Dates of Visits: June 17, 2018 and July 13, 2018
Location: 572 Essex St, Beverly, MA (about 30 minutes northeast of Boston,MA)
Hours: Gardens are open year-round, daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Allow a minimum of 1½ hours. Peak bloom in May and June. Guided tours are offered in spring, summer, and fall and by appt.
Cost: Free
Parking: There is ample parking at the end of the entrance of the park to the left of the road
Trail Size/Difficulty: 1.2 mile loop, easy to slightly moderate in some areas
Handicapped Accessible: Yes, the estate and the grounds of the estate are accessible, although the trails may not be accessible to some people
Dog Friendly: Yes
Websites: Long Hill Trustees Website
Maps: Map of Long Hill Gardens
Highlights: gardens, trails, wildlife, farm, Long Hill estate, family friendly, children’s garden
Fun Facts:
- The estate located at Long Hill was purchased by former Atlantic Monthly editor Ellery Sedgwick
- The estate is available for weddings and other events
- The trustees have partnered with the Food Project to give children the opportunity to learn about sustainable agricultural practices
So, it’s the middle of July already. How did that happen?
After a brief heatwave, the weather has improved and it has been the perfect weather for a walk and photo session at Long Hill. In fact, I liked it so much I went twice.
Long Hill is teeming with flowers and plant life, especially this time of the year.
Adjacent to the flower gardens is what appears to be a storage area where they keep flowers to be planted at a later time.
There are also several flower beds and a well maintained garden next to the main parking area.
There are a variety of trees at Long Hill. Many of them have the name of the tree posted on them.
But, there is only one truly majestic tree at Long Hill; the tree standing in front of the estate at Long Hill.
This dramatic copper beech was planted by the estate owner Mabel Sedgwick. The twin trunks of the tree seem to hug each other and merge together. In fact, legend holds that two trees were planted in the same hole and then they grew together.
The grounds of the estate are well manicured with statues and other decorative items scattered around. The grounds of the house consist of six acres of gardens, including formal, geometric outdoor “rooms.” The sections or “rooms” include a variety of flowers such as handkerchief trees, southern magnolias and other plants that aren’t typically seen this far north.
The grounds are also a wonderful place to have a picnic with your family as this family did with their little one. Their little one was standing behind the tree when the photo was taken.
As if all this wasn’t enough, there is also a 1.2 mile trail with mostly gentle with some moderate inclines. You can find many birds, garter snakes, frog and even a few chipmunks along the way.
If you get tired along the way don’t worry. There are chairs for you to sit.
There are certain sounds you expect to hear while hiking along a trail. A bird squawking. A frog croaking or even a chipmunk chirping. These are all normal sounds you may hear along the trail. But, a rooster crowing? Yes, there is a small farm at Long Hill.
Next to the farm is a community outreach program called The Food Project to teach children how to grow sustainable foods, conserve and even pick their own fruit and vegetables.
Long Hill is a dog friendly park (technically, you may be asked to register your pet and sign some forms beforehand).
During my visits I saw a number of cute dogs.
Brutus is a 5 year old Doberman.
Remy is a 3 year old Jack Russell Terrier mix.
Whiskey is a 5 year old mixed breed dog.
Don’t forge to stop by my Facebook page to view photos, posts and other fun stuff not included in my blog!
July 15th, 2018 at 6:18 pm
Copper beeches must have been all the rage a century ago. SW Worcester MA has a lot of huge ones. There are some gorgeous ones at Salem Willows too.
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July 15th, 2018 at 6:49 pm
Well, they are a beautiful, immense tree! I have been to Salem Willows and posted about my visit there. I hadn’t realized they had those types of trees there as well. Thank you Dp!
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July 15th, 2018 at 7:10 pm
Six acres! Wow.
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July 15th, 2018 at 8:17 pm
Imagine trying to tend to all those flowers! There was a team of people caring for them during my visit.
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July 16th, 2018 at 3:02 am
What a beautiful place on a beautiful day!!
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July 16th, 2018 at 6:03 am
Yes, I was fortunate to have perfect weather conditions during both of my visits! Thank you!
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July 16th, 2018 at 4:59 pm
What were the temps? It looks gorgeous, but then I imagine it being hot and I am so grateful that you are there taking pictures and sharing them so that I don’t actually have to go and be so uncomfortable I can’t take in all the beauty.
So, thank you so very much for taking such beautiful pictures and sharing them!
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July 16th, 2018 at 6:41 pm
Thank you Terre! The temperature was fairly mild for this time of the year (high 70s and low 80s) but the humidity was low which made it feel.more comfortable. I still got sweaty though! I am glad I can help bring the beauty of New England to you and others!
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July 16th, 2018 at 6:52 pm
Oh, 70s and 80s isn’t THAT BAD, but “low humidity” for you is probably HIGH to me. 🙂 I am glad you can bring the beauty of New England to me, too, since I don’t know that I will ever get to see if for myself! Thanks, again!
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July 16th, 2018 at 11:50 pm
The weather was very pleasant during my photo shoots. But we did experience a heatwave in late June and early July. I was on vacation. So I didnt do too much photography. In fact I stayed in with the a.c. for a good patch! I appreciate the kind words. But you should make it out here sometime. You can use my blog as a guide for places to visit!
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July 17th, 2018 at 1:38 am
I would definitely use your blog to help guide me!
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July 17th, 2018 at 5:17 am
😀
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