Education at New England Botanic Garden is supported by the Alden Trust Education Fund, B.A. Booth Fund, Cary Brothers Fund, Frances E. and Rachel E. McQuaid Trust, Helen Stoddard Fund, and June C. Havens Education Fund.
DEEPLY ROOTED, GROWING TOGETHER
Learn about the Garden's 40th anniversary and honor its history, plants, and mission at nebg.org/40-years.
We’ve reached an important milestone.
FORTY YEARS AGO, IN 1986, THE WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S DREAM of building a public botanic garden came to life with the purchase of Tower Hill Farm. With 132 acres, a historic farmhouse, and big aspirations for the future, the Garden we know today was born. In a changing world, the Garden’s founding members and earliest supporters shared a common desire to advance the art and science of horticulture and create a place that would inspire joy for generations to come.
Cultural institutions have the power to shape society, foster community, and drive positive change. New England Botanic Garden has been doing this for decades, and we have no plans
A nnual Meeting Thursday June 25, 2026 4–6 pm
to stop any time soon. This spring, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating the Garden’s first 40 years, from its visionary beginnings to the role it plays today. Thanks to the contributions of so many, the Garden has grown as a valued partner, connecting people of all ages with plants. Together, we can continue to foster a welcoming and inclusive garden for all. We can use our voices to raise awareness about the value the cultural sector brings to our communities. And we can convene experts who share our dedication to protecting the environment, addressing the climate crisis, and advancing plant conservation.
This issue of Grow With Us features exciting stories about collaborations that are connecting the Garden to young people, introducing them to our work, and inspiring them as change-makers in their communities. Opportunities to experience the Garden through educational programs, exhibitions, special events, and more also fill the following pages.
For all the ways you play a part in New England Botanic Garden’s story— thank you! We appreciate your support as we imagine the next 40 years together and look forward to seeing you in the gardens this spring.
Grace C. Elton chief executive officer
new england botanic garden at tower hill
Join us for the 185th Annual Meeting of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, offered both in person and virtually. This year’s meeting also marks a special milestone as we celebrate the Garden’s 40th anniversary and honor its living legacy of horticultural excellence and community connection. Following the business meeting, members are warmly invited to stay and enjoy our Thursday evening beer garden.
2
Custom Collaborations
Worcester Tech students gain real-world experience helping the Garden with a variety of unique projects.
4
Growing Green
With new funding, the Garden brings hands-on climate change education to even more students this year.
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!
14
Extended Summer Hours
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, soak up all the summer vibes with special evening programs and experiences.
21
Glass in Flight
Step into a word of color and wonder with this unforgettable exhibition of larger-than-life stained-glass and steel sculptures by artist Alex Heveri.
A Custom Collaboration
Local technical high school students put trade skills to use at the Garden
IT MAY SEEM LIKE A SMALL THING—BLACK PAINT ON A METAL TRELLIS—BUT DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. With a fresh coat of paint, the display structures used in the Garden’s annual orchid exhibition become invisible to the eye, and the orchids, bromeliads, and ferns that they support take center stage, like a tapestry woven of living plants.
With events and exhibitions year-round, not to mention display gardens that are reimagined annually, New England Botanic Garden generates a seemingly endless list of “behind the scenes” projects that require different levels of craftsmanship, construction skill, or creative problem solving. “The Garden team often has design ideas—or design challenges—that require specialized solutions,” says Steve Conaway, the Garden’s director of horticulture.
This reality became especially clear last fall in preparation for Night Lights, the Garden’s annual winter light display. Each year, the garden-wide event (now nationally recognized!) celebrates nature in lights with creative and artful displays. The team had some ambitious new design ideas for 2025, but they knew they wouldn’t be able to achieve them alone. So, Steve, a long-time admirer of the mission of vocational schools, reached out to Worcester Technical High School with an idea. A collaboration would provide students with opportunities to learn through real-world experience, and the Garden— lacking equipment like 3D printers, laser-cutters, CNC machines, or spray booths for painting—would gain the professional technical support needed to bring its ideas to life.
“This collaboration showcases exactly what vocational education is all about: authentic, hands-on experiences that prepare students for their future careers.”
Dr.
Patricia Suomala, Director of Career and Technical Education, Worcester Technical High School
With the help of students and teachers in a range of shops including welding, carpentry, advanced manufacturing, and robotics and automation, Night Lights 2025 dazzled visitors with several new and exciting features. A giant illuminated oak tree at the edge of the Wildlife Refuge Pond, “glitter critters,” and a 15-foot festive fir staged in a garden pool are just a few.
