Tag Archives: garden

April 19, 2025

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

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

August 12, 2017

Prescott Park Gardens (Portsmouth, NH)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: July 29, 2017

Location: 105 Marcy St, Portsmouth, NH

Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free

Parking: Street parking is available on Old Bay St and Marcy St. There is also a lot on Old Bay St.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: No

Highlights: fountains, flowers, plants, trees, family friendly

Portsmouth is known for its beautiful places. So, it’s no big surprise when you come across a scenic view or a pitcuresque downtown area. What is more unusual is a beautiful garden in a public setting. Well, Prescott Park Gardens certainly seems to fit the bill.

Considered part of Prescott Park, Prescott Park Gardens is located next to the main garden at Prescott Park.

Even though it is only a small area, the garden at Prescott Park is overflowing with colors and beauty. Despite all of the trees, flowers and fountains and the high volume of visitors, it didn’t seemed cramped there. Even with the dizzying array of flowers, the park still seems quaint and understated. I can only imagine how peaceful it must feel there when it’s not a busy time of day.

Despite the huge crowds it attracts, the park is kept in pristine condition.

The fountains at the garden give the area a serene feel. Just watching the water and listening to the calming, rhythmic sounds of the water splashing is soothing.

Some people found some creative ways to cool down at the garden.

Below is a video of the garden at Prescott Park.

Today’s featured link is Don Gargano’s photography website. Don primarily shoots in the Portsmouth and New Castle, New Hampshire areas as well as Maine. I have followed him for some time on Facebook and you can check out his page here. Coincidentally, he has a photo of the garden at Prescott Park on his profile page!

13 Comments | tags: flowers, fountains, garden, New England, new hampshire, Park, photographs, Photography, photos, portsmouth | posted in flowers, fountains, garden, New England, new hampshire, park, photographs, photography, photos, portsmouth, Uncategorized

July 4, 2017

The Mount (Lenox,MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: June 4, 2017

Location: 2 Plunkett St, Lenox, MA (about 2 hours west of Boston and 1 hour northwest of Springfield, MA)

Hours: The Mount is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm through October 31st, except on early closing days (please see below). The Mount is open from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm most weekends in November through February. Please call 413-551-5100 to confirm hours.

Cost: $18 for adults, $17 for seniors (65 and older), $13 for students with id, $10 for members of the military, free for teens and children (18 and younger)

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Service pets may be allowed

Highlights: home of author Edith Wharton, trails, fountains, flowers

Website: The Mount

Once the home to one of Massachusetts’ more prominent authors, The Mount is more than just a beautiful mansion. The Mount, once the home of Edith Wharton, has colorful gardens, fountains, art, spectacular views and history around every corner.

The Mount, which was recently restored, is an elegant house that has kept much of its original charm. What is great about the mansion is that you can see the entire home in half an hour or so. Yet, it isn’t so much the quantity of time and space the tour (I took a self guided tour but there may also be guided tours as well) would take. But, rather, it is the quality of time and space the tour takes. Around each corner is one beautiful piece of furniture and architecture. Yeah, I think I could live here.

I couldn’t use my flash when I took photos inside of the mansion. But, I did my best. Sometimes the lack of lighting gives the home a mysterious feel. Sometimes it just makes the photos look crappy. You decide.

The two floor building has about a dozen rooms and there is a handicapped accessible entry and elevator.

Some of my favorite rooms had the old, antiquated tools and appliances we used to use.

The grounds of the Mount is as beautiful as the inside of the building.

The Beaver Loop Trail, a gentle, short trail (about half a mile) that runs along the grounds of The Mount, offers some very pretty views.

Edith Wharton was fond of animals (well, mostly she was fond of dogs not so much cats – oh well she wasn’t purrfect I guess). Along the trail around the mansion, a side trail leads too a pet cemetery.

There are also little critters along the trail outside of the home.

