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Wildflower Garden

Alternatively called the Wildflower Trail, this short, shady stroll spans from the boardwalk between the two farm ponds to the start of the Fern Boardwalk near the Understory Collection. Originally planted in 1993, great care has gone into maintaining the native wildflowers growing along this route, including jack-in-the-pulpit, Virginia bluebells, foamflower, Dutchman’s breeches, wood poppy, bloodroot, and several species of trillium (click the link above for a comprehensive plant list.) These delicate, often understated species are representative of the northeastern United States and the southern Appalachians; they are commonly referred to as “spring ephemerals” due to the short window of time in which they bloom. Continual upkeep is vital to preventing invasive plants from overcrowding the area; Boxborough resident Bruce Carley has helmed these efforts for many years. We hope this garden inspires visitors to learn more about native plants and their conservation.

Please click this link for a more detailed account of the Wildflower Garden’s fascinating history and ecology, written by Bruce Carley. Also click this link for the latest Wildflower Garden Plant List.