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New England Botanic Garden Mar/Apr 2026 E-Bulletin

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MARCH / APRIL 2026

at New England Botanic Garden is
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.

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

PEOPLE

&

PLANTS:

A COMMUNITY LECTURE SERIES

In celebration of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, join the Garden for an annual series of FREE online webinars. People & Plants: A Community Lecture Series features thought leaders who are advancing plant knowledge, fostering community, fighting injustice, and championing the preservation of vital ecosystems.

HOSTED BY NEBG’S INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE

LUNCH-AND-LEARN: Restoration & Reciprocity

with Robin Wall Kimmerer

Author of Braiding Sweetgrass and The Serviceberry

FREE AND ONLINE

Wednesday, March 18, 12pm

Join us online for a live Q&A with Robin Wall Kimmerer, a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Ahead of the Q&A, attendees will have access to a pre-recorded lecture where Kimmerer will share a message about restoration that includes not only restoration of ecological communities, but restoration of our relationships to land.

Chromatic Wonders of the Fungi Kingdom with Julie Beeler

ONLINE

Wednesday, April 29, 7–8pm

Discover the vibrant world of fungal dyes with artist Julie Beeler, creator of the Mushroom Color Atlas (mushroomcoloratlas.com). Explore how mushrooms reveal a hidden spectrum of color through art, science, and nature-inspired design.

$15 M; $18 NM

SAVE THE DATE

Evening with Experts: The Caterpillar Lab

ONLINE & IN-PERSON

Wednesday, May 20, 7–9pm

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. FREE LECTURE.

Presented in collaboration with Grow Native Massachusetts

Seeds to Sustenance: Northeastern Nut Tree Symposium

Sunday, March 15, 9:30 am –4:30 pm

Join us for a full-day symposium to explore the ecological, cultural, and culinary value of nut trees in the Northeast. Learn about American chestnut restoration initiatives taking root at the Garden and explore broader themes of restoration, food systems, and climate resilience. Geared towards current and aspiring professionals, students, and tree enthusiasts. CEUs available.

$95 M ember ; $114 N on- M ember ; $99 ELA or MNLA Member ; $65 S tudent

9:30–10:20pm

People of the Hazel: Recollecting Ancestral Roots in Perennial Culture

sevan & kalyan water , nutwood farm , cummington , ma

Learn how hazelnuts connect us to the argo-ecological tradition, offering ecological renewal and cultural reconnection helping to restore both landscapes and cultural heritage.

10:30–11:20pm

Agroforestry and Cultivating Nut Trees for a Resilient Future

jono neiger , big river chestnuts , sunderland , ma

Hear real-world stories about cultivating and living with nut trees – from forest gardens to food forests—from growers, foragers, and land stewards.

11:45–12:20pm

Demonstration: Natural Botanical Dyeing from Nuts, Bark, and Trees

liz ives , textile artist

Explore the art of natural dyeing with pigments drawn from the hulls, bark, and wood of nut trees.

1:30–2:20pm

Building Resistance: NEBG's Endeavor to Restore a Valued Species

robert graham , land steward supervisor, new england botanic garden

Learn how New England Botanic Garden is partnering with the American Chestnut Cooperators’ Foundation on an initiative aimed at restoring the iconic American chestnut and to New England forests.

2:30–3:30pm

Walk & Tour: The Chestnut Tree Project at NEBG

lois breault - melican & denis melican , volunteers , american chestnut cooperators ’ foundation

Join us for a guided walk through the Garden’s chestnut plantings. Learn to identify young chestnuts, explore on-site restoration work, and see how this living project is taking root.

Gardening & Horticulture

Beginner’s Guide to Early-Spring Pruning

NEBG HORTICULTURE STAFF

Learn the basics of pruning in this hands-on workshop that focuses on shaping fruit trees and caring for non-flowering evergreens and ornamentals. Perfect for beginners, this engaging session will build confidence in pruning skills to support healthy, beautiful plants.

Sunday, March 1, 1–3:30pm

$40 M; $55 NM

Orchid Exhibition Walk & Talk

NEBG HORTICULTURE STAFF

Explore Elevated: An Orchid Exhibition with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with our conservatory team and learn about the unique species that make up the displays of over 2,000 orchids.

Wednesdays, March 4, 11 & 18, 9–10am

$15 M; $35 NM

Spring Horticulture Walk & Talk

NEBG HORTICULTURE STAFF

Join NEBG’s horticulture staff for a seasonal walk exploring early spring blooms, spring ephemerals, and new additions across the Garden.

