The Kelsey Arboretum

The Kelsey Arboretum in Boxford includes four acres of ornamental trees and shrubs planted by Harlan P. Kelsey, an early 20th century landscape architect, nurseryman and conservationist. Known for his use of “hardy American” plants, the Arboretum features rhododendrons, azaleas, mountain laurel and more and is in bloom from early April through July.

Harlan Kelsey was also known for his landscape architecture, and was a leading advocate for the protection of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and was featured by the Highlands Historical Society.  Among his major accomplishments, he helped establish the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, worked to preserve the Everglades in Florida and the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and was vital in the early years of Yellowstone National Park.  He designed several of the parks in Greenville, SC, and in Salem, MA.  Harlan Kelsey passed in 1958 at the age of 86.

The Horticultural Society of Boxford

Preserved and maintained by the Horticultural Society of Boxford, Inc. (HSB), the Kelsey Arboretum was planted in 1929 by Harlan as his show garden for customers visiting The Kelsey Highlands Nursery. HSB is a non-profit 501-C3 land trust holding the Conservation Restriction (CR) which protects the grounds of the Kelsey Arboretum. HSB’s mission is to preserve and maintain the Harlan P. Kelsey Arboretum.

HSB is a land trust member of The Land Trust Alliance (www.lta.org) and participates as an event host for the Essex National Heritage Trust during their annual Trail & Sails three day weekends, the last two weekends in September. Visit www.trailsandsails.org for more information.