The Garden Club of the Back Bay

If vegetarian cooking conjures up images of tofu and paltry meat substitutions, Plenty will change those thoughts. Written by Yotam Ottolenghi, one of the UK’s most celebrated chefs, Plenty is based upon Ottolenghi’s weekly Guardian newspaper column “The New Vegetarian” and offers inspired, modern, flavorful and satisfying recipes.  While not a vegetarian (something that shocked many readers), Ottolenghi is the chef of an enormously popular restaurant in north London and is revered for his Mediterranean flavors and skillful, inventive way with ingredients.  Stir, at 102 Waltham Street in Boston, will hold three separate cookbook class sessions on August 10 – 12, beginning at 7 pm, and each participant will receive a copy of the book.  $155.  To reserve, call 617-423-STIR, or log on to www.stirboston.com.

There is a lot of concern today about invasive plants, but many were intentionally introduced because of their horticultural value. How do we define invasive and how did these plants get into our landscape? See examples in the Arnold Arboretum landscape and gain a better understanding of this issue. Led by Docent Marty Amdur on Saturday, August 7, from 1 – 2:30 pm, this program is free. No registration required.  For more information, log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.