The Woodlands is accepting applications for its 2022 Grave Gardener program, which will begin later this month. Due to its popularity, the program will only accept a small number of applicants, so if you’re interested in participating hurry up and submit an application. The application period closes Wednesday, Jan. 12 at midnight.

The program accepts a group of volunteers who will be assigned to tend to Cradle Graves at The Woodlands during the growing season from March to November. Cradle Graves have a unique style because they were designed as planters that were gardened and cared for by loved ones in the Victorian era.

Before the beginning of the growing season, The Woodlands will hold a series of educational workshops for new and returning Grave Gardeners. The first workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 26.

To learn more about the program and to apply, please go here.

(Photo courtesy of The Woodlands)

Hamilton Mansion (Photo courtesy of The Woodlands)

The Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion is bringing back some of its popular seasonal events, both for children and adults, after last year’s hiatus. Check out more info below about this year’s After Hours event, Halloween Family Fun Day and Halloween Cocktail Party. Also, bird lovers are invited to the Woodlands on Friday, Oct. 8 for an early morning bird walk (the event begins at 7:30 a.m.). This is a great chance to observe birds during fall migration. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. Go here for more info. Continue Reading

Photo courtesy of The Woodlands.

There is some exciting news at the Woodlands. The historic century cemetery and mansion has been working on some improvements at and near the Carriage Yard located on the west side of the grounds. Once this work is completed the Carriage Yard will be used as an outdoor event space for public and private events, according to Emma Max, Program and Operations Manager.

The work went underway last month and temporarily caused closing/detour of a portion of the running path adjacent to the construction site (see photo above). So far the drainage in the area has been improved. Continue Reading

Matana Roberts (Photo by M. Tarantelli)

Ars Nova Workshop, the Philadelphia jazz and contemporary music presenter, is partnering with The Woodlands cemetery to host numerous events on their grounds over the coming months as part of a joint project called “New Grass”.

This week, the Ars Nova Workshop and The Woodlands will be hosting the Grammy award-winning choir The Crossing for the world premiere of a new work honoring the life and memory of Breonna Taylor by composer, sound artist, and jazz saxophonist Matana Roberts. The performance is called “we got time.” and engages the audience to walk (safely and socially-distanced) through The Woodlands. Continue Reading

Here’s some more exciting news from the historic Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion.

You may have noticed a new wood log installation near the road not far from the entrance where Tiny Circus usually holds its performances during West Craft Fests. By the way, that area is called a Community Welcome Zone. Here’s the story behind the installation, according to the Woodlands’ Program and Operations Manager Emma Max.

The Woodlands has recently completed tree work as part of the general tree upkeep and maintenance program. One large tree had fallen and two large trees died over the past year, which is not uncommon with over 1,000 mature trees onsite. Placing the large, hollowed out logs in the Community Welcome Zone was the idea of the Woodlands Arborist, Chris Arader of Arader Tree Service. Continue Reading

The Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion will be auctioning off rare wood from the Grove of Seven Giants – the historic English Elm trees that had stood there for over 200 years, but had to be cut down after succumbing to Dutch Elm disease a few years ago.

The wood from the Grove of Seven Giants was milled in 2017, and has been carefully drying ever since. This rare wood is now ready to be used in restoration projects at The Woodlands, and in your own home! The Woodlands is auctioning off live edge, raw slabs in a variety of sizes to be used for woodworking projects, furniture, and more. Continue Reading