The best thing about the collaboration sparked last fall is that it continues today. Those metal trellises featured in the orchid exhibition? They were painted by students in Worcester Tech’s automotive and collision shop. The robotics and automation shops are currently redesigning the Night Lights train display as a senior capstone project. The school will also be painting benches this spring and creating custom garden structures.
“This collaboration showcases exactly what vocational education is all about: authentic, handson experiences that prepare students for their future careers,” says Director of Career and Technical Education Dr. Patricia Suomala. “Working with New England Botanic Garden has allowed our students to solve real challenges, meet professional expectations, and see the impact of their work on a large-scale public event.”
Like any good collaboration, it goes both ways. “Our field needs these students,” says Steve,“and the skills they’re learning.”
Growing Green is... Growing!
The Garden’s climate change education program expands in Worcester Public Schools
EACH YEAR NEW ENGLAND BOTANIC GARDEN WELCOMES MORE THAN 12,000 CHILDREN AND YOUTH TO LEARN IN ITS OUTDOOR CLASSROOM— OUR GARDENS, CONSERVATORIES, AND TRAILS. While the youth education team engages young learners through “hands-on, minds-on” programming onsite, the Garden also brings valuable environmental education into classrooms through a Worcester-based program called Growing Green.
Piloted in 2022 at The Goddard School of Science and Technology, Growing Green educates fifthgrade students about plant-based solutions to climate change. This winter and spring, thanks to funding from the Worcester Garden Club and The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, the program visited classrooms at four elementary schools in the Worcester Public School system: The Goddard School of Science and Technology, Canterbury Street Magnet Computer-Based School, Jacob Hiatt Magnet School, and Wawecus Road School.
Growing Green, offered at no cost to schools, introduces students to concepts of climate change, the urban water cycle, and environmental justice, and inspires them to explore solutions to climaterelated issues impacting their communities. The curriculum includes five lessons that align with Next Generation Science and Massachusetts State Science and Technology/Engineering standards. Each lesson, led by Garden educators, teaches the foundations of environmental and climate science topics and
engages students through discussion, hands-on activities, and collaborative projects. As part of the final two lessons, students implement green design solutions to address environmental justice issues and challenges they may experience in their own neighborhoods, such as the urban heat island effect.
“Having the Growing Green program in the classroom has been a great way to bridge the gap between ‘lived experience’ science and the more theoretical learning that often happens in a science classroom,” says Erin Severens, a Grade 5 teacher with The Goddard School of Science and Technology. This is her second year participating in the program. For her, one of the most rewarding things about Growing Green is seeing students make connections and ask questions about what is happening in their world right now.
For Aiden Duffy, the Garden’s community education coordinator and a Growing Green instructor, one of the most valuable elements of Growing Green is that it supports teachers in their classrooms, helping build awareness about climate change while also inspiring students with what can be done now to alleviate the disproportionate impacts experienced across communities.
“Climate anxiety is an increasingly big concern for young kids,” Aiden says. “Growing Green offers a way to try to address it that’s not all doom and gloom.”
WAYS TO GIVE
Celebrate Those You Love or Mark a Special Occasion
The beauty of New England Botanic Garden inspires many to dedicate a place in the Garden in memory or honor of a loved one. Throughout the Garden, benches, trees, and garden beds commemorate those who have passed, as well as retirements, anniversaries, birthdays, and other meaningful milestones.
To learn about dedication opportunities, contact Theresa Lee at tlee@nebg.org or 508.869.6111 x168.
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 the Garden. When you gift a membership, 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.
Business Memberships at the Garden
Grow your impact as a Business Partner of the Garden. Enjoy meaningful benefits while supporting NEBG’s mission.
Contact Becca Darrouzet at bdarrouzet@nebg.org or 508.869.6111 x177.
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 x103.
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 Education
Speaker Series
Behind the Exhibit: Glass in Flight ALEX HEVERI
Join Glass in Flight artist Alex Heveri for an exclusive first look of the exhibit. Learn about the artist and her process and explore these stunning stained glass sculptures at golden hour.
Friday, May 15, 6–8pm
$15 M; $35 NM
Evening with Experts: The Caterpillar Lab
Join The Caterpillar Lab for a fascinating evening exploring the hidden lives of caterpillars and moths. Through vivid photos and stories from the field, discover how these remarkable insects shape our landscapes.
