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Beautiful & Functional
The Herb Garden was designed by noted herb expert Susan Anthony as an 18th Century herb garden, common to a house of this period. The garden features plants that have medicinal, culinary, and household uses. This theme continues throughout the gardens adjacent to the herb garden, including the Vegetable Garden and the Cottage Garden at the front of the Wing House.
The centerpiece of the garden is a millstone water feature. The fountain is surrounded by fragrant Rosa gallica, breathtaking in late June, and a collection of perennial and annual herbs. The large Elderberry against the house features huge platter-sized lacy cream-colored flowers that turn into dark blueberries. A lovely rose and honeysuckle arbor provides a place to reflect on the garden and for memorable photos. In addition, there is so much to discover in this sanctuary, healing to body and soul.
The garden was renovated and enlarged in 2010 with the generous support of Linda Calmes Jones and Don McInnes.
Herb Garden Plants
If you are curious to learn more about the plants in this garden, we’ve created a plant list and a list of medicinal and household uses of the plants. Using plants is a careful science. Please don’t try any of these without consulting a physician. Almost every plant has multiple uses. May this garden inspire you to learn more about their truly amazing properties, qualities, and histories.
The American Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis, the American black elderberry, Canada elderberry, or common elderberry, is a species of elderberry native to a large area of North America east of the Rocky Mountains, south to Bolivia. It grows in a variety of conditions including both wet and dry soils, primarily in sunny locations.
The fruit (known as an elderberry) is a dark purple to black berry 3–5 mm diameter, produced in drooping clusters in the fall.
Recent Garden News & Blogs
Volunteer Spotlight!
Volunteer Spotlight: Featuring Carole Romaine By: Iris Clearwater, Volunteer Coordinator & Senior Gardener Do you know any kids who love Legos? Imagine a table covered in Legos of all shapes and sizes to explore [...]
The Barbey Welcome Center Groundbreaking
The Barbey Family Welcome Center Groundbreaking, February 7, 2024 Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks the Start of Construction for the New Barbey Family Welcome Center at Heritage Museums & Gardens February 8, 2024 (Sandwich, MA) [...]
Welcome Center Capital Campaign
Welcome Center Capital Campaign Announcement, July 12, 2023 Heritage Museums & Gardens Announces Capital Campaign for New Welcome Center July 12, 2023 (Sandwich, MA) Heritage Museums & Gardens, a beloved cultural institution known [...]
Volunteer Spotlight!
Volunteer Spotlight: Featuring Elliot Friend By:Â Iris Clearwater, Volunteer Coordinator & Senior Gardener Upon entering the J.K. Lilly Automobile Gallery, you cannot help but marvel at how perfectly clean and well maintained the cars [...]
