Like its neighbor the Boston Common, the Public Garden is known for breaking historical ground. When it was created in 1837, it was credited as America's first public botanical garden. Because it's right next the the Common, the two are often indistinguishable and most tourists and even some residents don't realize they are visiting two different parks.
Together with the Common, the Public Garden makes up nearly 75 acres of green space in the heart of downtown Boston. Most tourists flock to the Garden for a spin around the pond in the famous Swan Boats, in operation since 1877. The boats welcome riders between April and September every year. But the Public Garden's charms are much more varied and deep than the Swan Boats -- the impeccable landscaping and peaceful, timeless atmosphere provides Beacon Hill residents with a year-round urban oasis. But for $2.75 a pop, a Swan Boat ride could be a worthwhile 15-minute reprieve even for native Bostonians.
Saturdays, especially during the summer, are exceptionally busy at the Garden -- and watch out for ubiquitous newlyweds and their snap-happy wedding photographers ignoring signs not to walk on the grass!
No cycling or rollerblading and definitely no walking on the grass!
Friends of the Public Garden is a nonprofit organization that formed in 1970 in response to the deterioration of Boston's public parks. Today, the organization partners with the city of Boston to maintain the beauty and splendor of the Boston Public Garden, the Boston Common and the Back Bay's Commonwealth Avenue Mall.
From its headquarters in Beacon Hill, Friends of the Public Garden helps to preserve and protect the parks by repairing fences and fountains, restoring monuments and maintaining trees and foliage. It takes care of 44 monuments and more than 2,000 trees in all three parks. In 2009, the organization spent more than $150,000 on pruning, fertilizing and injecting trees against disease.
The group partners with the city of Boston and is supported largely through private donations. Executive Director Elizabeth Vizza and a board oversee the organization's activities. To join Friends of the Public Garden, residents can make a donation online of $25 or more.