Branch out and visit one of Cambridge’s vibrant gardens. Whether you have a green thumb or want to dig into something new, these 10 gardens will ex-seed your expectations.
Behind the historical Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters, sits a colorful garden blossoming with its own history. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow originally commissioned the garden in 1847. Today’s design reflects restorations by Longfellow’s daughter, Alice. One of the first female landscape architects, Martha Brookes Hutcheson, crafted this first renovation in 1903.
A short trip from Longfellow House through Harvard Square brings us to a Renaissance-inspired courtyard garden filled with roses, lilacs and more. Just behind the stone walls of Harvard’s Adolphus Busch Hall sits Adolphus Busch Courtyard. The courtyard’s exterior are adorned with decorative touches including a replica of “Braunschweiger Löwe,” a bronze lion statue from the medieval period.
Admire more outdoor art at Bergstrom Garden. Adjacent to MIT’s Sloan School of Management, Bergstrom houses gorgeous perennials, Japanese Maple trees and one of Picasso’s “Figure Découpée” sculptures, created by the Spanish artist in 1958. It is one of many tiny parks found around MIT’s campus.
4. Costa Lopez Park and Community Garden
Nearby in East Cambridge, wander around another pocket park: Costa Lopez Park. See what’s growing in the community garden or grab a seat and soak up the sun. Little ones will have a blast running about the playground. 13 more community gardens like Costa Lopez are sprinkled throughout Cambridge.
Urban Park Roof Garden at Kendall Center puts a new spin on a community park. The remodeled green space teems with interactive programming. Show off your athletic abilities on the pickleball court or sharpen your cooking skills with a chef demonstration in the outdoor kitchen.
For additional scenic views, head to Mount Auburn Cemetery. Established in 1831, it was the nation’s first garden cemetery, designed to bring comfort and spark inspiration. Shortly after opening, the rural cemetery movement was born. Influenced by Mount Auburn, welcoming gardens and public parks began popping up across the nation.
7. The Sunken Garden in Radcliffe Yard
Tucked behind stone walls, The Sunken Garden in Radcliffe Yard also provides a tranquil escape. Benches, a babbling fountain and lush greenery make this quad a peaceful relaxation spot at Harvard.
Across Harvard’s campus lies the quaint Dudley Garden, just behind Lamont Library. The garden opened in 1949 in honor of Thomas Dudley, one of Harvard’s founders. Brush up on his other accomplishments by reading the inscription on the garden wall. Keep an eye out for local wildlife running (or flying!) through the garden.
Regarded as the top university in the world, it’s no surprise even the gardens at MIT have impressive roots! The President’s Garden is home to the Newton Apple Tree, a tree believed to be a descendent of the apple tree that inspired Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity. Find it amidst a variety of trees, shrubs and perennials.
10. The Hive
The garden buzz continues at MIT with The Hive! The Hive was created as a sustainability effort to attract local pollinators and highlight their significance in our environment. In 2019, MIT students built chairs, installed planters and of course, planted gorgeous flora. All are invited to come and learn from the garden.
Still need to satiate your flower fix? Every other June, the Friends of Cambridge Public Library bring you behind the gates of over 35 privately owned gardens across the city. Stay tuned for details on the next Secret Gardens of Cambridge Tour in 2026.
