Explore the Wonder of Plants in the Heart of New England

FAIRY HOUSES CREATED BY ARTIST SALLY J. SMITH © TROY B. THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Explore the Wonder of Plants in the Heart of New England

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is not your run-ofthe-mill garden. It’s a horticultural destination and a haven for plant enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. Spread across 200 acres and operated by the historic Worcester County Horticultural Society, this captivating garden was named "Best Botanic Garden in the U.S.," by TravelAwaits —and it just takes one visit to understand why.

A nonprofit organization and AAM-accredited museum, the Garden cares for an irreplaceable collection of plants and places sustainability and environmental stewardship at the forefront of its work.

The Garden, a living plant museum, includes 18 distinct garden spaces, two subtropical conservatories, a garden shop featuring nature-inspired gifts, a café offering daily lunch, expansive views of the Wachusett Reservoir, and a beautiful network of wooded walking trails. Here, wandering is always welcome, and no two visits will ever be the same.

EXPERIENCE AUTUMN AT THE GARDEN

While the Garden has unique charms on display year-round, autumn at the Garden is the most dramatic. Stroll through gardens decorated with the vibrant hues of fall set against the backdrop of the Wachusett Reservoir. Did you know that when New England’s deciduous trees and shrubs change color each autumn, the spectacle can be seen from space? Now you can get the chance to see it up close!

The garden spaces come alive with several autumn stunners.

Pliny’s Allée, with its rows of fothergilla, oakleaf hydrangea, witch hazel, and towering oaks puts on a dramatic show. The diverse array of native plants surrounding the Wildlife Refuge Pond captures all the shades of autumn’s palette.

The Ramble, a family-friendly garden designed to inspire play, features a waterfall and pond among its many native plants and the fiery fall foliage of the smokebush. A stroll through the Inner Park reminds you there is no place as peaceful as woods in the fall.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill also offers educational opportunities for people of all ages, as well as special events and art exhibitions designed to help visitors engage with plants and nature.

Art is at the forefront of the Garden’s programming, facilitating artists' creations and displaying their work through exhibitions and shows. Here are some exhibits blossoming from the Garden’s calendar:

FLORA IN FLIGHT—ON DISPLAY THROUGH OCTOBER 31

Created by Patrick Shearn of Poetic Kinetics, this large-scale kinetic art exhibition features fluid canvases of color that dance in the wind, transforming the Garden into a living tapestry. Flora in Flight spans 3,317 square feet and comes to life with 53,932 feet of colorful flowing fabric and 4,929 linear feet of rope.

ENCHANTED FOREST, NATURE-INSPIRED FAIRY HOUSES BY SALLY J. SMITH—ON DISPLAY THROUGH OCTOBER 31

Sally J. Smith’s intricately designed one-of-a-kind fairy houses transform The Ramble into a whimsical wonderland!

Experience the magic as you journey through the enchanted fairy forest exhibit, featuring over 25 magical fairy houses built with natural and nature-inspired materials.

GNOMEVEMBER NOVEMBER 1–30

In November, the mischievous garden gnomes will visit from near and far and take up residence in some of their favorite hiding spots around the Garden. Search for all of the gnomes and uncover their unique stories.

NIGHT LIGHTS 2024 OPENS NOVEMBER 23

Mark your calendars for this magical event! Thousands of lights will illuminate the Garden, creating enchanting landscapes and festive experiences. Enjoy s’mores, seasonal drinks, a model train, and photo opportunities that will make memories to last a lifetime.

From stunning fall foliage to inspiring and creative workshops, there’s always something to discover at the Garden!

For more information, visit nebg.org to start planning your autumn adventure today.