JULY / AUGUST 2025
Events & Programs
New England Botanic Garden’s
programs are supported, in whole or in part, by the Cary Brothers Fund and the Frances E. and Rachel E. McQuaid Trust.
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
Behind the Canvas:
Xiang Li in Conversation
XIANG LI, ARTIST, CHINESE EMPRESSES
Saturday, August 2, 2–3:30pm
Join us for an inspiring conversation with artist Xiang Li as she shares the stories, symbolism, and creative process behind her Chinese Empressess exhibit. Discover how traditional Chinese aesthetics and contemporary techniques blend in her evocative portraits. A book signing will follow the talk, with copies available for purchase on-site.
FREE FOR NEBG MEMBERS; $10 NM
See page 18 for exhibit information.
Trips & Tours
Discover inspiring gardens near and far by bus or carpool. We plan the day so you can enjoy the plants!
Roots of New England: A Tour of Native Plants at the Connecticut College Arboretum
Discover the rich diversity of native flora on a private tour of the Connecticut College Arboretum’s Native Plant Collection, showcasing plants that are vital to the region’s ecosystem.
Tuesday, July 22, 9am –5pm
$75 M; $90 NM
Explore Local Flavor: A Wine Lover’s Day Tour
Join us for a scenic day trip to two local wineries—Broken Creek Vineyard and Agronomy Farm Vineyard—featuring tastings, snacks, and stunning countryside views.
Sunday, August 17, 11am –5pm
$125 M; $150 NM
Gardening & Horticulture
Summer Horticulture Walk & Talk
NEBG HORTICULTURE STAFF
Discover classic plants from the garden’s early collections and exciting new additions on a seasonal walk and talk focused on the vibrant blooms of summer.
Wednesday, July 2, 11am –12pm
Wednesday, August 6, 11am –12pm
$5 M; $25 NM
Healthy Soils Workshop BETHANY NICHOLS
Learn about soil health and best practices with Bethany Nichols, Healthy Soils Program Manager at Worcester County Conservation District, and learn the best practices for your home and landscape - no matter if you own or rent! Presented in partnership with Grow Native Massachusetts.
Thursday, July 17, 6pm
VISIT NEBG.ORG FOR DETAILS
Walking Tour of the Lily Show: Criteria for Judging Lilies
ROBIN VAN LIEW
How do we judge award-winning lilies? Why didn’t the biggest stem win Best in Show? Learn the factors considered in judging and rating lilies from a certified lily judge.
Saturday, July 19, 1–1:30pm
Sunday, July 20, 12–12:30pm
INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
Wilding Your Perennial Garden
MARIA VON BRINCKEN
Thursdays, July 10, 17 & 24, 10am –2pm
Are you inspired by the beauty of wild, naturalistic gardens? This three-session workshop will guide you in designing a vibrant perennial garden using native grasses and flowers that attract and support pollinators. With over 30 years of experience, Maria offers expert insight and hands-on support—including tips for winter interest and plenty of design practice. CEUs available.
$250 M; $300 NM
Demonstration: Flower Arranging with Lilies
ROBIN VAN LIEW
Lilies make wonderful flower arrangements with their large, showy, long-lasting blooms. In this demonstration, you will discover techniques to create stunning, balanced bouquets that highlight the unique charm of these flowers.
Sunday, July 20, 2–3pm
INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
Managing Your Vegetable Garden DAWN DAVIES
Learn how to identify and manage pests and diseases in your vegetable garden with effective strategies for prevention, treatment, and maintenance, ensuring your garden thrives all season long.
Thursday, July 24, 6–7pm
$15 M; $25 NM
Why Daylilies Are the Perfect Perennial
SHARON GEORGE
Join us for an exciting introduction to daylilies! Learn where to find them, how to grow them with ease, and why these beautiful blooms are a musthave for every garden.
Saturday, July 26, 11am –12pm
INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
Demonstration & Raffle: Dividing a Daylily
STEVE GREENE
Daylilies form big clumps over several years. Learn tips and tricks for how to divide them followed by a FREE raffle of daylilies from the divided clump.
Saturday, July 26, 12:30–1pm
INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
Seasonal Pruning: Late Summer NEBG HORTICULTURE
STAFF
Learn late-summer pruning techniques for spring-flowering shrubs and trees that bloom on last season’s growth. Learn the best pruning methods to encourage healthy growth and a vibrant floral display.
