Why visit / Interesting facts:
- One of the best spots for a relaxing break in the middle of a city
- A National Historic Landmark
- Was the country's first public botanical garden
Time required: 15 minutes
Phone: +1-617-635-4505
Web site: http://www.cityofboston....
Public transport:
- Subway Red Line: Park Street
- Subway Green Line: Boylston
- Subway Green Line: Arlington
Address: 87 Mount Vernon Street, Boston, Massachusetts - USA
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: wallyg
Things you need to know:
- The Public Garden is the country's first public botanical garden, created in 1837
- The style of the park is decorative and flowery, featuring the gardener's art. This type of park originated in the Victorian era, with such new technology as the ability to grow all kinds of plants in greenhouses, and world explorations that brought in new, exotic plants and trees
- The Public Garden was designed by George Meacham, who won the public design competition, and was awarded $100. His design favored intricate floral patterns of bright colors, paired with exotic imported trees
- The plants used in the Public Garden are primarily grown in the Boston Parks and Recreation Department's greenhouses. They cultivate over 80 species of plants
- The Public Garden is the northernmost end of the Emerald Necklace, a long string of parks throughout Boston, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead
What to do there:
- Meander down the many lanes, or stop to picnic on the grass
- From April through September, hop a 15-minute ride on the Swan Boats, which are in the lake. The boats, operating since 1877, are a cultural icon of the city
- Ogle the many couples posing for wedding photos here in spring, summer, and fall
- Come back every season to see a whole new set of flowers
Tips & Insights:
- This is a great spot to come leaf-peeping in fall, or to photograph many-colored blossoms in early spring
- Line up early for a Swan Boat ride - this is a mighty popular attraction during the warm months