Wednesdays, March 4 & April 1, 11am –12pm

$8 M; $32 NM

Winter Permaculture for Resilient Gardens

REIMAGINED ROOTS

Discover how to design a resilient, low-maintenance landscape rooted in permaculture principles. This three-part series blends teaching, discussion, and hands-on planning to help you read your land, reduce lawn care, and design with nature in mind.

Saturdays, March 7, 21 & April 11, 9:30am –12:30pm

$275 M; $325 NM

Growing GIANT Pumpkins SCOTT LEHTO

Learn the secrets to growing giant pumpkins, from soil prep to harvest tips. Discover expert techniques for success and take home a tried, tested, and true giant variety seedling to start your own record-breaking pumpkin journey!

Saturday, March 14, 9:30–11:30am

$32 M; $55 NM

Make More Plants: House Plant Propagation

BETSY SZYMCZAK

Learn different propagation techniques, including propogation from stem, leaf, and petiole cuttings, and learn the basics of houseplant pruning and grooming.

Sunday, March 22, 2–4pm

$55 M; $66 NM

From Seed Catalog to Garden Design: Seed Swap & Social NEBG HORTICULTURE STAFF

A cozy evening for garden lovers! Gather with fellow gardeners to swap seeds, explore new varieties, learn to identify, clean, and store saved seeds, and design a productive yet ornamental vegetable garden that looks as good as it grows.

Tuesday, March 24, 6–7:30pm

$5 M; $15 NM

Beginner Houseplants 101: Picking, Potting, and Particulars BETSY SZYMCZAK

Get your hands dirty and learn houseplant basics! During this workshop you will learn how to choose healthy plants, how to pot them, and how to take care of them at home.

Sunday, April 5, 2–4pm

$55 M; $66 NM

Learn how to grow giant pumpkins on Saturday, March 14

Garden Design Series with Maria von Brincken

Join us for a three-part seasonal journey exploring structure, naturalistic planting, and perennial composition. Register for one workshop or complete all three to earn a Garden Design Certificate. CEUs available. Each week includes in-class learning, hands-on activities, and a tutorial walk that follows a weekly lecture onsite at the Garden. Dress for the weather and for walking over rolling terrain and mulched paths. Classes are rain or shine.

Reimagine Your Entry Garden: Designing for Winter

Start with the essential woody plant framework for your garden in this three-week design workshop course. Explore winter layout, structure, and plant pairing, then design a working garden plan using your photos and measurements. Take the summer or fall design class to add perennials to your garden.

Wednesdays, March 4, 11 & 18, 10am –2pm

$249 M; $289 NM

Garden Design: 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 workshop 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 Design

Refine your garden vision and turn your favorite perennials into a cohesive, season-long design. 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

Arts & Photography

Botanical Textile Mending LIZ IVES

Bring your own mending project for an evening of creative repair in the conservatories. Learn new skills in this relaxed, drop-in series celebrating sustainable fashion and botanical inspiration.

Tuesdays, 6–7:30pm

$10 M; $12 NM

Drop-In Orchid Photography Night SELF-GUIDED

Join us after hours for an exclusive self-guided photography session. Get up close and personal with the orchids and displays of Elevated: An Orchid Exhibition and practice your craft.

Tuesdays, March 3, 10 & 17, 6–7:30pm

$10 M; $15 NM

Spring Blooms Photography

SHELLEY LAWRENCE KIRKWOOD

Take your outdoor photography to the next level with award-winning botanical photographer Shelley Lawrence Kirkwood. Designed for SLR and macro users, this handson session explores light, composition, and color while capturing spring blooms in the Garden.

Saturday, March 14, 1–3pm

$70 M; $84 NM

Hello, Spring! Early-Blooms Photography

SELF-GUIDED

Capture the magic of early spring in this exclusive, early-hour photography session. Wander the Garden at your own pace as daffodils and spring ephemerals take center stage.

Saturdays, March 21 & 28, April 11 & 18, 8–10am

$5 M; $35 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, March 22 & April 26, 2–4pm

$40 M; $55 NM

Watercolors in the Conservatory VICTORIA CHAPMAN

Walk together through the Orangerie and paint with a watercolor journal, water brushes, and watercolor paints to create your own depiction of the Garden’s amazing flora.

Saturday, March 28, 1–4pm

$55 M; $66 NM

Pysanky: Ukrainian Easter Eggs ALONA POPOVA

Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of creating Pysanky, the intricate and colorful Easter eggs celebrated in Ukrainian and Slovak cultures. Learn the time-honored techniques of wax-resist dyeing to create your own beautifully detailed designs.

