story profiles four cohousing communities in Northern California, including the first one in the United States and a senior community. The film features architect Charles Durrett, who brought the concept of cohousing to the United States from Denmark.
The screening is free and open to the public. There is a limit of 100 viewers and registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Berkshire Community Land Trust at office@berkshirecommunitylandtrust.org.
–E.E.
