Grow with us
EVENTS, CLASSES, PROGRAMS, & MORE
New England Botanic Garden’s educational programs are supported by the Cary Brothers Fund and the Frances E. and Rachel E. McQuaid Trust.
Spring Potential & Purpose in the Garden
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE THE INVIGORATING FEELING OF GETTING OUT INTO THE GARDEN IN SPRING. The new growing season represents an opportunity to nurture our communities—plants and people.
At NEBG, we’re striving to make our garden accessible so that visitors of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities can experience the joys and benefits of time spent in nature. Last fall, pathways in our Garden of Inspiration were upgraded, and construction is wrapping up in the Winter Garden, where uneven bluestone surfaces were replaced to make the space accessible to people who use wheelchairs, strollers, and anyone with mobility concerns.
A nnual Meeting Thursday June 26, 2025 4–6 pm
You’ll find these changes and more around the Garden this spring, but updates to our physical space aren’t all that’s new. In December, we welcomed Steven Conaway, PhD, as our new director of horticulture. Steve brings more than a decade of experience in public horticulture and conservation, along with a passion for sustainability, to the position. We’re excited to share his knowledge and expertise with our community.
In this issue of Grow With Us, we offer stories to inspire. Donors help us "go the distance” to connect students from across the region to nature-based learning, and a major step in the Garden’s growth as a horticultural resource takes shape. New opportunities to enjoy the Garden and deepen your connection to plants through classes, workshops, events, and exhibitions also pack these pages. Dig in!
Our gratitude for your ongoing support of our mission and work as a public garden knows no bounds. We look forward to meeting you out in the Garden this spring!
Grace C. Elton chief executive officer
new england botanic garden at tower hill
Save the date for the 184th Annual Meeting of the Worcester County Horticultural Society. The meeting will be offered in person and virtually. Members are welcome to stay after the business meeting has concluded for our Thursday evening beer garden.
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Going the Distance
With the Barbara’s Bus Fund, donors create opportunities for kids to learn and explore at the Garden.
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Plant Record Keeping Takes Priority
Showcasing our unique collections means keeping tabs on them one plant at a time.
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Classes & Programs
Explore your creativity or learn a new gardening skill through classes or programs for adults, families, and kids. There is something fun for everyone!
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Art in Motion
Experience the interplay of nature and art with a kinetic sculpture exhibition showcasing 25 years of work by George Sherwood.
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Thursday Summer Evenings
A beer garden, live music, and more make this afterhours series a summer highlight.
IF YOU’VE EVER BEEN TO THE GARDEN DURING A WEEKDAY IN SPRING OR FALL, CHANCES ARE YOU’VE SEEN BIG YELLOW SCHOOL BUSES IN THE PARKING LOT INDICATING THAT FIELD TRIPS ARE IN FULL SWING. Each year, NEBG’s education team hosts almost one hundred school visits, introducing more than 6,000 students to hands-on, minds-on learning in the Garden’s outdoor classroom. Most of these students arrive at the Garden by bus, but there’s more to getting them here than meets the eye.
While some school districts in Massachusetts, like Worcester Public Schools, operate their own transportation departments, most contract with outside vendors for busing needs. Depending on a school’s location, transporting students to the Garden for field trips can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000 or more. This amounts to a significant roadblock for some, especially Title I schools, those where 40 percent or more of student households qualify as low-income. That’s where the Barbara’s Bus Fund comes in. Named in honor of the late Barbara Morse, a former trustee and long-time Garden supporter with a passion for inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, the fund supports schools by covering their busing costs.
One of Barbara’s friends first envisioned the Fund when considering the transportation barriers that prevent local children from accessing nature. The Garden established the Fund in 2024, and Barbara’s friends, family, and other donors with the same passion have helped grow it. Last spring and fall, students from communities across central and eastern Massachusetts, including Rutland, Marlborough, Northborough, Lowell, and Dorchester, made their way to the Garden thanks to the Barbara’s Bus Fund.
