Tag Archives: flowers

May 27, 2025

Pixels + Petals (New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston, MA)

Date Of Visit: February 15, 2025

Location: 11 French Drive, Boylston, MA

Summary: Pixels from some of our favorite video games (think Mario) and flowers were the main attraction at this event.

An assortment of colorful flowers were mixed with colorful blocks or pixels. Being a former gamer myself, this was the perfect mix of aromatic flowers and nostalgia.

All of the orchids, over 2,000 to be precise, provided some color to the dreary winter. The flowers were meant to evoke the aesthetic of retro video games.

The orchids were displayed in two subtropical conservatories. Each conservatory had a variety of colorful pixels. in the room and hanging from the ceiling.

I did learn something, besides the innumerable types of orchids that exist. I also learned to get the best photos of these flowers, you really need a macro lens. I didn’t have one at the time of this photo shoot. So, I took these photos with a 35 mm prime lens. Then, I quickly went out and bought a macro lens for future flower shoots.

There was also pixel and petal based art and info in the hallways and learning center.

An added bonus was the “find Yeti” challenge on the grounds of the botanic garden.

Can you see them?

They’re pretty good at hiding. But, I was able to find them during my walk through the grounds.

9 Comments | tags: flowers, Massachusetts, New England, New England Botanic Garden, orchids, photographs, Photography, photos, yeti | posted in Massachusetts, Massachussetts, New England, New England Botanic Garden, photographs, photography, photos, pixels, yeti

April 19, 2025

2024 Fall Mum Show (Botanic Garden at Smith College, Northampton, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: November 8, 2024

Location: Botanic Garden at Smith College, 16 College Lane
Northampton, MA (2 hours northwest of Boston, MA)

Summary: Chrysanthemums in a variety of shapes and hues took center stage at the botanic garden. There were also a few additional surprises at last year’s event.

It’s amazing the things you find when you finally clean up. I came across a memory card I thought I had lost. Among the photos in the memory card was the colorful “Mums Show” at the Botanic Garden at Smith College. I am especially glad I was able to post these photos for a reason I will reveal later. I hope you enjoy viewing them as much I enjoyed taking these photos!

This was the last Mums show at Smith College. There are a variety of reasons why Smith College is ending this tradition. It was a tradition that lasted over 120 years. The main reasons for their decision are minimizing pesticide usage, prioritizing educational opportunities as well as the lack of space, resources and staff required to put on the show.

The show spanned two greenhouses jam packed with colorful mums. The second greenhouse of the exhibit features hybridized mums created by students in Gaby Immerman’s class: Plants in the Landscape. Gabby holds a joint appointment as biology faculty and as the experiential learning specialist. Besides being a teacher at Smith College, Gaby has also served on the Board of Grow Food Northampton.

You may notice some numbers in or near some of the mums. Visitors could vote for their favorite mums. Finally, an election I can get excited about.

The mums were in full display throughout the show. I love how they always seem to mix the colors of the different flowers and plants.

As I found out during this show, there are a wide variety of types of Chrysanthemums. This “mum” is called a Early-Flowering Incurved Chrysanthemum, or Incurved Mum.

The Mums Show features not only Chrysanthemums but a variety of trees, plants and flowers. This Theobroma cacao Malvaceae, or more commonly known as the cacao tree or cocoa tree, smells just like cocoa or chocolate. This makes sense since its seeds are used to make cocoa butter, chocolate liquor, cocoa solids and, of course, chocolate. Since the tree is native to the tropics of the Americas, the area where this tree was planted and cared for had to be kept at a relatively warm temperature and humid climate.

These star like flowers are called Hoya Carnosa (aka the wax plant or porcelain flower). It is native to East Asia.

So, if “mums: aren’t your thing, there are lots of other trees, plants and flowers to attract your attention.

You may notice what looks like steam or more accurately condensation in some of the photos. This is due to the warm climate in the room with the cocoa tree and other plants, trees and flowers that required a warmer temperature to thrive.

