Tower Hill Botanic Garden welcomes the public to discover The Court: A Garden Within Reach, Tower Hill’s 15th garden. Construction for The Court, named for Robert Courtemanche, a generous supporter of Tower Hill, was completed in the fall of 2015. Planting commenced this spring with the help of guests from organizations such as the Seven Hills Foundation, which promotes and encourages the empowerment of people with significant challenges so that each may pursue their highest possible degree of personal well-being and independence.
Many individuals and organizations, such as the Massachusetts Cultural Council, helped contribute guidance and financial support to make the inclusive garden a reality. It is a model of universal design – an architectural strategy that seeks to produce aesthetically pleasing spaces that are inherently accessible to all people, with or without disability.
The garden features raised planting beds, a water feature than can be easily accessed by those using wheelchairs, gentle sloping walkways, display of ergonomic tools, extensive seating, hanging planters that may be raised and lowered by pulley systems for ease of access, and plants selected for their beauty, texture, and fragrance,.
“This new space engages a growing audience of people with various levels of mobility,” said Joann Vieira, Tower Hill’s director of horticulture. “It brings gardening back to many people. This beautiful and functional space can have a major impact on so many people who may have felt left out of gardening.”
The new garden was first envisioned in Tower Hill’s original 50-year Master Plan as a place where “horticulture therapy” could take place. Today, the field of study is becoming more popular as a strategy for improving mental and physical health.
Extensive scientific research confirms the benefits of spending time in nature with improved physical and mental health. The Court is specifically designed to offer visitors – including those with hearing, vision, cognitive, and mobility limitations – to experience more intimate connection to the smells, sights, and textures of the outdoors.
The Garden Within Reach was designed by the New York- and Los Angeles-based architectural firm wHY and Ryan Associates of Waltham, and built by Lauring Construction of Worcester.
Tower Hill Botanic Garden is located at 11 French Drive in Boylston, Mass. For more information, please call 508-869-6111 or visit towerhillbg.org.
