The Fran Perkins Arboretum at Seabury

The Fran Perkins Arboretum at Seabury, a Life-plan community on more than 66 acres of beautiful Connecticut countryside, was dedicated in 2024. Located on a former dairy farm, many of the trees have been planted since Seabury opened in 1992. Working with community residents over the decades, Seabury has been enhancing the grounds with native and exotic trees and woody shrubs.

Entering Seabury’s campus, visitors are greeted by a delightful collection of more than 30 Kwanzan Cherry Trees (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’). Evergreens including Weeping White Pine (Pinus strobus 'Pendula'), Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) dot the landscape and provide year-round food and homes for wildlife. A unique Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticillate) was planted by residents in 2002 to celebrate Seabury’s 125th anniversary. Eastern Redbuds (Cercis canadensis), a Profusion Crabapple (Malus x moerlandsii 'Profusion) and Wild Crabapples (Malus coronaria) explode with color in the early spring. Other notable trees include a Ginko (ginko biloba) and a Carolina Silverbell (Malus coronaria). Woody shrubs including forsythia, rhododendron, and rugosa roses have been planted by residents across campus. Seabury is especially proud of a Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) that has been on the property since its farming days.  The tree produces a bumper crop of edible nuts each year and is at least 70 years old.