I was able to enter the botanic garden and hour early. So, I was able to get most of my photos without people in the background of the photos (one of my pet peeves). I did get this guy hard at work in my photo though.

One of my favorite parts of the botanic garden is this wall of cacti.

This cactus looked kind of creepy! It reminded me of a creepy crawler you might see in a horror or sci-fi show!

There also was a preview of one of the temporary exhibits at the garden called “Botanical Bodies: When Identity Blossoms On Skin.” The exhibit showcased photos of tattoos that people, some students and faculty at the college, have on their bodies.

The student-curated photography exhibit explores the intimate relationship between nature and personal identity through photographs and stories of individuals adorned with botanical tattoos that celebrate the beauty and diversity of plant life as a form of self-expression. Each photo is said to tell a story that connects us to nature, heritage and personal meaning. The exhibit, which was installed at the end of January, will run through May 30, 2025. So, there is still time to see it!

10 Comments | tags: Botanic Garden, Chrysanthemums, floral, flowers, garden, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, plants, Smith College, travel, trees | posted in flowers, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, plants

July 30, 2023

Green Animals Topiary Garden 2023 (Portsmouth, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: July 24, 2023

Location: 380 Corys Ln, POrtsmouth, RI (30 mins south of Providence, RI and 1 hour southwest of Boston, MA)

Cost: $25 for adults, $10 for children 6-12, children under 6 get in free (you can also purchase combo tickets for tours of the mansions in Newport, RI, on their website). Customers are encouraged to purchase tickets for timed entry on their website. (special rates are available for groups of 10 or more, details are on their website)

Parking: There are about 50 free parking spots located across from the topiary (see below for additional info about parking)

All visitor parking for Green Animals is in the St. Philomena School parking lot. The only entrance to Green Animals is from the St. Philomena parking lot from June 17 – August 27. There will be no access to enter the property from the Green Animals parking lot.

Universally Accessible: No

Dog Friendly: No

Website: Green Animals Topiary Garden

Summary: Dozens of carefully clipped green sculpted shapes are scattered around the 7 acre topiary. There is also a special exhibit by Sean Kenney made out of Lego Bricks. Audio self guided tours are also available.

The numerous parks, sanctuaries and zoos in Rhode Island aren’t the only places in the Ocean State to see animals.

While they may not be as cuddly or cute, the animals at the Rhode Island Green Animals Topiary are just as impressive. The well kept topiary includes a variety of animals such as an elephant, giraffe and a human being.

But, there are so many more animals in this well kept exhibit.

But not all of the greenery is sculpted into animals. They were also trimmed into an airplane, heart and arch.

The 7 acre topiary also has pretty flowers and beautiful views.

As if this wasn’t fun enough, there is also a special exhibit by Sean Kenney. The Sean Kenney Nature Connects is a special exhibit of several art sculptures entirely made of Lego Bricks.

Each exhibit has a sign with information about each animal. The sculptures are listed below. Due to the dimensions and textures of the Lego bricks, the images look better in their full image size. You may want to look at the in full size or zoom in to see them better.

Peacock

Bird Bath (yes those pesky critters use even fake bird baths!)

Buck

Fawn and Doe

Hummingbird

Butterfly

Ant Hill. This cute display has holes for people to stick their heads into while they pose for photos.

Turtle

Rose

Dragonfly

Spider (I’m still having nightmares about this one!)

Wheelbarrow and gardener

Bumble Bee

Remember, these are made entirely out of Lego bricks! I had to keep reminding myself of this as I photographed each one. Also, if you do get lost or can’t keep track of where the Lego brick sculptures are there signs to help point you in the correct directions!

While the topiary is scheduled to remain open until October 1, the Nature Connects exhibit will only be at the topiary through September 10. Just make sure to not step on any of the Legos when you visit!

