This abundantly illustrated talk takes us on a scenic tour of eight enchanting gardens--all open to the public--in neighboring Massachusetts.

Not only are they all  lovely places to spend a leisurely and peaceful afternoon, they are also a source of inspiration for garden lovers everywhere.

Our journey begins just 30 miles west of Boston at the renowned 'Garden in the Woods'--a a showcase for hundreds of native trees, shrubs and perennials, all grown to perfection in a beautiful woodland setting.

From there we go to Tower Hill Botanic Garden, a vast 170 acre park in central Massachusetts.

Tower Hill Botanic Garden actually consists of 17 distinct 'gardens' that together illustrate the full gamut of garden ideals --from the distinctly grand to casually intimate.

After a brief visit to the gardens of Smith College and Stanley Park, we end our journey at Stockbridge--a true garden-lover's mecca where, within a ten mile radius you can visit four fascinating and very different gardens.

Three smaller gardens of yesteryear were created by their talented owners for their own personal use. But delightfully they are still meticulously maintained to honor their original design ideals.

By contrast, the much larger Berkshire Botanical Garden—initially created over 80 years ago—has gradually evolved over time and today offers the visitor a series of contemporary display gardens, each of which provides inspiration and ideas for gardeners everywhere.