SYMPOSIA & CONFERENCES
New England Botanic Garden’s symposia and conferences bring together professionals, practitioners, and passionate learners for in-depth explorations of timely topics in horticulture, ecology, plant science, landscape design, and environmental stewardship.
Each event features leading experts, interactive sessions, and collaborative discussions designed to foster innovation, share research, and spark meaningful dialogue. Whether you’re deepening your expertise or entering the field, our programs offer enriching experiences that connect knowledge with practice—and people with purpose.
Please click here for an archive of our CEUs (Continuing Education Units).
Stem & Studio: Floral Design Workshop
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 9 AM–4 PM
An annual gathering for floral creators and design enthusiasts. Level up your floral design skills in this full-day, immersive experience exploring the intersection of floral design, botanical artistry, and visual storytelling. Each year, STEM & STUDIO brings together a rotating group of local florists and visual artists for hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and creative exploration.
Nut Tree Symposium
Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 9 AM–4:30 PM
Join us for our inaugural full-day symposium to explore the ecological, cultural and culinary value of nut trees in the Northeast – centered around American chestnut restoration initiatives taking root at the Garden and expanding into broader themes of agroforestry, food system sustainability, and climate resilience – it is going to be nuts!
Nature-Based Tools for Burnout, Anxiety, and Depression: For Personal Self-Care and Clinical Application
Friday, March 20 & Monday, March 30, 2026 | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
This one-day workshop provides mental health clinicians and healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and firsthand experience to incorporate a wide variety of nature-based tools and mindful nature-based techniques into both personal self-care and professional practice. CEUs available.
Urban Tree Symposium 2026
Rescheduled: Friday, April 17, 2026 | 9 AM–4:30 PM
New England Botanic Garden’s annual Urban Tree Symposium explores the importance of urban forests and ways we can improve our green spaces. Each symposium brings together experts in the fields of forestry, horticulture, biology, technology, and more.
ELA’s 32nd Annual Conference & Eco-Marketplace: Navigating Uncertainty
Rescheduled. Check back often for updates.
Join the Ecological Landscape Alliance (ELA) for their 2026 Annual Conference & Eco-Marketplace in Providence, Rhode Island. This year’s conference features a two-day, multi-track program with opportunities to network, learn, and share new insights and strategies that contribute to sustainable and regenerative landscape management.
Please click here for an archive of our CEU (Continuing Education Unit).
Illustrated: Art/Science at the Garden
January 23–25, 2026
Illustrated: Art/Science at the Garden invites you to observe, imagine, and create through both microscope and paintbrush. Join us for a series of online lectures that explore how observation deepens creativity and for a weekend of immersive hands-on workshops at the Garden.
Cultivated: New England Apple Tree Symposium
November 15 & 16, 2025
Explore the world of heirloom apples during a full day of apple-inspired discovery. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of NEBG’s Frank L. Harrington Orchard, learn how to start and maintain your own home orchard, sample rare and flavorful apple varieties, and dive into the art of cider making on Sunday November 16 with an optional off-site cidery tour. Whether you’re a backyard grower, history buff, or cider enthusiast, there’s something to savor and learn.
In Partnership with the Place: Site-Specific Native Design, New England-Style
Presented in partnership with New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL)
September 24, 2025
Explore New England’s native plants and wildlife through expert-led talks and field walks. Learn how to design and care for landscapes that support local ecosystems and wildlife, blending ecology with beautiful garden stewardship.
Plant Geek Day at NEBG
September 10, 2025
Celebrate your inner plant nerd! Join us for Plant Geek Day—a lively, educational, and inspiring gathering for green industry professionals, gardeners, and curious plant lovers of all kinds. Presented in collaboration with the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA), this day is packed with hands-on learning, expert lectures, and plenty of plant talk with fellow enthusiasts.
2025 Urban Tree Symposium
February 7, 2025
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill’s annual Urban Tree Symposium is dedicated to exploring the importance of urban forests and ways we can improve our green spaces. The symposium brings together experts in the fields of forestry, horticulture, biology, technology and more. You can expect to hear current and important information that will impact your work in our communities and your own home. This event is co-hosted in partnership with the Ecological Landscape Alliance. CEU’s will be available.