The Boston Public Garden is often referred to as one in the same as Boston Common. But they are actually 2 distinctly different areas – and like Boston Common, Boston Public Garden deserves its own story to be told.
The Boston Public Garden, or simply Public Garden, holds the distinction of being America’s oldest botanical garden, having been established in 1837 by philanthropist Horace Gray. Gray was a Boston-born and raised American jurist who eventually served on the U.S. Supreme Court and helped temper political resistance to attempts made to sell the land before settling the issue by devoting it as a Public Garden in 1856.
In 1860, architect George Meacham was commissioned to plan the park. Meacham presented a plan that clearly included intricate floral patterns in the many Gardens many beds. His vision for the style of the park was decidedly Victorian and Meacham won $100 as a prize for the public design competition for the Garden.
In the early days, critics found the showy annuals and greenhouse-grown plants in blazes of color to be too unnatural and garish for being within the bounds of good taste.
However, for the most part, the Victorian traditions are maintained today, and the Garden is one of the greatest of Boston’s Attractions.
In 1859, the lake was completed and the perimeter wrought iron fence was erected in 1862. Spanning 24 acres, the land that was once a salt marsh was completely transformed with paths and flowerbeds, fountains and statues.
The 1st statue was installed of Edward Everett by William Wetmore Story in 1867, and that same year the signature suspension bridge was erected over the middle of the lake. It’s been described as the world’s smallest suspension bridge and was designed to cross the lake at its narrowest point.
A bronze statue of George Washington by Thomas Ball dominates the west side of the park and was dedicated in 1869. Washington is depicted in a triumphant pose as liberator, looking over a scene that, years earlier when the living Washington stood with his cannons at Dorchester Heights, would have included an immense stretch of blue water, but that has since filled in to be what is Boston’s Back Bay.
Visiting Boston? Choose Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers– a Boston Hotel located steps from Boston Public Garden, and close to Boston’s Freedom Trail and Boston Shopping. Take a Tour of this historic Boston Hotel that has stood the test of time.
Today, the Public Garden has the finest formal plantings in central Boston. The flowerbeds along the main walkways are replanted biannually for spring and summer. Permanent flower plantings include roses, bulbs, and flowering shrubs. All together, the plantings are supplied by 14 greenhouses the city operates through Boston Parks & Recreation Department for this specific purpose.
The lake has been famous since 1877 for its Swan Boats, which are powered by foot by a captain. The boats were inspired by the German opera, “Lohengrin,” in which a knight of the Grail crosses a river in a boast pulled by a swan.
Real ducks and swans flock to the irregular shaped lake, which is intended to appear from any perspective along its banks as much larger than it is, which is nearly 4 acres.
When visiting Boston, be sure to stroll the Boston Public Garden for yourself and admire the many monuments and fountains, the bright and unusual collection of plants, the lake, and of course the ever-relaxing Swan Boat rides amidst the swans themselves.
About Boston Park Plaza Hotel – A Boston Back Bay Hotel
Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers is part of the rich history that defines Boston as one of the most beautiful cities in America and a top travel destination. This Boston Hotel is located in Back Bay, one of the most beautiful areas of the City – just yards from Boston Common, America’s oldest Public Park.
This Luxury Boston Hotel conveys class and elegance throughout its exceptional Concierge and Guest Services, 941 finely-appointed Guest Rooms and Guest Suites, premier Dining with 9 on-site Restaurants including Melting Pot and the Statler’s Lounge. Other Guest Services include a 24-hour Fitness Center, 24-hour Business Center, and 65,000-square-feet of exceptional Boston Meeting Space including the exquisite Boston Park Plaza Castle located across the street – one of Boston’s most recognized and renowned Landmarks used exclusively for Boston Social Functions.
Since opening in 1927, Boston Park Plaza Hotel is recognized as a member of the Historic Hotels of America and a preferred Boston Hotel.
From Boston Park Hotel’s ideal location, Business and Leisure Guests can easily access all that Boston has to offer including Funeuil Hall Marketplace, Boston’s Historic Landmarks, Boston Common, Boston’s Back Bay, world-renowned Newbury Street for Boston Shopping, Boston Attractions, and Boston Activities, and the Theatre and Financial Districts. Our Boston Hotel is located just 3 miles from Boston’sLogan International Airport.
Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers – A Historic Boston Hotel near Boston Trade Shows, Boston Events and Boston Activities. A Boston Hotel with world-class Guest Services. Reservations: 888.225.2008 For more information please visit:- http://www.bostonparkplaza.com/
Boston Activities 
Leave a comment