The Tricentennial Garden

A garden honoring Easton's 300th Anniversary

Our partner, the Easton Historical Society has allowed us to create the Tricentennial Garden on a piece of land (on their property) of +/- 6,000 sq.ft. A privet hedge in fair condition surrounds mediocre lawn. Within the grassy area is a massive heritage sugar maple tree, (definite keeper) a Japanese maple, and a dogwood tree in poor condition. There is also a flagpole, two old memorial benches and an overgrown planting bed host to a broken statue. An old tree stump decorates another corner of the space!

The preservation of this historical space, (originally designated to be a garden by F.L. Olmstead) will celebrate the rich history of Easton by showcasing significant plantings and H.H. Richardson architectural elements. Site preparation includes removing the dogwood and old stump, re-locating the flagpole, benches and Japanese maple, and leveling the whole central area to accommodate the new patio and pathways. The multi-style brick patio, in the shape of two arches, will reflect the Richardson Romanesque style found in the Station building, home to the Historical Society. The Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, and included in the Easton National Historic Landmark District in 1987 as Old Colony Railroad Station.

Pine Hall brick, within granite curbings, will be used for the patio and paths. The pathways will connect the patio to a sidewalk on one side and a parking area on the other. Within the patio, will be four formal symmetrical planting beds. Specifically, the planting beds will hold shrubs and perennials found in gardens during the eighteenth (18th) century. We will under-plant the existing hedges with spring bulbs, summer, and fall flowering perennials, which will provide winter interest. Easton's 300th Anniversary logo will be etched in a granite circle in the center of the patio, underneath which we will bury a time capsule.

Our aim is to create a space that connects the many threads of the garden, the Easton Historical Society, the Easton Historic District, and the community at large.

For more information about the Garden, please contact Linda Thomson-Clem at Ljthomson1@verizon.net