Grow With Us, May/June 2023

Grow with us

EVENTS, CLASSES, PROGRAMS, & MORE

We are excited to announce the opening of our Climate Garden on June 1, 2023.

Methods of modern agriculture emit large amounts of greenhouse gases, but how we grow our food doesn’t have to contribute to climate change. The Climate Garden, a hands-on, youthoriented garden, will demonstrate agriculture techniques for a more sustainable future. These techniques, employed on a scale for the home gardener, have the power to draw carbon from the atmosphere, restore healthy soils, support biodiversity, and help create a more sustainable food system. Throughout the year, this garden will host drop-in activities and educational programs. In each carefully designed bed, visitors will explore crop plants celebrated for their drought tolerance, nitrogen fixing ability, importance as cover crops, contribution to pollinator habitat, and more. The Climate Garden aims to be a space of learning and resilience, and we look forward to sharing more about it over the months ahead!

Leading the Way Together

SPRING IS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING TIMES TO VISIT NEW ENGLAND BOTANIC GARDEN AT TOWER HILL. After the gray of winter, the landscape bursts with color, life—and the 100,000 bulbs we planted last fall. All around, plants lead the way, telling us this is the season of progress and promise.

From the soil up, the Garden is energized. We’re acting on our commitments: building an inclusive garden, implementing sustainable initiatives, and expanding community partnerships that connect people with plants and support environmental justice.

Last October, the Garden earned recognition as the first botanic garden in the nation to receive Green Zone certification from the American Green Zone Alliance for our efforts to decarbonize with electric

landscaping equipment. Reducing the environmental impact of the tools we use to care for our natural landscapes has never been more important. We are proud to be a resource for other gardens, businesses, and individuals looking to make similar sustainable transitions. The exciting news of our AGZA certification comes on the heels of another major milestone. This spring we met the McDonough Match, a $1.5 million gift to the Garden’s endowment from the C. Jean and Myles McDonough Charitable Foundation. This brings us within reach of closing our Growing Boldly campaign, a $28 million fundraising campaign supporting projects that improve accessibility and help secure our future. For those who would like to get involved, there are still naming opportunities and other special projects that may be of interest.

As we continue to grow, it‘s with gratitude to all members, donors, volunteers, community partners, and every single visitor. You’ve taken classes, introduced us to family and friends, and enjoyed art exhibitions, concerts, and events. You’ve collaborated with us on community projects. You’ve even marked the most meaningful moments of your life with celebrations here at the Garden. In all these ways and more, you support our mission and keep us reaching toward exciting possibilities ahead.

We look forward to seeing you this spring and summer!

With gratitude,

Grace C. Elton chief executive officer new england botanic at tower hill

CONTENTS

2

The Ramble: A Year in the Life

Visitors find joy in abundance all year long in our whimsical woodland garden for children and families.

4

Tree by Tree Community Greening

The Garden’s horticulture outreach initiatives bring trees to Worcester neighborhoods where their many benefits are needed most.

6 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!

12 Hello Spring!

Enhance your next springtime visit with a class or free drop-in activity that will help you celebrate the season.

16

CHIAOZZA: A Sculpture Exhibition

Experience an exhibit of imaginative, colorful sculptures and wall works displayed across New England Botanic Garden.

Thursday June 15, 2023 4:00 pm

Save the date for the 182nd 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.

A Year in the Life

With highlights like a waterfall, aquatic plants, and a “stumpery,” this whimsical woodland garden would spark curiosity, the seed from which a lifelong love of nature grows.

Since that opening day, the amount of joyful, magical, and educational opportunities made possible in The Ramble has exceeded our expectations. Hands-on, minds-on programming led by the Garden’s education team leverages The Ramble as a place for learning and discovery. Season by season, through school field trips and drop-in Nature Play Days, hundreds of children, their teachers, and their families enjoy the benefits of an outdoor classroom. Imaginations are activated by explorations in nature.

In its inaugural year, The Ramble also proved the perfect setting for immersive exhibitions and special events that

drew guests from across the region. Last fall, beautifully crafted fairy houses made by artist Sally J. Smith transformed The Ramble into an enchanted forest, delighting the young and the young at heart. And during the Garden’s annual light show, Night Lights, over 70,000 visitors experienced The Ramble decked out as a mountain-top winter wonderland. ADA accessible pathways throughout this garden ensure these opportunities and more welcome people of all abilities.