ONLINE & IN-PERSON
Wednesday, May 20, 7–9pm
FREE LECTURE
Presented in partnership with Grow Native Massachusetts
The Fungal Kingdom: A Whiteboard Introduction
LAWRENCE MILLMAN, PhD
Get introduced to the weird and wonderful world of fungi with Dr. Lawrence Millman. Learn basic mycological terminology, why certain fungi are better recyclers than us humans, and why some fungi have teeth (don’t worry— they won’t bite!).
Saturday, June 20, 1:30–3:30pm
$15 M; $35 NM
Presented in partnership with CHAMP (Community Hub for Actualizing Mycological Passion)
Horticulture & Gardening
Spring Horticulture Walk & Talk
NEBG STAFF
Join the Garden’s experts for a seasonal walk and talk focused on what’s in bloom around the Garden.
Wednesday, May 6, 11am –12pm
Wednesday, June 3, 11am –12pm
$5 M; $32 NM
Propagation for Outdoor Container Gardens
BETSY SZYMCZAK
Make more plants! Learn the basics of propagation with a focus on early spring techniques for annuals and tender perennials.
Sunday, May 9, 2–4pm
$55 M; $66 NM
Reimagined Roots: Seasonal Gardening
LUCY SMITH & NATHAN FOURNIER, REIMAGINED ROOTS
Learn how to observe sun, soil, and site conditions, plan smart layouts, prepare healthy soil, and make thoughtful early-season choices that reduce summer stress and set your garden up for steady, productive growth.
Saturday, May 16, 9:30–11:30
Wednesday, June 3, 6–8
$55 M; $66 NM
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 and what qualities to look for in your own flowers.
Saturday, May 16 12:30–1pm
Sunday, May 17 11:30am –12pm
INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
Rhododendron Hybridizing Results: What Works, What Doesn’t, What’s in Demand
JOE BRUSO
Join us for an inside look at recent hybridization efforts and how to achieve them, from big leaves and outstanding foliage to bright, bold, and rare colors.
Sunday, May 17, 2–3pm
INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
Fern Identification Workshop
LESLIE DUTHIE
Build confidence identifying common fern species, learn how to use them effectively in the landscape, and explore fern form, texture, and habitat needs during a guided garden walk.
Thursday, June 4, 2–4pm
$35 M; $50 NM
The Science of Fungi: A CHAMP Workshop
AMANDA DYE
Explore the fascinating science of fungi with Worcesterbased commercial mushroom grower Amanda Dye. Discover how fungi grow, reproduce, and support ecosystems while gaining insight into cultivation from a working mycologist.
Sunday, June 14, 1–3pm
$35 M; $50 NM
Presented in partnership with CHAMP (Community Hub for Actualizing Mycological Passion)
Moths
After
Dark: An Evening with The Caterpillar Lab
Step into the night and discover the beauty of moths and other nocturnal insects! Join The Caterpillar Lab outdoors after dark as we light up the night to reveal the dazzling diversity of life after dark and learn simple ways to attract nighttime pollinators at home.
Wednesday, June 17, 9pm –Midnight
Wednesday, June 24, 9pm –Midnight
$45 M; $54 NM
Fungal Ecology & Identification Walk
LAWRENCE MILLMAN, PhD
Discover the diverse fungi of New England’s forests, learn key identification techniques, and gain insights into their ecological roles during this guided mushroom identification walk.
Sunday, June 21, 1:30–3:30pm
$35 M; $50 NM
Presented in partnership with CHAMP (Community Hub for Actualizing Mycological Passion)
Garden Design Series with Maria von Brincken
These three-part seasonal workshops on garden design explore structure, naturalistic planting, and perennial composition.
Wilding Your Perennial Garden
Naturalistic gardens are more than just field meadows. Learn how to design a “wild” perennial garden using native grasses and flowers to attract pollinators. This series explores color palettes, plant pairings, and layout techniques as you create a working garden plan for your own site.
Wednesdays, July 8, 15, & 22, 10am –2pm
$249 M; $289 NM
The Art of Perennial Planting
Refine your garden vision and turn your favorite perennials into a cohesive, season-long design. In this series, learn to expand on the use of color palettes, plant combinations, and layout techniques to create a flower garden that blooms from spring through fall.
