New England Botanic Gardens

9/10 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

11 French Drive

Boylston, MA 01505

https://nebg.org/

(508) 859-6111

Why we love New England Botanic Gardens :

New England Botanic Gardens is amazing! The grounds are spectacular and magical. one time when we visited there were wooden fairy houses positioned throughout so my daughter got a kick out of that but, was sad that no fairies were actually home.😂. I adore every inch of New England Botanic Gardens though. If you appreciate nature and the hard work it takes to plant and maintain all these flowers, you will be blown away like we are.

There is a vegetable garden, a forest area with a trail and story book walk, a secret garden equipped with pergolas and water fountains, a marsh area, a courtyard and so much more.

Some of the plants were so interesting to look at and a first time for us seeing them. Some even looked like they were straight out of a Dr Seuss book! They had black tomatoes and peppers! The leaves on the Magnolia trees were huge. The diversity of plants here is amazing. The kids liked to point out the plants that we have at home in our yard. They are very perceptive so I’m not sure why this impressed me?  Maybe because I remember not being that way as a young child.

The water features were probably one of my favorite things. They had 3+ fountains on the grounds that were so beautiful. One was a mister offering an area to cool off from the hot summer day.  The others were just beautiful flowing water fountains which made for a relaxing ambiance.  

New England Botanic Garden’s gift shop & more : 

The gift shop at New England Botanic Garden is beautiful and has so many specialty trinkets for checking out.  My kids each picked out honey lollipops and were so excited to eat them because “real bees made them.”  There were several items made locally so that was also a plus to know that each purchase supports local businesses.

The Farmer and Fork,  is a delicious little cafe on the property with food and all kinds of drinks for kids and adults to enjoy.  Be sure to visit for a treat while exploring the property.

New England Botanic Gardens offers various events and displays throughout the year.  As mentioned there were wooden fairy houses previously, gnomes, orchids, nightlights and more.  A full calendar membership allows you to see the diverse activities and seasons of the property and we highly recommend it.

 

 

The Skinny:

• • Weather : It has to be a nice day because it is primarily outside
  • Parking  :  FREE parking  about 230 spots but on sunny weekends can fill up so check their twitter account for parking and traffic updates
  • Admissions : Weekdays: Adults $20. Seniors 65+ $17 Ages 4-12 $10, 3 and under : FREE, dogs $8.  Weekends: Adults $21. Seniors 65+ $18 Ages 4-12 $11, 3 and under : FREE, dogs $8
  • Location : 171 acres of land with 17 various gardens. Each with its own interesting plants and decor that is sure to leave you in awe.  They can host special events, do a late November night time garden with separate pricing options which is a big hit due to the immense amount of lights and displays around the property.  You can also attend various workshops and functions.  See their page for details.
  • Hours : 10-5 daily rain or shine
  • Duration : We spent 2 and a half hours here exploring and we didn’t see everything sadly.  You are able to take your own food if you choose to.  There are many relaxing places that invite you to sit and unwind.  I’m sure a lunch here would be divine!
  • Tips and Recommendations : Leashed Dogs are welcomed only in the woodland trails and are charged an entrance fee.  There are water spouts and bowls set up throughout for them.  This is a year round garden so it offers seasonal perks, for instance, when we went, the daffodil field was not in bloom but it peaks from April-May.  Each season has something special to offer so don’t be afraid to go in winter or colder months as I’m sure it is gorgeous with lights and different foliage!  You can grab a membership that is valid year round here but also reciprocates with many other garden centers throughout the United States so it is perfect for those that like to travel and enjoy nature.
  • Cons :  This garden could use more signage.  Half the time, I wasn’t sure which garden I was in and which plant was which.  I like to read about everything I can when I’m at locations like this, but I didn’t find enough information posted throughout.  I think although it was beautiful and signage may be too cluttered to display, more information and clear cut signage (maybe with pictures for verification) for identification or information about each plant would be much appreciated for those inquiring.

Jewel Approved 👍🏼

Jamison Approved 👍🏼

We will definitely be returning to this amazing location and I can’t wait!

If you and the kids are into New England Botanic Gardens, you should also visit the Roger Williams Botanical Gardens and Green Animals Topiary Gardens both in Rhode Island.