The Talcott Arboretum was constructed in 1899, with a $10,000 fund donated by James Talcott. The Arboretum boasted an impressive collection of tropical palms and plants, obtained from Europe before importation laws were implemented. Mount Holyoke had an impressive flower collection as well, winning the annual University of Massachusetts flower show for three consecutive years, 1946-1949. By March 1974, Mount Holyoke had established its own annual flower show, which is still ongoing every March. In 1998, the Arboretum celebrated its 100 year anniversary at the flower show that year with a large, cake-shaped floral arrangement. Want to learn more? Visit the Archives!
