Tower Hill Botanic Garden

The Worcester County Horticultural Society (WCHS) is a private nonprofit education institution, founded in 1842. The Society operates Tower Hill Botanic Garden, a 132-acre site located in central Massachusetts, to achieve its mission of "advancing the science, and encouraging and improving the practice of, horticulture."

Description:
Tower Hill Botanic Garden, located on 132 acres, features a Lawn Garden with 350 species of trees and shrubs, Secret and Cottage Gardens filled with colorful perennials and unusual annuals, Vegetable and Wildlife Gardens, apple orchard with 119 heirloom varieties and walking trails. Benches and statuary are placed throughout.
A Belvedere (17th century style Italian viewing pavilion) provides a panoramic view of Mount Wachusett and the Wachusett Reservoir. A Folly overlooks the future Woodland Inner Park.
A 25,000 square foot Education & Visitors Center houses three classrooms for lectures and demonstrations, exhibit galleries for flower shows, an 8,000 volume library, The Shop at Tower Hill, Twigs Caf�a theater, restrooms and other visitor amenities.
A 4,000 square-foot Orangerie, (18th century style greenhouse,) displays hundreds of sub-tropical plants from September to May.
Events include an Annual Plant Sale in June, a Garden Tour in June, Shades of Autumn in October, and Holly Days in December.
Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday and holiday Mondays 10 a.m. -5 p.m.

History:
WCHS, the third oldest active horticultural society in the U.S., was incorporated in 1842 as a non-profit "educational organization for the purpose of advancing the science, and encouraging and improving the practice of, horticulture." For nearly 150 years this was accomplished through a busy schedule of flower shows and educational programs based in downtown Worcester. Tower Hill Farm was purchased in 1986 with the belief that the Society could best fulfill its goals by developing a garden open to the public. Tower Hill Botanic Garden is being developed as a year-round display of the finest plants for cultivation in central Massachusetts, with appeal for the amateur and professional gardener as well as the general public.

Contact person: Wendy Cohen, (508) 869-6111 , ext. 136

Office fax number: (508) 869-0314

Address:

11 French Drive PO Box 598 Boylston, MA 01505 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.towerhillbg.org

Directions:

From the East or Northeast: Route 495 to Route 290 West Route 290 to Church Street, Northborough/Boylston -- Exit 24 Turn right at bottom of exit ramp onto Church Street Travel 3 miles, Tower Hill Botanic Garden is on your right From Worcester: Take. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Are any opportunities appropriate for youth ages 18 or under? If yes, what age range?
	Volunteers MUST be at least 18 years old. There is NO opportunities for potential volunteers under this age. Volunteers should be "friendly, outgoing, and flexible" in both their schedules and the jobs they are willing to perform.

Last updated on January 13, 2009