Our creative and passionate team continues to envision new ways for The Ramble to engage the Garden’s youngest visitors and inspire everyone who wanders here with a sense of wonder. There is so much more in store this spring and summer. Bring the whole family and come experience the joys of The Ramble.

A Lasting Legacy

A key feature of The Ramble, its beautiful pavilion, was recently dedicated by Martha Pappas to honor the life of her friend Barbara Morse, a long-time supporter of New England Botanic Garden and the Worcester County Horticultural Society. As visitors, staff, and volunteers come together under the Barbara Morse Pavilion for everything from classes to birthday parties, celebrations, and casual lunches, Barbara’s legacy and the positive influence she had on our Garden community will be remembered.

When New England Botanic Garden cut the ribbon on The Ramble in April 2022, the Board and staff knew this one-of-a-kind garden would create special experiences for children and families.

Tree by Tree Community Greening

CLAD IN NEON YELLOW VESTS, New England Botanic Garden’s horticulture outreach team is easily identifiable when tending street trees and urban beautification sites in Worcester. Often accompanied by community partners, they dig, weed, and water, stewarding much needed green space that everyone can enjoy. But helping to green a city that lost an estimated 30,000 trees to an infestation of Asian Longhorned Beetle several years ago is complex work. It requires planting trees in Worcester’s public spaces and at homes and businesses, too.

The Garden’s Get a Tree, Plant a Tree program provides free trees and planting services to community members with private property in Worcester. Tree by tree, the program supports efforts to harness the many environmental, economic, and health benefits urban trees are uniquely able to provide.

Trees are vital in cities and towns. They mitigate the harmful effects of heat waves and reduce urban heat island effect. Trees also create biodiverse habitat, improve air quality, and mitigate stormwater. On a fundamental level, trees promote positive mental health and contribute to a sense of neighborhood pride.

This year, thanks to a $70,000 grant secured through the State of Massachusetts’ “Greening the

Gateway Cities” program, the Garden is focusing on planting trees in environmental justice communities where tree benefits are needed most. Before summer, 100 young trees will have found new homes in Worcester’s Main South, Bell Hill, and Grafton Hill neighborhoods. Additional support from sponsors like Fletcher Tilton allows the Garden to expand tree planting throughout these Worcester neighborhoods and more.

With every tree that goes into the ground through the Get a Tree, Plant a Tree program, the Garden provides support to set community members up for long-term success. This means providing tree care instructions in multiple languages, planting trees with large enough mulch rings to prevent damage from mowers, ensuring trees get enough water during their first two years, and conducting site visits to answer questions and monitor tree health.

As our climate changes, the importance of urban trees will surely continue to grow. We look forward to strengthening the community partnerships that make tree planting and all of the Garden’s community greening initiatives possible.

Visit New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in glorious springtime and stay for a fresh, locally sourced lunch at Farmer and the Fork Café, offered 7 days a week. Come back again on a summer Thursday evening for our beer garden!

The Garden Shop

Give a 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 at Tower Hill. When you gift a membership to the Garden, your recipient will enjoy unlimited general admission to our incredible plant collections during all seasons. Visit nebg.org/membership or call 508.869.6111 x171 for details.

Classes & Programs

PROGRAM REGISTRATION

For the most up-to-date information about our programs, or to register, please visit the calendar section of our website. For questions about our adult programs or youth and family programs, please contact our registrar at registrar@nebg.org

ADULT PROGRAMS

Wellness

Yoga in 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

PER CLASS: $15 M; $22 NM

Chill Yoga Flow EMMA BARTOLINI

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 within our morning.

Fridays, 9:30–10:30am

PER CLASS: $13 M; $20 NM

Chair Yoga REBECCA REBER

Using a chair as a prop, come and have fun while enjoying the benefits of movement in this gentle yoga class. Classes are held indoors.

Tuesdays, May 2–30, 11:30am –12:30pm

$60 M; $75 NM I 5-WEEK SESSION

Tuesdays, June 6–27, 11:30am –12:30pm

$50 M; $65 NM I 4-WEEK SESSION

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, May 3–31, 10:15–11:30am

$100 M; $115 NM I 5-WEEK SESSION

Wednesdays, June 7–28, 10:15–11:30am

$80 M; $95 NM I 4-WEEK SESSION

Restorative Yoga with Meditation LISA MOORE

Restorative yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga that encourages physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. It is appropriate for all levels. This class will focus on long holds, stillness, and deep breathing. There will be a meditation practice to close class.

