COLRAIN — A woodland garden tour and plant sale on Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22, will raise money for the Colrain Historical Society. The event will be held rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 90 Call Road.
The extensive gardens featured in the tour along the forest’s edge and house are bounded by Fox Brook and centuries-old stone walls, according to a notice from Belden Merims of the Colrain Historical Society. Rhododendrons, azaleas and mountain laurel will be blooming along with spring ephemerals and perennials. Attendees can also see rare spring plants, such as lady slippers.
The plant sale will feature woodland and spring plants, the notice states, as well as a rarely found collection of epimedium. Yellow peonies will also be for sale.
The cost is $10 for the tour and plant sale. Admission includes one free ticket for a raffle of unusual garden plants from local nurseries.
Refreshments will be served. Attendees are advised to wear walking shoes as the terrain is uneven. Call 413-624-8800 for more information.
COLRAIN — The Griswold Memorial Library will host the second annual William Apess Day on Saturday, May 21, the anniversary of the Mashpee Declaration of Independence, from 4 to 7 p.m.
This year’s event follows two other events in nearby towns: the Nipmuc Cultural Celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Petersham and the Day of Remembrance at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls from 1 to 3 p.m.
As in 2021, the event will center on the life and accomplishments of William Apess, a renowned speaker and writer from the Pequot Nation who grew up in Colrain and returned after fighting in the War of 1812 and becoming an ordained minister, according to a Griswold Memorial Library press release. In 1833, Apess and Blind Joe Amos of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe drafted the Mashpee Declaration of Independence. The document asserted the rights of the Mashpee Wampanoags to land and self-governance, objecting to the encroachment of settler communities on their people and land.
Whereas last year’s event featured a lineup of academic speakers, the release states, this year will be more community-driven and participatory, with a potluck and open mic. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share, as well as a poem, song or favorite passage from Apess’ writings.
“The general idea behind this format,” Library Director Chelsea Jordan-Makely said in the release, is to “take care of weary guests who’ve made the trip to Colrain, show them our hospitality, and celebrate William Apess and everyone who does work in his same spirit.”
The event will take place behind the library at 12 Main Road. Visitors who are able are advised to park off-site and walk; others should email griswold@colrain-ma.gov to arrange for parking and other special needs.