{"id":33254,"date":"2024-07-31T16:11:21","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T16:11:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/?p=33254"},"modified":"2024-07-31T16:11:22","modified_gmt":"2024-07-31T16:11:22","slug":"a-perfect-day-at-bostons-public-garden-according-to-a-local","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/a-perfect-day-at-bostons-public-garden-according-to-a-local\/","title":{"rendered":"A Perfect Day at Boston’s Public Garden According to a Local"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Boston\u2019s weather might be a little iffy, especially when the winter slams the skyline with buckets of snow. But the gloom makes the beautiful days of spring, summer, and fall all the more spectacular. And one of the best places to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the city outdoors is Boston\u2019s Public Garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might be a bit confused on the layout, as the gardens are right next to the larger Boston Common. But the flowers and beautiful foliage stand out next to the more sprawling lawns of the common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, if you can\u2019t get enough of Boston\u2019s greenery, you can stroll through the connecting Commonwealth Avenue Mall that follows all the way to the Back Bay Fens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready for a perfect day at Boston\u2019s Public Garden? As a local, I\u2019ve spent many sunny afternoons here and have a full lineup of everything you should do in this memorable place plus when to visit, must-see features, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introducing Boston\u2019s Public Garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The botanical garden opened in 1837<\/a>, making it the first public botanical garden in America. It quickly became the pride and joy of the city, though it fell into some neglect in the 20th century, especially during World War II.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, an organization called Friends of the Public Garden took over responsibilities and has maintained the space since 1970. They and others have planted more than 600 trees, restored historic fountains and statues, and brought back the bridge to its former glory. Today, it\u2019s a beautifully manicured space for everyone to enjoy year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top things to do and see at Boston\u2019s Public Garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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You can certainly while away the hours doing a whole lot of nothing at Boston\u2019s Public Gardens, but it\u2019s worth noting the various points of interest and attractions too that make this space special. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what I recommend for a full day at Boston\u2019s Public Garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ride a swan boat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you make a trip to Boston anytime between April and September, you have to enjoy a leisurely swan boat experience. They\u2019ve been a city icon since the late 1800s. Take 15 minutes of serenity and soak up a little piece of the city\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can often spot a pair of real swans here in the lagoon as well. Affectionately called Romeo and Juliet, the swans might actually be two females!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch the ducklings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Birds really do put on a show at the gardens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides the swan boats, the second famous fowls are eight tiny bronze ducklings and their mother running alongside the corner of Beacon and Charles streets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local tip: <\/strong>Prepare for your visit, especially if you\u2019re traveling with kids, by reading the charming book \u201cMake Way for Ducklings,\u201d by Robert McCloskey, all about the cute ducks and Boston as their home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy park flora<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You\u2019ll find most of Boston\u2019s Public Garden\u2019s prettiest trees and flowers planted among 57 various garden beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are more than 80 species cultivated and propagated by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department onsite and in nearby greenhouses. Trees include Ginko, Maple, Beech and Oak varieties, to name a few. Some of the showiest flowers you\u2019ll find are Japanese quince, Royal Azaleas, and the Japanese kerria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit the notable statues and monuments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The most stately sight in the gardens is the Ether Fountain, commissioned by Thomas Lee in 1868. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From there, you can see the statue of George Washington atop his noble steed. The project was all completed by local Massachusetts artisans and craftsmen in the 1800s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there are many more artistic features here to enjoy. These are some of my favorites you\u2019ll want to keep an eye out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n