This spring, several schools have already signed up for transportation aid. Among them is Douglas Elementary School. For Douglas Elementary's Principal Ken Haynes, a field trip to the Garden not only supports the school’s science curriculum, but it also provides an opportunity for many third graders to explore an environment like the Garden for the first time. “Without the generous bus transportation funding, our students would most likely not have the chance to participate,” Haynes says.
Memorable learning experiences that take place outside of the traditional classroom, in nature, have the power to spark a life-long love of science and discovery. For students across the region, the Barbara’s Bus Fund makes these opportunities possible. Learn more about Barbara’s Bus and how you too can help create a more accessible Garden Fund by contacting Theresa Lee at tlee@nebg.org or 508.869.6111 x168.
Transportation to the Garden can be a roadblock for schools interested in field trips, but Barbara’s Bus Fund aims to change that.
Going the Distance
Barbara’s Bus Fund Connects Students to Nature
Plant Record Keeping takes Priority with New Position
BOTANIC GARDENS OFTEN GET DESCRIBED AS “LIVING PLANT MUSEUMS.” Or for audiences younger than ten—“zoos for plants.” These analogies work well for a number of reasons: we typically share a mission to protect natural or cultural resources, we act as engines for education and scientific research, and we preserve valuable records of our histories. Of all the work we do, the latter—record keeping—may be the least flashy but among the most important. That’s because the knowledge held in any botanic garden, museum, or zoo collection can be extremely useful to others, but only if it is well-documented.
Recently, NEBG received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) that will help the Garden showcase and share information about its plant collection. The grant provides three years of funding for a full-time employee to manage ongoing documentation of the Garden’s plant collection. Over the winter, Anna Petrie, of the Garden’s horticulture team, stepped into the new role of Plant Recorder. This collections management work benefits from Petrie's perspective as an NEBG gardener. Even though plants don't uproot and move on their own, horticulturists are constantly editing garden spaces: transplanting, adding, and removing. Petrie is familiar with the work habits of the horticulture team and
can coordinate with colleagues to track changes as they occur and navigate the frenzied spring planting season when thousands of new plants are introduced into the living collections.
In the past few months, Petrie has already begun a review of the Garden’s conservatory plant collections. Within the next year, she aims to build an inventory of trees and shrubs within formal and naturalistic garden spaces. Data points she’ll be documenting and tracking include accurate plant nomenclature, plant location within garden beds, current plant health, acquisition date, and plant provenance—the source or origin of the plant material. Ultimately, Petrie plans to develop detailed maps of locations within the Garden using GPS tools that will allow for precision record keeping.
Receiving the IMLS grant marks an important milestone toward fulfillment of key goals outlined in the Garden’s strategic plan. Dedicating resources to plant record keeping will enable the Garden to build the scientific significance of its plant collection. We also hope it will inform future plant conservation work and look forward to sharing these stories with our community.
GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP
Searching for a special Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation, or wedding gift? Celebrate your loved ones this spring with a membership to New England Botanic Garden. When you gift a membership to the Garden, your recipient will enjoy unlimited general admission to our incredible plant collections during all seasons and many more exciting benefits. Visit nebg.org/ membership or call 508.869.6111 x171 for details.
Plant the Seeds of a Greener Future
Become a cherished member of the Perennial Circle, the legacy society of New England Botanic Garden. Your planned gift will cultivate beauty, conservation, and education for generations to come. Contact Sally Stanton at sstanton@nebg.org or 508.869.6111 X 103 for details.
Program Registration
For program details or to register, visit “LEARN” at nebg.org. Questions? Contact our Registrar at registrar@nebg.org or 508-869-6111 x174.
Adult Programs
Speaker Series
Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies
SARA LEWIS PROFESSOR EMERITA OF BIOLOGY, TUFTS UNIVERSITY
AUTHOR, SILENT SPARKS
Fireflies are among nature's most enchanting ambassadors, inspiring wonder for centuries. With 30 years of global research and advocacy, biologist Sara Lewis reveals the science behind their glowing lights and extraordinary lives during this special evening lecture.