Wednesdays, November 4, 11 & 18, 10am –2pm
$249 M; $289 NM
Art & Photography
Through the Lens: Capturing the Seasons
STEVE MCGRATH
Capture the beauty of the changing seasons each month through hands-on guidance, creative exploration, and supportive feedback. All levels welcome.
Saturdays, May 2 & June 20, 10am –12:30pm
$40 M; $55 NM
Pysanky Together ALONA POPOVA
Discover the art of Pysanky — vibrant, intricately decorated eggs steeped in Ukrainian and Slovak tradition. Learn time-honored techniques to craft stunning designs full of meaning and color.
Friday, May 8, 1–4pm
$55 M; $66 NM
Ink and Watercolor Trees of Spring VICTORIA CHAPMAN
Explore the beauty of trees in spring with pen, ink, and watercolor. Create vibrant compositions inspired by the Garden’s landscapes and colors as you let your imagination take root.
Saturday, May 9, 10am –1pm
$55 M; $66 NM
Digital Photography for Beginners STEVE MCGRATH
Discover the art of digital photography! Learn to master your camera’s features, explore creative composition, and capture perfectly framed shots with confidence.
Sunday, May 10, 10am –12:30pm
$40 M; $55 NM
PRIDE MONTH
Pride Flag Raising Ceremony
Join staff from New England Botanic Garden for our annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony where we gather to recognize Pride Month and reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, belonging, and care for all communities.
Monday, June 1, 10:30am
FREE ADMISSION ON JUNE 1
Coiled & Wrapped: A Fiber Art Workshop
BAYDA ASBRDIGE
Explore the ancient art of coiled basketry and create your own unique art piece. Learn to shape natural materials into durable, artistic forms while mastering essential coiling and stitching techniques.
Saturday, May 23, 12–4:30pm
$70 M; $85 NM
Botanical Threads: A Phenology Stitch-Along LIZ IVES
Explore plant phenology through monthly embroidery that’s inspired by seasonal blooms. Learn simple stitches, follow nature’s rhythm, and create a beautiful year-long record in thread.
Sundays, May 24 & June 28, 2–4pm
$40 M; $55 NM
Botanical Rainbows: A Pride Art Workshop
VICTORIA CHAPMAN
Celebrate the start of Pride Month by creating a colorful floral artwork inspired by flowers, plants, and trees using watercolor markers, pens, and colored pencils in vibrant Pride colors.
Saturday, May 30, 1–4pm
$55 M; $66 NM
Build a Still Life: Creative Botanical Photography
SHELLEY LAWRENCE KIRKWOOD
Create stunning botanical still life photos using simple tools in this hands-on, creative workshop. Explore composition, light, and mindful, nature-inspired techniques while crafting your own striking images with natural materials.
Sunday, June 7, 1–4pm
$85 M; $95 NM
Evening Flow: Yoga for Everyone HARPER WISE
Wednesdays, May 27 & June 24, 6–7pm
$16 M; $20 NM
Botanical Rainbows: A Pride Art Workshop VICTORIA CHAPMAN
Saturday, May 30, 1–4pm
$55 M; $66 NM
The Stillness Within: Pride & Presence DANIELA SCHALLER
Wednesday, June 17, 6–7pm
$35 M; $42 NM
One Plant, Many Voices: Learning to Smell Lavender
NANCY BROOKS
Discover the hidden world of lavender in this immersive workshop. Awaken your senses as we experience lavender oils from three distinct regions and craft a lavender keepsake to take home.
Sunday, June 7, 10:30am –12:30pm
$65 M; $75 NM
Floral Design
Mother’s Day In Bloom SAM PARADIS, SAM’S STEMS
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a creative twist! Paint and decorate your own pot, fill it with fresh flowers, and take home wildflower seeds so your blooms keep growing long after the workshop ends.
Sunday, May 10, 9–11am
$68 M; $80 NM
Nature Mandalas for Spring BETH ADOETTE
Celebrate the changing of the seasons and new beginnings. Through nature, mandala art, and intuitive reflection, explore a personal intention to inspire growth, clarity, and transformation.
Saturday, May 16, 1–3:30pm
$55 M; $66 NM
Framed Florals SAM PARADIS, SAM’S STEMS
Celebrate the season and get creative with pressed botanicals. Join us to design your own framed and ready to hang floral collage.
