08/26/06

America's first public garden is an oasis in Boston's overbuilt downtown.

by Contributor

Overview
This hallowed green space has been rescued twice, once in the 19th century from real-estate tycoons, and again in the 20th century, when neglect left it in near-ruin. The central lagoon on which the famous Swan Boats cruise is spanned by the world's smallest suspension bridge.

The Experience
Monuments include the first statue of George Washington on horseback; one of Edward Everett Hale, author of "The Man Without a Country"; and of course, Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack of the famous children's book "Make Way for Ducklings," which is set in the Public Garden. In spring and summer, intricate floral patterns and the blazing colors of hundreds of flowers brighten the garden's walkways, while the scent of sweet blossoms greets wanderers. Trees and plants include magnolia, crab apple, dogwood, Japanese pagoda, tulips and roses.

01/21/05

A Great Park

by tcheuvront

What a gorgeous park you have in Boston. I am from the San Francisco area and we have a wonderful part too: Golden Gate Park. I went to Boston in Su 2004 for the first time. The first thing I saw was the Public Garden and I fell in love with it. The Swan Boats, the statues and monuments, the trees and flowers, the people. I also enjoyed the Public Commons with outdoor Shakespere and concerts and the frog pond and the people. The scuptures of the ducks was wonderful. This is a first class park and I would love to return someday.

• Pros: Swan Boats, Flowers & Trees, Well Cared for Grass

09/09/03

Great Park!!!

by salvador8677

First of all, the public garden and the common, I consider one big park, neither one is better than the other. They're both great, the best thing about Boston, this is the place to meet people, specially in the summer...the only problem I have with it is how come on certain areas they won't let you rollerblade or bike throught it. It's a park people!!!

• Pros: comfortable settings, relaxing, romantic
• Cons: nothing

01/12/03

Makes You Feel Ducky

by Sherricom

This is the quintessential city park. Quainter and prettier than its larger neighbor, Boston Common, Public Garden allows you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the crowded city. I always get lost in childhood memories of riding in the swan boats when I pass by it. I havent ridden them since I moved out of the Boston Area, but when Im visiting the city, a drive or walk by the Garden always brings a smile to my face

• Pros: Relatively quiet, Well-kept, Easy access by train
• Cons: Relatively small, Expensive parking

11/20/02

quaint, romantic, what more can I say?

by slyeoh

I love going there in the spring, summer and autumn. Now that I have left Boston, I realize that the garden with its beauty and perfect size struck such balance in the heart of the city. Thinking about it creates a lump in my throat.

• Pros: beautiful scenery, perfect size, ducks and swans
• Cons: none

07/26/02

Classic

by BSC22

Quite the romantic spot in the heart of Boston. Its perfect under the moonlight.

• Pros: Floweres/Trees, Quiet/Relaxing, Always Clean
• Cons: Flying Rats-Pigions