Wednesday, May 14, 7–9pm
FREE LECTURE CO-SPONSORED BY GROW NATIVE MASSACHUSETTS
Trips & Tours
Join us for full day or half day experiences exploring some of our favorite garden spaces across New England. From Berkshire Botanic Garden to Sakonnet Garden, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visit our website for full details and registration.
Horticulture & Gardening
Botany Basics: Discover the Science of Plants
ALYSON PROKOP
Decode plant parts, master botanical names, and impress friends with quirky plant facts in this fun, laid-back intro to horticulture and botany.
iN-pERSON: Saturday, May 3, 1–2pm
ONLiNE wEbiNaR: Thursday, May, 22, 7–8pm
IN-PERSON $15 M; $30 NM / ONLINE $10 M; $12 NM
Permaculture Basics: Designing with Nature
LUCY SMITH & NATHAN FOURNIER, REIMAGINED ROOTS
Learn from experts in permaculture design and sustainable living as we explore the basics of creating eco-friendly landscapes. This workshop introduces key principles and practical techniques to help you design thriving, selfsustaining gardens that work in harmony with nature.
Sunday, May 4, 9:30am –12:30pm
Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels
MOLLY WILLIAMS, AUTHOR & JESSICA ROUX, ILLUSTRATOR
Join author Molly Williams and illustrator Jessica Roux for a moderated Q&A exploring Jane Austen’s Garden and how the landscapes of Austen’s time shaped her classic novels. After the discussion, meet Molly and Jessica at a book signing.
Sunday, May 25, 10:30am –12 pm
FREE FOR MEMBERS; NM $10
In Bloom with Jane Austen: Regency Florals and Afternoon Tea
Step back in time for an interactive floral design workshop and an afternoon Regency-style Bridgerton-inspired tea with the creators of Jane Austen’s Garden
Sunday, May 25, 1–3pm
$65 M; $78 NM
$40 M; $48 NM
Spring Horticulture Walk & Talk
NEBG HORTICULTURE STAFF
Join the Garden’s own horticulture experts for a seasonal walk and talk focused on what’s in bloom at the Garden.
Wednesdays, May 7 & June 4, 11am –12pm
$5 M; $25 NM
Garden Tool Talk: Useful Tools for the Garden
CJ PATTERSON
From innovative new tools to revamped classics designed for easier use, this lecture will introduce you to gamechanging hand tools that boost your productivity and comfort in the garden.
Saturday, May 17, 2–3pm
INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
Guided Tour of the Rhododendron Show
AMERICAN RHODODENDRON SOCIETY
Join members of the MA Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society to learn what makes a prize-winning bloom.
Saturday, May 17, 12:30–1pm
Sunday, May 18, 11:30am –12pm
INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
Intro to Rhododendrons and Their Care
JOE BRUSO
Learn about the wide variety of hardy rhododendron species and hybrids that can be grown in our area, and the basics of selection, siting, planting, and care.
Sunday, May 18, 2–3pm
INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
Work in the Spring Garden
LUCY SMITH & NATHAN FOURNIER, REIMAGINED ROOTS
Discover the proper practices and timing for earlyseason tasks, including planting, soil preparation, and sustainable techniques to build healthy soil and support a thriving garden all season long.
Saturday, May 31, 10:30am –12:30pm
$40 M; $48 NM
Seasonal Pruning: Late Spring
ALYSON PROKOP & HUNTER BLANCHARD
With a focus on spring-flowering shrubs and trees that bloom on last season's growth, learn the best techniques for pruning to promote healthy growth and a stunning display of flowers.
Sunday, June 15, 10:30am –12:30pm
$40 M; $48 NM
Work in the Summer Garden
LUCY SMITH & NATHAN FOURNIER, REIMAGINED ROOTS
Join a hands-on workshop focused on summer gardening essentials. Discover best practices for pruning, natural pest management, water-wise irrigation, and seasonal care for your edible and native plants.
