Just back from a quick trip to my favorite East Coast city (yes, I love New York but Boston is my home). The weather was spectacular – perfect for enjoying Boston’s glorious Public Garden, established in 1837 as the first public botanical garden in the United States.
The Swan Boats were launched forty years later with foot propelled pontoon boats – the founding family still operates the enormously popular attraction.
Robert McLoskey’s Make Way for Ducklings (1941) tells the tale of Mrs. Mallard seeking a safe home for her family and finds it on an island in the Public Garden. It won the Caldecott Medal in 1942 and has been in continuous print, with over two million copies sold. Tourists and residents of all ages “flock” to these statues (there was a long line for photos and selfies taken while sitting on Mrs. Mallard).
Other creatures enchant visitors, too. Hard to believe they were ever a rarity, but a “handful” of gray squirrels were introduced to Boston Common (adjacent to the Public Garden) in 1855. This pair was enjoying the beautiful day playing on a Belgian Elm (all the trees are tagged).
The gardens span 24 acres and are equally beautiful in every season. Be sure to visit them if you have the opportunity.
travel magnolia 
Lovely, I flew to Boston in 2014, but spent time on Cape Cod, missed out on Boston, looks like I need to return… The Public Garden looks amazing…
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We had a lovely Mothers Day brunch one year overlooking the gardens and of course we went to see the ducklings.
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They never cease to enchant me (and many others)!
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Hi Maggie
I can’t remember if we compared calendars for May but I’m at the Kentucky Derby and then in New York from the 9th to the 13th
Where in the world are you?
Sent from my phone
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Have fun at the Derby! I was there in 2011. I will be in Fez, Morocco when you are in NYC. Bummer.
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I love this post! So many fun facts and the photos are beautiful, too.
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Thanks Lindsay! The post barely scratches the surface of the garden’s attractions.
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I love visiting botanical gardens when I travel! I’ll have to check this out if I ever make it over to Boston again… I missed it last time! Looks like you had a great day there 😀
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The Beasties would have a wonderful time in the Public Garden!
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