Wake up and smell the roses! Spring has sprung in Boston, and we can’t wait to stroll through these 10 glorious gardens. 
Boston Public Garden
Arnold Arboretum
Spanning over 281 acres in the heart of Boston, Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum boasts one of the world’s most extensive collections of temperate woody plants–trees, bushes and more. This jewel in the Emerald necklace houses nearly 16,000 botanicals, heavily focusing on the floras of eastern North America and Asia. Forge through the lush landscapes and bask in the beauty of the arboretum’s azaleas, lilacs and bonsais. 125 Arborway, 617.524.1718, arboretum.harvard.edu
Carolyn Lynch Garden on The Greenway
Nestled in Boston’s North End, The Carolyn Lynch Garden on The Greenway is known for its alluring array of bright colors, seasonal blooms and rich diversity of textures, heights and personalities. Dedicated to Carolyn Hoff Lynch, an avid philanthropist and gardener from Boston—the European-style park spans miles of wondrous sights, from flowering shrubs to summer perennials. Not to mention, the garden pays homage to Carolyn’s tulip beds in Ireland through spring daffodils, alliums and more. Atlantic Ave., rosekennedygreenway.org
Christopher Columbus Park
Planning your next picnic? Look no further than Christopher Columbus Park, a short walk from North End’s waterfront. Aside from the infamous trellis, the park boasts panoramic views of the harbor, ravishing rose gardens and a dedication to American philanthropist Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. Enjoy sandwiches from nearby Italian delis as you bask in the sunlight of this local gem. Atlantic Ave., foccp.org
The Esplanade
Stretching along three miles of the Charles River, The Esplanade is known for the natural beauty of its cultivated landscapes. The 64-acre park is home to the iconic amphitheater Hatch Memorial Shell, as well as populated running trails and various historical monuments. On warm spring days, walk, run or bike along The Esplanade’s over five miles of pathway. Charles River, 617.227.0365, esplanade.org
The Garden at Elm Bank
Venture to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s gardens for a tranquil picnic among dahlia and tulip blooms. Explore a blend of traditional and modern gardening styles, including the Italianate Garden by the Manor House, designed by Carrere and Hastings—the same firm behind the New York Public Library. Make your way to the fountain to smell the Hydrangea Paniculatas, lavender and the mix of annuals. Within the 36-acre property lies a touch of Roman history—the Goddess Garden features a 13-foot-tall statue of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture. 900 Washington St., 617.933.4900, masshort.org
Isabella Gardner Museum
This museum may be known for its extraordinary art exhibits, but we’re head over heels for the Isabella Gardner Museum’s lush landscapes and glorious gardens. Upon entrance, visitors are greeted by a magnificent display of flowers and plants in the Dorothy McGee Greenhouse. Stroll through the greenhouse to get a closer look at the plants, smell fragrant specimens or watch the museum’s horticulturists at work. 25 Evans Way, 617.566.1401, gardnermuseum.org
Japanese Garden at the MFA
Transport yourself to the Mystic Isles of the Immortals as the Japanese Garden at the MFA opens for the spring season. The park illustrates the seamless merging of two cultures, combining the profound symbolism of a Japanese garden with New England’s rocky coastline and deep forests. From Japanese maples to cherries and pines, the garden blooms with more than 70 colorful species of plants, leaving visitors in awe. 465 Huntington Ave., 617.267.9300, mfa.org
Kelleher Rose Garden
A hidden gem tucked beyond Boston’s downtown parks, the Kelleher Rose Garden features over 1,500 roses behind its tall green hedge in the Back Bay Fens. Dating back to 1931, the garden houses nearly 200 varieties of vibrant roses and a stunning fountain reminiscent of landscape architect Arthur Shurcliff’s original design of a simple reflecting pool. To this day, the English-style oasis retains its “secret garden” feeling despite being located just minutes from Boylston Street and Fenway Park. 73 Park Drive, 617.522.2700, thefenway.com
Public Boston Gardens
Revel in decorative flowers or meander down the winding pathways of the Public Gardens in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. From showy annuals to greenhouse-grown plants, the garden exudes Victorian elegance through colorful displays and exotic trees. Guests can roam through the rich and unusual plants that line the lake or admire the extravagant monuments and fountains as they drift away on one of the park’s swan boats. 4 Charles St., 617.635.4505, boston.gov
Rose Kennedy Fitzgerald Greenway
Sitting atop a highway tunnel in the heart of Boston, the Rose Kennedy Fitzgerald Greenway evokes the formal feel of a European-style garden through a curated collection of parks and arboretums. The rooftop urban sanctuary is filled with a colorful array of blooming spring bulbs encompassed by boxwood hedges, along with seasonal perennials and a diverse assembly of shrubs and trees. 185 Kneeland St., 617.292.0020, rosekennedygreenway.org
Photography by: Steve Kruszkowski
