Houghton Garden

Overview

This wild garden is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its gracious paths, overhung by azalea and rhododendron, wind around a stream and lagoon-like pond. Water features were designed by Warren Manning, who formerly worked for the Olmsted studio. Uncommon migrating birds are seen here.

The alpine rock garden on a ledge overlooking Houghton Pond was one of the first of its kind. Especially lovely are the climbing hydrangea, the naturalized lily of the valley, the wood hyacinth, the umbrella pine, and other exotic evergreens.

Size: 10 acres Longest Walk: 0.4 miles Acquired: 1968

Longer Walks that include this property:
From Waban to Chestnut Hill

Maps

Scan this code using the camera or QR code app on your smartphone for quick access to maps and other information on the property.

Get here by MBTA: a 0.5 mile walk from Chestnut Hill Station, Green Line

Other maps and aerial photos:
Bing Maps bird’s-eye view
Newton Assessor

Connects to: Webster Conservation Area

Trail Map

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GPS Enabled Trail Map

Access City of Newton GIS Map

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Owner & Administrator Websites

Conservation Commission

Photo Gallery

First three photos shown here. Click a photo to view the complete slideshow or click here to browse the complete gallery.

History

1906

Garden started by Mrs. Clement S. Houghton, who lived in the Spanish mission style house at 152 Suffolk Road. Read a history of the land written from the perspective of Edwin Webster, a neighbor of Houghton.

1968

Garden was taken by eminent domain by Newton, after Chestnut Hill Neighborhood Association fought off an eminent-domain bid to develop the property for an art school.