“How has the history of botanical illustration influenced the way we perceive plants, gardens, nature, and environment in the present day?” Join Tracy Qiu as she explores the complex stories unearthed from botanical renderings and colonial plant collection during her doctoral research at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew and Edinburgh. This New England Botanic Garden free webinar on March 6 at 7 pm Eastern is in celebration of Black History Month and Women’s History. The Speaker Series at New England Botanic Garden features a dynamic range of authors, experts, and thought leaders sharing their insights on topics such as horticulture, gardening, conservation, and environmental sustainability. These engaging talks and lectures offer valuable knowledge for both seasoned gardening enthusiasts and those new to the world of plants and ecologically-minded horticulture. Each event provides an opportunity to learn from leading voices in the field and connect with a community of individuals passionate about the natural world. Register at https://nebg.org/speakers-series/
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is thrilled to announce a transformative $500,000 gift from George and Diantha Harrington of Kennebunk, Maine, in support of the Garden’s Frank L. Harrington Orchard. This extraordinary contribution will add to the Harrington Orchard endowment to ensure the preservation, care, and educational impact of this heirloom apple orchard for generations to come.
Located along the botanic garden’s entry drive, the Harrington Orchard is a cherished feature that celebrates the region’s rich agricultural history. It preserves a collection of 119 heirloom apple varieties in an orchard of 268 trees. Also known as heritage apples, heirloom varieties have been passed down over generations and are celebrated for their diversity of taste, color, texture, and size. The Garden’s collection was founded during the Great Depression by Stearns Lothrop Davenport (1885–1973), a trustee of the Worcester County Horticultural Society (WCHS), the organization that operates New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Representing a range of rare and historic apple varieties, the Harrington Orchard is both a living museum and an educational resource, connecting visitors to the art, science, and history of heirloom fruit cultivation.
“The Harrington Orchard has been a long-term family interest for our family,” said George Harrington. Frank L. Harrington, for whom the orchard is named, was George Harrington’s father and a long-time WCHS supporter. The Harrington family has a connection to Worcester County that dates back generations, with members serving in leadership roles within local government and cultural institutions. George Harrington’s uncle, H. Waite Hurlburt, served as WCHS president from 1979 to 1984. “With this gift, we hope to ensure the Orchard’s vitality and to inspire others to appreciate the deep history and scientific importance of heirloom fruit trees,” Harrington says.
The endowment supports long-term orchard care, including pruning, pest management, tree replacement, and interpretive programming. As apples cannot be preserved in a seedbank, maintaining living collections like the Harrington Orchard protects uncommon varieties from being lost. Thanks to recent collaborations with academic partners and other experts, the Harrington Orchard is emerging as a resource for advancing scientific knowledge of rare heirloom apple varieties and expanding public awareness about the importance of agricultural biodiversity.
“George and DD Harrington’s generosity is a testament to their dedication to the preservation of the living collection of this heirloom orchard,” said Grace Elton, CEO of New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. “Their gift ensures that the Harrington Orchard will continue to flourish, delight, and educate our community for decades to come.”
The Frank L. Harrington Orchard is a vital part of the Garden’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the protection of natural resources. To learn more, visit https://nebg.org/orchard/.
Photo Caption/Credit: Apple blossom blooms in the Frank L. Harrington Orchard at New England Botanic Garden / New England Botanic Garden, Megan Stouffer
The Speaker Series at New England Botanic Garden features a dynamic range of authors, experts, and thought leaders sharing their insights on topics such as horticulture, gardening, conservation, and environmental sustainability. These engaging talks and lectures offer valuable knowledge for both seasoned gardening enthusiasts and those new to the world of plants and ecologically-minded horticulture. Each event provides an opportunity to learn from leading voices in the field and connect with a community of individuals passionate about the natural world. In celebration of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, New England Botanic Garden’s IDEA Committee is hosting a FREE series of online webinars. Between tuning in for this engaging lineup of talks, be sure to visit the Garden during February and March to explore selections from our Horticultural Heroes exhibit, a portrait collection that spotlights diverse leaders, activists, and innovators who have advanced the art and science of horticulture.
On February 6 at 7, Black in the Garden podcast creator Colah B. Tawkin guides attendees through the rich narratives of the Garden’s Horticultural Heroes exhibit, bringing history to life in an innovative and interactive way. Register at https://nebg.org/speakers-series/
Get ready for a blast from the past with New England Botanic Garden’s annual orchid exhibition on February 8 – March 16. Pixels + Petals combines the vibrant world of retro video games with the delicate beauty of orchids in a one-of-a-kind experience. Thousands of living orchids in bloom will be artfully showcased throughout the Garden’s two subtropical conservatories. Rewind, flash back, and immerse yourself in pixelated charm as nostalgia and nature unite. Join us during daytime hours or experience the exhibition in a different light during our special Orchids After Dark events.
