A visit to Tower Hill's Orangerie and Limonaia

I recently took a few of my family members for a visit and lunch to Tower Hill in Boylston, Ma. For me it is a 'must do' visit every year in either Late February or Early March before our New England Spring arrives in the garden and landscape. It was a wonderful day, we drove thru overcast skies and windy cold temperatures to reap the reward of this wonderful gem. The forced daffodil bulbs are now in the Orangerie and Limonaia working on their little blossom bulge for display soon. The real show however is the stunning display of tropicals and succulents that are in bloom now. One family member was so amazed at her experience entering the large doorway to the Orangerie she stopped short in her tracks and stood and just gazed at it all. Once we entered of course the experience blossomed to a full bouquet of ah's and oh's then questions. What is this! I have to have one of these!  I just love the color of this! and WOW look how big this one is. Responses I've often heard all repeat when I bring them to visit.

I was intrigued at seeing the large Aloe blossom ready to open. I have only ever seen photos of this, so of course, now, I shall have to go back and see the real thing.

The difference in materials used building the Limonaia are obvious and the experience with the visit there was a bit different. We of course enjoyed it and also the wonderful view of the courtyard between the Orangerie and Limonaia. The Camellia's really were quite the show in the Limonaia.

The water feature in the courtyard was so inviting we just had to go out and see it, despite the wind and cold temps. The large turtles (or maybe they are tortoise) appearing to spew water at each other were a site we all imagined how fun it must be as a child to come and see them.

The plantings in the courtyard we could see are young and newly installed yet we enjoyed the color, texture, shapes and sizes they offered in this dormant season of New England. Some of us began to shiver beckoning our return to the indoors. We stopped and viewed the wonderful WitchHazel display at the Twig's Cafe entrance and enjoyed a nice warm lunch before heading back home.

A special thank-you to the Worcester Horticultural Society and all the generous folks who over the years have provided support and donations to this wonderful place. It's a bit of a ride for the folks from New Hampshire I brought, but their last comment was, 'I can't wait til Spring to come back and explore the outdoors here, and let's bring the rest of the family'.

I hope you enjoy the few photos I took, you can also visit the Tower Hill website for more info. Take a look at  What's in Bloom   to see learn about some of what's waiting for you to come see!