Get ready for an enchanting experience! Join us for Wisteria Watch 2023 and witness the stunning beauty of our wisteria vines!With origins in China, Korea, Japan, and the Eastern United States, wisteria holds deep cultural symbolism. In Korea, the flower represents devotion that transcends death, while in Japan, it is a symbol of good luck, success, and longevity. In the Victorian language of flowers, it signifies obsessive and over-passionate love. Our property houses the beautiful Chinese Wisteria, which is easily identifiable by the way its vines climb counterclockwise up the sides of the former Skinner home. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see this magnificent plant in full bloom. Planted in 1880 by Sarah Skinner, these fast-growing vines have covered the house and gave the property the name its most known by, Wistariahurst.These fast-growing and versatile plants add so much beauty, color, and fragrance to any landscape. We invite you to take the time to come and witness the growth and bloom of our wisteria vines. We’ll keep you updated on the progress of the blooms!
Named after the wisteria vine that flowers in May, Wistariahurst was home to two generations of the Skinner family who loved to garden. Begun by Sarah Skinner in the late 19th Century and then transformed by her daughter Belle Skinner in the early 20th, the grounds and gardens have always been an integral part of the life and activities at Wistariahurst.
Wistariahurst is the former home of William Skinner, a prominent silk manufacturer and was built in 1874.
Gardens and Grounds
The gardens and grounds at Wistariahurst are maintained for your enjoyment. The public is welcome dawn until dusk. Feel free to bring a book, a picnic, or walk to see what is in bloom. We ask that everyone refrain from sports with projectiles (frisbee, baseball, etc.) for the protection of our historic windows.
The gardens are free and can be accessed via the Cabot St. Lions entrance (through the wrought iron gate) and via our Beech St. driveways (path is between the two buildings).