Sunday, March 29, 1–4pm

$55 M; $66 NM

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.

Sunday, March 29, 10am –12:30pm

Saturday, April 25, 10am –12:30pm

$40 M; $55 NM

Haiku and Haiga Through the Lens: A Mindful Exploration of Nature and Image

SHELLEY LAWRENCE KIRKWOOD

Slow down and connect with nature through haiku and photographic haiga. Learn to pair vivid words with mindful images to capture a moment’s essence.

Saturday, April 11, 1–3pm

$70 M; $85 NM

Learn the time-honored art of Pysanky, Sunday, March 29

STEM & STUDIO: FLORAL DESIGN SHOWCASE

An annual gathering for floral creators and design enthusiasts.

Wednesday, March 4, 9:30am–4:30pm

Level up your floral design skills in this full-day, immersive experience exploring the intersection of floral design, botanical artistry, and visual storytelling. Stem & Studio brings together a rotating group of local florists and visual artists for hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and creative exploration.

$205 M; $225 NM (INCLUDES LUNCH, TEA & COFFEE) REGISTER FOR THE FULL DAY OR INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS

Designing Spring: Seasonal Floral

Composition

MARY BETH HAYES, SEMPERVIRENS FLOWERS

9:30am–12pm

Create a fresh spring floral arrangement in this handson workshop focused on seasonal composition and professional design techniques. Work with fragrant blooms, evergreens, and silvery textures while learning how to balance color, form, and movement to reflect the character of the season.

$125 M; $145 NM

Botanical Still Life: The Language of Flowers

SHELLEY LAWRENCE KIRKWOOD, FINE ART BOTANICAL PHOTOGRAPHER

1:30–4pm

Join botanical photographer Shelley Lawrence Kirkwood for an advanced workshop on composition, lighting, and styling. Capture expressive still-life images that convey the artistry and symbolic language of flowers.

$75 M; $90 NM

Floral Design

Spring Equinox Celebration:

Weaving Floral Crowns

SAM PARADIS, SAM’S STEMS

Welcome spring’s return and celebrate the vernal equinox. Craft a floral crown with fresh seasonal blooms, learn how traditions evolve, and toast the season with honey mead.

Saturday, March 21, 1–4pm

$85 M; $99 NM

Nature Mandalas: Finding Your Path

BETH ADOETTE

Create a nature mandala using natural materials while learning the fundamentals of mandala design. Step-by-step guidance explores structure, pattern, and symbolism, offering a thoughtful approach to working with form and intention.

Sunday, March 22, 1–3:30pm

$55 M; $66 NM

Spring Aromatherapy Wreath HALEY CORMIER

Join us for a spring wreath workshop with a focus on scented greenery and florals. Create your own individualized aromatherapy wreath to refresh your home and spring forward!

Saturday, April 11, 10am –12pm

$135 M; $150 NM

COMING IN SEPTEMBER

Country Places & City Spaces: Worcester County Local Garden Tour

September 2026

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.

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.

Iao Needle, Maui, Hawaii
French Riviera

Food & Drink

Botanical Mixology: Orchid Flower Power

Thursday, March 19, 6–8pm

PEPPERS ARTFUL EVENTS

Celebrate orchids in bloom with a twist! Join Pepper’s Artful Events for an evening of botanical mixology inspired by these exotic flowers. Learn to craft floral cocktails, explore edible botanicals, and sip your way through the science of flavor.

$65 M; $78 NM

Health & Wellness

Weekday 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 held indoors.

Tuesdays, 6–7pm

Thursdays, 10:30–11:30am

$16 M; $20 NM

Energy Healing Sound Bath in the Conservatory BRANDY LEFSYK

A sound bath reduces stress and anxiety by inducing a state of relaxation. Join us for a one-hour program in our subtropical conservatories that will leave you feeling at peace.

Wednesdays, March 4 & April 8, 6–7pm

$32 M; $37 NM

The Stillness Within: Winter Meditation

DANIELA SCHALLER

Amid winter’s quiet, find space to breathe, release, and find renewal in our subtropical conservatory. This guided meditation invites calm, reflection, and presence—breathe, release, and restore your inner balance.

Wednesday, March 11, 6–7pm

$35 M; $42 NM

Shinrin-yoku Forest Bathing in the Conservatory NADINE MAZZOLA

Relax indoors in the quiet of our subtropical conservatories. Refresh through mindfulness practices and sensory awareness while experiencing the beauty of nature.

