Out and About in Nature: Signs of Spring Stirrings

Monday, March 17, 10-11am

Get out and about in nature at The Fells! This program is designed for pre-school age children and their caregivers. Come to one session or all four—each program is organized around a different ecological theme and is filled with hands on learning through sensory experiences, guided exploration, creative play, art, and music. Members free, nonmembers $5. Co-sponsored by Lake Sunapee Protective Association. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, www.thefells.org.

Master Gardener: Growing Small Fruits

Saturday, March 29, 10-11:30am

Whether you want to grow blueberries, strawberries, brambles or grapes, this talk will help you get started on the path to success. Meets at LSPA’s Knowlton House, 63 Main Street, Sunapee, New Hampshire. Requested donation $10. This program, open to all, is part of a series of gardening workshops organized by the Sullivan CountyMaster Gardeners for community education. Registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, www.thefells.org.

Thursday’s Child at The Coach House Restaurant

April 3, 5:30-9pm

Thursday’s Child at the Coach House Restaurant at the New London Inn supports local community non-profits one plate at a time—donating 50 percent of each Thursday evening’s net proceeds to a designated organization. We hope that you will join us on April 3 for the benefit of The Fells. Savor a five star meal prepared by Executive Chef Jeffrey Lewis, andenjoy the fellowship of Fells supporters. Tables fill fast, so reserve now.Call 603-526-2791 or go on-line to www.thenewlondoninn.com/reservations-for-the-coach-house-restaurant/.

Composting: Turning Garbage into Gold

Monday, April 7, 1-3pm Learn the secrets and science of turning kitchen waste into rich soil, using homemade or bought bins or worms! This program, which is open to all, is part of a series of gardening workshops organized by the Sullivan County Master Gardeners for community education. Registration required. Requested donation $10. Meet at The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, www.thefells.org.

Out and About in Nature: Pools of Mud and Magic

Monday, April 14, 10-11am

Explore magical spring ponds full of new life. Get out and about in nature at The Fells! This program is designed for pre-school age children and their caregivers and is filled with hands on learning through sensory experiences, guided exploration, creative play, art, and music. Co-sponsored by Lake Sunapee Protective Association. Members free, nonmembers $5. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, www.thefells.org.

Vernal Pool Adventure Walk for Families: Discover Vernal Pools

Saturday, April, 26, 1-2:30pm

Bring the whole family for a learning adventure at one of The Fells vernal pools and discover who lives there and why these temporary habitats are so important. Led by Lake Sunapee Protective Association Education Director Kathleen Stowell. Members free, nonmembers $5 per family. No registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, www.thefells.org.

Annual Heather Pruning

Saturday, May 10

Learn about gardening with hardy and beautiful heather as you join members of the Northeast Heather Society while tending The Fells heather bed. Bring lightweight hedge trimmers (if you have them), dress in layers and wear gloves. Members free, nonmembers pay site admission. Registration not required. Meets at the Heather Bed, beyond the Rock Garden.

Dwarf Conifer Solutions for Your Landscape

Monday, May 5, 1-2pm

A field trip with The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens to this 25+ year old dwarf conifer garden may inspire the horticulturist in you. John Lyons of Newbury New Hampshire has been growing a variety of New Hampshire hardy conifers and dwarf conifers for over thirty years will lead the tour through the winding paths of his garden. Meet at 161 Morse Hill Road, Newbury, New Hampshire. Registration required. Members free, nonmembers $8. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, www.thefells.org.

Bonsai Creations

Tuesday, May 6, Time 1-3pm

Join us for a unique opportunity to view a selection of Rev. Cowing’s bonsai, and to hear a discussion of the variety of styles and species that are used for bonsai. He will also demonstrate the basic elements of creating a bonsai. Requested donation $10. Registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, www.thefells.org.