Thursday, June 26, 6–8pm
$40 M; $48 NM
Weekday Wellness
Chair Yoga
Enjoy gentle yoga with a chair as a prop in our fun, indoor class. This fully supported practice offers a unique way to experience the benefits of yoga. Ideal for seniors, desk-bound professionals, those recovering from injury, or anyone with limited mobility.
Tuesdays, 11:30am –12:30pm REBECCA REBER
Fridays, 11am –12pm EMMA BARTOLINI
$15 M; $30 NM
Yoga at the Garden MANDI GARRISON
Enjoy gentle-to-moderate flow yoga in a class for all levels. Classes are held outdoors (weather permitting).
Tuesdays, 6–7:15pm
Thursdays, 10:30–11:45am
$15 M; $30 NM
Qigong & Tai Chi Movement ROSE HORWITZ
Breathe deeply and practice gentle fluid movements mindfully to reduce stress and improve strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, range of motion, and stamina.
Wednesdays, 10:15–11:45am
$25 M; $35 NM
Relaxing Yoga Flow EMMA BARTOLINI
SARA LEWIS
Start your Friday morning with a mindful yoga flow. Our practice will incorporate synchronization of breath and mindful movement while we explore postures to build strength, balance, and stability, and find peace. Classes are held outdoors (weather permitting).
Fridays, 9:30–10:30am
$15 M; $30 NM
Healing Energy Sound Bath BRANDY LEFSYK
Relax and unwind with a one-hour sound bath in the tranquil setting of the Garden’s conservatories. Let soothing tones and vibrations wash over you, reducing stress and promoting deep relaxation.
Wednesdays, May 7 & June 4, 6 –7pm
$30 M; $36 NM
Paws and Breathe: Forest Bathing with Your Dog
NADINE
MAZZOLA
Take your pup for a “paws”itively calming adventure! Join us for a mindful stroll inspired by shinrin-yoku, forest bathing, and transform your walk into a sensory-rich escape. Thursdays in May, June, Sept, & Oct, 6–8pm
$15 M; $18 NM (PER SESSION). BUNDLE AND SAVE UP TO 20% OFF.
Evening Flow Yoga For Everyone
HARPER WISE
Join us for an all-levels flow class in our subtropical conservatory, a safe, welcoming space for movement, mindfulness, and connection.
Thursday, May 29, 6–7:15pm
Thursday, June 5, 6–7:15pm
$15 M; $18 NM
Weekend Wellness
Saturday Morning Yoga: May Day EMMA BARTOLINI
Celebrate spring with a grounding Yoga May Day session, focused on awakening the earth element. Through mindful movement, breath-work, and meditation, reconnect with nature and cultivate balance, strength, and renewal. Perfect for all levels.
Saturday, May 3, 9–10:15am
$15 M; $30 NM
Gentle Yoga & Yoga Nidra LINDA SNAY
Renew body, mind, and spirit with this extended and revitalizing yoga session. Participants will experience the balancing effects of strong and gentle yoga practices.
Saturday, May 17, 9–11am
Saturday, June 28, 9–11am
$30 M; $45 NM
Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing) at the Garden
NADINE MAZZOLA
Immerse yourself in the calming beauty of the forest in this guided shinrin-yoku experience, inspired by the Japanese practice of "forest bathing."
Sundays, May 18 & June 22, 9am –12pm
$40 M; $55 NM
Zentangle KAREN KEEFE
Discover the art of Zentangle and create beautiful images from repetitive patterns inspired by nature. This hands-on class covers the basics to get you started!
Beginner Class: Sunday, May 4, 1–4:30pm
Advanced Class: Sunday, June 22, 1 –4:30pm
$45 M; $54 NM
Saturday Morning Yoga: Find What Feels Good
EMMA BARTOLINI
Explore variations in your practice, allowing you to tailor your experience on the mat and find what feels best for you.
Saturday, June 7, 9–10:15am
$15 M; $30 NM
Summer Solstice Yoga Mini-Retreat MANDI GARRISON
Join us for an immersive mini yoga retreat featuring time with yoga, meditation, journaling, reflection, and guided relaxation.