Wednesdays, March 18 & April 15, 6–7:30pm

$40 M; $48 NM

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, March 25 & April 29, 6–7pm

$16 M; $20 NM

Weekend Wellness

Saturday Morning Yoga RACHEL BODURTHA

Join us for Saturday morning yoga and mindful reflection to cultivate gratitude. This all-levels friendly Vinyasa flow focuses on a breath, mind, and body connection.

Saturdays, March 7 & April 4, 9:30–10:30am

$16 M; $32 NM

Introduction to Zentangle KAREN KEEFE

Zentangle is an easy-to-learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns, many of them inspired by nature. This hands-on class introduces you to basic Zentangle principles and methodology.

Sunday, March 22, 1–4:30pm

$46 M; $55 NM

Spring Equinox Yoga Mini-Retreat MANDI GARRISON

Immerse yourself in this mini yoga retreat. The retreat will include time with your yoga practice, a lecture, journaling, meditation, and guided relaxation.

Saturday, March 21, 9:30am –12:30pm

$42 M; $55 NM

Shinrin-yoku Forest Bathing NADINE MAZZOLA

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

Sundays, March 22 & April 19, 9am –12pm

$40 M; $55 NM

Advanced Zentangle KAREN KEEFE

Dive further into the world of Zentangle and learn more complex tangles, techniques for tangulation, and how to blend patterns and use various Zentangle tools with different media.

Sunday, April 26, 1–4:30pm

$46 M; $55 NM

NEW HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAMS

In the Flow: Harnessing ADHD Creativity in Nature SHELLEY

Discover the powerful connection between ADHD, creativity, and nature in this immersive one-day workshop featuring mindful outdoor experiences, guided artmaking, and supportive tools for self-understanding, expression, and growth. Lunch included.

Saturday, March 14, 9:30am –3:30pm

$250 M; $300 NM

Nature-Based Tools for Burnout, Anxiety, and Depression: For Personal Self-Care and Clinical Application

NADINE MAZZOLA, CFTG MAT

This one-day workshop provides mental health clinicians and healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and firsthand experience to incorporate a wide variety of nature-based tools and mindful nature-based techniques into both personal self-care and professional practice. Join us in person or virtually.

This program is designed for specialty physicians, primary care physicians, APPs (PA and NP), general practice providers (primary care, family medicine), oncology, geriatrics, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Accredited by Mass General Brigham. Friday, March 20 or Monday March 30, 8:30am –4:30pm

$275

Youth Programs Kids Workshops

Framed Flowers | AGES 7–12

Photograph the displays in Elevated: An Orchid Exhibition and decorate a picture frame.

Sunday, March 1, 2–3:30pm

M: $22 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $30 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Woodland Birdhouses | AGES 7–12

Build and embellish your own birdhouse using natural materials.

Saturday, March 7, 10:30am –12pm

M: $28 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $36 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Animal Portraits | AGES 5–10

Create a whimsical animal portrait gallery using recycled materials.

Saturday, March 14, 2–3:30pm

M: $15 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $22 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Art & Nature: Rainforest | AGES 5–7

Explore our subtropical conservatories as we play games, listen to a story, and do a jungle craft.

Saturday, March 28, 10:30–11:30am

M: $10 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Beaded Blooms | AGES 8–12

Explore our favorite spring blooms and create flowers using fuse beads.

Saturday, April 4, 2:30–4pm

M: $20 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $28 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

M: $8 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $16 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Wake Up Spring! | AGES 4–8

Welcome spring and join us for a guided hike of the gardens and trails.

Sunday, March 22, 1–2pm

M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $16 CHILD, $24 ADULT

Little Seedlings | AGES 1–3

Come explore the wonderful world of plants and practice sorting, counting, observing, and more.

Tuesdays, March 31 & April 28, 10:30–11:30am

M: $6 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $6 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Forever Succulents | AGES 7 +

Learn about succulents and design your own dazzling string of pearls plant with beads.

Sunday, April 12, 2–3:30pm

M: $24 CHILD, $24 ADULT; NM: $32 CHILD, $40 ADULT

Homeschool Programs

Homeschool: Outstanding Orchids | AGES 6–12

Tour Elevated: An Orchid Exhibition and learn about the fascinating science of orchids.

Friday, March 13, 1–2:30pm

M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Homeschool: Endangered Species | AGES 6–12

Discover global and local endangered species as we learn about wildlife conservation.

Calling all Scouts!

