Hello friends! I find myself in Boston this weekend. It’s hot! Unusual for this time of year but that won’t keep me from exploring what gardens this historic east coast city has to offer. Wandering thought the Arnold Arboretum definitely needed to be followed by refreshment in the oldest pub on the east coast.
Magnolias have almost finished blooming but their huge leaves feel lush and tropical. There are several specimens that are 50 feet or more.
This lirodendron tulipfera chinensis (tulip tree ) was also very tall. I’m sure if I could have looked at it from above I would have been in awe of the hundreds of blooms. I could see a few from the ground.
An unusual lilac, syringa Xswegiflexa, reminded me of my time in England. On my way to work at Harlow Carr Botanical Garden I would pass this tree outside the back gate. I would ask the other workers and staff there about it Nobody knew the name of it or cared. If it wasn’t inside the garden gates it didn’t really matter. It acted like it wanted to be inside the gate but didn’t get invited. I always thought it was worthy because I loved the way the blossoms are drooping and softly swaying in the breeze. Most lilacs have more upright blooms that are stiff and clumping. This one is graceful and lovely.
Clematis albicoma, a low growing clumping clematis has wonderful fuzzy flowers and leaves. It is in the shrub and vine section of the garden. The vines all have metal trellis that are free standing. You get a chance to see the vines up close and personal without looking above your head the whole time. (brilliant). The actinidia polygama (silver vine) below is a version of the kiwi vine I haven’t seen before. The actinidia kolomitka is the one I have seen more and it has pink on the tips. I love this one because of just the contrast in the silver and green.
The Arnold Arboretum is worth a visit. It is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the bustling (loud) city of Boston. It is the oldest public arboretum and one of the most prestigious places for the study of plants. Harvard university runs it and in this town Harvard seems to have its hand in everything.
