Shirley G. Cross Wildflower Garden
The award-winning Shirley G. Cross Wildflower Garden, located at the Green Briar Nature Center in East Sandwich, Massachusetts, was established in 1979 following the Thornton W. Burgess Society's acquisition of the property. Situated in front of the 1780 Captain John & Anna Nye homestead, the garden has been a major attraction since its inception.
Dr. Shirley Gale Cross, the guiding spirit of the garden, was a respected botanist and botanical illustrator. She designed the garden as a living museum to educate visitors about the study and use of wildflowers. The garden spans one-third of an acre and features over 300 plant species across three distinct zones: shaded hillside, freshwater wetland, and open meadow.
Dr. Cross earned her Ph.D. in Systematic Botany from Radcliffe College and was deeply involved in the garden's development and maintenance until her passing in 2008. She was known for her hands-on approach, often engaging in planting, weeding, and leading educational tours. Her vision for the garden was to inspire appreciation for native plant species and to promote the preservation of wild spaces amidst increasing industrialization. The garden stands as a testament to Dr. Cross's enduring legacy in conservation and environmental education.
Today, the garden continues to serve as an educational and tranquil retreat and is maintained by a small group of dedicated volunteers. Guided tours are offered during the warmer months, and we host special events such as the Bluebell Tea & Garden Tour and annual spring plant sale featuring an extensive selection of herbs, perennials, everlastings, annuals, and wildflowers. Also available at the plant sale are a limited number of true wildflowers, native and naturalized, dug from the nature center’s garden. The Mercantile offers a wide selection of gardening books and materials with all proceeds benefitting our educational programs.
Janice Donovan, Wildflower Garden Manager, offers private tours - this is a wonderful opportunity to visit this charming wildflower garden with a group of family and/or friends!
Visitors are also welcome to just drop by and enjoy this botanical treasure and relaxing atmosphere.
