Named for the founding year of the Worcester County Horticultural Society, the 1842 Circle celebrates donors who have given two years or more consecutively.
Give to the garden you love! Your support helps fund educational programs, horticultural projects, and essential maintenance—ensuring the Garden continues to thrive year after year. When you give, you are investing in the future of the Garden’s annual educational programming, horticultural projects, and property maintenance.
In appreciation of giving, 1842 Circle members receive:
- Recognition in our Annual Donor Impact Report
- Special communications
- Exclusive opportunities and loyal donor benefits
Throughout this year and beyond, thank you for continuing to make the Garden more inspiring than ever.
Donor Impact Profiles
We deeply appreciate our donor community and their dedication to the Garden’s mission. Learn more about our community here.
When an insurance professional becomes a Master Gardener, you want to know the entire story.
In 1999, Kathleen Devericks moved to Boylston, settling just down the street from New England Botanic Garden. As soon as the moving truck pulled away, she made her way to the Garden she had long heard about but never visited. “I immediately fell in love with it,” Kathleen recalls. “We had an acre of land in Boylston, so I would visit the Garden, soak in the inspiration, and then try to recreate everything at home!”
It didn’t take long for Kathleen’s story to become intertwined with the Garden’s. As a neighbor, she built connections with staff and soon became a member, a donor, and an eager student in the Garden’s education programs. After retiring as an insurance adjuster, Kathleen deepened her horticultural knowledge through coursework at the New England School of Gardening offered in partnership with the Garden while also furthering her education in floral arranging classes, and ultimately, earning her Master Gardener certification.
Kathleen’s passion for nature and education led her to mentor aspiring Master Gardeners and guide visitors of all ages through the Garden’s beauty. As a Garden Explainer and Tour Guide, her warmth and expertise quickly became invaluable, earning her the honor of the 2023 New England Botanic Garden Volunteer of the Year. “I feel a responsibility to educate children and our community,” she says. “Everyone here is so dedicated to the mission. Visitors can sense that passion, and it makes them want to return again and again.” And Kathleen welcomes them back with open arms. “People ask me the best time to visit again, and I always joke, ‘How about tomorrow?’”
Kathleen’s love for New England Botanic Garden is infectious. Through her enthusiasm, she inspires others to visit, volunteer, and donate. “When you share what you love, it creates its own kind of magic. It makes every day here worth it. I want visitors to fall in love with the Garden—just as I have.”
Inspired by New England Botanic Garden’s mission to be a garden for all, longtime supporters Bill and Susan Whalen are passionate about the joy the Garden provides. Over the years, they have given both their time and financial support, deepening their connection to this special place.
The Whalens were first introduced to the Garden with the opening of the Orangerie in 1999. Drawn in by its charm, they officially became members in 2010, visiting more frequently and witnessing the Garden’s growth firsthand. “We were always amazed by the flowers,” they recall. “The daffodils would bloom, followed by something new and different every month. No two visits were ever the same.”
As their professional lives transitioned into retirement—Bill as a software engineer and Susan as a technology systems administrator—they sought meaningful ways to stay engaged. In 2016, they began volunteering, assisting with field trips, special projects, events, and horticulture work. A plant enthusiast, Bill finds endless inspiration in the ornamental gardens, always gathering ideas to bring home. Volunteering over 200 hours annually, he has become a fixture on the Hill. “I’ve never had a bad day here,” he shares. “It’s my happy place. The staff are wonderful, and I really enjoy the time spent with other volunteers.”
During the pandemic, the Whalens deepened their commitment by donating to the Annual Fund. “The Garden needed our support during that time,” they explain. “We feel like we’re helping a great organization, and we want to ensure every visitor has a wonderful experience. Providing opportunities for people to connect with nature is uplifting for them—and for us. It’s a win-win.”
For Judy Fallon, New England Botanic Garden has long been a place of serenity and stability. Her connection to the Garden began decades ago when, as a young mother and Shrewsbury native, she first visited with her son’s Cub Scout troop in the early 1990s. “I vividly remember the open landscape and how much fun the boys had running around, exploring nature.”
Over the years, Judy’s career as a librarian brought her back to the Garden for work-related retreats and meetings, each visit a welcome opportunity to experience its beauty. In 2019, she became a member and has been a frequent visitor ever since.
During the pandemic, as much of the world stood still, the Garden became a creative refuge for Judy. She immersed herself in educational offerings, from yoga and bookmaking to watercolor and weaving. “The Garden was one of the first places to thoughtfully reopen, ensuring visitors felt safe. It meant so much to be able to experience life again.” Years later, she remains an avid participant, visiting most weeks to take part in classes. In 2021, Judy made her first donation to the Annual Fund, driven by her deep appreciation for nature. “Everything is so built up now,” she reflects. “Supporting the Garden helps ensure it remains a haven. It’s my way of protecting a place that brings me peace.”
Having watched the Garden evolve over 30 years, Judy treasures its timelessness. “I came here when my son was little, and now I bring my grandchildren. The plants may change, but nature endures. My support helps sustain the tranquility and consistency that I’ve cherished throughout my life—and that I hope will continue for generations to come.”