Sunday, May 24, 10am –12pm
$75 M; $90 NM
Meditative Mandalas BETH ADOETTE
Turn your inner calm into art! Using natural materials, you will design a unique nature mandala, a powerful meditation tool that celebrates the beauty of the season.
Saturday, June 27, 1–3:30pm
$55 M; $66 NM
Summer Solstice
Dried Flower Crown Workshop
SAM PARADIS, SAM’S STEMS
Mark the summer solstice with a hands-on dried flower crown-making experience. Using dried flowers from Sam’s personal collection, you'll create a wearable piece that honors the magic of midsummer and lasts for seasons to come.
Sunday, June 28, 10am –12pm
$75 M; $90 NM
SUMMER SOLSTICE
Celebrate the summer solstice and join us for a special series of programs that highlights the changing of the seasons.
Botanical Mixology: Solstice Celebration
PEPPER’S ARTFUL EVENTS
Thursday, June 18, 6–8pm
$66 M; $78 NM
Summer Solstice Yoga Mini-Retreat
MANDI GARRISON
Saturday, June 20, 9:30am –12:30pm
$42 M; $55 NM
Summer Solstice Morning Forest Walk at the Garden
NADINE MAZZOLA
Sunday, June 21, 9am –12pm
$40 M; $48 NM
Summer Solstice Dried Flower Crown Workshop
SAM PARADIS, SAM’S STEMS
Sunday, June 28, 10am –12pm
$75 M; $90 NM
Health & Wellness
Chair Yoga KENDRA MCCUINE
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
Fridays, 11am –12pm
$16 M; $32 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, 6–7pm
Thursdays, 10:30–11:30am
$16 M; $32 NM
Energy Healing Sound Bath in the Conservatory
BRANDY LEFSYK
Relax and unwind with a one-hour sound bath in the tranquil setting of our subtropical conservatory. Soothing tones and vibrations reduce stress and promote deep relaxation to leave you feeling refreshed, centered, and at peace.
Wednesdays, May 6 & June 3, 6–7pm
$32 M; $40 NM
Shinrin-Yoku Forest Bathing NADINE MAZZOLA
Relax in the quiet of the Garden and refresh through mindfulness practices and sensory awareness while experiencing the beauty of nature.
Wednesdays, May 13 & June 10, 6–7:30pm
Sunday, May 17, 9am –12pm
$40 M; $48 NM
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 among lush greenery.
Wednesdays, May 27 & June 24, 6–7pm
$16 M; $20 NM
The Stillness Within: Pride & Presence
DANIELA SCHALLER
Celebrate Pride with an affirming meditation experience for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Enjoy a mindful, gentle practice that invites reflection, connection, and the freedom to show up as you are.
Wednesday, June 17, 6–7pm
$35 M; $42 NM
Weekend Wellness
Saturday Morning Yoga RACHEL BODURTHA
Join us for Saturday morning yoga and mindful reflection to cultivate gratitude. This all-levels friendly flow Vinyasa class focuses on a breath, mind, and body connection.
Saturdays, May 2 & June 6, 9:30–10:30am
$16 M; $32 NM
The Stillness Within: Spring Meditation
DANIELA SCHALLER
As days lengthen, slow down and reconnect through guided meditation. Rooted in seasonal growth, each session offers space for calm, reflection, and renewed balance.
Saturday, May 23, 9–10am
Sunday, June 14, 9–10am
$35 M; $42 NM
Summer Solstice Yoga Mini-Retreat MANDI GARRISON
Join us for an immersive mini yoga retreat featuring time with your yoga practice, a lecture, journaling, meditation, and guided relaxation.
Saturday, June 20, 9:30am –12:30pm
$42 M; $55 NM
Summer Solstice Morning Forest Walk at the Garden NADINE MAZZOLA
Mark the summer solstice with a guided shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) experience designed to honor the season of light and growth. Move slowly through the Garden’s woodland trails using your senses to cultivate presence, reflection, and connection with the living landscape.
Sunday, June 21, 9am –12pm
$40 M; $50 NM
Trips & Tours
New England Botanic Garden is excited to partner with Collette to offer exciting travel opportunities that support the Garden! Visit nebg.org for more information.
Discover Aloha Hawaii / September 16–24, 2026
Embark on a journey through the lush landscapes and vibrant culture of Kauai and Maui, where adventure meets tranquility. From the sight of the iconic Iao Needle to the lore of the hula, this tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural connections, and relaxation.