From gardens to trails, there is so much to discover in our outdoor classroom. We offer a wide range of badge-earning programs for Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts of all levels—book a unique hands-on adventure for your troop today!

Friday, March 27, 1–2:30pm

M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Homeschool: Bulbs & Buds | AGES 6–12

Uncover secrets of spring bulbs below ground and search for the first buds bursting to life above.

Friday, April 10, 1–2:30pm

M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 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.

Please note our winter and spring locations in listings on right.

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.

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.

Starting April 27, The Ramble

TUESDAYS, 11am–12pm

Nature Storytime | AGES 3–8

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

winter location: March 4 –April 14, Visitor’s Center

spring location : Starting April 28, The Ramble

WEDNESDAYS, 12–2pm

Imagination Station | AGES 3–8

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

Starting April 29, The Ramble

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.

Starting April 30, The Ramble

FRIDAYS, 12–2pm

Exploration Station | AGES 3–10

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

Starting May 1, The Ramble

P lanet Protectors P lanet Protectors

APRIL VACATION WEEK

Saturday April 18 through Thursday, April 23 10am–4pm

Calling all planet protectors! Embark on a journey around the globe as you step into our immersive, hands-on exploration room. Families and children of all ages can enjoy drop-in activities, creative crafts, and interactive games that bring the wonder of Earth to life. Discover incredible plants and learn how you can shape the future of our planet through fun-filled classes that spark curiosity and imagination. Along the way, you’ll learn how small actions can make a big impact. Join the mission to explore our wild world and defend Earth’s future together!

Free Drop-in Activities

ALL AGES

Explore Earth’s biomes from rainforest to tundra in our drop-in activity room. Discover the mysteries of our planet and how we can protect it as you investigate, play, and craft.

Saturday through Thursday, April 18 to 23, 10am –4pm INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION

Daffodil Days

AGES 4–8

Join us for a guided garden adventure and learn about our favorite spring blooms.

Saturday, April 18, 11am –12pm

M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT

NM: $18 CHILD, $26 ADULT

Planet Bots

AGES 7–10

Build an Earth-loving superhero using recycled and natural materials, complete with a name and special abilities to save our planet.

Sunday, April 19, 10:30am –12pm

M: $18 CHILD, $0 ADULT

NM: $26 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Biome Terrariums

AGES 5–12

Create a mini terrarium based on Earth’s amazing habitats and complete it with an animal that calls it home.

Monday, April 20, 10:30am –12pm

M: $28 CHILD, $0 ADULT

NM: $36 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Upcycled Mosaics

AGES 7–12

Turn eggshells into a colorful mosaic masterpiece while learning how reducing, reusing, and recycling can protect the Earth.

Tuesday, April 21, 1:30–3pm

M: $12 CHILD, $0 ADULT

NM: $20 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Garden Buds

AGES 3–5

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

Wednesday, April 22, 10:30–11:30am

M: $8 CHILD, $0 ADULT

NM: $16 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Water Wizards

AGES 6–10

Learn about the water cycle and stormwater runoff as we hike, play games, and experiment.

Wednesday, April 22, 1–2pm

M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT

NM: $18 CHILD, $26 ADULT

Seed Bombs

AGES 7–12

Learn about our favorite native plants and then craft an Earth-inspired seed bomb with pulp paper.

Thursday, April 23, 10:30am –12pm

M: $18 CHILD, $0 ADULT

NM: $26 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Twisted Trees

AGES 8–12

Celebrate Arbor Day, learn about your favorite trees, and craft a unique wire tree sculpture with colorful beads.

Friday, April 24, 1:30–3pm

M: $24 CHILD, $0 ADULT

NM: $32 CHILD, $20 ADULT

SPRING DISCOVERIES SPRING DISCOVERIES

Monday to Friday, April 20 – 24, 9am–3pm

AGES 7–10

Join us for a fun-filled week of hiking, crafting, and investigation with new activities each day.

M: $75 CHILD, NM: $85 CHILD Priced per day. Register for the whole week or choose specific days.

SUMMER CAMP

Unleash your sense of adventure, uncover the amazing science of plants, and explore nature’s hidden stories all around us.

Select weeks in July & August Monday through Friday in 9am–3pm

M: $395 CHILD; NM: $445 CHILD

Growing Gardens

Play, explore, and grow! Become a budding botanist, go on gardening adventures, dig in the dirt, spot curious critters, and learn about the amazing science of plants.