Saturday, May 6, 9:30–10:45am

Saturday, June 24, 9:30–10:45am

$13 M; $20 NM

Forest Bathing NADINE MAZZOLA

Relax and refresh through mindfulness practices and sensory awareness while experiencing the beauty of nature in the gardens.

Saturday, May 20, 9am–12pm

Saturday, June 24, 9am–12pm

$30 M; $40 NM

A Sweet Summer Flow LINDA SNAY

In the warmth and humidity of long summer days, this cooling yoga flow is perfect for balancing the body and mind. Whether you are brand new to yoga or a seasoned student, this mini-retreat will cultivate energy, calm the mind, and leave you deeply relaxed and ready for summer days ahead.

Saturday, June 10, 9am–11am

$30 M; $45NM

Summer Solstice Mini-Retreat MANDI GARRISON

As the season changes to summer enjoy this mini-retreat focused on yoga, meditation, and your wishes and intentions for the months ahead.

Saturday, June 17, 9:30am–12:30pm

$40 M; $55 NM

Visual Arts

Still Life Photography STEVE MCGRATH

For a still life all you need are a few everyday objects that you can find around the house: a bowl of fruit, a vase of flowers, a photograph. During this workshop, you will learn how to select your props, set up your subject, and control the lighting. You'll also get ideas for post-production, printing, and framing.

Sunday, May 7, 10am –12pm

$50 M; $65 NM

Advanced Zentangle KAREN KEEFE

Take the next step in Zentangle with an advanced course. This class will focus on learning complex tangles, blending of patterns, and techniques of tangulation. We will use various Zentangle tools with different media.

Sunday, May 7, 1:15–4:45pm

$45 M; $60 NM

Ikebana KAYE VOSBURGH

This course introduces Japanese flower arranging and gives students experience making arrangements in low containers (moribana) using a pin holder (kenzan).

Thursday, May 11, 9:30am –12pm

Thursday, June 8, 9:30am –12pm

Thursday, June 22, 9:30am –12pm

$35 M; $45 NM

Floral Resin Earrings and Pendants LINDA SNAY

Learn how to make one-of-a-kind, eye-catching jewelry with UV resin. Using silicone molds, pressed flowers, and other elements, the creative possibilities are endless. Make unique floral inspired pieces to wear or give as gifts. Come learn this fun, easy technique that is sure to appeal to crafters of all levels.

Friday, May 12, 10:30am –1pm

$60 M; $75 NM

Eco Watercolors NIKKI HOWLAND

This is an introductory course on how to mix and create watercolor paints from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, spices, and teas. Experiment with making your own paints which you will be able to take home with you for future use.

Saturday, May 13, 9:30–11:30am

$75 M; $90 NM

Spring Ephemeral Arrangement MARY BETH HAYES

Create a natural, woodland-inspired floral arrangement using unique spring ephemeral flowers, ferns, mosses, and foliage. Learn how to add native spring ephemerals to your garden to provide pollen and nectar for pollinators early in the season.

Saturday, May 13, 1–3pm

$125 M; $140 NM; $150 PAIR

Meditative Asian Brush Painting MIRANDA GREENHALGH

In this introduction to the art of Asian brush painting with ink and watercolor, participants will learn how different brush strokes and papers combine to make a finished painting. Practicing the relationship between breath and art becomes a meditative way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the gardens inspiring our designs.

Saturday, May 13, 1–3pm

$55 M; $70 NM

Sketchbook Nature Walk VICTORIA CHAPMAN

Take a leisurely hike around the grounds and stop to sketch what you see. Walk as a group around the Wildlife Refuge Pond, up into the Inner Park, and to the summit, stopping at each location along the way to draw plants, animals, trees, stones, and statues. At the end, you can share your sketches and talk about your experience.

Saturday, May 20, 1–3pm

Wednesday, June 14, 1–3pm

$35 M; $50 NM

Wednesday, May 17, 7–8pm | in-person and online

Messy or Magic? Biodiversity and the Perception of Beauty

EDWINA VON GAL

Landscapes built along conventional standards of beauty, such as the pristine American lawn, are typically ecological dead zones and often maintained with chemicals that are harmful to humans as well as wildlife.

Edwina von Gal discusses how we can change the perception of what a “good” garden is. This lecture is part of the Grow Native Massachusetts Evenings with Experts series FREE.

