Yes, We are still building!

Due to the ongoing construction project, we will not host any programs in January. We hope you can join us for Winterfire in February.

2024 Winterfire

Saturday, February 24th, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Once again, it's time for one of our most popular family events: Winterfire! This year, the annual event will be held on Saturday, February 24th, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Winterfire combines lightscape with landscape to highlight the arboretum's signature trees and garden features against a deep mid-winter sky. Enjoy the gardens in the winter twilight while sipping some hot chocolate around an open fire. This is a fun, family-friendly event.

Subject to cancellation due to weather; see www.wakefieldtrust.org or our Facebook page for any last-minute changes. Dress warmly and bring a friend! While this event is free, donations are appreciated. Call 617-333-0924 for more information.

Holiday activities offered festive fun!

Volunteers joined us for several mornings to hang historical and crafted ornaments, string holiday lights and arrange fresh greens throughout the house. We opened the brightly decorated mansion doors for a week. It is one of the few times of the year we open the house and many families and friends were able to tour and enjoy the historical setting. We wrapped up the season with a fun and festive party. Thank you, friends and patrons, for visiting!

Our December wreath-making workshops regularly sell out and this year was no exception. Wreathmakers learned two techniques for shaping and layering the various textures of the specialty greens, and then decorated with pinecones, dried hydrangea, and dogwood twigs. The variety of the greens, creativity of the wreath-makers, and camaraderie of the participants created beautiful holiday creations.

Storm damage update

The storm on December 22nd caused severe flooding in our carriage barn and brought down several large trees. Thankfully much of the plant collection was spared. Storms like these have become more common with the warming climate. We are taking precautions that include an active pruning regiment and tree health analysis.