Garden Expansions: The Latest

The expanded and updated gardens will celebrate history and horticulture, while continuing to connect community to both of these very special places.

More than $9.5 million in funding was secured in 2018 in order to begin this vital work. Mikyoung Kim Design landscape architects and Maryann Thompson Architects have been engaged, and are currently crafting inspired visions for both reservations, which also includes advice and consultation with Members and local community supporters.

The house and gardens at The Stevens-Coolidge Place celebrate history and horticulture, and connect the community to this special place. The Trustees plan builds upon the popularity this 91-acre reservation has achieved in recent years through increased programming and events by expanding the garden experience. The previously restored gardens—including the rose garden, greenhouse, potager, perennial garden, and cutting garden—provide the estate’s primary link to the past. The plan preserves the overall architectural structure and American Country Place style, while adding new and expanded display garden spaces—featuring plantings of the latest ornamental species, varieties, and cultivars in contemporary designs—as well as creating native shrub and wildflower displays, and nature trails through the woodlands, fields, and meadows of the historic Ashdale Farm property [view the fact sheet].

At Long Hill, the master plan fosters horticultural education and engaging visitor experiences across Long Hill’s meadows, orchard, gardens, and woodland trails. Extensive historical research on the history of the Sedgwick family and the house, landscape, and gardens has uncovered intriguing facts: Long Hill’s gardens originally included expansive views from its hilltop setting, among others. Rediscovery of those views will be a focal point as more detailed planning work occurs this fall, as will the transformation of Long Hill’s orchard through the removal of invasive species and the reclamation of its lush meadow understory.

The Trustees is grateful to members of the Sedgwick family and the North Shore Garden Club for their ongoing support of the organization’s vision for Long Hill and is excited to share news on progress at both locations as work continues.