You’ve probably driven past Shawmut Avenue a thousand times and never realized that one of the most significant horticultural sites in America is tucked behind a modest stone wall.
It’s easy to miss. New Bedford is a city built on grit, whaling oil, and textiles. You don't exactly expect to find a six-acre botanical masterpiece sitting in the middle of a working-class residential neighborhood. But then again, Allen Haskell wasn't your average nurseryman. He was an artist who happened to use soil and chlorophyll instead of paint.
The Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens isn't just a park. Honestly, it's a testament to what happens when one person spends thirty years obsessing over rare plant species and "Old World" aesthetics. Before it was a public reservation, this was a world-famous nursery. We’re talking about a place so prestigious that Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Martha Stewart used to drop in just to see what Allen was growing.
The Man Who Built an Empire Out of Ivy
Allen Clifton Haskell was a lifelong New Bedford guy. Born in 1935, he stayed put while his reputation traveled the globe. He had this specific "artist’s eye" that basically redefined American gardening. He was the "King of Topiary." He was an epic figure who could force a crabapple into bloom and make it look like a masterpiece at the MFA.
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People who knew him describe a man with incredible determination. He started his nursery in 1954 on the grounds of the old Hathaway Farm. He eventually bought the place, which included the Hathaway House, built in 1725. That makes it one of the oldest homes in New Bedford.
Haskell didn't just sell plants; he curated experiences. He was famous for his hostas—cultivating over 47 varieties—and his collection of ivies. But what really set him apart was how he blended styles. You’ll see bits of English, French, and Japanese gardening all clashing and harmonizing in the same six acres.
What You’ll See at Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens
When Allen passed away in 2004, the property almost became another housing development. The City of New Bedford and The Trustees of Reservations stepped in around 2012 to save it. Now, it’s a free public park.
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Walking through here feels like stumbling into a secret. The centerpiece is the "Common," a wide-open New England-style green space. But the real magic is in the details:
- The Stained Glass Greenhouse: This is a fan favorite. Artist Tracy Silva Barbosa transformed an old greenhouse structure into a light-filled installation. When the sun hits those colored panels, the whole place glows.
- Rare Trees: Keep an eye out for the Dawn Redwood. It’s a prehistoric species that was thought to be extinct until the 1940s. There’s also a massive European hornbeam hedge and a Seven-Son flower native to China.
- The Meditative Spiral: A newer addition (around 2022) is a native plant garden with a winding, spiral path. It’s incredibly peaceful.
- Historical Buildings: Besides the 1725 Hathaway House, there are old brick sheds, chicken coops where Allen kept exotic fowl, and 30,000 square feet of greenhouse space.
The "Happy Hosta" gift shop is usually open during the warmer months, selling bulbs and plants. It’s a nice nod to the property’s roots as a commercial nursery.
Why This Place Matters Now
It’s a "hidden gem"—everyone says that, but here it’s actually true. Even some New Bedford locals don't realize it's there.
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In a world where we’re all glued to screens, Haskell Gardens is a "recharge" for the soul. It’s ADA accessible, mostly flat, and free. You can bring a picnic, sit on one of the benches, and just listen to the songbirds. It’s a green oasis in the middle of urban sprawl.
The Trustees have done a solid job maintaining Allen’s vision while adding new layers, like rotating art exhibits (the recent "Salad Days" show in the greenhouses was a big hit). They’ve kept the "patina" that the Boston Globe once praised—that sense of age and elegance that you just can't manufacture.
How to Visit Like a Local
If you’re planning a trip, here’s the deal:
- Parking: There isn't a big dedicated lot. You usually have to park on Shawmut Avenue. Just be mindful of the neighbors.
- Timing: Sunrise to sunset, every single day. Go in the spring for the blossoms or the fall when the Japanese maples turn fire-red.
- Rules: No dogs allowed. This is a delicate horticultural collection, so Fido has to stay home.
- Events: They do yoga in the gardens and occasional workshops. Check the Trustees' website before you go.
Actionable Insight:
If you want the full experience, don't just walk the main path. Find the bamboo grove tucked away near the back; it's a surreal little forest that kids (and adults) love. If you’re a photographer, bring your camera—but if you're doing a professional shoot, you're supposed to be a Contributing Level Member of The Trustees.
Take a walk through the spiral garden and try to spot the different varieties of Japanese maples Allen planted decades ago. It’s a rare chance to see a private genius's life work turned into a public gift.