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The story of the Ashbel Woodward Museum gardens begins long before the first plant ever touched the soil. For years nearly a decade, in fact volunteers, board members, and supporters of the museum shared a common vision: to create a living landscape that could bring history to life.
The story of the Ashbel Woodward Museum gardens begins long before the first plant ever touched the soil. For years nearly a decade, in fact volunteers, board members, and supporters of the museum shared a common vision: to create a living landscape that could bring history to life.
That vision was deeply shaped by Kathy King, a devoted museum volunteer, friend, and member of the community. Kathy imagined a space where visitors could step back in time where gardens would not simply be decorative, but meaningful. She saw them as a tool for storytelling, filled with plants that once served practical purposes in the daily lives of 18th- and 19th-century people plants for medicine, for cooking, for healing.
That vision was deeply shaped by Kathy King, a devoted museum volunteer, friend, and member of the community. Kathy imagined a space where visitors could step back in time where gardens would not simply be decorative, but meaningful. She saw them as a tool for storytelling, filled with plants that once served practical purposes in the daily lives of 18th- and 19th-century people plants for medicine, for cooking, for healing.
After Kathy’s passing, her vision became a mission.
After Kathy’s passing, her vision became a mission.
The Friends of the Ashbel Woodward Museum, a 501(c)(3) organization, began raising funds in her memory, determined to turn that dream into something lasting. Over the years, donations large and small helped “seed” the project, quite literally.
The Friends of the Ashbel Woodward Museum, a 501(c)(3) organization, began raising funds in her memory, determined to turn that dream into something lasting. Over the years, donations large and small helped “seed” the project, quite literally.
The opportunity to bring the gardens to life arrived with the installation of a new ADA-accessible walkway. Funded through ARPA and overseen by the board of selectman, the walkway not only improved accessibility but also transformed the grounds. What had once been a limitation became an opportunity a blank slate waiting to be shaped.
The opportunity to bring the gardens to life arrived with the installation of a new ADA-accessible walkway. Funded through ARPA and overseen by the board of selectman, the walkway not only improved accessibility but also transformed the grounds. What had once been a limitation became an opportunity a blank slate waiting to be shaped.
With that, the project truly took root.
With that, the project truly took root.
The Friends group brought in Kristen Curran of Landscape Design and Horticulture Consulting , Franklin to guide the design. Her vision exceeded expectations, carefully blending beauty with historical accuracy. The plan called for a surrounding garden that would wrap around the house, featuring more than 30 varieties of plants commonly used in early American kitchens and medicine cabinets.
The Friends group brought in Kristen Curran of Landscape Design and Horticulture Consulting , Franklin to guide the design. Her vision exceeded expectations, carefully blending beauty with historical accuracy. The plan called for a surrounding garden that would wrap around the house, featuring more than 30 varieties of plants commonly used in early American kitchens and medicine cabinets.
Then came the work.
Then came the work.
In just two days in May, with the help of Lyman Memorial Vo-Ag students, more than 235 plants were placed into the ground. It was a remarkable community effort hands in the soil, shovels moving, wheelbarrows rolling. Since May 1st, countless hours have been poured into the space by board members, Friends group volunteers, and local supporters. Soil was hauled, mulch was spread, and the garden slowly began to take shape.
In just two days in May, with the help of Lyman Memorial Vo-Ag students, more than 235 plants were placed into the ground. It was a remarkable community effort hands in the soil, shovels moving, wheelbarrows rolling. Since May 1st, countless hours have been poured into the space by board members, Friends group volunteers, and local supporters. Soil was hauled, mulch was spread, and the garden slowly began to take shape.
What now surrounds the museum is more than a garden it is a living tribute. A place where history grows, quite literally, from the ground up. A place where visitors can experience the past not just through objects inside the museum, but through the sights, scents, and stories of the landscape itself.
What now surrounds the museum is more than a garden it is a living tribute. A place where history grows, quite literally, from the ground up. A place where visitors can experience the past not just through objects inside the museum, but through the sights, scents, and stories of the landscape itself.
And at its heart, the garden carries forward Kathy King’s vision.
And at its heart, the garden carries forward Kathy King’s vision.
Her presence is felt in every path, every planting bed, and every bloom. This garden stands as both a historical resource and a tribute a reminder that with care, community, and commitment, even the smallest seed of an idea can grow into something enduring.
Her presence is felt in every path, every planting bed, and every bloom. This garden stands as both a historical resource and a tribute a reminder that with care, community, and commitment, even the smallest seed of an idea can grow into something enduring.
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