Tuesday, August 12, 6–8:30pm
$40 M; $48 NM
SAVE
2025 Plant Geek Day
Hosted by NEBG and the Massachusetts Nursery & Landscape Association
Wednesday, September 10
Restoration to Garden: Plants & Wildlife
Hosted by NEBG and New Directions in the American Landscape
Wednesday, September 24
New England Apple Tree Symposium
Workshops, lectures and more!
Saturday, November 15
Sunday, November 16
Crafts & Cocktails
Unwind with a creative evening at the Garden during our Crafts & Cocktails series every Wednesday during July and August. From hands-on art and craft workshops to photography and floral design, each session offers a chance to try something new while enjoying the Garden’s golden hour. Each class includes one complimentary drink—choose from beer, wine, soft drinks, canned cocktails, or the evening’s signature mixed drink.
Pressed for Beauty AM PARADIS, SAM’S STEMS
Create your own romantic pressed flower art using dried seasonal blooms from the Garden. Sip, snip, and design a gorgeous floral keepsake to frame, gift, or keep as a joyful little love letter to nature.
Wednesday, July 2, 6–8:30pm
$45 M; $54 NM
Get Lost in the Moss NEBG HORTICULTURE STAFF
Craft a lush, framed moss masterpiece—no green thumb required! In this calming, hands-on workshop, you’ll design with preserved moss, wood accents, dried florals, and a live air plant in a handcrafted frame. Nature meets art, minus the maintenance.
Wednesday, July 9, 6–8:30pm
$65 M; $78 NM
Sip & Script: Modern Calligraphy for Beginners
KATHY MONAHAN
Dive into modern calligraphy! This beginner-friendly workshop teaches the basics using a dip pen and ink and includes a calligraphy kit to take home and continue your practice.
Wednesday, July 16, 6–8:30pm
$65 M; $78 NM
Bloom & Sip: Ikebana-Style Dish Arrangement
MARY BETH HAYES, SEMPERVIRENS FLOWERS
Create a stunning Ikebana-style floral arrangement using local summer blooms and a pin frog in a ceramic bowl. Learn key design principles, sip a cocktail or mocktail, and enjoy a mindful, creative evening.
Wednesday, July 23, 6–8:30pm
$85 M; $102 NM
Chinese Brush Painting: Poppies SAU-MEI LEUNG
Bright, bold, and full of life, poppies are the perfect subject for exploring the elegant techniques of Chinese brush painting! Get hands-on with “the four treasures” (ink stone, ink sticks, brush, and paper) as you learn to create expressive floral art in this creative workshop.
Wednesday, July 30, 6–8:30pm
$48 M; $58 NM
Bloom & Sip: Dahlia Night in the Garden
NIKI PINCKNEY, PEPPER & FERN FLORAL DESIGN
Stroll through the summer garden with local flower farmer Niki Pinckney of Pepper and Fern. Learn about sustainable cut flower growing, get expert tips on dahlia tuber care, and design your own beautiful bouquet to take home.
Wednesday, August 6, 6–8:30pm
$85 M; $102 NM
Botanical Silk Painting LIDIA MIKHAYLOVA
Create your own vibrant, botanical-inspired artwork on silk in this beginner-friendly workshop. Learn basic painting techniques and explore color blending as you design a one-of-a-kind piece to take home.
Wednesday, August 13, 6–8:30pm
$80 M; $96 NM
Hammer Time! Botanical Printmaking
SHANNON MCGUIRE RICHARDS
Raise a glass and a hammer in this playful, hands-on workshop where summer blooms become your ink. Learn the art of flower hammering to create a custom botanical-print tote.
Wednesday, August 20, 6–8:30pm
$69 M; $83 NM
Sunset Photography STEVE MCGRATH
Chase the light and capture golden hour at the Garden. Learn simple techniques for shooting in low light, framing the perfect shot, and making magic with your camera or phone.
Wednesday, August 27, 6–8:30pm
$35 M; $42 NM
THE ART & ALCHEMY OF TEA
with Jia Li, MD Owner of Tea Tell Truth
Bloom & Sip: Dahlia Night in the Garden
Wednesday, August 6
Chinese Tea Ceremony with Jia Li
Step into the tranquil world of traditional Chinese tea culture in this intimate ceremony led by Dr. Jia Li. Experience the art of mindful brewing and graceful serving, while learning about the philosophy and history behind each gesture and sip. A rare opportunity to slow down, connect, and savor the moment.
