Hilltown Families 
The Art of Great Gardens in Western MA
Exploring Massachusetts’ Great Gardens for Mother’s Day!
One of the Commonwealth’s most unusual and enchanting “gardens” is found in Franklin County in Shelburne Falls: The Bridge of Flowers. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
What says thank you more than flowers? Celebrate Mother’s Day by taking her to the gorgeous gardens dotted throughout Massachusetts. A wonderful opportunity to get outdoors and cure that cabin fever you’ve had all winter, explore the state’s distinguished gardens below:
Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge, MA
Fifteen acres includes display gardens, an arboretum, and interpretive woodland trail. More than 3,000 species and varieties of plants are exhibited. Mother’s Day Weekend is the 34th Annual Plant Sale– Calling all gardeners! Get a jump start on the gardening season and choose from thousands of plants, shrubs, and trees – many grown at Berkshire Botanical Garden. www.berkshirebotanical.org
The Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, MA
One of the Commonwealth’s most unusual and enchanting “gardens” is found in Franklin County. The Bridge of Flowers is a former trolley bridge that was originally built in 1908, but became weed-covered 20 years later. In 1929, a plan was implemented to turn the bridge into a garden that would span the length of the bridge. Currently more than 20,000 people per year enjoy its impressive and rich floral beauty from the first appearance of tulips in April through the bloom of autumn mums. Free to the public. www.bridgeofflowersmass.org
The Botanic Garden at Smith College in Northampton, MA
Founded over 100 years ago, the Botanic Garden at Smith College in Northampton has been painstakingly tended to serve as a living museum to plants native to New England and ecosystems all around the world. It is home to thousands of plants and rare blooms, and is the site contains a number of specialty gardens. Free to the public. www.smith.edu/garden
Located in Goshen, Three Sisters Sanctuary is an outdoor space bursting with gardens, sculptures and landscape art. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
Three Sisters Sanctuary in Goshen, MA
Located in Goshen, Three Sisters Sanctuary is an outdoor space bursting with gardens, sculptures and landscape art. There are several concept gardens linked together on the grounds, including the imaginative Energy Garden, which features a 15,000 pound, seven foot stone surrounded by crystal-topped stones that lean on a 45 degree angle out towards the universe. www.threesisterssanctuary.com
Chesterwood in Stockbridge, MA
Chesterwood is the country home of Daniel Chester French (1850-1931), sculptor of the statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Memorial in Washington, DC, and The Minute Man, Concord, MA. Chesterwood’s landscape featuring mountain vistas, woodland walks, and perennial gardens is French’s own design. www.chesterwood.org
The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Estate & Gardens in Lenox, MA
This elegant home and its gardens were designed by renowned American writer, Edith Wharton, in 1902. The 49-acre property features one of the most significant formal gardens in New England, including an Italian walled garden, French flower garden, and a lime walk lined with pleached linden trees. www.EdithWharton.org
Naumkeag in Stockbridge, MA
A property of The Trustees of Reservations, the Choate family summer estate is distinguished by beautifully landscaped grounds originally designed by Nathan Barrett. With its gracious house, magnificent gardens, and panoramic views, Naumkeag is a quintessential country estate of the Gilded Age. www.thetrustees.org
Stanley Park in Westfield, MA
The American Wildflower Society Display Garden Winner of the A.A.R.S. “Outstanding Public Rose Garden” Award, Westfield’s Stanley Park offers more than 50 varieties of roses and 2,500 rose bushes. Another popular park attraction is the Herb Garden, which includes numerous varieties of fragrant, culinary, and medicinal herbs as well as large old-fashioned formal perennial gardens. www.stanleypark.org
Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens in South Deerfield, MA
While this attraction’s main claim to fame is its amazing collection of thousands of butterflies, these beauties flutter freely among an expansive 18,400 square foot conservatory filled with tropical vegetation. Magic Wings features a koi pond and a waterfall in its tranquil setting. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for children 3-17 (children under 3 are free). www.magicwings.com
Source: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
