Neighborhood Life

Get Your Tix Now: Jamaica Plan Garden Tour on Saturday

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The 1st Annual Jamaica Plain Garden Tour by the Trustees of Boston Community Gardens is this Saturday, and will feature more than 20 privately owned gardens. This is a self-guided tour through 24 private and two public gardens. A garden owner or Trustees' volunteer will be at each garden to greet and check people at gardens in the Sumner Hill and Central neighborhoods of Jamaica Plain. "There are some really wonderful gardens on the tour this year, everything from smaller but well-designed patio gardens to expansive perennial gardens with trees and shrubs," said Michelle de Lima, engagement manager for Boston Community Gardens, via email to Jamaica Plain News. The gardens are varied, including creatively using urban spaces, formal English style gardens, rambling woodland landscapes and more.

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Environment

West Nile Virus Infected Mosquitos Found in Jamaica Plain

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A mosquito pool in Jamaica Plain recently tested positive for West Nile Virus, reported the Boston Public Health Commission. While it is common to find West Nile Virus infected mosquitos around this time of year, and no human cases have been recorded, it is still important to remain vigilant to protect yourself. “It is typical to find West Nile Virus in Boston at this time of year due to the periods of hot weather,” said BPHC Medical Director Dr. Jennifer Lo via press release. “This does not mean the average person is at increased risk of getting WNV. However, people should still take simple precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”
WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, but it actually poses a very low risk to most people.

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Environment

Storms Take Toll on Arnold Arboretum Trees

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Around 30 trees at the Arnold Arboretum have been removed or will be removed after sustaining substantial damage by the recent nor'easter storms.

The first storm on March 2nd caused major damage to more than 30 accessioned trees. An accessioned tree means its been documented as part of the arboretum's collection of more than 15,000 plants. Arboretum staff determined the following day that 22 specimens -- mostly pine, spruce, fir and hemlock species, would require being removed, according to the Arnold Arboretum's website. The March 8th storm affected another handful of trees with the bulk of the damage in the conifer collection, said Jon Hetman, Associate Dir. of External Relations and Communications for the Arnold Arboretum, to Jamaica Plain News.

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Environment

Should This Cherry Tree Be Chopped (for a Curb Cut) in JP?

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The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is holding a hearing to determine the fate of a young cherry tree on Round Hill Street in Jamaica Plain that could be removed due to a proposed curb cut. "I believe it is a Kwanzan cherry, planted about five years ago," said Greg Mosman, city arborist/tree warden for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The young tree is a mere 4 inches in diameter (at breast height), and has barely had time in its short life to show off the beautiful spring blossoms associated with cherry trees. The city is actually mandated by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87 to hold a public hearing on the request of removing the tree. If approved to be removed the constituent must repay the city for the tree.

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