Sunday, August 10, 11am –12:30pm
$70 M; $84 NM
Herbal Tea Blending Workshop
Discover the sensory magic of herbs in this hands-on workshop. Explore flavor profiles, healing properties, and traditional uses of various botanicals. Participants will create their own custom tea blend to take home, gaining both knowledge and a calming ritual to carry forward.
Sunday, August 10, 2:30–4pm
$70 M; $84 NM
Make a Day of It: The Art & Alchemy of Tea
Attend both the Chinese Tea Ceremony and Herbal Tea Blending Workshop for a full afternoon of immersive, sensory-rich learning. This special experience offers the chance to connect with Dr. Jia Li in an intimate setting, explore tea from tradition to creativity, and enjoy a peaceful, aromatic day.
Sunday, August 10, 11am –4pm
BOTH PROGRAMS $125 M; $150 NM
Summer Twilight Yoga
Embrace the serenity of summer evenings with gentle-to-moderate flow yoga sessions in the soft glow of twilight. Suitable for all levels, these outdoor classes (weather permitting) offer a peaceful way to unwind and reconnect in the beauty of the Garden. Bring your own mat and enjoy a relaxing evening of movement and mindfulness.
Yoga in the Garden
Enjoy gentle-to-moderate flow yoga in a class for all levels. Classes are held outdoors (weather permitting).
Tuesdays, 6–7:15pm | MANDI GARRISON
Wednesday, July 16, 6–7:15pm | JUSTINE PULASKI
Wednesday, August 27, 6–7:15pm | JUSTINE PULASKI
$15 M; $30 NM
Evening Flow Yoga for Everyone HARPER WISE
Join us for an all-levels flow class in the Garden and connect with your practice in a safe, welcoming space for movement, mindfulness, and connection among nature.
Thursday, July 31 & August 28, 6–7:15pm
$15 M; $30 NM
Gentle Yoga with Aromatherapy
GEORGIA JOHNSON
Flow through mindful movement in this restorative session designed to nourish your body, mind, and soul. Enjoy slow-paced postures, guided visualization, and a light meditation, with soft aromatherapy. Leave feeling refreshed, balanced, and blissful.
Wednesday, July 9 & August 13, 6–7pm
$30 M; $45 NM
Qigong & Tai Chi Movement ROSE HORWITZ
Breathe deeply and practice mindful, gentle, fluid movements to reduce stress and improve strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, range of motion, and stamina.
Thursday, July 17 & August 7, 6–7pm
$25 M; $35 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 mindful, gentle, fluid movements 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
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 in our morning. Classes are held outdoors (weather permitting).
Fridays, 9:30–10:15am
$15 M; $30 NM
Healing Energy Sound Bath
BRANDY LEFSYK
Unwind with a one-hour outdoor sound bath in a peaceful, forested garden. Surrounded by birdsong and a gentle breeze, let soothing vibrations melt stress and restore calm.
Wednesday, July 2, 6–7pm
$30 M; $36 NM
Weekend Wellness
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 both strong and gentle yoga practices.
Saturday, July 12, 9–11am
Saturday, August 16, 9–11am
$30 M; $45 NM
Summertime Yoga Flow EMMA BARTOLINI
Join us for a relaxing morning yoga flow and savor summertime in the Garden.
Saturday, August 2, 9–10:15am
$15 M; $30 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.” This class invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and soak in the restorative benefits of the Garden’s serene woodland.
Sunday, July 27, 9am –12pm
Sunday, August 17, 9am –12pm
$40 M; $48 NM
Arts & Photography
Watercolor Wednesdays LINDA SNAY
Explore the basics of watercolor painting while experimenting with materials like salt and ink to create unique effects. Each week features a new theme to spark creativity and build your skills in this relaxed, hands-on series.
Wednesdays, 1–3pm
$55 M; $66 NM
Monthly Photography Club STEVE MCGRATH
Follow your passion and practice your skill with expert advice and personalized attention. All skill levels welcome.