11 Comments | tags: flowers, nature connects, New Englaand, photograhy, Rhode Island, topiary | posted in New England, photographs, photography, photos, Rhode Island, topiary

June 4, 2023

Daffodil and Tulip Festival at Naumkeag (Naumkeag, Stockbridge, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: May 5, 2024 (this event has ended. It was scheduled from April 22 to May 16)

Location: Naumkeag, Trustees, 5 Prospect Hill Rd
Stockbridge, MA

Cost: $15 for non-member adults ($9 for members) on weekdays and $20 for non-member adults ($12 for members) on weekends. Tickets for children cost $5 each ($3 for members) no matter the day, and admission for children younger than two is free. Tickets are sold for timed entry and must be purchased online; Tickets were sold in a time based entry system.

Parking: Free parking is available on site with a nearby overflow lot

Website: https://thetrustees.org/place/naumkeag/

What better way to celebrate the beginning of spring than walking along the 8 acre gardens of the Naumkeag (pronounced “Nom-keeg”) estate? More than 130,000 colorful tulips, daisies and minor bulbs greeted the visitors at the garden of Naumkeag.

My 24 mm prime lens and 18-400 mm telephoto lenses helped me get some really great bokeh (background blur) in the photos accentuating the beauty of the flowers. It didn’t hurt that the flowers were arranged in a such a pretty array of colors.

There were also some beautiful backgrounds at Naumkeag that provided some beautiful photo opportunities.

I could spend all day photographing these beautiful displays of flowers!

While the daffodils and tulips and other flowers were the main attraction at the event, there were other pretty and impressive statues and structures at Naumkeag. And, yes, those are bubbles at one of the statues there!

There were also models of eggs that looked like larger versions of the eggs birds lay with the name of the bird that lays them.

The “summer cottage” at Naumkeag was bult in 1884 when Joseph Choate, a prominent New York attorney and U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain, and his wife, Caroline hired an architect to build the 44 room home. Tours are available on the first floor and, of course, you can purchase items in the gift shop also on the first floor.

There are additional events during the fall and winter seasons at Naumkeag. You can check out there website for more information.

5 Comments | tags: daffodils, flowers, Massachusetts, naumkeag, New Englaand, Photography, photos, Stockbridge, tulips | posted in flowers, Massachusetts, New England, photography, photos, Uncategorized

August 6, 2021

Sunrise In The Sunflowers (Coppal House Farm, Lee, NH)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: August 6, 2021 (the annual event is usually held the first Sunday in August)

Location: Coppal House Farm, 118 N. River Rd (rt 155) Lee, NH (about 45 mins southeast of Concord, NH, or one and a half hours northeast of Boston, MA)

Cost: The prices vary depending on when you go and your age. Prices can be found at the link below

https://www.nhsunflower.com/sunflower-festival-info

Parking There was lawn parking for about a couple hundred cars

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: No this was not a dog friendly event

Website: https://www.nhcornmaze.com/

Summary: Coppal House Farm hosted their 7th annual Sunrise In The Sunflowers Festival

Summer, sunrises and sunflower. Who could possibly ask for more?

On August 1, he Coppal House Farm turned their farm into a sunflower paradise.

I arrived at Coppal House Farm bright and early for the “Sunrise In The Sunflowers” event which is particularly popular with photographers of all skill levels. I was surprised to see such a healthy crowd at 5:30 am. As the name of the event would suggest, the sunflowers really do pop with the rays of sun beaming on them. Initially, I was shocked to see the sunflowers were not facing the view of the sunrise. But, then it made complete sense as the sunbeams really hit the flowers and brought out their beauty. This time of day (the golden hour) is the optimal and, in my opinion, only time to photograph these flowers (except for possibly sunset).

I didn’t realize there were other types of sunflowers besides the yellow sunflowers that are so prominent.

There were also several props and decor for people to pose near for portrait shoots.

But there weren’t just sunflowers at the house farm.

There were a variety of different flowers at the farm.

There were also a few spooky trees at the event.

If you do visit Coppal House Farm don’t forget to buy a sunflower to take home or view the animals at the farm.

