Panoramic view of the Boston Public Garden in Massachusetts, USA on a nice sunny day.

Public Garden

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Adjoining Boston Common, the Public Garden is a 24-acre botanical oasis of Victorian flower beds, verdant grass and weeping willow trees shading a tranquil lagoon. The old-fashioned pedal-powered Swan Boats have been delighting children for generations. The most endearing spot in the Public Garden is the Make Way for Ducklings Statue, depicting Mrs Mallard and her eight ducklings, the main characters in the beloved book by Robert McCloskey.

Until it was filled in the early 19th century, the Public Garden was (like Back Bay) a tidal salt marsh. Now, at any time of the year, it is an island of loveliness, awash with seasonal blooms, gold-toned leaves or untrammeled snow.

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Nearby attractions

1. Make Way for Ducklings Statue

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The most endearing of the Public Garden monuments is Make Way for Ducklings, always a favorite with kids. The sculpture depicts the characters in Robert…

2. Ether Monument

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On the northwest side of the lagoon in the Public Garden, the Ether Monument commemorates the first use of anesthesia (in Boston) for medical purposes.

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At the main (Arlington St) entrance to the Public Garden, visitors are met by a statue of George Washington mounted nobly on his horse.

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