Where to see spring flowers in bloom in Massachusetts

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Spring has sprung, and so have the flowers.

Flowering trees like magnolias and cherry blossoms began to bud in March, while in-ground flowers like tulips and daffodils have been steadily pushing their way up through the soil. Now, after soaking up this month's rain, these perennial flowers are ready to show their petals to the public.

To help you take advantage of this blossoming spring season, we've compiled a guide to what's in flower at gardens across Massachusetts.

Find out where to go, and what to look for, below:

The Public Garden | 4 Charles St., Boston
When to go: April to early June
What to look for: magnolias and cherry blossoms
Admission: free

The magnolia trees were some of the first plants to blossom in Boston's Public Garden back in March. And by this point in the season, all twelve of the garden’s magnolias should be showcasing some light yellow, white, purple and pink blossoms.

But magnolias aren't the only reason to visit. The Public Garden is also home to seven cherry trees, three of which are Yoshino cherry trees, which should be in bloom by mid-April, according to Cody Jennings, senior parks care manager for Friends of the Public Garden. Yoshinos are the same variety as those in Washington, D.C.’s famous Cherry Blossom Festival. (As a rule of thumb, Jennings says the Public Garden’s cherry blossoms usually reach their peak bloom a month after D.C.'s festival.) And by late April, the garden's willows, dogwood, crab apple and redbud trees, as well as in-ground flowers like tulips, will reliably be in bloom, Jennings said.

Parsons Reserve | 50 Horseneck Rd., Dartmouth
When to go: mid-April through early May
What to look for: daffodils
Admission: $5

From the latter half of April into early May, hundreds of daffodils bloom at the 32-acre Parsons Reserve in Dartmouth. The somewhat hidden field of flowers was first planted during World War II. And today, it’s a sight that attracts 12,000 to 15,000 visitors each year, despite being a steep, 10-minute hike into the woods.

Just note: parking on Horseneck Road, where Parsons Reserve is located, can only accommodate about 50 cars at a time, and weekends can get busy. Check their website to find out what percentage of the field is in bloom before your visit.

The Garden at Elm Bank | 900 Washington St., Wellesley
When to go: mid-April through early May
What to look for: tulips
General admission: $14 for adults, $5 for kids aged 3 to 17

The Massachusetts Horticultural Society's Garden at Elm Bank kicks off its “Tulip Mania” Festival on Saturday, April 18. There will be over 75,000 colorful tulips on display in the garden, and you’ll be able to pick some to take home, too. Timed tickets to this botanical event will be available on the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s website.

You can also visit the garden before or after Tulip Mania this spring for vibrant florals (at a lower admission price). Daffodils, lilacs, magnolias, purple alliums and Rhododendrons are currently blooming in the garden’s many nooks and crannies.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill | 11 French Dr., Boylston
When to go: late April to early May
What to look for: daffodils (and much more)
Admission: Weekend admission is $22 for adults, $19 for seniors, $12 for kids aged 4 to 12 and $8 for dogs. (Weekday admission is a dollar cheaper, except for dogs.)

There’s another grand daffodil display in Massachusetts that doesn’t require a steep hike. The New England Botanic Garden is home to a sloping hillside of more than 25,000 daffodils that begin to bloom in late April. For the best sights, you’ll want to visit between the last two weeks of April and the first week of May.

Also blooming at the New England Botanic Garden this time of year: Magnolias, hyacinths, lilacs, and Virginia bluebells. And by June, fragrant peonies and aromatic mountain mint will join the mix. Check out the garden’s monthly bloom calendars for more information.

The Arnold Arboretum | 125 Arborway, Boston
When to go: early May to mid-June
What to look for: lilacs
Admission: free

The Arnold Arboretum will be awash in purple and white on Sunday, May 10 for Mother's Day — and "Lilac Sunday," their annual blooming lilac showcase. This beloved event is over 115 years old and even has a type of lilac named after it. 

In total, the Arboretum is home to over 400 lilac plants in over 100 varieties. The "Lilac Sunday" celebration marks the beginning of their five-week bloom along Bussey Hill Road and includes guided, lilac-specific tours. However, the Arboretum is open from dawn to dusk every day and you can take your own self-guided tour using the park's mobile app and downloadable brochures.

The Kelleher Rose Garden | 73 Park Dr., Boston
When to go: early May to mid-June
What to look for: roses
Admission: free

The Kelleher Rose Garden in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood will open its gates to guests beginning in May. The hedge-framed garden features trellises, statues, a fountain and over 1,500 fragrant blooming roses. The Emerald Necklace Conservancy recommends visiting in mid-June for peak blooms.

P.S. — Want to bring a little color to your own garden? Here are some spring planting tips for New England-friendly flowers like pansies, hyacinths, tulips and hellebores.