8 Comments | tags: Coppal House Farm, flowers, Lee, New Englaand, new hampshire, Photography, photos, sunflowers, sunrise, Sunrise In The Sunflowers | posted in flowers, New England, new hampshire, photographs, photography, photos, sunflowers

May 12, 2021

Daffodils At Tower Hill (Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: April 25, 2021

Location: Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston, MA (about an hour northwest of Boston, MA or 1 hour north of Providence, RI)

Hours: Open Daily, 10am–5pm (Tower Hill is closed on Thanksgiving, December 24, December 25, December 31, and January 1)

Cost: (all tickets must be purchased online at their website for a specific timed entry but visitors can stay as late as they wish)

Members: FREE (must reserve ticket)
Adults: $16
Seniors (65+): $11
Youth (6-18): $6
Children 5 and under: Free (must reserve ticket)

Dogs $7 (dogs are not allowed in the Yarnstorm grounds but there are trails they are allowed on)

Parking: there are about 100 plus free parking spots

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes (dogs are not at Yarnstorm, but dogs are only allowed on the trails outside of the garden)

Summary: 40 artists knitted a variety of designs in the garden areas of Tower Hill Botanic Garden

Website: ht tps://www.towerhillbg.org/

Every year, daffodils become the centerpiece of the gardens at the Tower Hill Botanic Garden as well as the rest of New England,. And this year was no different. According to their website, the peak time of the daffodils is the 3rs week of April until the first week of May. So, I chose the last week of April to visit.

Unfortunately, it was raining during my visit. The rain did let up a bit during my visit. But it did rain during my entire visit. And the rain did make for some pretty photo opportunities with the droplets on the flowers.

Ironically, it wasn’t the daffodils that stood out the most. It was the tulips that really caught my eye.

The decor of the gardens at Tower Hill Help to accentuate the beauty of the flowers.

Unfortunately, I could not stay long due to the rain and the difficulty taking photos while I tried to keep my camera dry. But I did my best to capture the beauty there as best I could. But daffodils will be there again next year and so will i!

7 Comments | tags: daffodils, flowers, Massachusetts, New England, Photography, photos, Tower Hill Botanic Garden | posted in daffodils, flowers, Massachusetts, New England, photography

June 30, 2019

Bradley Palmer State Park (Topsfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: June 1, 2019

Location: 40 Asbury St, Topsfield, MA

Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset

Cost: Daily parking fee charged Memorial Day weekend through October 31

MA resident $5

Non-MA resident $10

There is a pay station located at the parking lot.

Parking: There is a parking area for about 50 or so cars.

Trails Size and Difficulty: 721 acres, easy to moderate

Universally Accessible: Yes, the main trail is universally accessible

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Bradley Palmer State Park Website

Bradley Palmer State Park Trail Map

Highlights: equestrian trails, meadows, plants, flowers, scenic views, wildlife, historic site, wading pool (June 26 – September 7 Open daily, 9:30am to 7:00pm)

Named after noted attorney and businessman Bradley Palmer, Bradley Palmer State Park has numerous trails for cycling, horse riding or just hiking as well as beauty unmatched by most parks in the area.

There is a variety of wildlife at Bradley Palmer. Snakes (garters mostly), frogs and toads and birds are abundant at the park. I was careful to not get too close to the Fowler’s toad as it has poison glands that meet at the back of their eyes. Actually, I had no idea about this while I took the photo. It was only after I had somewhat foolishly gotten close to the frog, taken the photo and researched what type of frog it was that I found about this. I am always careful to not disturb the wildlife though. The only reason it looks like I was very close was because of my telephoto lens. But it is something to keep in mind next time.

There are also numerous equestrian trails for horse riders to take their horses on.

There are also open fields with obstacles for horses to make jumps.

In fact, it is the open areas with long trails that make Bradley Palmer so special. There are so many pretty trees and flowers along the trails which are located along the Ipswich River. I could walk along the seemingly endless trails just taking in the scenic views along the way.

There are also historic buildings at the park. Palmer had constructed a mansion called Willow Dale where he resided. The building was restored in 2007 and is used for wedding receptions and other celebratory events under the name Willowdale Estate. I didn’t take photos of the remodeled building as there was a wedding reception taking place there during my visit.

