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The Plymouth Garden Club will be planting trees and flowering plants at Indian Brook School on Friday, April 26, Arbor Day.
“We’ll be bagging the seedlings at my home” the Wednesday prior, said club member Suzanne Carchedi.
The Garden Club has been planting flowers and trees in Plymouth for decades. It began as a horticultural committee of the Women’s Club, meeting at the home of its founder, Carrie Barké. In 1929, it became an independent club, with Barké as its first president.
Since 1971, the Plymouth organization has been a member of the Massachusetts Federation of Garden Clubs. Its conducted planting a schools and historical houses, as well as at Brewster Gardens and Jenney Pond.
Arbor Day was described by its founders as “a secular day of observance” on which individuals and groups such as garden clubs are encouraged to plant trees. It’s celebrated on the last Friday in April and dates to the 1920s.
Getting students involved has long been a priority for the club.
“The junior gardeners program for Plymouth Public Schools’ third grade students is another important program,” Carchedi said. “It teaches the importance of conservation, natural resources, and the environment.”
On Thursday, April 26, the town’s Parks and Forestry Department will be planting a medium-sized tree in the island in front of Indian Brook Elementary at 9:30 a.m. It’s likely to be a flowering crab apple.
“The first and third grade students will take part in the ceremony,” said Geri Williams, chair of the Junior Gardeners Environmental Program.
Garden Club will also give each third grader a seedling evergreen tree in celebration of Arbor Day, explain how to plant it at home, and emphasize the importance of watering, Williams said. They will also help each student plant their tree in a pot to take home.
Encouraging third graders to plant a tree at home is the culmination of Junior Gardeners Environmental Program. Members visit elementary classrooms and discuss the importance of trees in Plymouth’s ecosystems – the coastal pine barrens and coastal plain ponds, Williams said. Garden Club volunteers have visited each third-grade classroom in the district for a one-hour presentation, explaining how the town’s environment is unique, how its ponds and forests must be conserved, and why water is so important, and why the town’s sole source aquifer must be protected. Over the years the club has purchased and given over 12,500 seedling trees to students for Arbor Day.
Over the years, the club has held flower shows at Memorial Hall, Hedge House (an Antiquarian Society property), the Mayflower Society House, Citizens Bank, the Masonic Lodge, the Loring Center, and the Eel River Beach Club, alongside art shows run by The Plymouth Guild for the Arts.
Garden Club members have also participated in the “Art in Bloom” shows held by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Carchedi said, as well as in district and state flower shows and the New England Flower Show.
Things to do this week and beyond
Monday, April 15
Uva Wine Bar, 46 Main St., will provides materials and supplies for making a pendant necklace and a pair of earrings, from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $55, and available here.
Tuesday, April 16
Poets Susan Hunter, Merryn Rutledge, and Tom Snarsky will be reading from their work in the Pinehills at Book Love in the Rowan on the Village Green, on Tuesday, April 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $5. Reserve a place here.
It’s April Kids Week at Pilgrim Hall Museum, with free admission, entertainment, and family-friendly activities from 9:30 to 5. Visitors can expect daily “Treasure Hunts” for kids and special programs for young learners. Children must be accompanied by an adult. At 2 p.m. today, David Coffin presents “Life at Sea” a program in which participants sing along on a “shanty” work song.
Author and historian Linda Coombs will lead a discussion of her book “Colonization and the Wampanoag Story” at the Plymouth library from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Coombs is a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah and lives in the Wampanoag community of Mashpee on Cape Cod. The program is intended for children ages 10 and up, but ages 6 and up are welcome. Register here.
Wednesday, April 17
April Kids Week at Pilgrim Hall presents “The Herring Pond Wampanoag Family Workshop for Earth Day” at 11 a.m. Workshop participants will create an Earth Day-themed artwork to take home. Herring Pond Wampanoag tribal members and local artists from the Community Arts Collaborative will also lead workshops from 1 to 4 p.m. on wampum and pendant making.
Wednesday Walks at Mass Audubon’s Tidmarsh Sanctuary, 60 Beaver Dam Road, take place at from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will learn about the sanctuary’s successful wetlands restoration, view the sanctuary’s native plant and animal species, and learn what is in store for the future. This free guided walk led by Mass Audubon staff is geared toward adults.
