Arnold Arboretum

Jamaica Plain is one of those neighborhoods of Boston that I seem to spend more time driving through instead of hanging out in. I need to change that. JP has tons to offer, like the Arnold Arboretum. A part of the Emerald Necklace, the Arboretum is a 265-acre landscape with 15,000 different types of trees, shrubs and vines collected from around the world.


Opened in 1872, the Arboretum is managed through a partnership between the City of Boston and Harvard University. There are more stats about how many people visit the Arboretum and when it is in peak season, but you find that info on their website in the links section. On a day like today, 70 degrees and sunny, it's all about getting outside.

Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden

I spent the bulk of my time at the Arboretum in the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden. From the front gate, the Linden Path is the first on the right. A meandering five minute walk to the Leventritt Garden, the gravel path wonders past blooming trees and shrubs, almost preparing you for the garden.
The garden itself, is an expanse of plush grass and vibrant colors, pinks, yellows, and whites. Visitors enjoy blends of exotic sharp, sweet, and bitter scents.

Hunnewell Visitor Center

On my way back, I stopped at the Hunnewell Visitor Center. According to Maggie Redfern, a worker at the visitor center, this weekend isn't even one of their best. "On May 10th, we'er having 'Lilac Sunday,'" she said. "Lilac Sunday is our big open. We'll have 500 guests in the visitor center, which is a small portion of visitors to the park."


Redfern suggests taking one of the free tours that is offered on Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m., Fridays at 6 p.m., Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. "It's cool to take the tour a few times through the summer because things bloom during different seasons," said Redfern. "What blooms in the spring isn't the same as what blooms in the late summer or fall." The Arboretum is free of charge, but always welcomes donations. It is open year-round, but tend to be the most packed from their May 10th "Lilac Sunday" event through Memorial Day weekend.

On a nice day, pack a picnic lunch and a blanket. Take the time and make a day of the Arboretum because it has much to offer as a haven of nature in the middle of the city.