Natural Dyeing LIZ IVES

Learn the basics of natural dyeing, which provided the colors we wore for thousands of years. Each session will focus on different natural dyes and colors, all from a variety of materials. You will dye samples of linen, cotton, wool, and silk, and leave with at least one silk scarf that you have dyed yourself.

Sunday, May 28, 10:30am –2:30pm

rEdS, OraNgES, & yEllOwS

Sunday, June 25, 10:30am –2:30pm

yEllOwS, grEENS, & bluES

$60 M; $75 NM

Mindful Drawing with Plants

VICTORIA CHAPMAN

Combine mindfulness and meditation with drawing. The workshop will start with a short grounding meditation and a group discussion of what mindfulness is and how it can relate to creating art. You will then explore the gardens as a group and find a plant you want to get to know and draw.

Saturday, June 3, 9:30am –12:30pm

$40 M; $55 NM

Hand Embroidery: Summer Flowers

LIZ IVES

Learn the basics of hand embroidery with a focus on spring flowers to brighten your home. Working with pre-printed kits, you will focus on stitches like satin stitch, French knots, chain stitch, leaf stitch, and more. All participants will go home with everything needed to complete the embroidery.

Sunday, June 4, 10 am –1pm

$60 M; $75 NM

En Plein Air Painting Workshop JILL POTTLE

Painting outside in the landscape is a rich experience. Not only are you responding to the natural light, but also the atmosphere of the day and a moment in time. Come and paint in the glorious gardens or in the deep woods that surrounds the formal gardens. Learn how to simplify, design, create good composition, and get down the information quickly before the light changes.

Sunday, June 4, 10 am –4pm

$60 M; $75 NM

French Blooms: Floral Arrangements

Inspired by Paris and Beyond SANDRA SIGMAN

Join us for an afternoon with Sandra Sigman, awardwinning floral designer and owner of Les Fleurs in Andover, MA. In her first book, French Blooms: Floral Arrangements Inspired by Paris and Beyond, she shares the distinct design principles she learned from her favorite Parisian florist and offers tutorials with images and instructions for creating French-inspired arrangements for different areas of the home. The program will include a talk and a floral arranging demonstration, followed by a book signing.

Sunday, June 11, 2–5pm

$15 M; $25 NM

Advanced Hand Embroidery: Magic Mushrooms LIZ IVES

This class is for more advanced hand embroiderers who are already familiar with various stitches. Working with silk and wool threads, gold couching, and stump-work, you will create a small piece featuring mushrooms.

Sunday, June 18, 10 am –1pm

$60 M; $75 NM

Floral Jewelry MARY BETH HAYES

Learn to make unique “botanical jewelry,” including beautiful cuff bracelets, necklaces, rings, and floral ”tattoos“ using fresh flowers. You will learn what the best flowers and foliage are to use and how to store your creations so they last longer.

Saturday, June 24, 1–2:30pm

$90 M; $115 NM

Gardening & Horticulture

Easy Rose Care TERESA MOSHER

Learn rose care from expert Teresa Mosher. Teresa will discuss uncovering winter protected roses, pruning various types of roses, planting, fertilizing, and how to choose hardy varieties.

Saturday, May 6, 1–2:30pm

$35 M; $50 NM

Spring Tree Identification ALEX KLEIN

Spring is a special time to get to know your local trees as you can see the remarkable ways each different species comes back to life. On this walk, you will take a close look at emerging buds, leaves, and flowers, as well as the succession of awakening that happens from one tree species to another.

Saturday, May 6, 1–3pm

$30 M; $45 NM

Introduction to Mosses & Liverworts SUE WILLIAMS

This half-day class will introduce you to the wonderful world of mosses and liverworts. Through lectures, live plants, and activities, you will explore these lovely diminutive plants and the process used to identify them.

Saturday, May 13, 1–4pm

$40 M; $55 NM

Plant ID: Spring Flowering Ornamental Shrubs

REED PUGH

Walk through the gardens to improve your identification skills. We will use horticultural identification techniques to identify spring flowering shrubs, building an understanding of form, leaf, flower, and the terminology to differentiate.

Saturday, May 20, 10:30 am –12pm

$35 M; $50 NM

Seasonal Pruning: Late Spring REED PUGH

This workshop will focus on the essentials of when and how to prune spring flowering shrubs and trees that flower on previous season’s growth. You will use selected shrubs and trees at the Garden to discuss and practice pruning skills. Each workshop will cover making proper cuts, different forms of pruning, and most importantly pruning plants at the correct time of year. We will also focus on improving plant health, vitality, form, and flowering.

