Rambling roses: New Ramble 'family garden' opens at New England Botanic Garden in Boylston

Richard Duckett, Telegram & Gazette
·2 min read
Willow Limpert, 3, of Leominister runs ahead of her brother, Jacob, 2, through a tunnel sculpture Saturday in The Ramble as part of the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill's new 1.5-acre "family garden" in Boylston.
Willow Limpert, 3, of Leominister runs ahead of her brother, Jacob, 2, through a tunnel sculpture Saturday in The Ramble as part of the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill's new 1.5-acre "family garden" in Boylston.

BOYLSTON — The Ramble, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill's new 1.5-acre "family garden," has officially opened for families, ramblers and "everyone looking for a joyful, educational experience in a naturalistic setting."

An opening event May 15 included activities such as scavenger hunts and lawn games.

Dedicated by the McDonough family, The Ramble is named in honor of the late Jean McDonough, who was a champion of the Worcester arts and culture community.

More: Tower Hill announces new name to highlight regional appeal and a new garden

"She supported The Ramble because it is a form of curated Nature, which offers educational opportunities and play," the New England Botanic Garden said in a release.

John and Sabrina Limpert, left, of Leominister, and Brittany Bolser and Randy Day visiting from Denver, tour The Ramble at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston on Saturday.
John and Sabrina Limpert, left, of Leominister, and Brittany Bolser and Randy Day visiting from Denver, tour The Ramble at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston on Saturday.

The Ramble is described as "an enchanting, world-class garden that offers children and families from all over the region opportunities to interact with the natural world."

W. Gary Smith designed The Ramble and also an art exhibition that will be on display this summer and into the fall titled "Uprooted" that includes large-scale sculptures spread over the grounds.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill CEO Grace Elton said in an April interview that The Ramble is one of several changes, additions and renovations taking place at the nonprofit organization owned and operated by the Worcester County Horticultural Society with 171 acres of woodland trails and formal gardens.

Jennifer Conners, left, and Gracia Casey, both of Northbridge, enjoy The Ramble at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston on Saturday.
Jennifer Conners, left, and Gracia Casey, both of Northbridge, enjoy The Ramble at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston on Saturday.

One of the changes is a new name. Previously, the organization was Tower Hill Botanic Garden. On April 13, the organization officially became New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Elton said.

Renovations on the property include doubling the size of parking lots; adding native plants, rain gardens and stormwater management best practices to benefit the local watershed; creating several ADA-accessible paths including the primary path from the parking area to the Visitors Center; and expanding the entrance to the Visitors Center.

For more information, go to nebg.org.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: New 'family garden' opens at New England Botanic Garden in Boylston