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The hidden gardens of Beacon Hill

Shhh — Here’s a quick history lesson on the secret gardens around this Boston neighborhood.

Greenery surrounding a garden in Beacon Hill

“The Secret Garden,” but make it Boston.

To celebrate National Garden Month, the Massachusetts State Library shared a detailed look at greenery throughout Boston’s history. Let’s keep digging into the city’s hidden garden landscape.

As row houses were built in the Beacon Hill area from the 1820s and 1830s, the narrow yards behind the homes were originally used for functional purposes (think: summer cooking and laundry).

Then, when the 1920s rolled around, the Beacon Hill Garden Club was established to help beautify backyards with urban gardening. Now, there are dozens of lush gardens and blooms behind homes on scenic streets like Mt. Vernon and West Cedar.

Fast forward to today, and the organization is helping Bostonians uncover hidden green spaces with a self-guided tour of 11 private neighborhood gardens. Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 18 and grab a ticket to secure your spot at the annual spring event.

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