Sunday, May 21, 10:30 am –12pm and 1–2:30pm

$35 M; $50 NM

Plant ID: Evergreen and Deciduous Trees

REED PUGH

Walk through the gardens to improve your identification skills. We will use horticultural identification techniques to identify evergreen and deciduous trees with an understanding of form, needle/leaf, and cones/flower, and learn the terminology to differentiate.

Saturday, June 10, 10:30 am –12pm

$35 M; $50 NM

How to Create a Cutting Garden

MARY BETH HAYES

Learn to create your own small but productive cutting garden so you can make beautiful flower arrangements all summer long! This workshop will cover easy and reliable plants to grow, soil preparation, maintenance, harvesting, flower conditioning, end-of-season breakdown, and more. The session will also include a demonstration of a spiral hand-tied bouquet that will be given away.

Saturday, June 10, 1–2:30pm

$25 M; $40 NM

PLANT SHOWS

Shows feature captivating displays of brilliant blooms, fascinating foliage, rare and unusual plants for sale, and the chance to learn from expert growers. INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION.

Seven States Daffodil Society Show

Saturday, May 6, 1–5pm

Sunday, May 7, 10am –4pm

Massachusetts Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society Show & Sale

Saturday, May 20

SHOW: 12–5pm

SALE: 10am–5pm

Sunday, May 21

SHOW: 10am–4pm

SALE: 10am–4pm

New England Rose Society Show & Sale

Saturday, June 17

SHOW: 12:30–3:30pm

SALE: 10am–3:30pm

YOUTH PROGRAMS Family Fun

Kids’ Workshops

Spring Blooms Watercolor | AGES 7–12

Learn the basics of painting with watercolors using colorful spring blooms as inspiration.

Sunday, May 7, 2–3:30pm

M: $20 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $29 CHILD, $19 ADULT

Mother’s Day Bouquets | AGES 5–12

Celebrate Mother’s Day and make a special arrangement in a vase.

Sunday, May 14, 10:30am –12pm

M: $25 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $34 CHILD, $19 ADULT

Mossy Plant Monsters | AGES 6–12

Practice the art of kokedama and create your own moss wrapped plant monster.

Sunday, June 18, 2–3:30pm

M: $28 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $37 CHILD, $19 ADULT

Teen Nature Photography | AGES 12–16

Learn how to compose the perfect photo and practice your technique in the gardens.

Sunday, June 24, 1–2:30pm

M: $15 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $24 CHILD, $19 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.

Garden Buds | AGES 3–5

Join us for circle time, a story, a take-home craft packet, and a guided garden adventure.

Thursdays in May & June, 10:30–11:30am

M: $8 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $15 CHILD, $19 ADULT

Little Seedlings | AGES 1–3

Come explore the wonders of nature and practice sorting, counting, observing, and more.

Tuesday, May 30, 10:30–11:30am

Tuesday, June 27, 10:30–11:30am

M: $6 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $10 CHILD, $19 ADULT

Birding for Beginners | AGES 6–12

Get introduced to birding basics, practice calls, and search for local and migratory species.

Saturday, May 20, 1:30–3pm

M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT

Habitat Hike | AGES 6–12

Join us to search for local plants and animals, and explore the variety of habitats the Garden has to offer.

Saturday, June 3, 1:30–3pm

M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT

Insect Safari | AGES 3–10

Come bug out and learn about insects of all shapes and sizes.

Sunday, June 11, 2–3pm

M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT

Summer Solstice Hike | AGES 4–12

Welcome summer and join us for a guided hike of New England Botanic Garden’s mile long loop trail.

Thursday, June 22, 7–8:30pm

M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT

Family Firefly Walk | AGES 3–14

Explore the gardens and trails by moonlight and search for our favorite nocturnal insect.

Thursday, June 29, 8–9pm

M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT

JUST FOR KIDS!

Afterschool Adventures | AGES 7–9

Join us for outdoor afterschool adventures, and come learn, play, and explore.

Friday, May 31, 3–5pm

Wednesday, June 28, 3–5pm

M: $22 CHILD; NM: $30 CHILD

SUMMER DISCOVERIES

Animal Adventures | AGES 5–10

Beaks, claws, and wings, oh my! Learn about the amazing animals that live among us as we explore, play, and investigate in nature.

