Garden report: The New England asters bloomed. Many flowers are still blooming: lisianthus, geraniums, zinnias, Black Eyed Susans, phlox, impatiens, petunias. The color is wonderful.

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Speaking of gardening, you could become a master! The Western Massachusetts Master Gardner Association is accepting applications to become a master gardener, according to an email from Janet Sharp of Florence. The program includes lectures and hands-on training. After training, the gardeners work with over 30 nonprofit groups. The application deadline is Oct. 15. Visit wmmga.org for details.

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Historic Northampton is having a benefit, “Disappearing Herrell’s Ice Cream and Close-Up Magic,” on Saturday, Sept. 21. Ice cream will be served at 6 p.m. Magician Christopher McBride will perform at 7 p.m. Reservations required. Call 584-6011 or visit info@historicnorthampton.org.

There is a sliding scale fee.

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Bruce Penniman of Amherst sent a email about the last concert in the South Church’s 200th Anniversary series. Pianist Stephen Porter, who grew up in Amherst, will perform Sunday, Sept. 22 at 3 p.m.

The concert is free and open to the public.

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Rebecca Fricke send me an email about a Fall Equinox Bagpipe stroll that will be held rain or shine in the Wildwood Cemetery on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 5 to 6 p.m. “Come and toast to the fall, to the living and to those who have passed,” she wrote. Cider and savories provided. You don’t have to stroll but can sit and socialize. Free, but donations accepted.

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Barbara Elkins of Amherst sent an email saying there is an exhibit of handwoven fabrics created by members of Pioneer Valley Weavers, a local weaving guild, on display at Cooley Dickinson Hospital during September and October. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Some items are for sale, she wrote.

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Sunday, Sept. 22 at 8:43 a.m., summer ends and autumn begins, according to a Google listing. Dave Hayes, the weather nut, noted that sunsets are now before 7 p.m., which means it gets darker earlier.

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