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News Archive

"New" discovery about "The Lady of the Lake" Mural

Friday, 02 April 2021 10:28

"New" discovery about The Lady of the Lake Mural

Another important discovery! If you have visited the Isaac Davenport Mansion, you will certainly remember the monochrome mural that graces the walls of the dining room. In March, we learned from Lorraine Bigrigg, Partner and Senior Conservator at Studio TKM Associates that the mural was produced in the 19th century by the Zuber paper company in Paris (Zuber.fr) based on the painting by J. Michel Gue "Les Vues d'Ecosse" (views of Scotland). The mural depicts the medieval tale set in Scotland of The Lady of the Lake, the narrative poem written by Sir Walter Scott. A close-up assessment and documentation of this rare mural is the first step toward its conservation.

Actual and Virtual Visits for School Vacation Week

Friday, 02 April 2021 10:17

Actual and Virtual Visits for School Vacation Week

Monday, April 19-Friday, April 23, 10:00 am-3:00 pm

Special activity offered by Zoom daily at 11:00 am

For this year’s April vacation we invite you to visit - either actually or virtually - to enjoy the special time of spring with your family. During our open hours (requiring registration via this link) enjoy a self-guided stroll and visits with the animals. For those who cannot visit us in person, we are offering a special online activity offered via Zoom at 11:00 am each day, and visitors on-site will be able to participate in these activities live.

As visits will be self-guided, plan ahead for of the week's activities. For those of you who will be joining us live, you might want to bring a picnic to enjoy near the pond or in the formal garden. Plan to sit in the front garden and watch for birds, so scavenger hunt, visit the animals, plant seeds, investigate the worms, or walk the labyrinth.
Remember to wear your masks when in close proximity to others and observe social distance protocols. Be sure to dress warmly as no buildings will be open except for the bathrooms and plan to do a tick check when you get home.

For those joining us virtually, here is the zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/94842059644 and zoom schedule:
Monday at 11 a.m. - Visit with the Llamas & Sheep We will be zooming live from the Sheep House w/the animals.
Tuesday at 111 a.m. - Virtual visit to the pond Explore the pond ecosystem and its aquatic animals
Wednesday at 111 a.m. - Worm Wednesday! Visit with worms - Make a Worm Compost
Thursday at 11:00 a.m. - Learn about Labyrinths Learn how to make your own finger labyrinth
Friday at 11:00 a.m. - Virtual visit with Chickens & Rabbits Zoom live with Pumpkin the rooster & the angora bunnies

Become a member!

Friday, 02 April 2021 10:02

While the arboretum’s annual membership campaign takes place each June and coincides with the spectacular bloom of Polly’s Wakefield legacy - over 300 kousa dogwood trees - and our annual Dogwood Days celebration, you can become a member throughout the year! Your membership supports innovative educational programs for all ages, including programs in archaeology, horticulture, historic research and preservation, environmental education with children, and events throughout the year that carry on Polly Wakefield’s wish that her beloved home and gardens become a place for learning and enjoyment.

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Annual Membership Categories and Benefits

Individual Membership - $75

• A free kousa dogwood sapling from the arboretum’s dogwood collection

• Free admission for one to special members-only Arboretum visiting hours

• Free admission for one to a members-only event held seasonally to showcase the arboretum’s beauty in each season

• Advance access to annual plant sale before open to the public

• 40% discount on programs/workshops offered at the arboretum

• Free entrance at gardens associated with the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP). Click here for the list.

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Family Membership -$125

• A free kousa dogwood sapling from the arboretum’s kousa collection

• Free admission for two with children to special members-only arboretum visiting hours

• Free admission for two and children to a members-only event held seasonally to showcase the arboretum’s beauty in each season

• Advance access to annual plant sale before open to the public

• 40% discount for two on programs/workshops offered at the arboretum

• Free entrance to gardens associated with the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP). Click here for the list.

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All membership dues are tax-deductible as allowed by law and support the educational programs of the Mary May Binney Wakefield Arboretum.

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To become a member, print and complete this form indicating your desired membership level and mail to:

Mary May Binney Wakefield Arboretum

1465 Brush Hill Rd.

Milton, MA 02186

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If paying by check, make your check payable to Wakefield Charitable Trust and include it with your form.

If paying a credit card, pay via this link: Paypal.me link.

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Thank you for your support!

Our Arboretum Through a Magnifying Glass - The Movement of Water in the Landscape 4/7

Thursday, 25 March 2021 08:06

This series will focus on important elements in our garden that are often overlooked but are instrumental in the ecological cycles happening all year long.

This third session session, The Movement of Water in the Landscape, on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2021 AT 6:30 PM EDT, will look at hydrology, a key factor in the life of the arboretum. Natural and manmade systems have altered the flow of water over hundreds of years. This presentation will take a closer look on how water moves from Great Blue Hill through the Wakefield landscape and into the Neponset River watershed.

To receive the zoom link for this session, please register at this link: https://conta.cc/38po7Tn or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

News Archive

"New" discovery about "The Lady of the Lake" Mural

Actual and Virtual Visits for School Vacation Week

Become a member!

Our Arboretum Through a Magnifying Glass - The Movement of Water in the Landscape 4/7

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