On opening weekend, February 8 -9, Be among the first to experience the stunning orchid displays and nostalgic works of art of Pixels + Petals, An Orchid Exhibition. Enjoy live music in our subtropical conservatories and a curated artisan vendor market. Included with general admission.
On Fridays and Saturdays, February 14 – March 15 from 6 – 8, enjoy Orchids After Dark (21+). Experience the retro charm of Pixels + Petals, An Orchid Exhibition after-hours. 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. Members: $20, Non-Members: $30
One January 12 at 10:30 am at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, learn the basics of pruning in this hands-on workshop, focusing on shaping fruit trees, caring for non-flowering evergreens and ornamentals. This engaging session is perfect for beginners and will build your skills in pruning with confidence to maintain healthy, beautiful plants. $40 NEBG members, $55 nonmembers. Tickets are limited. Register at www.nebg.org
On December 10 at 6 pm at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, enjoy coffee, tea, a light pastry, while starting a new holiday tradition with NEBG by mastering the art of forcing amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs in this hands-on workshop led by our expert horticulture team. You’ll learn essential techniques for coaxing these stunning winter blooms to flourish indoors, adding a burst of color to your home when you need it most. Under the guidance of our skilled staff, you’ll craft beautiful, custom bulb displays perfect for holiday décor or gifting. This beginner’s workshop provides the tools and knowledge to create lasting floral beauty.
Please Note: This program does NOT include entry to NEBG’s Night Lights wintertime exhibit. Tickets must be PRE-purchased separately here for the 8:30pm timeslot. This program was rescheduled from Nov 5 to Dec 10 at 6-8pm.
$95 Member Adult; $105 Adult (does NOT include admission to the Garden). $175 Member Pair; $185 Adult Pair (does NOT include admission to the Garden) Register at www.nebg.org
Save the date, February 7, 2025 for the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill’s Urban Tree Symposium. Details will be available soon at https://nebg.org/urbantreesymposium.
Are you tired of watching your poinsettia wither away before the new year even begins? You’re not alone! Whether you’re a first-time plant parent or have struggled with poinsettias in the past, this New England Botanic Garden workshop on November 13 from 6 – 8 is designed to take the mystery (and frustration) out of caring for this holiday classic.
In a fun, hands-on setting, we’ll teach you everything you need to know—from how to pick the healthiest plant, to watering and light tips, and even troubleshooting common problems like leaf drop. And don’t worry if you’ve never managed to keep one alive before—this class is perfect for beginners.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll feel confident in caring for your poinsettia and even have the know-how to help it bloom again next year. Plus, you’ll leave with your very own poinsettia to take home, ready to thrive with all your new plant care skills. $55 for NEBG members, $60 for nonmembers. The class will take place at Tower Hill, 11 French Drive in Boylston. Register at www.nebg.org
Celebrate the artistry of craftsmanship. Mark your calendar and be prepared to immerse yourself in the finest handcrafted ceramics, prints, jewelry, weaving, and more. Entry to the fair is included with general admission. Your admission also gives you access to New England Botanic Garden’s gardens, trails, and Enchanted Forest exhibit. This event will be held indoors, rain or shine. For a list of participating artists visit https://nebg.org/american-craft-fair/ Pictured below – a customized fabric floorcloth from Kelly Fabric Creations.
The award-winning New England Carnivorous Plant Society (NECPS) returns to the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill on October 5 and 6 to showcase a fascinating group of plants sure to captivate and amaze. Featured plants include pitcher plants from Malaysia with traps the size of softballs that are capable of eating lizards and mice. There will also be sundews from Australia ranging from the size of a dime to 12+ inches high and the ever-popular Venus Fly trap. For all native plant lovers, NECPS will also display carnivorous plants that grow locally in Massachusetts and throughout New England.
Over 300 plants are scheduled to be on display and seminars will be offered on growing and feeding carnivorous plants. Visit the Venus Fly Trap feeding station where you can observe up close how these plants devour insects. Plants and growing accessories will be available for purchase for both novice and experienced growers from carnivorous plant vendors and the NECPS. Society members will be present both days to explain how the plants feed, what they eat, where they live, and how they can be grown and enjoyed at home.