Sunday, July 12, 1:30–4pm
Sunday, August 10, 10am –12:30pm
$25 M; $40 NM
Introduction
TONYA
LEMOS
to Eco-Printing with Botanicals
Eco-printing (botanical contact printing) is a contemporary application of the traditions of natural dyeing. During this workshop participants will explore the alchemy of water, plant materials, heat, and metal and end up with beautiful prints on watercolor paper. We will be collecting leaves and flowers and learning the alchemical tin can bundling process.
Sunday, July 13, 1–3pm
$50 M; $65 NM
Artist Walk & Talk XIANG LI & FEI WU
Join internationally acclaimed artist Xiang Li and her daughter for an intimate walk and talk through Chinese Empresses by Xiang Li. Discover the stories behind her hand-painted silk tapestries depicting over 200 Chinese empresses, brought to life through traditional Chinese watercolor techniques.
Thursday, July 24, 6–7pm
Thursday, August 21, 6–7pm
$15 M; $38 NM
En Plein Air Watercolors in the Garden
VICTORIA CHAPMAN
Grab your easel and join us for a vibrant summer of painting outdoors! Capture the beauty of nature in its full summer splendor as you paint stunning landscapes, gardens, and scenes. Perfect for all skill levels
Friday, July 25, 9:30am –12:30pm
RAIN DATE FRIDAY, AUGUST 1
$55 M; $66 NM
Botanical Prints with Gelli Plates LINDA SNAY
Get a spark of inspiration in this fun, two-hour intro to botanical printmaking! Learn simple techniques to create stunning, layered prints using leaves, flowers, and vibrant colors. Perfect for beginners and art lovers alike.
Saturday, August 16, 1–3:30pm
$40 M; $48 NM
Burnt & Inked: A Full-Day Fiery
Printmaking Immersion ALYSON PROKOP
Step into the flames—literally—and explore the full creative process behind dramatic botanical prints. In this immersive, full-day workshop, you'll learn to safely scorch your own wooden tree cookies using fire, carve into the charred surface, and hand-print bold, layered works of art.
Saturday, August 23, 10am –3:30pm
$110 M; $132 NM
Youth Programs
Kids
Workshops
Desert Terrariums | AGES 7–12
Plant a cactus and decorate with sand, rock, and more to create a home for a desert animal friend.
Thursday, July 3, 5–6:30pm
M: $28 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $36 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Snail Slime | AGES 5–8
Create snail-inspired slime as we explore the slippery world of snails and uncover the adaptations that help them thrive.
Sunday, July 6, 2–3:30pm
M: $15 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $24 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Wonderful Water Lilies | AGES 7–10
Paint a serene pond and craft 3D paper water lily flowers and pads to float on top.
Saturday, July 12, 10:30am –12pm
M: $18 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $26 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Insect Safari | AGES 5–9
Join us for an insect safari as we search for our favorite invertebrates.
Saturday, August 2, 10:30–11:30am
M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Buzzing Beeswax Candles | AGES 6–12
Explore the world of honeybees and create your own handmade beeswax candles.
Saturday, August 23, 10:30am –12pm
M: $18 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $26 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, 10:30–11:30am
Saturday, July 19, 10:30–11:30am
M: $8 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $16 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Birds in Flight | AGES 6–12
Get introduced to birding basics, practice calls, and search for local and migratory species.
Thursday, July 31, 6:30–7:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $26 ADULT
Little Seedlings | AGES 1–3
Come explore the wonderful world of plants and practice sorting, counting, observing, and more.
Tuesday, July 29 & August 26, 10:30–11:30am
M: $6 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $6 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Family Paint Party | AGES 7+
Come create together as you each paint a lily pad covered pond guided by step-by-step instruction.
Saturday, August 9, 10:30am –12pm
M: $20 CHILD, $20 ADULT; NM: $30 CHILD, $40 ADULT
Fantastic Fr0gs | AGES 4–8
Join us for a fantastic frog adventure and learn about our resident species.
Saturday, July 26, 10:30–11:30am
Wednesday, August 13, 6:30–7:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $26 ADULT
Homeschool Programs
Homeschool: Tree of Life | AGES 6–12
Explore the terrific world of trees and learn about the important role they play in a forest ecosystem.
Friday, July 18, 1–2:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Homeschool: Blooming Botany | AGES 6–12
Become a botanist as we study flowers up close, perform a floral dissection, and practice the art of botanical illustration.
