Tower Hill Botanic Garden: A Year-Round Celebration of Plants

Welcome to Tower Hill Botanic Garden, New England’s premier year-round botanic garden. Situated on 171 acres of rolling hills in Boylston, Massachusetts, our garden is a place of inspiration, education, and natural beauty. As the home of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, one of the oldest horticultural societies in the country (founded in 1842), we are dedicated to advancing the science and encouraging the practice of horticulture. We invite you to explore our exquisite collection of plants and to discover the essential role they play in our world.

Our Mission: To Inspire the Use and Appreciation of Plants

Our mission is to engage people in a life-long passion for growing plants for their ornamental, economic, and ecological value. We believe that plants are fundamental to life—they provide the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the beauty that enriches our lives. At Tower Hill, we bring this belief to life through meticulously curated gardens, accessible educational programs, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Explore a Garden for All Seasons

Tower Hill is a destination that offers a unique and beautiful experience in every season. Our landscape features a diverse collection of both native and exotic plants, thoughtfully arranged in a series of formal and informal gardens.

Our Signature Garden Collections

• The Orangerie and Limonaia: Step into our stunning 18th-century-inspired glass conservatories, home to a fragrant collection of non-hardy plants. These conservatories provide a lush, green escape, especially during the cold New England winters.
• The Winter Garden: A masterfully designed landscape that showcases the beauty of the garden in winter. This garden comes alive with the vibrant colors of tree bark, the sculptural forms of evergreens, and the delicate textures of ornamental grasses.
• The Systematic Garden: An “outdoor classroom” where plants are arranged by family, demonstrating their evolutionary relationships. It’s a fascinating look at the science of botany.
• The Lawn Garden: A sweeping expanse of green, featuring grand perennial borders that offer a riot of color from spring through fall.
• Woodland Trails: Explore several miles of walking trails that wind through the surrounding woodlands and offer panoramic views of the Wachusett Reservoir.
• The Wildlife Garden & Wildlife Pond: A certified wildlife habitat designed to attract and support birds, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.

A Legacy of Horticultural Excellence

The Worcester County Horticultural Society has been a leader in horticulture for over 180 years. Tower Hill Botanic Garden is the living embodiment of this long and storied history. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of gardeners and environmental stewards.

Education and Community

We offer a wide array of educational opportunities for all ages and skill levels.

• Classes and Workshops: From gardening and botany to floral design and nature-inspired art, our extensive course catalog has something for everyone.
• Guided Tours: Join one of our trained docents for an engaging tour of the gardens, offered every Sunday at 2 PM, free with admission.
• Family and Youth Programs: We offer a variety of fun, hands-on programs designed to connect children with the wonders of the plant world.

Plan Your Visit

Escape to a world of natural beauty. We are open year-round, with new wonders to discover in every season.

Hours of Operation

• Open Year-Round: Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Holiday Mondays: We are also open on most holiday Mondays.
• Closures: Please note that we are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Admission

• Members: Free
• Adults: $12
• Seniors (65+): $9
• Youth (6-18): $7
• Children under 6: Free
• Discounted rates are available for groups.

Dining and Shopping

• Twigs Café: After touring the gardens, relax at Twigs Café, which offers a delightful menu of fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced food.
• The Garden Shop: Browse a unique selection of plants, gardening tools, books, and nature-inspired gifts.

Directions

Address:
Tower Hill Botanic Garden
11 French Drive
Boylston, MA 01505

From Boston

• Take the Mass Pike (I-90) West to Exit 11A (I-495).
• Take I-495 North to Exit 25B (I-290 West).
• Take I-290 West to Exit 24 (Church Street, Northborough/Boylston).
• Follow Church Street toward Boylston for 3 miles. The entrance is on the right.

From Providence, RI

• Take I-95 North to Route 146 North.
• Follow Route 146 North toward Worcester.
• Take the exit for I-290 East.
• Follow I-290 through Worcester to Exit 24 (Church Street).
• Follow Church Street toward Boylston for 3 miles. The entrance is on the right.

From Hartford, CT / Springfield, MA

• Take the Mass Pike (I-90) East to Exit 10 (I-290 Worcester).
• Take I-290 East through Worcester to Exit 24 (Church Street).
• Follow Church Street toward Boylston for 3 miles. The entrance is on the right.

From the North

• Take Route 2 East to I-190 South.
• Take Exit 5 for Route 140 South.
• Follow Route 140 South to the intersection with Route 70.
• Turn left onto Route 70 and travel 1.5 miles.
• Turn right at the blinking yellow light onto French Drive. The entrance is on the left.