Plymouth Library hosts a virtual chat with award-winning author Xochitl Gonzalez about her newest novel, “Anita de Monte Laughs Last.” The book is described as “a propulsive, witty examination of power, love, and art, daring to ask who gets to be remembered and who is left behind in the rarefied world of the elite.” The talk takes place from 8 to 9 p.m. Find more information about the event here.
Thursday, April 18
Pilgrim Hall Museum presents “A Sea Story” by Charlotte Anne Dore and Rosalita’s Puppet Show at 11 a.m. At 1 p.m., Judith Black, tells original stories. Museum admission is free this week.
Plimoth Patuxet Museums hosts “Celebrate Earth Day,” inviting visitors to explore how historians and scientists preserve and protect the ecosystems that sustained 17th-century daily life in Patxuet and Plymouth Colony to the modern day. Participants will perform scientific tests to understand the health of this essential ecosystem and different communities’ impacts on this historic landscape. The program is best suited for children ages 10-12, accompanied by an adult. Tickets start at $12. They’re available here.
Betsy Hall of Wildlands Trust leads an afternoon group meditation and discussion of mindful practices and techniques, followed by a good walk, from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants will silently hike the Big Point Trail of Halfway Pond Conservation Area, ending with more discussion and reflection. The program is for new and experienced meditators. Meet at 43 West Long Pond Road. Tickets are $5 for Wildland Trust members, $10 for non-members. They’re available here.
Friday, April 19
The Jenney Interpretive Centre, 48 Summer St., creates a day for homeschoolers: a two-hour program with sessions on topics such as “Stories of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims,” “Thanksgiving in the New World,” “The Pursuit of Happiness,” and “Massasoit and Hobomok” from 9:30 to 4 p.m. Prices start at $20. Register here.
Singer-songwriter, and former sportswriter Howie Newman will present a musical baseball program at the Plymouth Center for Active Living,55 Nook Road, at 1 p.m. The show includes a display of his personal baseball memorabilia and a free raffle for one of his baseball CDs. Advance registration is encouraged. For additional information, contact the center at 508-830-4230.
Pilgrim Hall Museum presents story time at 11 a.m. Boston-based storyteller and art specialist Andrea Kamens weaves magic in a diverse range of tales that resonate with young and old. At 1 p.m. storyteller Jackson Gillman brings the world of coastal wonders and sea creatures alive with humor, tales, and songs for all ages in a program titled “Whales, Octopi & Sharks.” The museum is free this week.
Saturday, April 20
The Plymouth Herring Run Festival returns to the Plimoth Grist Mill and along Town Brook through Brewster Gardens for a day of family-friendly activities including herring counts, alewife art, games, and live music from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants are invited to chat with local scientists, help contribute to ongoing herring research, and take a photo with someone (or something) called “Happy Fish!”
Is it time to leave the past behind? The “SHRED IT” truck will be in the Plymouth library’s parking lot at 8 a.m., and “everyone is welcome to bring their personal documents for on-site, secure shredding!” – for a modest fee. Each box the size of a traditional bankers’ box costs $10, and all funds raised will be used by the Plymouth Public Library Foundation to support the library. For questions, call 508-830-4250 x216.
Sunday, April 21
Vanessa and Ralph Moore will launch their new book, “The Peculiar of Plymouth,” at The Spire from 2 to 5 p.m. They describe the book as a “delightful Gorey-esque style storybook that embraces the ‘peculiar’ side of Plymouth, where couple has lived for 28 years. The book will be available for purchase for $20.
The Sunday Funday Residency at The Spire with South Shore roots rock band The Shady Roosters has been extended into May. The band performs a mix of rockabilly, blues, roots, and country with some original tunes, from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are sold at the door for $5, cash only.
Chordage Ensemble, part of a live performance series of Chamber Music on the South Shore, will perform a program titled “Celebrate Spring” at 4 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 149 Court St. The program includes music by Schumann, Schubert, Gershwin, Amy Beach, and Dominic Dousa. The ensemble includes Susan Davies, soprano; Marguerie Levin, clarinet; James Raftopoulos, viola; and Susan Hadfield, piano. Tickets are $25, or “pay what you can.” Ages 12 and under are free.