Spotlight on the French Riviera & the Menton Lemon Festival / September 16–24, 2027
Discover the chic resorts, sun-soaked beaches, and elegant allure that attract the rich and famous to the exquisite French Riviera, including the legendary Nice Carnival. Unpack for a leisurely multi-night stay, embracing the luxury and breathtaking beauty of the Côte d’Azur.
ALSO COMING THIS SEPTEMBER Country Places & City Spaces: Worcester County Local Garden Tour
Experience a rare look inside private gardens spanning city and countryside. Meet the gardeners, explore diverse styles and plantings, and discover how design, microclimates, and setting influence each garden’s personality.
Food & Drink
Botanical Mixology: Solstice Celebration
PEPPER’S ARTFUL EVENTS
Gather at the turning of the season for an evening of botanical mixology with Pepper’s Artful Events. Craft floral cocktails inspired by seasonal botanicals while exploring flavor, aroma, and the symbolism of the solstice.
Celebrate the season with the ultimate duo, chocolate and flowers! Learn about the chocolate making process, craft two floral-infused chocolate bars, and design a small fresh flower arrangement.
Wednesday, June 24, 6–8:30pm
$125 M; $140 NM
PAIR: $165 M; $180 NM
Botanical Mixology
Spend a summer Thursday evening learning how to make unique cocktails with a botanical twist! Each class focuses on a different cocktail or spirit.
Thursdays in July & August, 6–8pm
$66 M; $78 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 16
SHOW: 12–5 pm
SALE: 10 am–5 pm
GUIDED FLOWER SHOW TOUR: 12:30–1pm
Sunday, May 17
SHOW & SALE: 10am–4pm
GUIDED FLOWER SHOW TOUR: 11:30am–12pm
See the Horticulture & Gardening section for full lecture and tour descriptions. Look for the rhododendron flower!
LECTURE: 2–3 pm / Rhododendron Hybridizing Results: What Works, What Doesn’t, What’s in Demand
Youth Programs
Kids’ Workshops
Mother’s Day Bouquets | AGES 5–12
Celebrate Mother's Day and create a special arrangement in a vase with a handmade card.
Saturday, May 9, 10:30am –12pm
M: $25 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $35 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Yarn Blossoms | AGES 8–12
Discover spring blooms and use colorful yarn to create a vibrant, textured floral artwork.
Sunday, May 17, 2:30–4pm
M: $18 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $26 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Mini Veggie Gardens | AGES 6–9
Dig into our gardens, learn how food grows, and then plant a mini vegetable garden to take home.
Saturday, May 23, 10:30am –12pm
M: $15 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $24 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Art & Nature: Flowers | AGES 5–7
Explore our favorite spring blooms as we play games, listen to a story, and make a salt dough craft.
Saturday, May 30, 1–2pm
M: $10 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Camouflage Masks | AGES 6–9
Discover the science of camouflage and design a mask to blend into your surroundings while playing outdoor games.
Saturday, June 6, 2:30–4pm
M: $20 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $28 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Dried Flower Lab | AGES 6–9
Learn about the parts of a flower, make a petal press, and create a pressed flower frame.
Saturday, June 20, 2–3:30pm
M: $20 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $28 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Firefly Lanterns | AGES 8–12
Make a glowing firefly lantern and learn about the life and light of these fascinating insects.
Saturday, June 27, 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.
Mondays, May 4, 11, & 18, 1:30-2:30pm
Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30am
M: $8 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $16 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Little Seedlings | AGES 1–3
Come explore the wonderful world of plants and practice sorting, counting, observing, and more.
Tuesdays, May 26 & June 30, 10:30–11:30am
M: $6 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $8 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Insect Lab | AGES 4–8
Join us for an insect safari and create your own bug hotel to welcome pollinators to your yard.
Sunday, June 14, 1–2:30pm
M: $18 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $26 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Little Growers Garden Club | Ages 4–6
Learn how to care for your own 2ft x 4ft garden plot in this bi-weekly family gardening program.
Wednesdays, June 17, July 1, 15 & 29, 5:30–6:30pm
M: $65 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $75 CHILD, $80 ADULT
Junior Growers Garden Club | Ages 7–9
Grow your gardening skills as you care for a 2ft x 4ft garden plot in this bi-weekly gardening program.
Thursdays, June 25, July 9, 23 & August 6, 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 18, 25 & July 2, 8–9pm
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $26 ADULT
P A R T I E S B I R T H D A Y
Make your child’s birthday one to remember and host their special day with us! Now booking for summer and fall. Visit our website for details.
