Lily pads rest on the still surface of a pond, turtles soak in the sun, and flowers bloom in a riot of color all around. Although this scene might sound far removed from an urban environment, it doesn’t take long to arrive at this idyllic spot from Boston.
Flickr/cornfusion
Garden in the Woods is located at 180 Hemenway Road in Framingham.
Google Maps
This pocket of natural beauty is cared for by the New England Wild Flower Society and, once you’re here, you’ll discover an abundance of native plants — both common and rare.
Flickr/Steve Richardson
A visit to the 45-acre garden is a magical experience; you may even think you’ve climbed inside the pages of a fairytale!
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
Start by following the one-mile long Curtis Path, which lures you along a gentle route, through serene woodland. Stroll under a canopy of trees, while a brook trickles nearby.
Flickr/Christopher Penn
At the pond, see if you can spy turtles…
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
…and perhaps frogs (princes not guaranteed).
Tripadvisor/Joanel
In fact, you never know what wildlife you’ll stumble upon in this enchanting garden.
Flickr/Owen and Aki
There are surprises around every corner.
Flickr/Owen and Aki
It’s hard to believe that this land once belonged to a railroad company that used it as a source of gravel.
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
You can’t help but be inspired by the Idea Garden, which includes a petite fruit orchard and this little building with a green roof. Doesn’t this look like it should belong to a pixie?
Flickr/mgstanton
There are so many fun and creative places to explore…
Tripadvisor/Allison M
From a bog with native cranberries to a sandplain filled with coastal grasses.
Tripadvisor/JoCasualTraveler
A visit to Garden in the Woods is a soothing way to spend an afternoon. Just sit back and forget about your worries for a while…
Flickr/Steve Richardson
As you’d expect, the setting shifts with the seasons and the prettiest time to visit is in spring, when you may be fortunate enough to spot a carpet of bluebells.
Flickr/cornfusion
Google Maps
Flickr/Steve Richardson
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
Flickr/Christopher Penn
Tripadvisor/Joanel
Flickr/Owen and Aki
Flickr/mgstanton
Tripadvisor/Allison M
Tripadvisor/JoCasualTraveler
Garden in the Woods reopens for the season on April 15, 2018. Admission costs $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $6 for kids (kids under three and active service members plus their spouses can enter for free).
Have you visited this lovely garden yet? Let us know in the comments!
If you’re looking to escape into nature, you may also enjoy a day trip to this stunning state park.
If you love the natural beauty found all across our stunning state, check out our Massachusetts Nature Lovers group on Facebook to see fantastic photos snapped by fellow Massachusettsans and share your own shots from your adventures!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
