The Boston Public Garden is one of the highlights of a visit to the city. It is an exquisitely landscaped 24-acre botanical garden in the Victorian style. These beautiful Boston gardens are located in the heart of the city, and together with Boston Common form the northern end of what is referred to as the Emerald Necklace, a string of parks in Boston. Yet while the Boston Common was designed for practicality and ease of transportation, the Boston Public Garden is purely for pleasure. Uncommon hybrids and species splash their bright colors over the intricately designed flowerbeds, and the meandering paths, lakes, and statuary make the garden a work of art, a tribute to the ability of human beings to highlight their natural surroundings. It is also the home of the famous swan boats in Boston, and families will enjoy a ride on the lake in these well-known boats.

The Boston Gardens were the first public botanical gardens in the United States. The garden was established in 1837 and designed by George F. Meacham, who won an award for the design. The plan for the garden involved the creation of a man-made lake on what was formerly a salt marsh, the design of flowerbeds, paths, statuary, and fountains; the park is also a National Historical Landmark. The Boston Public Garden has been featured in the famous E.B. White novel, The Trumpet of the Swan, as well as a popular children's story Make Way for Ducklings, written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey. Indeed, a set of bronze Make Way for Ducklings statues depicting the family of ducks depicted in the book can be seen in the park. The four-acre pond is usually the home of one or more swans, as well as the swan boats in Boston, a famous tourist attraction in the city and one that is popular with visitors of all ages. These small boats decorated with a white swan have been owned and operated for over 100 years by the Paget family. For a small fee, visitors can ride the swan boats in Boston, with a tour guide operating the boat.

The botanical wonders of the garden include intricately designed flowerbeds filled with colorful blooms, exotic imported trees, and other plants. The weeping willows around the lagoon are especially distinctive, and elm trees, dawn redwoods, European beeches, gingko trees, and a California redwood can also be seen. In addition to the plants, there are several famous statues, including a statue of George Washington facing Commonwealth Avenue, the Ether Monument, and the memorial "Angel of the Waters" statue, among other statues. Interestingly, the bridge crossing the lagoon was first opened in 1867, and in its original form was the shortest functioning suspension bridge in the world.

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The Public Garden is, of course, best seen during the warmer months of spring, summer and early fall to best appreciate its natural beauty, though it can also be beautiful in the winter. It is located within walking distance of Arlington Station, the Common, and Newbury Street, making it easy to enjoy a nice meal after a day spent wandering through the garden and past the historic attractions along the Freedom Trail. The Public Garden is popular with visitors of all ages, and if you're visiting during pleasant weather, it's well worth adding this famous site to your list of things to see.