Massachusetts · Est. 1986
Tower Hill Botanic Garden
A 200-acre four-season botanic garden featuring diverse collections of native, ornamental, and tropical plants.
Founded
1986
Size
200 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 5b
Best Season
April to October
About Tower Hill Botanic Garden
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, formerly known as Tower Hill Botanic Garden, is a 200-acre four-season botanic garden located in Boylston, Massachusetts. The garden features 18 distinct garden spaces, preserved woodlands, and miles of walking trails. More than 200,000 people visit each year to explore gardens and conservatories that showcase diverse collections of native, ornamental, tropical, rare, and edible plants.
History & Heritage
The garden was founded in 1986 on the former Tower Hill Farm by the Worcester County Horticultural Society, the third oldest active horticultural society in the U.S. established in 1842. In response to declining exhibition entries from large country estates, the society set out to cultivate its own permanent botanic garden for the public to enjoy. In 2022, it became the first botanic garden in the U.S. to be certified a Green Zone by the American Green Zone Alliance.
Signature Feature
Frank L. Harrington Sr. Apple Orchard
The orchard displays the Davenport Collection of heirloom apples, featuring 250 apple trees representing 119 pre-20th century heritage apple varieties. In 2018, a restoration project began to replace the trees using scionwood collected from the original collection.
Photo Gallery
The Ramble woodland garden
Orangerie and Limonaia conservatories
Field of Daffodils in spring bloom
Notable Collections
The Ramble
A whimsical woodland garden designed for families with interactive play features and seasonal aquatic plants.
The Court: A Garden Within Reach
A universally accessible garden featuring raised beds, living walls, and plants selected for their multisensory appeal.
Inner Park
A 5-acre premier native plant garden offering examples of naturalistic gardens with an everblooming display.
Vegetable Garden
The oldest garden featuring sustainably grown heirloom vegetables and herbs planted to inspire the home gardener.
Plan Before You Go
Hours, Parking & Accessibility
Hours & Seasonal Timing
Open daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Best seasonal window: April to October
Parking & Arrival
On site (no charge)
Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.
Accessibility
Universally accessible spaces including The Court and ADA-compliant pathways throughout formal garden spaces.
Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.
Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.
Recognition & Awards
- Top Botanic Garden in the U.S. by TravelAwaits (2023)
- First U.S. botanic garden certified a Green Zone by American Green Zone Alliance (2022)
Editorial Standards
This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.
Plan Your Visit
April to October
Address
11 French Drive, Boylston, MA 01505
Phone
(508) 869-6111
Hours
Open daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Admission
Adults $19, Seniors $16, Youth $9, Children under 3 Free
Parking
On site (no charge)
Accessibility
Universally accessible spaces including The Court and ADA-compliant pathways throughout formal garden spaces.
Insider Tips
- 1Visit in late April to see the Field of Daffodils at peak bloom.
- 2Check out the Farmer & The Fork café for views of Mount Wachusett.
- 3Explore the Orangerie and Limonaia conservatories during colder months.
- 4Local library passes may offer half-price admission for two tickets.
Nearby Attractions
- Worcester Art Museum (10 miles)
- EcoTarium (11 miles)
- Wachusett Reservoir (3 miles)