Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston, Connecticut

Tower Hill Botanic Garden offers visitors a beautiful natural escape in Connecticut. The 171-acre garden showcases stunning plant collections and provides peaceful walking trails for nature lovers of all ages. You’ll find year-round beauty at this historic garden, which has been operating since its founding by the Worcester County Horticultural Society in 1842.

When planning your visit, you can enjoy the garden daily from 10am to 5pm, with the last admission at 4:30pm. Free parking is available in convenient lots at the top of the entry drive, including spaces for larger vehicles. The garden provides the perfect setting for a relaxing day exploring New England’s natural beauty through carefully curated botanical displays and scenic woodland paths.

Connecticut 2025 Deals!
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Connecticut! Look for deals here:
Connecticut Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a natural paradise waiting for your exploration. Located in Boylston, Massachusetts, this stunning botanical garden offers a diverse collection of plants, beautiful landscapes, and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.

You’ll find a variety of gardens to wander through, including seasonal displays that change throughout the year. The garden features an impressive orchard, colorful flower beds, and peaceful walking paths that wind through the property.

Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Tower Hill has something for everyone. The garden hosts special events and exhibitions throughout the year, making each visit unique. You can learn about native plants, sustainable gardening practices, and conservation efforts.

The library onsite provides resources for those wanting to deepen their knowledge of horticulture. Don’t forget to check their calendar for workshops and classes if you’re interested in developing your own green thumb!

Rating: 4.7 (3569 reviews)
Location: 11 French Dr, Boylston, MA 01505
Contact: (508) 869-6111
Website: Visit Website

History of Tower Hill Botanic Garden

Tower Hill Botanic Garden has a rich history spanning over three centuries, rooted in the agricultural traditions of New England. The property transformed from farmland to a renowned botanical destination through careful stewardship and vision.

Founding and Early Years

Tower Hill’s history dates back to 1718, when the earliest known deed for the property was recorded. For generations, the land served as farmland. By the 1940s, it was known as “Tower Hill Farm,” operating as Carter’s dairy farm.

The garden’s institutional roots trace to the Worcester County Horticultural Society, established in the 1840s. This society, one of America’s oldest active horticultural organizations, provided the foundation for what would become the botanical garden.

In 1986, the society made a pivotal decision to create a botanical garden at the Tower Hill location in Boylston, not Connecticut as you might have thought. This marked the beginning of its transformation from farmland to public garden.

Significant Expansions

The garden has undergone several significant expansions since its founding. When you visit today, you’ll experience the results of thoughtful development that preserved the property’s historic character while creating new spaces for plant collections.

The garden’s growth has been guided by the vision of several leaders, including Rufus Bullock, who served as the sixth president of the Worcester County Horticultural Society. Bullock, born in Royalston, received his law degree from Harvard and brought his leadership to the society.

In recent years, Tower Hill underwent a notable rebranding to become the “New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill,” reflecting its regional significance. This change represents the garden’s evolution into a premier botanical institution serving all of New England.

Unique Features and Attractions

Tower Hill Botanic Garden offers visitors a wealth of beautiful spaces and architectural elements that make it stand out among New England’s gardens. The garden showcases both natural beauty and thoughtful design throughout its grounds.

Specialty Gardens and Plant Collections

The garden features an impressive array of distinct garden spaces that change with the seasons. You’ll discover formal and naturalistic gardens that showcase plants perfectly suited for New England’s climate.

Walking through the gardens, you’ll find carefully planned collections of ornamental and edible plants. These collections serve not just as beautiful displays but also as educational resources for gardening enthusiasts.

The conservatories are a highlight year-round, especially during winter months when you can escape the cold among tropical plants. Don’t miss the Garden Shop, where you can purchase plants and garden-inspired gifts to take home.

The garden also includes family-friendly areas where kids can explore and connect with nature. These spaces make Tower Hill a perfect destination for nature-loving families.

Architectural Highlights

Tower Hill’s architecture complements its natural beauty with structures that enhance your garden experience. The buildings feature beautiful design elements that blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

You’ll appreciate the thoughtful layout that creates expansive views of the nearby Wachusett Reservoir. These vantage points offer breathtaking panoramas that change with the seasons.

The garden’s library is an architectural gem housing over 8,000 volumes. This extensive collection makes it a valuable resource for gardening enthusiasts seeking inspiration or information.

The buildings themselves showcase beautiful architecture that serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. Indoor spaces provide shelter during inclement weather while maintaining your connection to the gardens through large windows and natural light.