The Mount is also hosting a special art exhibit called SculptureNow on its trail. If you missed it, you can view the blog post I posted a few weeks ago bout the art exhibit here.

Please connect with me on Facebook to view more New England area related content.

8 Comments | tags: architecture, art, Edith Wharton, garden, Lenox, mansion, Massachusetts, New England, sculptures, The Mount, trail | posted in art, Edith Wharton, garden, history, Lenox, mansions, Massachussetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, The Mount, Uncategorized

July 1, 2016

Green Animals Topiary Garden (Portsmouth, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Visited: June 25, 2016

Location: 380 Corys Ln, Portsmouth, RI (about 15 minutes north of Newport, RI and 1 hour south of Boston, MA) (401) 683-1267

Hours: Open everyday 10-5 seasonally (May 21 – Oct. 10 this year but the dates may change each year)

Cost: $15.99 for adults, $6.99 for youth (ages 6-17). There are discounts available if you provide an AARP card (I’m not quite that old yet) and if you have AAA and possibly if you’re in the military. Take note that the Green Gardens is considered part of the Newport Mansions and their prices are based on how many houses you visit. In this case, the price was based on a one house tour because there is only one mansion on the premises (the Brayton House)

Parking: Free parking for 24 vehicles

Dog Friendly: No (service dogs may be allowed)

Highlights: shrubs and bushes cut into shapes of animals and other shapes, pretty flowers and gardens, mansion (Brayton House)

If you think the grass is always greener on the other side, you’ve never been to the Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

Located adjacent to the Brayton house, the Green Animals display is the brainchild of gardener Joseph Carreiro. Carreiro began the topiary in 1905 and the 80 pieces of topiary have been in place at the garden ever since.

The topiary may be the main attraction. But the flowers and plants are also very pretty. In fact, as much as I loved the different shapes at the topiary, I found the flowers and the garden near the side of the topiary to be just as appealing.

The website states there are 80 different shapes sculpted into the greenery (although I don’t remember seeing that many). I have included the most interesting of these 80.

The Damask Rose Garden is featured at the entrance of the topiary.

The topiary has shapes of all kinds of animals. Like this giraffe.

with her/his baby giraffe (the black dot in this and some other photo is dirt on my sensor which I didn’t notice until after I got home unfortunately)

And this duck.

This is a growly bear (it is standing on its hind quarters)

Not all of the shapes are made in the image of creatures that are presently with us. This dinosaur was one of the scarier shapes in the garden.

This colorful shape is of a yew rooster

I don’t usually get this close to lions.

This swan peaked her head out among the other green animals.

This appears to be a bird

It was a little warm for a polar bear

Reindeers aren’t just in the North Pole.

There are even human shapes cut into the greenery. This human is riding a horse.

This police officer helped direct traffic around the green garden. I am not sure if he is affiliated with the Portsmouth department.

There’s even a mythical unicorn

This baby bear just wants a hug

There are even inanimate objects cut into the greenery. For instance, you can take a seat in this chair if you get tired (I am just kidding, you’re not allowed to climb and/or touch the greenery)

One of the few birds who actually sits still long enough for me to photograph him

I looked like this elephant was going to charge!

I don’t mean to boar you with this piece from the topiary.

The handout I received did not have a description for this shape. it appears to be a train.

This mommy and baby bear were sitting outside the Brayton mansion.

There is also a pet cemetery located at the topiary. Four pets of the owners are buried there. This section is very peaceful and decorative. The cemetery has a bench for sitting and reflecting and gravestones with the names of the deceased friends. It is very tranquil.

The flowers and garden are well kept and have some very vivid colors. I thought it was cute how they had “scarepeople” instead of scarecrows. I also liked the different chairs and wind vane and other decor around the grounds.

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There is also a fish pond with goldfish in it.

I also liked the Brayton House. They do not allow flash photography in the house (although you can take photos with your cellphone). I don’t like how photos look on my cellphone so I didn’t take any photos in the house but it is a must see on the tour.