3.1.2026
If you love gardening, chances are you’re always on the lookout for fresh ideas—whether it’s flipping through gardening books, scrolling through online plant forums, or wandering through local nurseries. For me, inspiration often comes from visiting beautifully curated gardens in person. That’s exactly why I chose to spend one of the days during the summer of 2025 at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, Massachusetts. I was hoping to spark new ideas for our own garden, and this visit did not disappoint.
Founded in 1986 by the Worcester County Horticultural Society, this non-profit garden is a horticultural gem. It features a wide variety of themed gardens, meandering walking paths, and seasonal events—including weddings. The grounds also include a charming café with both indoor and terrace seating, as well as a thoughtfully curated gift shop that’s perfect for plant lovers.
Art in Motion: A Mesmerizing Gallery
One of the highlights of our visit was the Art in Motion sculptures exhibit by George Sherwin, on display from May 3 to October 12, 2025. These kinetic sculptures are designed to move with the wind and catch the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing interplay between art and nature. They don’t just sit in the landscape—they become part of it, enhancing the garden’s natural rhythm and beauty.
A Peaceful Stroll Through Nature
We visited on a weekday morning and arrived early, which made it feel like we had the entire garden to ourselves. Even as more visitors trickled in, the space never felt crowded. The grounds are well maintained by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, and thanks to the diversity of plantings, I imagine the garden offers something new and beautiful in every season.
While we explored most of the gardens, we did miss a few areas—the apple orchard, the field of daffodils, and the climate garden are still on our list for next time. But what we did see was more than enough to leave us inspired.
Plants that Sparked Our Curiosity
One of the most exciting parts of the visit was discovering plants we’d never seen before despite being avid gardeners ourselves! We were delighted to spot some familiar favorites but also stunned by the vibrant and unusual varieties we’d never encountered. A few that really stood out were:
- Gomphrena globosa ‘Purple’ – vivid, globe-shaped blooms like little jewels
- Pycnosorus globosum ‘Billy Buttons’ – cheerful yellow orbs that look like something out of a storybook
- Dianthus barbatus ‘Green Ball’ – fuzzy, neon-green pom-poms that added a playful texture
These plants were so striking they almost didn’t look real—like nature’s version of candy. I’d love to add them to our own garden, but I’ve never seen them at local garden centers or big-box stores.
A Day Well Spent
We left the garden several hours later with lots of pictures on the camera, a renewed sense of creativity, and (of course!) a growing wish list of plants to track down. It was a peaceful, inspiring day that reminded me why I love gardening in the first place: the joy of discovery, the beauty of nature, and the endless possibilities for growth—both in the soil and in ourselves.
Where do you go to find gardening inspiration? What plants or flowers are you current excited about?
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