Gardens of Greater Boston Tour - Day 2

Everyone on the bus by 8:00 AM, and it's on to the first stop of the day - Wilson Farms in Lexington, Massachusetts. 

This is a massive produce market growing its
own plants, flowers and veggies, also selling
cheese, meat, seafood, and bakery.

Produce is started from seed, new crops planted daily. Everything is hand-picked and made ready for market.

Here's a view of the fields: 

It had rained the night before, so the ground was quite muddy.

("I'm right behind you, George!")

Rows of Swiss chard:

After seeing the fields, we made our way back to the market AND to the bakery! I thought Geo would like this berry tart.

I'd choose the eclair, no doubt about it! The most luscious I've ever seen...

I would definitely grocery shop here if we lived anywhere near this area. 

After the market tour, we boarded the bus for Glen Magna Farms in Danvers, MA.

Glen Magna is an estate that exemplifies the North Shore summer lifestyle. The original house was purchased by Joseph Peabody during the war of 1812. It was expanded and remodeled in 1893. In 1926 the gardens were awarded the top medal from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The house is being restored to look as it did in the early 1900's. This place is popular for summer weddings.

The backyard provides the perfect aisle for the bridal party.

And here's the place to say, "I do."

Another view of the gardens:

A great addition to any garden - a fountain.

I love the waterlilies!

Every garden needs a secluded spot. These trees provided a circular shaded area. Very peaceful.

I noticed the lovely blooms on this tree. Not sure what this is or if it would even grow in our Zone 4.

We had lunch at Glen Magna in one of the elegant dining rooms. Then it was on to an amazing site - the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, MA.

This was my first visit to an arboretum, and Arnold Arboretum is our country's first, established in 1872. There are 281 acres here; we covered about two miles. The landscape was originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted to be a living collection of trees and shrubs. Truly magnificent.

Here's our energetic and knowledgeable guide.

  

Each tree is identified.

I was told that the Dawn Redwood is one that could actually grow in Vermont. I'd like to see if we could add this one to our yard!

Geo is getting a closer look.

The bark on this one peels away to reveal unique copper coloring.

The arboretum is a popular place for strolling or hiking. Years ago, carriages would come through so people could view the trees without touching the ground.

 Some blooms along the way:

The oldest specimen I saw was a bonsai - outdoors - that was started in 1737. Yes, 1737. Very historic. (I'm sorry I did not get any bonsai photos.)

One of my fave photos is overlooking one of the ponds.

I truly loved the arboretum, especially seeing the play of sunlight and shadows on the ground under the trees, then looking up and seeing the blue sky through the leaves. 

Lesson learned: Do not take for granted trees and shrubs when planning the garden.