Platanus at Governor Oliver Ames Estate
It began over a phone call with an incredible offer. Jim Freeborn, co-owner of Select Horticulture, was looking for good homes for some trees and shrubs from his Lancaster nursery. Messages went out to Trustees Horticulture and Stewardship teams throughout the eastern half of the state, who raced into action to not miss this generous donation.
By the end of October, 53 stunning specimens—valued at over $63,000—had been delivered and planted at seven Trustees properties: Appleton Farms, Governor Oliver Ames Estate, Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens, deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, Long Hill, and Weir River Farm.
“There’s no place I’d rather donate our trees to,” said Freeborn. “I love to be able to contribute to The Trustees, they do amazing work!”
This isn’t the first time Freeborn’s donated to The Trustees; he’s been reaching out to Trustees Property Directors for years. Plus, he’s contributed to many Arbor Days of Service—hosted by the Massachusetts Arborists Association (MAA)—that have taken place at Trustees properties, including this past year at Millborn Farm in Sherborn.
Why The Trustees? Well, Freeborn’s roots with our organization go all the way back to the early 1990s.
Trees arrive at Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens
A few years post-graduation from the University of Connecticut—where he studied natural resource management—Freeborn found himself working at the Crane Estate. He worked there for around six years before transferring to the South Shore to be the Director of multiple properties. Freeborn oversaw many special places for another handful of years, including Weir River Farm, Norris Reservation, Two Mile Farm, and his favorite: World’s End.
“Some of the best years of my life were working with The Trustees,” said Freeborn. “There are some places you pass through in your life that get imprinted on you, and The Trustees was certainly one of them. I met not only my wife, but to this day some of my closest friends.”
But all good things must come to an end. After about a decade with The Trustees, a friend reached out about starting a horticultural venture, and Freeborn didn’t want to pass up the opportunity. Now, he co-owns Select Horticulture with a nursery in Lancaster, where his generous donations came from.
Acer planted at Appleton Farms
“It’s extremely generous and critical to our work as stewards of these special places,” said Joann Vieira, Trustees Director of Public Gardens & Horticulture. “These trees and shrubs not only add vital species and age diversity to each landscape but are also helping launch larger horticultural and stewardship projects.”
At Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens in North Andover, the five donated trees and shrubs are only the beginning of improvements slated for Oak Lawn. These improvements will build on the garden’s horticultural richness not just in the spring and summer months, but through every season. Plus, at Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens in New Bedford, 10 donated linden trees will establish a new shaded allée. Lasting for generations, this garden feature will add a note of formality, screening, and a beautiful, shaded bower for contemplation.
“I feel grateful to be able to make a small contribution that can take root in a place and people can appreciate any time they visit,” said Freeborn.
Looking for a way to give back like Jim Freeborn? Become a Trustees Member (or renew your Membership) and support the places that make Massachusetts special!
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