Arboretum & Gardens
At the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens explore 6 acres of cultivated landscape (with an additional 13.5 acres of seedling prairie). We grow multiple annual demonstration beds, mixed borders, shade gardens, a butterfly garden, peony borders, a landscaped pond garden, and an umbrella trellis garden. Over 280 individual trees and shrubs plus countless perennials grace the grounds.
The Arboretum also has over 3400 feet of hard surface trails for accessibility. It’s the perfect place to celebrate nature.
DOWNLOAD the wayfinding map.
After strategic planning sessions, our re-energized board of directors made a commitment to keep the gardens GROWING. A revitalization of the grounds began in 2019 with the pond renovation. Then, after derecho damage in 2020, several more beds were re-imagined. Each year new plants are installed and the gardens expanded – all done to better demonstrate ecological gardening in our changing climate. It will take time for the landscape to mature—but there will always be something new to see! JOIN US as we CREATE, GROW, and BLOOM to Discover Your Peace of Nature!
Betty Allen Gazebo
The Betty Allen Gazebo was built in 1999.
Maxine’s Bow Bridge
The bow bridge was dedicated in 2003.
Umbrella Trellis Gardens
The rustic steel trellis were commissioned and installed in 2021.
Smith Landscape Pond
Originally installed in 2002, and renovated in 2019. The entire landscape was replaced beginning in 2020. Home to Boyhood Wonder.
Serenity Butterfly Garden
Planted in 2003 and home to Serenity. A purposeful re-design began in 2022 that is focused on providing habitat for pollinators.
Cottage Garden
The cottage garden originally existed as a cedar trellis shade garden destroyed in 2020 by the derecho. It is now a quaint cottage and cutting garden adding color to the Krumm Center.
Triple H Shade Garden
Another bed in transition originally planted in 1999 with dwarf conifers and peonies. Maturing trees necessitate a transition to a shade garden. We are establishing hostas, hydrangeas, and hellebores.
Azalea Garden
Planted in 2003, the azaleas are beautiful mature specimens that bloom each spring.
Hansen Patio Garden
Created in 2004 it’s a landscaped sitting area that originally housed an arbor. It is currently undergoing design upgrades. Home to Bonnie Hansen Memorial Floral.
Swanger Stream
The Swanger riparian stream was finished in 2007. It is also scheduled for much needed updates. Herons reside at the stream.
Mary’s Corner Garden
Planted in 2011 this bed displays a juniper topiary and a mix of native and non-native species. More plants are added yearly to fill in the bed.
Annual Beds
Our annual display beds, the retaining wall beds, were constructed in 1997. There are tentative plans to re-imagine the front of the Arboretum gardens including these beds. Stay tuned for more info!
This is a partial list of the gardens growing at the NABG. There is more to see and more to explore.
Visit us for a complete garden experience!
The Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens celebrates nature by focusing on horticulture, community, and growth.