an urban jewel

Although Shirley Place may no longer comprise its original 33 acres of land, its current grounds, gardens and orchards provide a serene retreat from the commercial bustle of Dudley Street and Mass Avenue.

Both Frances Barker, wife of William Shirley, and Caroline Langdon, wife of William Eustis, were known for their keen landscape interests. Although we can’t yet determine the extent to which either woman impacted the landscape of Shirley Place, the latter is known for tending to her flowers, some very rare, and for being one of the few women of her time to exhibit at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society under her own name. Massachusettts Historical Society records indicate she showed, over a number of years, fine orange and lemon trees and other plants, a specimen of Sweetwater grapes of outdoor culture and a large basket of peaches. In 1842 she exhibited Bartlett Pears, most likely influenced by her close neighbor Enoch Bartlett.

During the forty years Madam Eustis lived at Shirley Place after her husband’s death in 1825, Roxbury evolved into one of the great garden communities of Boston. Many of Mrs. Eustis’ neighbors continued to be prominently involved, as gentlemen farmers, in horticultural and agricultural pursuits, as had earlier Shirley Place owners Eliakim Hutchinson and James Magee.

Today our elegant landscaping serves as an informed recreation of an early 19th century country estate and provides a glimpse of Roxbury's rural and affluent past for the enjoyment of local neighbors as well as visitors from afar. The Mansion’s Forecourt pays homage to the original design, the two perennial beds contain flowers popular during the period of Madam Eustis. and the rear entrance Parterre gardens echo New England garden plans of the 18th century. In the early 2000s SEHA planted an orchard of historic varieties of fruit trees, including Clapp’s Favorite pears and Roxbury Russet apples which were developed during the rich horticultural history of Roxbury. 

Over the past several decades Shirley Place’s Historic Landscape Enhancement projects have been largely been made possible by generous donations from, among other organizations and individuals, the Greater Boston Urban Resources Partnership, The Barr Foundation, The Beacon Hill Garden Club, The Brookline Savings Bank, The Edward Ingersoll Browne Fund, The George B. Henderson Foundation, The Harold Whitworth Pierce Charitable Fund and The Mabel Louise Riley Foundation. 

Currently Shirley Place’s gardens are beautifully tended by Massachusetts Master Gardener Association volunteers overseen by Master Gardener Mary Lou O’Connor.