There’s nothing nicer than being outside on a beautiful late spring day, especially if it means you get a whole day away from your desk. Danielle, Carol, and digital editor Christine Alexander recently played hooky from their editorial duties and went on a horticultural adventure at one of New England’s great public gardens. Located in Boylston, Massachusetts, Tower Hill is filled with fun places to explore, including formal gardens, woodland trails lined with native plantings, and two conservatories. After exploring the grounds and chatting about some of the great plants they came across, Danielle and Carol sat down for a chat with Tower Hill’s director of horticulture, Mark Richardson. We hope this episode inspires you to get out and enjoy a field trip to a public garden near you! 

Ashe’s magnolia (Magnolia asheii, Zones 6–9) 

Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia, Zones 4–8) 

Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia, Zones 3–8)	Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata, Zones 3–8)
Alpine columbine (Aquilegia alpina, Zones 3–8)	Alpine columbine (or a look-alike cultivar) in Carol’s home garden

The Belvidere overlook, with a view of Wachusett Reservoir 

‘Witches Broom’ ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba ‘Witches Broom’, Zones 3–9)  and close-up of foliage.

Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica, Zones 3–8) 

‘Cherelle’ nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus, annual) 

‘Carol Mackie’ daphne (Daphne × burkwoodii, Zones 5–8) 

Floating row cover protects the foliage of tropical container plants from sun scald when they are first moved outdoors in late spring. 

‘Narcissiflorum’ deciduous azalea (Rhododendron ‘Narcissiflorum’, Zones 5–8) 

Chinese neillia (Neillia sinensis, Zones 5–7) 

‘Scintillation’ rhododendron (Rhododendron ‘Scintillation’, Zones 5–8) 

‘Ghost’ painted fern (Athyrium ‘Ghost’, Zones 4–8) 

Golden groundsel (Packera obovata, Zones 3–8)