Fall 2008

Dear Members and Friends,

This is a very exciting time for New England Wild Flower Society and Nasami

Farm. Thank you for your patronage.

Nursery closed for the season We look forward to seeing you when we reopen for our spring, 2009 season in April.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Native Plant Center at Nasami Farm was held on June 19. The foundation has been poured and we can already visualize the future building as it will stand, designed for LEED-certification. The foundation improvements to our beautiful antique barn are also complete. Contrasting the traditional building with the new building underscores a metaphor for the Society’s mission—preserving our native plant heritage together with our shared investment in a green future through conservation, horticulture, and education.

Growing Connections. We appreciate all those who have already contributed to Growing Connections: Campaign for New England Wild Flower Society. With $2.6 million raised, we are at 70% of our goal of $3.8 million—well on our way to making the multi-use farm building and gateway to the Sanctuary a reality. Please contact Dianne Butt, Director of Development, at 508-877-7630 x 3104, to make a gift or for information, or visit www.newenglandwild.org/support /campaign.

Quantity preorders. Although the retail season closed on October 5, reopening in the spring, we accept quantity pre-orders year-round for local pick-up. Lock in your wish list with a minimum order of $500 by contacting nursery@newenglandwild.org or 413-397-9922.

New uses for favorite wildflowers. Read our new seasonal gardening and horticulture tips by Society staff, including information on green roofs, bog gardening, and rain gardens, complete with plant list suggestions. Visit examples of these eco-landscaping techniques at Garden in the Woods at Society headquarters in Framingham. If you plan an overnight stay you can get a very special room rate at our sponsor partners listed at http://www.newenglandwild.org/visit/bigbugs/visiting/lodging-meals.html.

Our plants aren't the only wildlife getting attention. While we were potting up Comptonia (sweetfern), I spotted a large bird in the distance and as it came closer, I saw its white head and white tail. A bald eagle! It stayed with us for a half hour and now returns frequently. Many customers have observed this special visitor. A killdeer—a ground-nesting shorebird—has made its home in a pot of insect-eating Sarracenia flava—maybe it’s celebrating the BIG BUGS show too! Nasami is a haven for much wildlife and we look forward to re-opening the sanctuary walking areas in 2009.

It’s time to send us your email address and save paper. We’d like to update you on our conservation and horticulture projects via email. If you’re receiving this letter, it means that we don’t have your current email address. I promise we will never share your email with anyone. Please email Karen Pierce, our Membership Director, at kpierce@newenglandWILD.org, with “Nasami Farm” in the subject line, and be sure to include your name, preferred email, and postal address in the message. Thanks in advance for helping us conserve.

Please volunteer to help native plants. Read events and demonstrations for upcoming Nasami and conservation opportunities throughout the Pioneer Valley. Make a difference.

We couldn’t do it without you! If you’re already a member, we thank you for supporting plant conservation and native plant education. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining us. Membership makes a powerful contribution to healthy habitats throughout New England, and member benefits include plant and program discounts, including discounts at nearby nurseries. Gift memberships are also available. Join or renew at Nasami Farm, by contacting Karen Pierce at kpierce@newenglandWILD.org or 508-877-7630 x 3801, or online at newenglandwild.org.

We look forward to seeing you in the coming season,

Ron M. Wik

Nursery Business Director

New England Wild Flower Society