Sunday, June 22, 9:30am –12:30pm
$40 M, $48 NM
Arts
Monthly Photography Club STEVE MCGRATH
Follow your passion and practice your skill with expert advice and personalized attention. All skill levels welcome.
Sunday, May 4, 1:30–4pm
Saturday, June 28, 10am –12:30pm
$20 M; $40 NM
Watercolor Wednesdays LINDA SNAY
Learn the basics of watercolor painting, discover how watercolors interact with materials like salt and ink and understand how these techniques influence your artwork.
CL aSSROOm: Wednesdays, May 14, 21 & 28, 1–3pm
CONSERvaTORy: Wednesdays, May 7, June 4, 11, 18 & 25, 1–3pm
$55 M; $66 NM
Spring Blooms Photography STEVE MCGRATH
Explore the art of capturing spring blooms through the lens with a focus on composition, macro techniques, and the intricate details of nature's vibrant colors. Perfect for photographers eager to enhance their skills and bring the beauty of the season into sharp focus.
Sunday, May 25, 10am –2 pm
$40 M; $48 NM
En Plein Air Painting
Spring is the perfect time for painting outdoors en plein air. Using compact, travel-ready supplies, we will explore the gardens and paint together.
Saturday, May 31, 10am –12:30pm VICTORIA CHAPMAN
$55 M, $66 NM
Friday, May 9 and June 20, 10am –2pm NADINE MAZZOLA
$90 M; $108 NM
Experiments with Watercolors VICTORIA CHAPMAN
Play and experiment with watercolors and see what they do! Explore how watercolors work and feel using a variety of brushes, different quantities of water, ink, salt, and masking.
Saturday, June 7, 1–3:30 pm
$55 M, $66 NM
Garden and Harvest Basket Workshop
BAYDA ASBRIDGE
Learn the art of weaving and create a rattan and reed garden harvest basket. Step by step instruction will teach you how to create your base, shape your basket, and weave the sides.
Saturday, May 24, 10am –3 pm
$85 M; $99 NM
Floral Design
Wine and Design: Mother's Day
Hand-tied Bouquets HUNTER BLANCHARD
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a creative twist! Craft a stunning hand-tied bouquet using fresh, seasonal blooms while enjoying a tasting of three local wines.
Thursday, May 8, 6–8:30pm
$125 M; $150 NM
Solstice Gratitude and the Sun Mandala Workshop
BETH ADOETTE
Celebrate the longest day of the year with a creative nature mandala practice focused on gratitude and the sun’s energy. Connect with nature, reflect on the season’s beauty, and create ephemeral art. Afterwards, enjoy refreshing herbal iced tea and sweet treats to honour the vibrant energy of the season.
Saturday, June 21, 2:30–4:30pm
$65 M; $78 NM
Midsommar Celebration: Floral Crowns for the Summer Solstice SAM PARADIS, SAM'S STEMS
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a nod to Nordic traditions by crafting your own floral crown using fresh, seasonal blooms. Embrace the vibrant energy of summer as you explore ways to blend cultures and create new traditions. Enjoy a glass of honey mead wine as you honor the season’s spirit of creativity and connection.
Sunday, June 22, 1–4pm
$85 M; $99 NM
Plant Shows & Sales
Massachusetts Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society Show & Sale
This spring, immerse yourself in the world of “rhodies!” Enjoy fabulous rhododendron flower displays, educational lectures and workshops, and opportunities to purchase unusual and rare rhododendrons, azaleas, and other compatible plants grown by Society members.
Saturday, May 17
SHOW: 12–5 pm
SALE: 10 am–5 pm
GUIDED FLOWER SHOW TOUR: 12:30–1pm
LECTURE: Garden Tool Talk: Useful Tools for the Garden | 2–3pm
Sunday, May 18
SHOW & SALE: 10am–4pm
GUIDED FLOWER SHOW TOUR: 11:30 am–12 pm
LECTURE: Introduction to Rhododendrons and Their Care | 2–3 pm
New England Rose Society Show &
Sale
Get ready to be dazzled by a room full of roses! Browse a stunning array of colorful cut blooms on display and a selection of potted rose bushes for sale. Expert growers will be on-hand to answer your questions and help you learn tips and tricks for easy rose growing and pruning care.