Homeschool Programs
Homeschool: Magnificent Mushrooms | AGES 6–12
Wander our trails and gardens in search of fungi as we learn about mushrooms and decomposition.
Friday, May 1, 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, May15, 1–2:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Homeschool: Native Plants | AGES 6–12
Identify plants that are local to the region, sharpen your observation skills, and discover why native plants matter.
Friday, May 29, 1–2:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Homeschool: Creepy Crawlies | AGES 6–12
Explore the hidden world of the tiny creatures beneath our feet as we search under logs and leaves for terrestrial invertebrates.
Friday, June 12, 1–2:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
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, play music, 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.
SUMMER CAMP
JOIN US FOR A WEEK OF SUMMER CAMP!
Unleash your sense of adventure, uncover the amazing science of plants, and explore nature’s hidden stories all around us.
Our weeklong day camp programs are for children ages 5–12. Registration closes June 6.
Select weeks in July & August
Monday through Friday, 9am–3pm
M: $395 CHILD; NM: $445 CHILD Register TODAY!
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 Carts 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.
MORE HOURS FOR FLOWERS
The Garden is open late this summer!
STARTING JUNE 17 Extended Wednesdays
June & July, 5–9pm August, 5–8pm
Included with general admission (RAIN OR SHINE)
Treat yourself to a mid-week escape and enjoy the magic and tranquility of the Garden after hours. Soak in the sunset and savor fresh, wood-fired pizzas or flame-grilled summer favorites, paired with drink specials from a rotating lineup of standout breweries and distilleries. On select Wednesday evenings, join us for Lotería Nights in partnership with Casita Cultura Latina.
RETURNS JULY 1 Crafts & Cocktails
Wednesdays in July & August, 6–8pm
Spend the evening creating at the Garden! Enjoy hands-on art, photography, and floral design workshops, each including one complimentary beverage.
THURSDAY SUMMER EVENINGS
STARTING JUNE 18
Thursdays in June & July, 5–9 pm
Thursdays in August, 5–8 pm
Included with general admission (RAIN OR SHINE)
Thursday Summer Evenings are back! Unwind with live music, craft beers, cocktails, lawn games, and dinner specials. Take a scenic stroll along our loop trail, admire summer blooms, and catch colorful sunsets over the Wachusett Reservoir. Plus, discover our exciting lineup of workshops and classes for all ages. Gather your friends and family and soak in the best of summer outdoors.
Beer Garden Hours
June & July, 5–8:30pm
August, 5–7:30pm
Live Music Performances
June & July, 6–8pm August, 5:30–7:30pm
FOR ADULTS
Botanical Mixology
Thursdays in July & August, 6–8pm
Learn how to make unique cocktails with a botanical twist! Each class focuses on a different cocktail or spirit.
$66 M; $78 NM
FOR KIDS
Family Firefly Walk | AGES 3–14
Thursdays, June 18, 25 & July 2, 8–9pm
Explore the gardens and trails by moonlight and search for our favorite nocturnal insect.
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $26 ADULT
Garden Dining Series
Enjoy themed multicourse dining experiences in intimate settings at the Garden curated by Peppers Artful Events. Each dining experience focuses on a different cuisine.
Root to Bloom
Friday, May 29, 6–9pm
Enjoy an evening that traces the life of a plant from soil to flower. Root to Bloom is a garden dinner exploring roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds, showcasing how each part contributes to flavor, texture, and beauty. Together, the menu tells a story of growth, balance, and transformation. Guests are invited to savor each course as it celebrates the unique character and role of every part of the plant. This is a 21+ event.
Aromatic Table, An Afternoon Tea
Sunday, May 31, 3–6pm
Join us for an enchanting afternoon tea, where a four-course parade of plattered delights awaits, from savory to sweet. Featuring gardenfresh herbs, edible flowers, and house-crafted tea infusions, each course celebrates the season’s flavors. Savor delicate bites and pastries, paired perfectly with hand-blended teas, as you unwind amidst the lush garden surroundings for an unforgettable afternoon. This is a 18+ event.
Smokeshow
Tuesday, June 30, 6–9pm
Smokeshow is a bold garden dining experience that explores the deep connection between plants, fire, and flavor. This barbecue-inspired evening highlights the role plants play in smoking, seasoning, and transforming food, from aromatic woods and herbs to charred vegetables and slow-smoked mains. Set among the Garden’s living collections, each course celebrates how heat and smoke unlock new dimensions of plant-driven cuisine in an unforgettable outdoor feast. This is a 21+ event.