Monday to Friday, July 31 to August 4

9am –3pm

M: $375 CHILD; NM: $425 CHILD

Myths and Magic | AGES 5–10

Join us for a week of play, exploration, and investigation as we search for signs of magic in enchanted gardens, cast spells, and make nature potions.

Monday to Friday, August 7 to 11

9am –3pm

M: $375 CHILD; NM: $425 CHILD

Nature Play Days in The Ramble

Join us for Nature Play Days in The Ramble. Drop-in for free, fun family activities this season. Use your imagination to create magical worlds and explore the great outdoors as we dress up, craft, make music, play, and make new friends. Visit our website for more details.

Discovery Backpacks

AGES 3–12

Check out our Discovery Backpacks filled with exciting activities and tools for exploring together.

Everyday, 10am –5pm

Music Makers

AGES 2–8

Dance to your own beat and make music with us.

Mondays, 12–2pm

Nature Storytime

AGES 3–8

Join us for an interactive hour of exciting stories about plants, animals, nature, and more.

Tuesdays, 11am –12pm

Imagination Station

AGES 3–8

Stop by for imaginative play as we dress up and create magical worlds together.

Wednesdays, 12–2pm

Adventures in Yoga

AGES 4–8

Stretch, move, and play as we learn yoga basics and try nature inspired poses.

Thursdays, 1–2pm

*Beginning Thursday, June 22

Exploration Station

AGES 3–10

Drop by our Exploration Stations to play, read, learn, and investigate.

Fridays, 12–2pm

Nature Play Days Weekly Schedule

EVERY DAY / 10am –5pm

MONDAYS / 12–2pm

TUESDAYS / 11am –12pm

WEDNESDAYS / 12–2pm

THURSDAYS / 1–2pm

FRIDAYS / 12–2pm

Discovery Backpacks

Music Makers

Nature Storytime

Imagination Station

Adventures in Yoga

Exploration Station

Celebrate spring with tens of thousands of blooms, including daffodils, tulips, magnolias, lilacs, azaleas, and more. Find inspiration with a spring-themed class or a tour and then tiptoe through our flourishing gardens, including our field of more than 25,000 daffodils – a spectacular scene unlike any other in the region. Enhance your experience through drop-in programs included with admission.

FAMILY AND YOUTH DROP-IN PROGRAMS

Love Letters to the Garden

Explore the Garden with a variety of self-guided activities for all ages that will lead you across the gardens.

April 1 – May 31, 10am –5pm

Spring Story Walk

Take a stroll along the Garden paths and read a story together! Enjoy this self-guided walk and be entertained with an enchanting story among the spring blossoms.

April 1 – May 31, 10am –5pm

Beats & Blooms: Spring Sing-Along

Join us for an interactive spring sing-along just for kids!

Sunday, May 21, 1–3pm

Stretch into Spring Yoga | AGES 4–8

Drop-in to learn yoga basics and practice nature-inspired poses.

Saturday, May 6, 1–3pm

ADULT EDUCATION DROP-IN PROGRAMS

Artists in the Garden

Witness the creative process across a variety of media and garden spaces.

Saturdays, May 6 and May 20, 1–3pm

Adult Garden Activity Totes

Enhance your visit with an activity tote! Choose either an artmaking tote or a wellness tote. Return the bag at the end of your visit and leave the Garden feeling inspired and renewed.

Through May 31

Songs of Spring

Enjoy an afternoon of music al fresco among our seasonal blooms.

Sunday, May 7, 1–3pm

GUIDED DROP-IN TOURS

Drop In Guided Walking Tour: Spring Blooms!

Enjoy a guided tour of spring blooms throughout the Gardens.

Wednesdays, May 10 & May 24 at 11am

Spring Blooms Guided Golf Cart Tours

Enjoy a 45-minute guided golf cart tour of the Gardens. Pre-registration is recommended. Please email shauerstein@nebg.org or phone 508.869.6111 x175 to reserve your seat. Seating is limited to five guests per tour.

Fridays, April 7–May 26 at 11am

ART EXHIBIT

Suzan Osborn

VIEWS FROM THE GARDEN

This spring come join us to celebrate the work of Suzan Osborn, a local artist who has spent years painting the gardens and landscape of New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Over twenty floral landscape paintings adorn the Milton Gallery.

