Where is the Kelsey Arboretum located?
The arboretum is located at: 18 Kelsey Rd, Boxford, MA 01921. It is conveniently located off Exit 76 of I-95.
When is the Kelsey Arboretum open?
The Arboretum is open every day of the year, from dawn to dusk.
Where can I park?
There are three parking spots (4 if you squeeze in) within the Arboretum itself. There is additional parking across the street. Please do not park in the private driveway adjacent to the Arboretum.
Why is there a gate across the driveway?
The Kelsey Arboretum is fenced in to prevent deer and other animals from eating and damaging our specimens. Many of our specimens are one-of-a-kind and cannot be replaced. Open and close the gate as needed to enter and exit the Arboretum. Make sure you always close the gate behind you.
Are there bathrooms or other amenities at the Arboretum?
We are currently exploring options, but unfortunately, there are currently no bathrooms or other covered areas on the Arboretum grounds.
Can we picnic or eat in the Arboretum?
Yes! There are picnic tables and benches throughout the Arboretum for your use. We encourage you to find your favorite spot! Please take all garbage with you as you leave though. There are no garbage cans on the grounds.
Are pets allowed?
Yes! Pets are allowed in the Arboretum. Even though the grounds are fenced in, please keep your pet on a leash at all times, and please curb your pet as needed.
What plants grow in the Arboretum?
Many of trees, bushes, and other plants are labeled. If you detect any errors or want to add a label, please contact us.
What is that building on the property?
The building on the property is a set of private condos. Please respect their privacy.
Are there tours available?
Tours are often available at special events such as Spring Blossom Day. During the rest of the year, sign posts and labels enable you to take a self-guided tour. (Don’t miss the cork trees!)
Does the Arboretum host events?
If you are interested in having an event at the Kelsey Arboretum, please email us.
How old is the Arboretum?
Harlan Kelsey planted the 4+ acre garden in 1929 as a show place so his customers could see the plants and trees he was selling in his adjacent nursery. Many of the specimens are nearly 100 years old.
Who was Harlan Kelsey?
Harlan Kelsey was a landscape architect, urban planner and horticulturalist who owned and operated a large nursery that supplied hardy perennial plants to numerous locations throughout the country. He planned several scenic areas in Salem, MA, helped establish the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, worked to preserve the Everglades in Florida and the White Mountains in New Hampshire, was a key contributor to the early years of Yellowstone National Park, and designed many of the parks in Greenville, SC. For more information about Harlan, please consider reading his biography.
Harlan Kelsey was also a descendant of William Kelsey, who first arrived in America in 1632 and was a founding settler of Connecticut. For more information on Kelsey history and the Kelsey Kindred, please visit: TheKelseyKindred.org
What is the best way to contact you?
Our email address is: KelseyArboretumBoxford@gmail.com.
If you plan on sending us snail mail, our mailing address is:
Horticultural Society of Boxford
PO Box 142
Boxford, MA 01921