Fall Foliage Fest

October 24, 2026 10AM-2PM

Sign up for harvest wreath making, pumpkin carving and or live animal encounters with Mass Audubon. Register Here

Polly Wakefield's specimen of a Cornus kousa dogwood.This is a very unique specimen with fused bracts (flower petals) that was not labeled by Polly.

Plant Specimen Collection and Preservation at the Arboretum

Polly Wakefield collected plant specimens from her garden and pressed and mounted them. We have a few examples left. Unfortunately, many of the plants were eaten by insects or deteriorated due to improper storage. This year, it is our goal to begin collecting plant samples from our more than 500 recorded specimens. Preserved plant specimens in the collection provide important evidence of what was collected and maintained here at the arboretum over time. If these specimens are properly collected, stored, and maintained, they can last for hundreds of years. These records ensure that the plant material remains available for future generations to study biodiversity changes and draw conclusions about ecological changes. As part of our ongoing efforts to preserve Polly Wakefield’s legacy, this initiative is an important part of that process. 

Drying specimen of Cercis canadensis 'Alley Cat' collected September 26, 2026.

Plant presses full of specimens

Drying specimen of Cornus sericea 'Baileyi' (Bailey's Red Twig Dogwood) Collected September 24,2026.

Fall Planting has begun

This fall, arboretum staff are planting a wonderful variety of plants into our native plant garden. We are also beginning to replace a few of the failing dogwoods in the Dogwood Allee. Some of these dogwoods have been purchased and others were grown in our nursery from seed collected on the property. It is our goal to choose kousa dogwoods that are more heat and drought tolerant so they can withstand the changing climate.

Wreath Making Registration is now open!

We are allowing registration early this year so we can accommodate all interested parties. Get in the holiday spirit and join us for another year of wreath making. Each participant will have a wide variety of greenery to choose from and will be able to design their own holiday wreaths. All supplies are included in the cost of the workshop. This class is held in our barn, please wear appropriate layers.

Saturday, December 5th 10:00AM-12:00PM Register Here

Monday, December 7th, 6:00PM-8:00PM Register Here

Tuesday, December 8th, 6:00PM-8:00PM Register Here

School Groups are Back

Thacher Montessori students walk through the Gardens, Noble and Greenough students begin their volunteer work here and Boston Public Schools will be visiting in a few weeks. It is wonderful to have young people enjoying the garden and learning about the importance of plants in the environment.