There is also an old abandoned building at one of the entrances to the park. I’m not sure what it was originally used for (perhaps a horse barn as Bradley Palmer enjoyed horses). But, it is fun to think of it as being the home of a gnome or some other fantastical creature.

Bradley Palmer is a dog friendly park. There is more than 720 acres for you and your pooch to explore. Luke, a 7 year old, Tree Walker Coon hound, had fun on the trail.

The one thing that made this shoot somewhat challenging (despite the birds who kept flying away before I could shoot them) was the lighting at the park. Sunlight can be very difficult to work with. Frankly, it is often easier to get a darker image and fix it in post production. An over exposed photo can be very hard to “fix” later. This is why it’s important to get the photo right in the camera whenever possible,

There are two easier ways to avoid getting too much light in your photo: come back later and (time permitting) shoot the photo at a later time when the lighting may be better or try to position yourself in a different angle where the light may be less harsh. Those suggestions may seem obvious but sometimes the most obvious ideas do not always come to mind, especially if we may not have time to shoot the image later in the day.

When I took a beginner photography class, the teacher told us to shoot at 5.6 “because he said so.” While it is obvious that this is not always the best setting to use, I did notice I shot most of my photos at 5.6 or 4.0. Of course, it will vary upon where and when and the environment you’re shooting in, 5.6 is a good place to set your camera at and you can always adjust from there if you’re unsure what setting to use, particularly for beginners.

In a future post I will share some thoughts on photographing birds. You know, the least frustrating part of photography ( :

9 Comments | tags: birds, Bradley Palmer State Park., dogs, flowers, frogs, historic, Massachusetts, New England, scenic, snakes, toads, Topsfield, trees | posted in historical, Massachusetts, New England, park, photography, Uncategorized

August 27, 2018

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Part I (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Visits: August 12, 13, 18, 19, 2018

Location: Various locations in Boston, MA

Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Cost: Free

Parking: there is some street parking available at some parts of the Greenway (particularly on Atlantic Ave) and several parking garages in the area. There are also several MBTA train stations within walking distance to the Greenway such as South Station

Trail Size/Difficulty: 15 acres, 1.5 miles/easy

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: flowers,scenic,dog friendly, historic

Websites: Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Overview

Good Historical Overview Of The Greenway Project

Like it or not, the morning and evening temperatures are beginning to plummet and the days are growing shorter. Since I only have a short window to visit some of the more interesting outdoor venues for this season, I finally made it out to Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.

Named after the matriarch of the Kennedy family, the Greenway has a wide variety of attractions. From a carousel to works of to the beautiful gardens and flowers along the trail, the Greenway has something for everyone.

Since there is so much to see and photograph along the Greenway, I decided to break up this blog series into three parts. The first part, which I will post today, is going to include the gardens and flowers at the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Part 2 will include the art on the Greenway and Part 3 will include the entertainment along the Greenway. And, of course, there will be dogs included in each post as well!

Once upon a time, specially from 1959 when the elevated John F Fitzgerald Kennedy-Central Artery construction ended and 1981 when the “Big Dig” (an underground tunnel project) began, an elevated highway spanned what is now the Greenway. Fun fact: some of the dirt from the “Big Dig” tunnel project was used to resurface Spectacle Island in Boston Harbor.

The first thing you’ll notice on the Greenway, particularly during the spring and summer, are the bright, beautiful plants and flowers.

The gardens and flowers along the Greenway are all treated organically so people do not have to worry about their children and pets being affected by any pesticides and make the flowers look beautiful.

There are pollinators along the Greenway. The pollinators, which were installed in 2016, are designed to attract and support pollinator species. Since pollinating insects are important to all seed propagated plants, the pollinators provide an important role in the growth of the plants.

The Greenway also has a garden where they grow edible fruits and vegetables such as bluberries. The blueberries and other fruits and vegetables are a big hit with the birds.

I especially like how the buildings provide such a stark contrast to the beauty of the plants and flowers.

In fact, the buildings are so impressive I couldn’t help but take a few photos of the buildings as well.

