BOYLSTON, MA, May 6, 2026 – New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, located in Boylston, MA, is celebrating 40 years of beauty, education, and horticultural excellence. Since its visionary beginnings in 1986, the Garden has grown its mission, footprint, and role in the community. Today’s garden sits on nearly 200 acres and welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to experience the wonder of plants, learn about the natural world, and make joyful connections.
“Our 40th anniversary is an opportunity to rediscover the past, learn about the people, events, and milestones that make New England Botanic Garden the special place it is today, and come together around a vision for the future. We are incredibly grateful to the many supporters, donors, volunteers, visitors, and friends, who have played a part in this exceptional journey,” says New England Botanic Garden CEO Grace Elton.
New England Botanic Garden was created by the Worcester County Horticulture Society (WCHS), one of the oldest active horticultural societies in the country. Established in 1842, WCHS worked for decades out of downtown Worcester before eventually turning its focus to developing its own gardens. In April of 1846, WCHS purchased the 132-acre Tower Hill Farm property in Boylston, MA, and by August of the same year, they opened the doors of Tower Hill Botanic Garden, known today as New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
Throughout the year ahead, visitors will have many opportunities to mark this milestone with the Garden. From May 2 to October 11, a special anniversary exhibit called Deeply Rooted invites guests to learn about the evolution of gardens and landscapes, uncover captivating stories, and experience the lasting impact New England Botanic Garden has had on people, plants, and the region it calls home. Visitors can also enjoy historic tours this spring and summer. New England Botanic Garden is open to the public seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about the Garden’s history and plan a visit, go to https://nebg.org/40-years.
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About New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, is a nonprofit organization located at 11 French Drive in Boylston, Massachusetts. A regional destination, the Garden is operated on nearly 200 acres by the Worcester County Horticultural Society, one of the oldest of its kind in the country, and is open to the public for garden viewing, trail walking, educational programs, private events, weddings, exhibitions, and more. In 2023, New England Botanic Garden was voted “Top Botanic Garden in the U.S.” by TravelAwaits. New England Botanic Garden is an AAM-accredited museum that includes an irreplaceable collection of plants and creates opportunities for visitors to experience the wonder of plants, learn about the natural world, and make joyful connections. Learn all about New England Botanic Garden including its history, mission, and its staff at www.nebg.org.
Media Contact
Liz Nye, Public Relations Manager
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Office: 508-869-6111 ext. 143 | Mobile: 518-526-3060
lnye@nebg.org | Press Room
