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"The breezes taste of apple peel. The air is full of smells to feel- ripe fruit, old footballs, burning brush, new books, erasers, chalk, and such.
- John Updike, September
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Preservation.
When it comes right down to it, much of what we do here at the Wakefield estate is ultimately centered on preservation. We work to preserve the rich cultural, historical and horticultural legacy left to us by Polly Wakefield and her predecessors, going all the way back to John Davenport who settled this land in 1706.
I used to think that preservation was a "backward-looking" enterprise -- that it is preserving that which belongs in history, the past. But after several years here, it has become clear to me that preservation is first and foremost a forward-looking endeavor; that we're preserving the legacy of this place for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
And this is why we have invited our friends and neighbors to join us in this work and become members. Preservation works best when many people see their own self-interest and that of their community served through the preservation of a landscape or building. So we invite you to become a member, to support the ongoing, forward-looking project to ensure that this place will be here for learning and enjoyment for generations to come.
Mark Smith
Executive Director
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Quick Links
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Donate!
Consider supporting our work with a generous contribution.
Join Our Mailing List!
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Save the Date!
November 1
Post-Halloween Pumpkin Drop
Bring us your post-Halloween Jack-o-lantern for our chickens to enjoy and get a raffle ticket for a dozen of our girls' farm fresh eggs!
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Please Join Us -- Become a Member Today!
 This summer, we kicked-off a membership campaign to broaden support for the work we do here at the Wakefield Estate, and we invite you to join us! With your membership, we are able to increase the number of opportunities for learners of all ages and involve them in programs that take advantage of the rich cultural, environmental and historical assets of the estate. As a member, you are entitled to benefits as outlined on our membership page, which includes access to members-only events, a free plant at our spring plant sale, discounts on workshops and plant sale purchases, free admittance to other historic garden sites around the country and more. Please consider becoming a member today! For more information about the innovative programs and events that your membership supports, see http://www.wakefieldtrust.org/site/about-us/become-a-member.html.
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Equinox Fire and Tree Sale
September 20, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Grab a marshmallow or special tree!
 Join us for our third annual Autumnal Equinox Fire and Tree Sale, Friday, September 20th from 5:00-8:00 pm. First, check out the great values at our tree sale while its still light. Fall is a great time to plant trees and plants available for purchase (in limited quanities) include: Stewartia, Japanese Maple, Katsura, Korean Fir, Bald Cypress, Kousa Dogwood, and River Birch. Members will get a 50% discount on tree purchases!
After visiting the plant sale, enjoy roasting a sausage or marshmallow while admiring the emerging fall hues in the formal terrace gardens where the fruit on the estate's hundreds of Kousa dogwoods is beginning to turn red. This is an event that is enjoyed by all ages. While admission is free, pre-registration is appreciated. Subject to cancellation due to weather. To register or for more information, call 617-333-0924 or email: wakefieldtrust@dogwoodlanefarm.org.
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Backyard Homesteading Workshop Series:
Propagation: Starting Your Own Arboretum Collection - October 5, 2013 - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
In honor of Polly Wakefield's 100th birthday in 2014, the Wakefield Estate is excited to offer a three-part propagation session for the homeowner. Polly Wakefield grew many of the trees in the formal gardens from seed or cuttings gathered during propagation classes offered at the Arnold Arboretum. This series of classes will focus on the signature trees of the Wakefield Estate collection, and provide instruction on how to follow Polly's example and begin their own tree collection. Imagine the sense of fulfillment from stepping out into your own yard to look at trees you grew from seeds collected here at the Wakefield Estate. At the first session on October 5, participants will collect seeds and learn to prepare them to encourage germination. Plants to be propagated include Polly's Kousa Dogwoods, Magnolia, Dove Tree, Metasequoia (Dawn Redwood), Gingko, Tulip Tree, Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), Red Oak, Paperbark and Korean Maple, and Lacebark Pine. Subsequent sessions will be held in March to plant prepared seeds, and in June to transplant the young seedlings. Sessions can be taken individually ($35 regular; $25 for members) or as a series ($90 for all 3; $70 for members).
Participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch. Registration required. For more information or to register, call 617-333-0924, or email us at wakefieldestate@dogwoodlanefarm.org.
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Mary M. B. Wakefield Charitable Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Staff:
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