Although it is only 1.5 miles long, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is full of surprises and special areas such as “Mothers’ Walk.”

Along the The Mothers’ Walk are engraved bricks with the names of loved ones. For a measley $500 donation people could have names inscribed on bricks along the walk.

Along the wall there is an inscription that reads, “To all who have cared, encouraged, inspired, laughed and loved, this Mothers’ Walk is dedicated to you and to those who have supported this beautiful Greenway.”

There is also a park along the Greenway called The Carolyn Lynch Garden. The garden was dedicated in Summer 2018 to Carolyn Hoff Lynch, an avid gardener and a leading philanthropist, who passed away in 2015. The garden is bursting with colors in the spring and summer and has some scenic views.

Along Carolyn Lynch Park and other parts of the Greenway you will find historic events summarized on a timeline about the area. The dates and events vary depending on where the timeline along the fences appear. For instance in the part of the Greenway located in the North End, there are dates of events that took place in that area and quotes from people in the area.

The Greenway is a wonderful place to take your leashed pet. Below are a few of the dogs I saw on the Greenway.

Tommy is a 6 year old Boxer, Labrador, Retriever, Beagle mix rescue dog. Tommy is a social media star. You can find him at bostondogtommy on Instagram.

Jack is a 12 year old Pomeranian.

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Stayed Tuned for Part II coming soon!

2 Comments | tags: birds, Boston, dogs, flowers, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, plants, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway | posted in birds, Boston, dogs, flowers, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, plants, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Uncategorized

August 1, 2018

Friday The 13th (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Visit: July 13 & 14, 2018

Location: Salem, MA

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: architecture, dogs, flower boxes

What is a better place to spend Friday the 13th than Salem, MA? Well, maybe Camp Crystal Lake would be more appropriate. But, I’m not stepping one foot there!

I actually spent the weekend in Salem and it was not at all scary during my visit. In fact, it was downright peaceful.

The city of Salem was holding their annual window box competition that was judged at the end of July by the Salem Garden Club. Roughly 40 people compete. I was able to capture some of the prettier flower boxes. I am not sure if all or any of these flower boxes were involved in the competition. But, all of the window boxes and other flower baskets definitely looked like winners to me.

As an aside, Salem’s buildings are not always straight which can make photographing them difficult. It’snot just an excuse for the photographer. Well, maybe a little. But, due to soil erosion and the age of some of the buildings in the area, the buildings have shifted. So, while a window may look straight, the building may, in fact, not be.

I didn’t want to spend the entire day photographing the usual sites. Well, maybe I did include a few popular places in this post. But, I mostly wanted to get some photos of buildings that don’t get as much attention like the Essex Bank Building (built by Charles Bulfinch in 1811).

And the Stepping Stone Inn (built in 1933).

This is the back side of the Old Town Hall in Salem. You may recall seeing this building in the Hocus Pocus movie athough it may look more familiar from the front. It is the oldest municipal building in Massachusetts dating back to 1816. It is now used to display art and historical exhibits. The second floor of the building, called Great Hall, has always been used as a public hall, and contained Town offices until 1837.

Located across from historic Derby Wharf, the Custom House has a

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The eagle on top of the house is actually a replica of the original. The original eagle was painted black during the second World War so that it would not be easily detected by any foreign fighters should they attack us on U.S. soil.

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Built in 1810 for the prominent Salem merchant Benjamin Crowninshied, The Home For Aged Women (it now operates as the Brookhouse Home) is another one of the more majestic buildings on Derby St. The Brookhouse Home continues to offer assisted living and support to senior women

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There’s always a feeling of Halloween in the air in Salem as these doors and windows show. After all, it’s never too early to count down the days until Halloween.

One of the more popular places in Salem, especially during Halloween, the Crow Haven Corner is Salem’s oldest witch shop. Make sure to stop by the next time you’re in the area!

The Salem Witch Museum from a different angle. I love the angles and shapes of the wall and windows.

