Arnold Arboretum, Boston...best time??
May 3rd, 2011, 05:33 AM
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Spring is the "showy" time of the year in the Arboretum, but each season reveals wonderful leaves and blooms.
If you like lilacs definitely plan a visit in the next two weeks. If you like a festival atmosphere you can go on Lilac Sunday, which is this coming Sunday. It's the "open house" of the park.
But if you're looking for a quieter and not crowded experience, go any other day. The lilacs will be out Sunday but probably won't peak until next week or so, depending on the weather.
If you like rhododendrons, go at the end of May. There will be azaleas in bloom from now until the end of the month too.
Get a map at the visitor center or check out their website before you come. They have a calendar describing what's in bloom each month. You can also see when they are giving free tours.
http://arboretum.harvard.edu/
Enjoy--the Arboretum is wonderful at all times of the year. One visit isn't enough!
If you like lilacs definitely plan a visit in the next two weeks. If you like a festival atmosphere you can go on Lilac Sunday, which is this coming Sunday. It's the "open house" of the park.
But if you're looking for a quieter and not crowded experience, go any other day. The lilacs will be out Sunday but probably won't peak until next week or so, depending on the weather.
If you like rhododendrons, go at the end of May. There will be azaleas in bloom from now until the end of the month too.
Get a map at the visitor center or check out their website before you come. They have a calendar describing what's in bloom each month. You can also see when they are giving free tours.
http://arboretum.harvard.edu/
Enjoy--the Arboretum is wonderful at all times of the year. One visit isn't enough!
May 3rd, 2011, 06:10 AM
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yay, thanks everyone!! I knew about the Lilac Festival but want to avoid crowds. I think we'll go on next Tuesday. Looking forward to it!
Any other cool places nearby? I live in southern NH and don't get down to Boston as often as I should.
Any other cool places nearby? I live in southern NH and don't get down to Boston as often as I should.
May 3rd, 2011, 08:17 AM
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There is a fabulous Dale Chihuly (glass blower extraordinaire) show at the mfa
http://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/chihuly
Just saw it this past weekend and the work is gorgeous. Then you can see the new wing and there might be some of the flower arrangements left from the ART IN BLOOM exhibit, in which florists, garden clubs, etc. create art that relates in some way (not necessarily recreating) the flowers in various artworks. There is an absolutely gorgeous display of white orchids and other white flowers at the desk where you buy tickets that will take your breath away.
Just walk around Boston, where the magnolias and flowering crabs are all in bloom and the tulips in the Public Garden are out. Take a ride on the swan boats.
Boston is great!
http://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/chihuly
Just saw it this past weekend and the work is gorgeous. Then you can see the new wing and there might be some of the flower arrangements left from the ART IN BLOOM exhibit, in which florists, garden clubs, etc. create art that relates in some way (not necessarily recreating) the flowers in various artworks. There is an absolutely gorgeous display of white orchids and other white flowers at the desk where you buy tickets that will take your breath away.
Just walk around Boston, where the magnolias and flowering crabs are all in bloom and the tulips in the Public Garden are out. Take a ride on the swan boats.
Boston is great!
May 3rd, 2011, 08:48 AM
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Bill, I'd wait to visit after Mother's Day this year. More of the lilacs will be in bloom.
Rizzo, going to the MFA is a great idea. If you want something a little bit off the beaten track, you could take a look at Forest Hills Cemetery, which is quite close to the Arboretum. It is an active cemetery but you can drive through it--it too has lovely landscaping and interesting memorials and sculpture. http://www.foresthillstrust.org/
Rizzo, going to the MFA is a great idea. If you want something a little bit off the beaten track, you could take a look at Forest Hills Cemetery, which is quite close to the Arboretum. It is an active cemetery but you can drive through it--it too has lovely landscaping and interesting memorials and sculpture. http://www.foresthillstrust.org/
May 3rd, 2011, 09:14 AM
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cw- interesting about the cemetery...will make a stop in.
we'll have our two toddlers with us, so no mfa this time. we went to the franklin park zoo last week and then hit the north end. trying to make it a point to visit the city more often.
maybe next month we'll do the public gardens and swan boats. can't plan too much in one day with the boys.
we'll have our two toddlers with us, so no mfa this time. we went to the franklin park zoo last week and then hit the north end. trying to make it a point to visit the city more often.
maybe next month we'll do the public gardens and swan boats. can't plan too much in one day with the boys.
May 3rd, 2011, 09:38 AM
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One other thing--if you park along the road for the Arboretum (Rt. 203, the Arborway) don't leave anything of value visible in your car, even a GPS. Especially with out-of-state license plates, your car can be noticed by those who make quick work out of taking valuables from cars.
The Arboretum is safe--especially during the weekday when the grounds staff will be working all around.
The Arboretum is safe--especially during the weekday when the grounds staff will be working all around.
May 3rd, 2011, 09:59 AM
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Everyone else has answered your Q already. I was at the Arboretum 2 years ago just around Mother's Day (not the actual day), and it was GORGEOUS. Not just the Lilacs, but all the flowering trees and spring flowers, the wisteria... oh my. I went on a Wed (I think) and took their free guided tour. NOt sure if that's what you want with your children, but the guided tour was great for me who have not been to the Arboretum before.
I think the best time this yr would be right after Mother's Day; the Lilacs should still be blooming. My neighbor has a couple of Lilacs in their garden and I've been keeping an eye on the blooms.
Forest Hill cememtery should be interesting; they also offer tours - you should check the schedule.
There's a nice bike/walking path that goes around JP - a nice stroll with your kids. http://www.jamaicapond.com/
I think the best time this yr would be right after Mother's Day; the Lilacs should still be blooming. My neighbor has a couple of Lilacs in their garden and I've been keeping an eye on the blooms.
Forest Hill cememtery should be interesting; they also offer tours - you should check the schedule.
There's a nice bike/walking path that goes around JP - a nice stroll with your kids. http://www.jamaicapond.com/
May 3rd, 2011, 11:33 AM
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The lilacs in the Arb are only beginning to bloom, if at all, so next week should find good viewing. They have so many varieties, that the bloom times are staggered over a few weeks. So the next two weeks will be a good time to visit.
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