Friday, August 8, 1–2:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Homeschool: Garden Harvest | AGES 6–12
Discover the edible tops and bottoms of our garden produce and plant your own container garden.
Friday, August 22, 1–2:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Gardening Workshops
Little Growers Garden Club AGES 4–6
Learn how to care for your own 2 foot x 2 foot 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 Tea Party | AGES 8+
Taste test different natural teas and then learn how to harvest and dry your own loose-leaf tea.
Wednesday, July 23, 6–7pm
M: $12 CHILD, $12 ADULT
NM: $20 CHILD, $30 ADULT
The Pickle Patch | AGES 6–10
Explore the cucumber patch in the Climate Garden and learn a quick pickle recipe to try at home.
Sunday, August 17, 10:30am –12pm
M: $15 CHILD, $0 ADULT
NM: $24 CHILD, $20 ADULT
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. Visit our website for more details.
MONDAYS, 12–2pm
Nature's Studio | AGES 3–8
Embrace your inner artist while you make music, play with paint, and get creative in the Garden.
TUESDAYS, 11am–12pm
Nature Storytime | AGES 3–8
Join us for an interactive hour of exciting stories about plants, animals, nature, and more.
WEDNESDAYS, 12–2pm
Imagination Station | AGES 3–8
Stop by for imaginative play as we dress up and create magical worlds together.
THURSDAYS, 11am–12pm
Farm to Market | AGES 3–10
Stop by our Climate Garden, see what’s growing, lend a hand, and play at our farm stand.
FRIDAYS, 12–2pm
Exploration Station | AGES 3–10
Drop by our Discovery Stations 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 backpack during your next visit.
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. Space is limited in these week-long programs, so reserve your spot today! M: $375 CHILD; NM: $425 CHILD
Limited space remaining!
B I R P A R T I E S T H D AY
Cosmic Explorers | AGES 5–6 & 7–10 SOLD OUT!
Monday to Friday, July 14–18, 9am–3pm
Secret Agents | AGES 5–6 & 7–10
Monday to Friday, July 21–25, 9am–3pm SOLD OUT! Monday to Friday, August 4–8, 9am–3pm
Bugs & Blooms | AGES 5–6 & 7–10 SOLD OUT! Monday to Friday, July 28–August 1, 9am–3pm
HEY KIDS! See you this summer!
Make your child’s birthday one to remember and host their special day with us! Now booking for summer and fall parties.
Choose from five fun, nature-inspired themed activities led by a Garden educator and celebrate in The Ramble, our garden for children and families. Visit nebg.org for details.
PLANT SHOWS & SALES
NEW ENGLAND LILY SOCIETY SHOW & SALE
Enjoy show-stopping displays and floral arrangements featuring a wide variety of lilies grown in New England. Browse a selection of potted lilies for sale and don’t miss the opportunity to talk with lily enthusiasts who have a wealth of knowledge about growing and propagating these beautiful plants.
Saturday, July 19
SHOW & SALE: 10:30am-3:30pm
Cash or check only
WALKING TOUR OF LILY SHOW: 1-1:30pm
Criteria for Judging Lilies
Sunday, July 20
SHOW & SALE: 10am-4pm
Cash or check only
WALKING TOUR OF LILY SHOW: 12-12:30pm
Criteria for Judging Lilies
DEMONSTRATION: 2-3pm
Flower Arranging with Lilies
NEW ENGLAND DAYLILY SOCIETY SHOW & SALE
Discover an extraordinary array of daylilies that highlight a wide variety of sizes, forms, colors, and patterns. Learn tips and tricks from expert growers and browse the sale or join the raffle for a chance to take home your very own daylily.
Saturday, July 26
SALE: 11am-3:30pm
Cash or check only
LECTURE: 11am–12pm
Why Daylilies Are the Perfect Perennial
DEMONSTRATION & RAFFLE: 12:30-1pm
Dividing a Daylily
SHOW: 1:30-3:30pm
See the Gardening & Horticulture section on pages 2 & 3 for full lecture and tour descriptions. Look for the flower!
Sunday, July 13
6–7:30pm
Join us for a magical evening of opera and circus where soaring voices meet sky-high aerial acrobatics. Circus 617 and Opera on Tap Boston combine two thrilling art forms showcasing opera, musical theater, and cabaret classics paired with breathtaking original circus acts set against the blooming backdrop of the Garden. Visit nebg.org for more details.