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! Members receive a 10% discount on their in-store and online purchases.
Volunteer at the Garden!
Become a volunteer and support our mission of creating experiences with plants that inspire people and improve the world. Visit nebg.org for information.
MUSIC AND ART AT THE GARDEN
Around the World in 80 Minutes: An Evening of Solo Piano
Saturday, May 16, 7–8:30pm
Sunday, May 17, 7–8:30pm
Join pianist Julia Scott Carey for a special solo piano performance featuring music from around the world. Set in the Garden’s iconic Limonaia conservatory at golden hour, this one-of-a-kind program will take you on a musical journey across the globe.
$26 M; $36 NM; $16 STUDENT
Music in Bloom
Sunday, June 14, 6–8:45pm
Sunday, June 21, 6–8:45pm
Join us 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.
These programs are presented in partnership with Juventas New Music Ensemble. Reserve your tickets early and receive a discount! Visit nebg.org for more details.
April
4 through July 12
Don’t miss Botanical Tattoo—a one-of-a-kind exhibit celebrating striking botanical tattoos, the plants that inspire them, and the evolving styles shaped throughout history. Discover how personal expression and plant symbolism weave together across cultures and eras. This unforgettable experience invites you to see nature’s artistry and the tattoo art it inspires in a bold new way.
BOTANICAL TATTOO WEEKEND
Saturday, May 2 & Sunday, May 3
10am-8pm
Join us for a weekend-long celebration of botanically-inspired art and ink in partnership with North Moon Tattoo. Get inked among the blooms with available flash designs or pre-book a session in advance. Take in the atmosphere as you watch tattoo artistry unfold, browse a curated artisan market, enjoy live music, and gain exclusive insight from celebrity artist talks on the craft and culture of tattooing.
Whether you’re adding to your collection or simply soaking in the sights, this vibrant fusion of nature and ink is an experience you won’t want to miss.
INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
EXHIBITIONS
DEEPLY ROOTED: Celebrating 40 Years of New England Botanic Garden
May 2 – October 11
This special anniversary exhibit brings the Garden’s story to life—from its visionary beginnings to the role it plays today as a place of connection, wonder, and inspiration. Learn about the evolution of gardens and landscapes, uncover captivating stories, and experience the lasting impact the Garden has had on people, plants, and the region it calls home. Rediscover the past and imagine the next 40 years with us.
TIMELESS: Floral Landscapes by Suzan Osborn
July 18 – October 11
Local artist Suzan Osborn returns this summer with a captivating new collection of oil paintings inspired by her time spent at the Garden. Her luminous floral landscapes celebrate the color, movement, and quiet beauty of New England Botanic Garden, offering fresh perspectives on familiar spaces and blooms. Rendered in Osborn’s warm, expressive style, each painting invites you to step into scenes shaped by nature and brought vividly to life on canvas.
FAIRY HOLLOW: Nature-Inspired Fairy Houses
August 29 – October 25
The fairies are back this fall! Step into a miniature world full of imagination and wonder, and explore the homes of these tiny, magical creatures. Featuring beautifully crafted fairy houses by talented local artists, this exhibit is sure to inspire visitors of all ages.
BY ALEX HEVERI
May 16 – November 1
Step into a world of color and wonder with Glass in Flight
This unforgettable exhibition features 30 larger-than-life stained-glass and steel sculptures expertly crafted by artist Alex Heveri. Encounter giant hummingbirds, butterflies, dragonflies, beetles, and more as they shimmer in the sunlight, soar overhead, pose in midair, or hide among the blooms. Blending brilliant color, light, and scale, Glass in Flight celebrates these charismatic creatures and their environmental significance. Discover their hidden secrets like never before.
Behind the Exhibit: Glass in Flight with Alex Heveri Friday, May 15, 6–8pm
Join Glass in Flight artist Alex Heveri for an exclusive first look of the exhibit. Learn about the artist and her process and explore these stunning stained glass sculptures at golden hour.
$15 M; $35 NM
Guided Golf Cart Tour Thursdays beginning May 21 11–11:45am
Join us for a guided golf cart tour of Glass in Flight, a terrific way for those with limited mobility to experience the exhibition in full. INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