Saturday, June 21
SHOW: 12–3 pm
SALE: 10 am–3 pm
AWARD CEREMONY: 2:30–3pm
See the Horticulture and Gardening section for full lecture and tour descriptions.
Youth Programs
Kids’ Workshops
Dried Flower Lab | AGES 6–9
Learn about the parts of a flower, make a petal press, and create a pressed flower frame.
Sunday, May 4, 10:30am –12pm
M: $20 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $28 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Mother’s Day Bouquets | AGES 5–12
Celebrate Mother's Day and make a special arrangement in a vase and a handmade card.
Saturday, May 10, 10:30am –12pm
M: $25 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $35 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Iridesent Insects | AGES 7–10
Explore the symmetry of insects and learn the art of foil embossing as you create a colorful work of art.
Sunday, May 18, 2:30–4pm
M: $15 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $24 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Bird’s Nest Basket Weaving | AGES 8–12
Mimic the weaving patterns of birds as you make an upcycled basket reminiscent of a bird’s nest.
Sunday, May 25, 2:30–4pm
M: $15 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $24 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Winged Wonders Jewelry | AGES 10–13
Let your creativity take flight in this fun jewelry-making class inspired by winged creatures!
Sunday, June 29, 10:30am –12pm
M: $22 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $30 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Family Fun
Garden Buds | AGES 3–5
Join us for circle time, a story, a take-home craft packet, and a guided garden adventure. Wednesdays in May and June, 10:30–11:30am
Saturday, May 31, 10:30–11:30am
M: $8 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Little Seedlings | AGES 1–3
Come explore the wonderful world of plants and practice sorting, counting, observing, and more.
Tuesdays, May 27 & June 24, 10:30–11:30am
M: $6 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $6 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Family Clay Studio | AGES 7+
Play with air-dried clay as we build a planter for a miniature succulent or cactus plant.
Saturday, June 7, 10:30am –12pm
M: $24 CHILD, $24 ADULT; NM: $32 CHILD, $42 ADULT
Buzzing Bees | AGES 3–10
Learn about native and non-native bees as we get to know some of our most important pollinators.
Saturday, June 14, 10:30–11:30am
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $26 ADULT
Little Growers Garden Club | Ages 4–6
Learn how to care for your own 2ft x 2ft garden plot in this 4-week family gardening program.
Wednesdays, June 18 – July 9, 5:30–6:30pm
M: $65 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $75 CHILD, $80 ADULT
Family Firefly Walk | AGES 3–14
Explore the gardens and trails by moonlight and search for our favorite nocturnal insect.
Thursdays, June 19 & 26, 8–9pm
Wednesday, June 25, 8–9pm
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $26 ADULT
Children’s Birthday Parties
Make your child’s birthday one to remember and host their special day with us! Now booking for summer and fall. Visit nebg.org for details.
Homeschool Programs
Homeschool: Water Wizards | AGES 6–12
Learn about the water cycle and stormwater runoff as you explore topographical features of the Garden.
Friday, May 2, 1–2:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Homeschool: Biomimicry Makers | AGES 6–12
Discover how nature inspires innovation as we explore and invent in this hands-on hike.
Friday, May16, 1–2:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Homeschool: Hive Dive | AGES 6–12
Uncover the hidden world of honeybees as we investigate the hives at the Garden.
Friday, June 13, 1–2:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
REGISTRATION OPEN
Limited space available. Reserve your spot today!
A FULL-DAY DROP-OFF PROGRAM JUST FOR
KIDS!
