Exhibits
Guided Tours
Plan Your Visit
Frederick Law Olmsted, considered the father of landscape architecture, designed some 500 public spaces in North America. The Arnold Arboretum is the only arboretum he designed, a National Historic Landmark, and a model for others around the world. Docent Bill Beizer, will identify the elements of the Arboretum that best reflect Olmsted’s philosophy and approach to landscape design.
Stop by Bussey Hill to chat with the Arboretum’s Head Arborist and learn how arborists take care of the trees here through climbing, pruning, and expert chainsaw wielding. Head Arborist AJ Tataronis will be there from 12:00 to 2:00pm answering questions: no registration is required, just stop by!
*Rescheduled from September 27 due to rain* The Arboretum becomes a riot of color in the fall with leaves turning deep red, fiery orange, and bright yellow. Have you ever wondered why this happens every autumn? Outdoor Educator Ana Maria Caballero will take us through the science of fall leaf color, including an exploration of pigments and abscission, a hands-on experiment to reveal the array of pigments present in every leaf, and a walk in the landscape to take a closer look at leaves in all phases of color change.
The Arboretum’s magnolia collection is best known for its showy blossoms in the early spring, but these trees have something special to share in the fall too: strange, cone-like seed pods bursting with striking red and orange seeds. Join Director of Horticulture and Landscape Rodney Eason and Arboretum Gardener Sylvia Maina for a tour of the magnolias in all their fall glory.