July 6 to 10 | ages 5–6 & 7–10

August 3 to 7 | ages 7–9 & 10–12

Nature Quest

Embark on epic side quests as we explore outdoors and unlock the hidden secrets of the plant realm. Adventure awaits—are you ready to play?

July 13 to 17 | ages 7–9 & 10–12

Myths & Magic

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.

July 20 to 24 | ages 5–6 & 7–10

Wings, Claws, & Tails

Iao Needle, Maui, Hawaii

Bunnies, turtles, and birds—oh my! From tiny bugs to big mammals, become a junior biologist and explore the amazing secrets of the animal kingdom.

July 27 to 31 | ages 7–10

an Orchid Exhibition

FEBRUARY 7 – MARCH 22

Escape the winter chill in our lush subtropical conservatories where thousands of dazzling orchids burst into bloom during our annual orchid exhibition. Explore a vibrant paradise and let your imagination soar as you enjoy the breathtaking aerial installations of artist Cicely Carew.

Orchids After Dark (21+)

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

FEBRUARY 13 THROUGH MARCH 14, 6-8pm

Experience the elegance of Elevated: An Orchid Exhibition after-hours in a whole new light. Enjoy live music, drinks, and light bites while exploring our stunning orchid displays and curated ambience. Ticket price includes one free beverage and a unique night out.

$22 M; $32NM

Ask a Master Gardener Information Table

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, THROUGH MARCH 22

11am-2pm

Have orchid care questions? Drop by the Ask a Master Gardener table for personalized research-backed advice from the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association.

INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION

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.

SAVE THE DATE

BOTANICAL

TATTOO

WEEKEND

Saturday, May 2 & Sunday, May 3

10am-8pm

Join us for a weekend-long celebration of botanical-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

PLANT SHOWS

New England Dahlia Society Tuber Sale

Sunday, April 12 / 11am-3:30pm

From giant dahlias over 10” in diameter to miniatures less than 2” in diameter, a wonderful selection of dahlia tubers representing a wide array of forms will be available at the New England Dahlia Society’s annual tuber sale. Learn dahlia growing tips from the experts, including how to divide your own dahlia roots.

INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION

Bay State African Violet Society Show & Sale

Saturday, April 25

From fuzzy leaves to friendly flowers, there are many reasons to admire African violets. An array of these stunning plants grown by BAVS members will be showcased in horticultural and design exhibits at this annual event. Learn general care and tips for growing African violets and browse hundreds of beautiful blooms for sale.

INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION

Show & Sale

10am-4pm

Demonstration:

How to Grow African Violets 11am-12pm & 2-3pm

Learn about basic care of African violets, common pests and diseases, and tips and tricks for re-potting and propagating.

SPECIAL EVENTS

SAVE

THE DATE!

Around the World in 80 Minutes: An Evening of Solo Piano

Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17

7-8:30pm

Join us for an evening of solo piano in partnership with Juventas New Music Ensemble. Enjoy a brand-new program of music set in the Garden’s iconic Limonaia conservatory at golden hour.

Visit nebg.org for more information.

GARDEN DINING SERIES

Indulge your palate with special dining experiences that honor plants, local agriculture, and the craft of cooking. Enjoy thoughtfully curated, multicourse menus provided by Peppers Artful Events. Each dining experience in the series focuses on a different cuisine, reflecting seasonal themes and enhancing experiences at the Garden. Garden dining events are 21+ events.

Visit nebg.org for more information.

Spring Equinox

Friday, March 20, 6–9pm

Welcome the transition from winter to spring with a dinner that celebrates the fresh, tender flavors of our region’s earliest spring produce. This artfully crafted dinner will highlight locally sourced ingredients set against a backdrop of blooming flowers and soft, warm lighting, for an ambience that honors the balance between winter's comforts and spring’s promise..

$115 M; $125 NM

Sacred Plants

Friday, April 10, 6–9pm

Step into an evening where food, history, and mythology intertwine. This garden dinner celebrates plants that have shaped stories, traditions, and cultures for centuries. Each course draws inspiration from a different civilization, highlighting botanicals that were symbolically significant and culturally revered, expressed through thoughtfully crafted flavors.

$115 M; $125 NM

Deeply Rooted

Celebrating 40 Years of New England Botanic Garden

MAY 2 THROUGH 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.

Join us for historical garden tours beginning in March

Visit nebg.org to learn more.

May 16 – November 1, 2026

Step into a world of color and wonder with the stunning glass and steel art sculptures of artist Alex Heveri.

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New England Botanic Garden Mar/Apr 2026 E-Bulletin by New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill - Issuu