National Public Garden Day

Friday-Sunday, May 9-11, 9am-5pm

As part of the seventh annual National Public Gardens Day, join The Fells in a nation-wide celebration of public gardens. Explore the beauty of The Fells and discover the colorful spring blooms in the Rock Garden and the fragrant blossoms of early flowering trees and shrubs. Bring your picnic hamper and enjoy lunch on our Veranda. Admission is free for all the entire weekend. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, www.thefells.org.

Birding Basics

Saturday, May 10, 7:30-9:30am

Peter Newbern leads this gentle immersion into bird watching for beginners. Participants will stroll along the Fells gardens and trails in quest of the sights and sounds of our avian spring migrants and year-round residents. Members free, nonmembers $10. No registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, www.thefells.org.

Bird Crazy on the Veranda

Saturday, May 10, 9:45-11:15am

Learn more about songs of our native and migratory birds through our Bird Talk program. Exchange ideas on how to attract birds to your yard! Members free, nonmembers $10. No registration required. Meets at the Veranda of the Main House, The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, or visit www.thefells.org.

Out and About in Nature: Blooms, Buds and Bugs

Monday, May 12,10-11am

Investigate the best of theSpring season. Get out and about in nature at The Fells! This program is designed for pre-school age children and their caregivers. and is filled with hands on learning through sensory experiences, guided exploration, creativeplay, art, and music. Co-sponsored by Lake Sunapee Protective Association. Members free, nonmembers $5. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A,Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, or visit www.thefells.org.

John Hay, Statesman for the World

Saturday, May 17, 2:30-3:30pm

The twentieth century has been universally acknowledged as “America’s Century” because of the dominance of the United States on the world stage. However, America’spreeminence in foreign policy originated in the late 19thand early 20th centuries under the leadership of John Milton Hay. This overview of John Hay’s vision of American participation in global concerns by history professor Sandra LeBeau will be followed by a closer examination ofeach of his primary initiatives which changed America’s perception of the world and their perception of us. Members free, nonmembers $8. Registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, www.thefells.org.

Opening Reception for Members and Guests

Friday, May 23, 5-7pm

Celebrate the opening of our exciting 2014 season and be among the first to see the season’s new exhibits including: Art in Nature 2014, an outdoor sculpture exhibit curated by Pam Tarbell of Mill Brook Gallery & Sculpture Garden; Architecture in the Landscape, a gallery exhibit presented by the New Hampshire Art Association; and The Women of the Fells and The History of the Hay Estate, new history and ecology exhibits in our Main House. Mingle with the artists, enjoy demonstrations, and learn about the intriguing female members of the Hay family. Free to members and their guests. Reserve by May 16. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, www.thefells.org.

Inspirational Garden Design

Tuesday, May 27, 1-3:30pm

Master Gardener Cheryl Krinng Grabe will cover elements of design and techniques, including focal points, paths, structures, perspective, contrast, mass, and symmetry. These design concepts pertain to even containers and pots. When something about the garden bothers or niggles you… this workshop is about how to identify and address it. Requested donation $10. Registration required. The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, www.thefells.org.

The Fells: A View from the Kitchen, Laundry, Fields and Barns.

Special Tours of the Main House and Grounds

Saturday, May 31, 4-6:30pm

As a young woman, Ellen Wassell spent four summers working at The Fells Serving Mrs. Hay, as Alice Appleton Hay’s first floor maid. During this special tour of the Main House, Ellen recounts her experiences and shares vivid memories of Hay family members and what The Fells was like in the 1970s. We will also explore the “service areas” that surround the Main House, and the people whose work supported its functions and operations. Next, we’ll go Behind the Rose Terrace and take a walking tour along Woods Road, the path leading to the Hay’s magnificent stone dairy barn, and learn about the Hay’s agrarian pursuits and the people who supported those efforts. Members free, nonmembers $10. Advance registration not required The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens, 456 Route 103A, Newbury, New Hampshire. 603-763-4789 x3, www.thefells.org.