M: $26 ADULT, $8 CHILD NM: $36 ADULT, $12 CHILD
Garden Dining Series
Indulge your palate with dining experiences that honor plants, local agricultural, and the craft of cooking. Enjoy thoughtfully curated, multicourse menus provided by Peppers Artful Events. The Garden Dining Series are 21+ events. Visit nebg.org for more details.
Earth & Ember Dinner
Friday, July 11, 6–9pm
An evening of live, wood-fired culinary delight.
Flora Fête
Sunday, August 24, 6–9pm
A vibrant plant-based dinner celebrating the season’s freshest harvest.
SWING NIGHT: Dance Concert on the Lawn
Tuesday, August 5
6–8:30pm
Enjoy a high-energy dance concert of timeless big band swing with the 18-piece Beantown Swing Orchestra. Learn basic swing and Shim Sham line dance steps that originated in the 1920s and dance the night away, or sit and enjoy the music with a picnic and a pint on the Lawn. Visit nebg.org for more details.
M: $16 ADULT, $8 CHILD
NM: $26 ADULT, $12 CHILD
LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration
Thursday, September 4
5–9pm
Save the date for our annual Pride Celebration! Join us as we celebrate the week of Pride Worcester and our LGBTQ+ community through a lively evening of festivities, including music, a drag show, local LGBTQ+ vendors, community organizations, and more!
Visit nebg.org for more details.
EXTENDED WEDNESDAYS
Wednesdays in July, 5–9pm
Wednesdays in 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.
FOR ADULTS
Crafts & Cocktails / 6–8:30pm
Join us for exclusive adult education classes.
See pages 4–5 for program descriptions.
FOR KIDS
Little Growers Garden Club | AGES 4–6
Wednesdays, June 18–July 9, 5:30–6:30pm
Family Tea Party | AGES 8+
Wednesday, July 23, 6–7pm
Fantastic Frogs | AGES 4–8
Wednesday, August 13, 6:30–7:30pm
See pages 8–9 for program descriptions.
THURSDAY SUMMER EVENINGS
Thursdays in July, 5–9pm
Thursdays in August, 5–8pm
Included with the cost of general admission (RAIN OR SHINE)
Beer Garden Hours
July, 5–8:30pm | August, 5–7:30pm
Live Music Performances
July, 6–8pm | August, 5:30–7:30pm
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.
A perfect way to spend a summer evening with friends & family.
FOR ADULTS
Summer Twilight Yoga / 6–7:15pm
Relax and unwind as you flow through gentle yoga sessions under the soft glow of summer evenings. See page 6 for program descriptions.
FOR KIDS
Desert Terrariums | AGES 7–12
Thursday, July 3, 5–6:30pm
Birds in Flight | AGES 6–12
Thursday, July 31, 6:30–7:30pm
See page 8 for program descriptions.
Chinese Empresses by Xiang Li
THROUGH 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.
POP-UP PERFORMANCES
Join us for pop-up lion dance performances celebrating Chinese culture and traditions in partnership with the Southeast Asian Coalition of Central MA. Visit nebg.org for details.
SEPTEMBER 1 – OCTOBER 31
Discover a captivating world of unusual plants! Explore bizarre shapes, vibrant colors, and extraordinary adaptations that redefine how you view nature. In this unique exhibition, immerse yourself in imagined ecosystems and experience out of this world plants artistically crafted to celebrate the wild beauty of unique, strange, and exceptional species not found anywhere on planet Earth. Visit nebg.org to learn more.
SAVE THE DATE
Glowing Wild
SELECT FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS, SEPT 20 – OCT 31
Get lost in a night where nature gets weird and things aren’t quite as they seem. This immersive nighttime experience transforms The Ramble into an otherworldly dreamscape of unusual plants and other curiosities. Select evenings offer experiences for a 21+ or family audience. Stay tuned for more details.
MAY 3 – OCTOBER 12, 2025
25 YEARS OF SCULPTURE BY GEORGE SHERWOOD
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.
GOLF CART TOURS
Join us for a guided golf cart tour of the sculpture exhibition. Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended.
Thursdays, 11–11:45am INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