Monday, April 22
Mirabeau Inn & Spa in the Pinehills hosts “a harmonious fusion of environmental mindfulness, meditation, and yoga,” from 11 to 11:50 a.m. the session includes a meditative walk through the Pinehills, combined with breathwork, mindfulness exercises, and yoga stretching along the way. It’s free. Sign up by calling 877-MIRBEAU or email reservations@mirbeau.com.
The Manomet branch library present a story time for parents, caregivers, and children up to age 6, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. It’s an opportunity to enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities together. It also reinforces important early literacy skills to help children get ready to read. No registration required.
The Noteworthy Nonfiction Book Club will be reading “The Library Book” by Susan Orlean for its April meeting, from 6 to 7 p.m. Copies of the book are available to check out at the Plymouth library circulation desk. Contact Kris Boyles at 508-830-4250 ext. 201, for more information.
Tuesday, April 23
Mirbeau Inn & Spa in the Pinehills hosts author Hank Phillippi Ryan to mark the release of her newest book, “One Wrong Word.” Doors open for cocktails, light bites, and refreshments at 5:30 p.m. Phillippi Ryan will speak at 6 p.m., followed by book signings and photo ops. Tickets are $45, or $65 with a book included. They’re available here.
The Chess Club meets at the Plymouth library in the Nook Road study room areas from 6 to 8 p.m. All levels of players are invited. Chess sets are provided, but players are welcome to bring their own.
Plymouth G Pub, 101 Carver Road, offers “Craft Creations & Cider” in the taproom from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings.
The Plymouth library’s British Mystery Book Club meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The club will discuss “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” a classic of the genre, by Arthur Conan Doyle. Register here.
Wednesday, April 24
Wednesday Walks at Mass Audubon’s Tidmarsh Sanctuary, 60 Beaver Dam Road, take place at from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will learn about the sanctuary’s successful wetlands restoration, view the sanctuary’s native plant and animal species, and learn what is in store for the future. This free guided walk is led by Mass Audubon staff and geared toward adults.
The Plymouth library hosts a virtual author’s talk with Xochitl Gonzalez about her newest novel, “Anita de Monte Laughs Last.” The talk takes place from 8 to 9 p.m. More information is here.
Gary Mullen and the Works will perform “One Night of Queen” at Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., at 8 p.m. Tickets to the tribute concert are available here.
Thursday, April 25
Plymouth library’s Preschool Storytime, from 11 to 11:30 a.m., gives parents, caregivers, and children ages 3 to 5 the opportunity to enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities together. No registration necessary.
Plymouth G Pub, 101 Carver Road, presents an all-new stand-up comedy show in its Speakeasy Lounge from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Life and Lyrics concert program with Cara Brindisi presents its first concert and “pilot episode” at The Spire, 25 1/2 Court St., at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.
Friday, April 26
The Community Garden at the Davis-Douglas Farm in Plymouth provides an opportunity for community members to grow foods and flowers of their own and meet fellow gardeners in the area. Gardeners are preparing for another season from 2 to 3:30 p.m., prepping the barrels and beds for planting in May. New gardeners may add their names to the waitlist through this application.
After a sold out show last year, New England folk singer-songwriter Cheryl Wheeler returns to The Spire for performance with Kenny White, from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $38.50 and are available here.
Saturday, April 27
Plymouth library hosts an “board game meetup” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is intended for all ages and skill levels. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow gamers, make new friends, and indulge in some friendly face-to-face competition. You can bring your own games or borrow one from the library’s game library. No registration is required.
The spa at the John Carver Inn, 25 Summer St., is hosting a Scout and Cellar clean-crafted wine and coffee tasting from 4 to 6 p.m. You don’t need to be a guest at the inn. The spa is on the second floor of the inn. The event free.
A Band of Brothers, an Allman Brothers tribute band, performs at The Spire at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28.80 and $32. They’re available here.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra collaborates with acclaimed Broadway vocalists to pay tribute to The Queens of Rock & Soul: Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. The orchestra and singers will perform classics such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Proud Mary,” “Simply the Best,” “Natural Woman,” “River Deep Mountain High,” “Chain of Fools,” and more. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St. Tickets range from $30 to $100. They can be purchased online at plymouthphil.org or by calling 508-746-8008.
Sunday, April 28
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra’s tribute, The Queens of Rock & Soul: Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin, gets an encore performance. See Saturday’s listing for more details.