The varied landscape of Concord is still a draw for songbirds, wildlife, painters, and nature lovers as it was in Emerson’s time. Join us for a leisurely tour of his garden and grounds when the roses come into bloom. Besides enjoying nature, Emerson took a lively interest in the practical arts of landscaping, orchard-keeping, small farming, and ornamental horticulture. His wife Lidian was an early animal rights advocate, and doted on the heritage roses she brought from her Plymouth home. Here Henry David Thoreau planted an original scion of the ‘Concord’ grape that still bears fruit. We’ll tour the special features and plantings, including old roses and mature native trees. Along the way we’ll consider how the landscape has evolved as it continues to reflect the Emersons’ interest in the natural world and our relationship to it.

This free event begins at 11 a.m. at the Emerson House turnstile and is open to all. In the event of rain, the garden tour will take place on Friday, June 13th instead. We hope you will also join us before or after for a guided tour of the Emerson House, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For admission rates and more information about visiting the house, please click here. No admission is necessary to visit the on-site bookshop.