Unleash your sense of adventure, uncover the amazing science of plants, and explore nature’s hidden stories all around us. M: $375 CHILD; NM: $425 CHILD
Cosmic Explorers | AGES 5–6 & 7–10
Monday to Friday, July 14 to 18, 9am –3pm
Secret Agents | AGES 5–6 & 7–10 SOLD OUT
Monday to Friday, July 21 to 25, 9am –3pm
Monday to Friday, August 4 to 8, 9am –3pm
Bugs & Blooms | AGES 5–6 & 7–10
Monday to Friday, July 28 to August 1, 9am –3pm
Earth Trekkers | AGES 10–12
Monday to Friday, August 4 to 8, 9am –3pm
Join us for Nature Play Days at the Garden. Drop-in for FREE fun family activities this season. Use your imagination to create magical worlds and explore the great outdoors as we play games, read stories, craft, and make new friends.
Nature’s Studio | AGES 3–8
Mondays, 12–2pm
Embrace your inner artist while you make music, draw, dance, and get creative in the Garden.
Nature Storytime | AGES 3–8
Tuesdays, 11am–12pm
Join us for an interactive hour of exciting stories about plants, animals, nature, and more.
Imagination Station | AGES 3–8
Wednesdays, 12–2pm
Stop by for imaginative play as we dress up and create magical worlds together.
Farm to Market | AGES 3–10
Thursdays, 11am–12pm
Stop by our Climate Garden, see what’s growing, lend a hand, and play at our farm stand.
Exploration Station | AGES 3–10
Fridays, 12–2pm
Drop by our nature-themed science station to play, read, learn, and investigate.
Available every day 10am–5pm | AGES 3–12
Check out our Discovery Backpacks filled with exciting activities and tools for exploring together. Visit the front desk to borrow a back-pack during your next visit.
Celebrate the passing of winter’s chill with tens of thousands of spring blooms, including daffodils, tulips, magnolias, lilacs, azaleas, and more. Find inspiration with a spring-themed class or workshop and explore our flourishing gardens, including our field of more than 25,000 daffodils — a spectacular scene unlike any other in the region! Activities below are included with admission.
Spring into Fun: Mailbox Activity Stations
APRIL 15–MAY 31
Explore the Garden and find all five mailbox stations, each filled with spring-themed activities. Perfect for solo adventures or fun with family and friends.
Bloom & Create Activity Bags
Unleash your creativity with our curated activity kits. Designed for teens and adults, these kits combine artistic exploration and botanical inspiration to help you unwind, connect with nature, and spark your creative flow.
Discovery Backpacks | AGES 3–12
Check out our Discovery Backpacks filled with exciting activities for your next springtime adventure.
Garden Guided Tours
FRIDAYS IN MAY & JUNE, 11–11:45AM
Drop-in for a guided garden tour and explore our favorite springtime spaces and blooms. Learn more about our history, gardens, and plants of interest.
MUSIC AND ART AT THE GARDEN
Echoes of the Wild: An Evening of Solo Piano
Saturday, May 17, 7–8:30pm
Sunday, May 18, 7–8:30pm
Join pianist Julia Scott Carey for a special solo piano performance of music inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of the country's national parks and wild spaces. Set in the Garden’s iconic Limonaia conservatory at golden hour, this one-of-a-kind program will take you on a musical journey through the American wilderness. This event is presented in partnership with Juventas New Music Ensemble.
$25 M; $35 NM; $15 STUDENT
Music in Bloom
Sunday, June 8, 6–8:45pm
Sunday, June 15, 6–8:45pm
Join New England Botanic Garden and Juventas New Music Ensemble for two magical evenings of music al fresco. Take a stroll through our gardens at golden hour and discover a series of musical performances in different garden spaces along the way. This special event showcases luminous music by emerging composers, performed by some of Boston’s foremost chamber musicians.
M: $25 ADULT, $8 CHILD ; NM: $35 ADULT, $12 CHILD ; $15 STUDENT
Reserve your tickets early and receive an early bird discount! Visit nebg.org for more details.
Chinese Empresses by Xiang Li
JUNE 14 – AUGUST 24
Immerse yourself in the vibrant and detailed works of internationally acclaimed artist Xiang Li. This curated collection features hand painted silk tapestries depicting over 200 Chinese empresses throughout history. Visit nebg.org for details.
