January and February are the months for us Bostonians to find indoor gardens to luxuriate in and to bring to mind that spring will come again. Wellesley College Greenhouses in Wellesley, Massachusetts is my go to place to breath in the smell of wet soil and to pretend I am in Florida surrounded by the blossoms of tropical plants.
The Wellesley College Botanic Gardens Visitor Center is adjacent to the Science Center and the Greenhouses are open 8 am to 4 pm every day of the week except in the summer when the greenhouses are closed on weekends. I most enjoy the progression through the different greenhouses from the dry heat in the desert house to the very moist heat in the tropical house. There are even some benchs to rest awhile and enjoy siting amongst the plants.
In my dream home I would have the sandy propagation beds they have with bottom heat and misting heads going. But then what would I do with all the new plants? Better to come visit this unique Boston area asset where I can visit anytime for free and enjoy the horticultural sights of the tropics in a cold New England winter. Groups can also arrange for docent lead tours by calling the Botanic Gardens office. I am doing a bit of publicity for a place I have had the luck to be associated with for many years as student and volunteer. After a visit I always get so energized about plants that I come home and repot one of my begonias or one of my other too numerous houseplants.
