Best New England Arboretums & Botanical Gardens

TRAVEL NOTE: Operating seasons and hours—as well as peak bloom times—will vary by location. In addition, Covid-19 concerns may affect operations this spring and beyond. Before making your travel plans, please check the latest visitors’ information for individual businesses and attractions by going to their websites or contacting them directly.

These eight New England arboretums and botanical gardens offer the perfect nature escape.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, ME.

Bethany Bourgault

Best New England Arboretums & Botanical Gardens

Arnold Arboretum | Boston, MA

Owned by Harvard and designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the oldest public arboretum in North America is home to more than 15,000 plants—including some 4,000 kinds of trees, shrubs, and vines—but may be best known for the hundreds of lilacs that seemingly perfume the entire 281 acres each spring.

Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens | Stamford, CT

Named for tree expert Francis A. Bartlett, who once made his home and research lab here, this 93-acre Eden does have a wonderful collection of trees (dwarf conifers are a standout), but oh so much more. One of the newest attractions: a Sensory Garden emphasizing sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch that’s designed to be accessible for all.

Botanic Garden of Smith College | Northampton, MA

Where to look first, on a college campus designed to double as a living museum of plants from New England and around the world? We recommend the Lyman Conservatory greenhouses, home of fascinating specialty gardens such as the Palm House, the Succulent House, and the Camellia Corridor.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens | Boothbay, ME

New England’s largest botanical garden is a 295-acre masterpiece that offers living proof that the coast can be a great place to garden, despite the wind and salt air. Staffers harness a truly rugged environment and demonstrate what can be done with ledge, hillside, woodland, and waterfront. Don’t miss the second-to-none children’s garden: two acres of universal fun for all ages.

Fuller Gardens | North Hampton, NH

If variety is the spice of life, it also makes for an eye-catching botanical garden at this historic summer estate just off a scenic stretch of Route 1A. Former Massachusetts governor Alvan T. Fuller liked his formal English perennials and masses of roses, but he was fond of Japanese gardens too. There’s also lots of inspiration in the dahlia collection, sculpted hedges, and tropical conservatory.

Garden in the Woods | Framingham, MA

The headquarters for Native Plant Trust (formerly the New England Wild Flower Society) is a 45-acre property that holds the Northeast’s largest landscaped collection of native wildflowers and woody plants. Home gardeners, take note: The trust also sells a selection of ready-to-travel natives at its two seasonal shops, here and at Nasami Farm in Whately.

Roger Williams Park Botanical Center | Providence, RI

The showstopper here is New England’s largest indoor public garden: 23,000 square feet of greenhouse space filled with plant life in its myriad forms, from delicate orchids to spiky cacti and soaring palms. But there are also lovely things growing outside, amid grounds that include a winter garden, perennial display gardens, and a rose maze.

Tower Hill Botanic Garden | Boylston, MA

Delight in the cutting-edge plantings, fragrant secret garden, heirloom apple trees, hardwoods, woodland “folly,” plant evolution display, wildlife garden (a birder’s paradise), and three miles of woodland trails. The Orangerie hosts winter displays.