Pop-Up Performances
Join us for a variety of popup lion dance performances celebrating Chinese culture and traditions in partnership with the Southeast Asian Coalition of Central MA. Visit nebg.org for details.
The Garden Shop
Featuring a curated selection of gardening and nature-themed books, gifts, accessories, jewelry, and more for the mother figure in your life!
Spring Garden Emporium
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 10 am – 3 pm
Members-exclusive hour 9am–10am Shop from the northeast’s most distinguished specialty nurseries, plant societies, and garden artisans. Find inspiration among the hundreds of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and more. Visit nebg.org for details.
Volunteer with us!
Volunteers make our garden grow! Become a volunteer and support our mission of creating experiences with plants that inspire people and improve the world. Visit nebg.org for information.
BOTANICAL
TATTOO POP-UP
Sunday, May 4
Save the date for a unique botanical-inspired tattoo pop-up in collaboration with North Moon Tattoo. Immerse yourself in the stunning backdrop of one of our subtropical conservatories as you choose from a curated selection of botanical flash designs. Limited spots available. Visit nebg.org for more details.
Spring Awakening
A New England Society of Botanical Artists Illustrated Exhibit April 4 – June 8
Discover the flowers, foliage, and fruits that come alive in the spring through illustrated artwork created by members of the New England Society of Botanical Artists.
Garden Dining Experiences
Savor expertly crafted multi-course menus by Peppers Artful Events at these exclusive 21+ experiences. Visit nebg.org for details.
Aromatic Table: An Afternoon Tea
Saturday, June 7, 3pm
Summer Solstice Garden Dinner
Tuesday, June 17, 6pm
25 YEARS OF SCULPTURE by George Sherwood
May 3 – October 12
Get lost in the interplay of wind, waves, and light with this stunning collection of kinetic sculptures by artist and engineer George Sherwood. Spanning 25 years of Sherwood’s career, this exhibition features 17 stainless steel sculptures that harness and reflect the forces of the natural world around them. Visit nebg.org for more information.
ART IN MOTION GOLF CART TOUR
Join us for a guided golf cart tour of George Sherwood’s sculpture exhibition. Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended.
THURSDAYS, 11–11:45am INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
STARTING JUNE 19
THURSDAY SUMMER
Thursdays in June & July, 5–9 pm
Thursdays in August, 5–8 pm
Included with the cost of general admission (RAIN OR SHINE)
Beer Garden Hours
June & July, 5–8:30pm | August, 5–7:30pm
Live Music Performances
June & July, 6–8pm | August, 5:30–7:30pm
EVENINGS
Spend your Thursday evenings with us this summer and make it a night to remember! Enjoy live music from talented local musicians, sip refreshing craft beers and cocktails in our beer garden, play lawn games, and savor delicious dinner specials. Take a scenic stroll along our mile-long loop trail, admire the vibrant summer blooms, and enjoy colorful sunsets over the Wachusett Reservoir. Plus, discover our exciting lineup of workshops and classes for all ages—perfect for sparking creativity and connecting with nature. Bring your friends and family and let the summer fun begin. Visit nebg.org for details.
FOR ADULTS
Summer Twilight Yoga
Relax and unwind as you flow through gentle yoga sessions under the soft glow of summer evenings. Tuesdays and select Thursdays in July and August.
6–7:15pm
FOR KIDS
Family Firefly Walk | AGES 3–14
Thursdays, June 19 & 26, 8–9pm
STARTING JUNE 18
Extended
Wednesdays
June & July, 5–9pm, August, 5–8pm
Included with general admission (RAIN OR SHINE)
The Garden is staying open late on Wednesdays this summer! Treat yourself to a mid-week escape and enjoy the magic and tranquility of the Garden after hours.
Join us for exclusive adult education classes during our Crafts and Cocktails series every Wednesday at 6pm. Visit nebg.org for details.
Love grows here
Now booking weddings for our 2025 and 2026 seasons. nebg.org