These doors on an apartment complex on Derby St caught my attention. They both seemed to keep the old style of Salem in their designs.

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One of the really cool things about Salem are the old buildings that have survived. While the offices and stores are different than the what was originally housed there, the structures are still the same.

This building, where Rockafella’s restaurant is now located, was used as the first meeting house in Salem from 1634 to 1673. Prior to that, as the sign suggests, it was used for worship in July and August of 1629.

The sign for Daniel Low & Co is a sign from a store which operated on Washington St. It operated from 1874 until 1995.

Named after Aaron Waite and Jerathmiel Peirce, the Salem Maritime Museum store on Derby Street sells wares associated with your trip to Salem. There are also helpful park rangers there to help you during your visit.

Dogs weren’t afraid to venture out to Salem on the 13th either.

Luna is a 6 month old liver pepper mini Schnauzer.

Bella is a 14 year old American Pitbull Terrier.

If you want to see more posts, photos, videos and other content please like me on Facebook or just “like me”!

16 Comments | tags: architecture, buildings, dogs, flowers, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in dogs, flowers, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

July 15, 2018

Long Hill (Beverly, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates of Visits: June 17, 2018 and July 13, 2018

Location: 572 Essex St, Beverly, MA (about 30 minutes northeast of Boston,MA)

Hours: Gardens are open year-round, daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Allow a minimum of 1½ hours. Peak bloom in May and June. Guided tours are offered in spring, summer, and fall and by appt.

Cost: Free

Parking: There is ample parking at the end of the entrance of the park to the left of the road

Trail Size/Difficulty: 1.2 mile loop, easy to slightly moderate in some areas

Handicapped Accessible: Yes, the estate and the grounds of the estate are accessible, although the trails may not be accessible to some people

Dog Friendly: Yes

Websites: Long Hill Trustees Website

Long Hill Facebook page

Maps: Map of Long Hill Gardens

Long Hill Trail Map

Highlights: gardens, trails, wildlife, farm, Long Hill estate, family friendly, children’s garden

Fun Facts:

The estate located at Long Hill was purchased by former Atlantic Monthly editor Ellery Sedgwick
The estate is available for weddings and other events
The trustees have partnered with the Food Project to give children the opportunity to learn about sustainable agricultural practices

So, it’s the middle of July already. How did that happen?

After a brief heatwave, the weather has improved and it has been the perfect weather for a walk and photo session at Long Hill. In fact, I liked it so much I went twice.

Long Hill is teeming with flowers and plant life, especially this time of the year.

Adjacent to the flower gardens is what appears to be a storage area where they keep flowers to be planted at a later time.

There are also several flower beds and a well maintained garden next to the main parking area.

There are a variety of trees at Long Hill. Many of them have the name of the tree posted on them.

But, there is only one truly majestic tree at Long Hill; the tree standing in front of the estate at Long Hill.

This dramatic copper beech was planted by the estate owner Mabel Sedgwick. The twin trunks of the tree seem to hug each other and merge together. In fact, legend holds that two trees were planted in the same hole and then they grew together.

The grounds of the estate are well manicured with statues and other decorative items scattered around. The grounds of the house consist of six acres of gardens, including formal, geometric outdoor “rooms.” The sections or “rooms” include a variety of flowers such as handkerchief trees, southern magnolias and other plants that aren’t typically seen this far north.

The grounds are also a wonderful place to have a picnic with your family as this family did with their little one. Their little one was standing behind the tree when the photo was taken.

As if all this wasn’t enough, there is also a 1.2 mile trail with mostly gentle with some moderate inclines. You can find many birds, garter snakes, frog and even a few chipmunks along the way.

If you get tired along the way don’t worry. There are chairs for you to sit.

There are certain sounds you expect to hear while hiking along a trail. A bird squawking. A frog croaking or even a chipmunk chirping. These are all normal sounds you may hear along the trail. But, a rooster crowing? Yes, there is a small farm at Long Hill.

Next to the farm is a community outreach program called The Food Project to teach children how to grow sustainable foods, conserve and even pick their own fruit and vegetables.