It Grows Here: The Single Brothers Garden -
Past, Present, and Future
An exclusive event just for members! Come for coffee, treats from Winkler Bakery, a riveting presentation by the Director of Horticulture, and concluding with a specialty tour. Join us for an in-depth look at the Gardens of Old Salem!
Must be registered in advance.
From Eric Jackson, Director of Horticulture:
Join us for a morning in the Single Brothers Garden, exploring a landscape that has sustained Salem for over two centuries. Once the working kitchen garden of the Single Brothers choir, this space now reflects the agricultural history of the Brothers’ fields, serves as a primary display of Old Salem’s historic plant collection, and offers a contemplative place within the district.
We’ll briefly trace the garden’s history and 2005 reconstruction, then focus on the work underway today—and what comes next. Just beyond the garden, a developing work yard is already supporting plant propagation, seed stewardship, and a newly planted pocket forest. This area will soon anchor a planned greenhouse and nursery, expanding our ability to grow historically appropriate plants, strengthen educational programming, and increase our impact through plant production and community sharing.
We’ll also share long-term plans to restore and improve the broader Single Brothers Yard, enhancing access and reactivating this important historic space.
The program concludes with a guided walk through the garden at its peak spring season.