Through May 31, 10am–5pm

Legacy Gifts

Later in life, June Havens found inspiration for her beautiful artwork at New England Botanic Garden. Upon her recent passing, her daughters, Dawne and Jill, established the June Lindland Havens Endowed Fund in support of Education with a focus on supporting youth art education. “Our family has a long history of sharing creativity, and we are delighted that our mother’s fund will help a younger generation find their talents and continue to create beautiful things for our world. We are also pleased that the dedicated bench along the Perennial Path will be a place our family and her friends can come to remember her and reflect on the gardens that inspired her.” said Dawne.

Contact Sally Stanton at sstanton@nebg.org or 508.869.6111 x103 to discuss a legacy gift.

Celebrate those you love or mark a special occasion!

The beauty of New England Botanic Garden has inspired many to dedicate a place in the Garden in memory or honor of a loved one. Throughout the Garden, benches, trees and garden beds bear the names of those who have passed and commemorate retirements, wedding anniversaries, birthdays, or other important milestones.

To learn about dedication opportunities, contact Theresa Lee at tlee@nebg.org or 508.869.6111 x168

SUMMER EVENINGS at New England Botanic Garden

Open 5–9pm on Thursdays in June and July 5–8pm on Thursdays in August (RAIN OR SHINE)

Included with the cost of General Admission

This summer, unplug, recharge, and escape to our garden oasis. Experience live music by talented local musicians, a beer garden, lawn games, light bites, and more as you explore the Garden after-hours with friends and family. Hike our mile-long loop trail, wander the gardens to enjoy the blooms, and catch the sunset over the Wachusett Reservoir. Plus, don’t miss our wide variety of scheduled workshops and classes for children and adults! Visit nebg.org for details.

BEER GARDEN

JUNE 15

Featuring a rotating selection of seasonal and local draft beer plus light bites to enjoy on the grounds.

Every Thursday, June & July, 5–8:30pm August, 5–7:30pm

LIVE MUSIC

Spend an evening listening to live music performed by talented local artists.

Every Thursday, June & July, 6–8pm August, 5:30–7:30pm

FOR ADULTS

Botanical Mixology MEREDITH POWELL

Learn how to make unique cocktails with a botanical twist.

Select Thursdays, 6–7pm

$50M; $65NM

Summer Thursdays Yoga

JUSTINE PULASKI

Relax and refresh in this all-levels yoga class in the gardens.

Every Thursday, 6–7:15pm (NO ClaSS july 27) $15M; $22NM

FOR KIDS

Summer Solstice Hike | AGES 4–12

Welcome summer and join us for a guided hike of New England Botanic Garden’s mile-long loop trail.

Thursday, June 22, 7–8:30pm

M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT

Family Firefly Walk | AGES 3–14

Explore the gardens and trails by moonlight and search for our favorite nocturnal insect.

Thursday, June 29, 8–9pm

M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT

MORE SUMMER FUN

Aaja Nachle! (Come, Let's Dance!)

Sunday, June 4, 11am–3pm

Celebrate Indian culture with a day of music, dance, and more outdoors in the gardens, presented in partnership with India Society of Worcester. Enjoy beautiful, dynamic performances of different dance and music styles such as Bollywood, Naatu Naatu, Bhangra, and Dhol-Tasha. Opportunities to learn the basic steps may even have you joining in! All ages and abilities welcome! Visit nebg.org for more information. INCLUDED WITH GENERAL ADMISSION.

Music in Bloom

Sunday, June 11, 6–8:30pm

Sunday, June 25, 6–8:30pm

Join New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill 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. Visit nebg.org for more details about artists, cost, and ticketing.

Sensory-Friendly Evening

Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 6–8pm

In partnership with HMEA’s Autism Resource Central, we invite individuals and families seeking a low-sensory, less crowded environment for a night of fun, exploration, and relaxation. Explore the gardens after hours and enjoy designated quiet spaces, art projects, scavenger hunts, and more hands-on activities for all ages. Visit nebg.org for more information.

Art Exhibit: GROW, FORAGE, EAT

July 1 – October 1

Come learn about the wide variety of wild and cultivated plants we eat in an illustrated exhibit featuring stunning artwork created by the New England Society of Botanic Artists. Grow, Forage, Eat will adorn the Fern Gallery starting July 1.Visit nebg.org for more information.

INCLUDED WITH GENERAL ADMISSION.

Experience an exhibit of imaginative, colorful sculptures and wall works displayed across New England Botanic Garden. Discover the surprising creative parallels between growing plants and making art in a show inspired by the wonders of the plant world.

a sculpture