Roger Williams Park and Botanical Center

On June 17, 2008, sedum37 from Westford, MA wrote:

We visited the Roger Williams Park and Botanical Center recently (June) and weren't disappointed! Although the Botanical Center is a work in progress (exterior landscaping is still being installed) the two greenhouses are filled with many interesting and fascinating palms, elephant ears, cannas, bouginvillea, cactus, fruiting plants, etc. among other tropical plants too many to name. In the second greenhouse, various New England and RI plant societies maintain display gardens including the NE Carnivorous Plant Society, RI Orchid Society, etc. as well as more water features and tropical plants.

Next we visited the Victorian Rose Garden and Japanese Garden found elsewhere in Roger Williams Park. The VIctorian Rose garden (located near the park entrance) is maintained by the RI Rose Society and was fabulous and peak bloom on Jun 14th! The Japanese Garden can be found behind the Carousel. Although the Japanese garden was recently renovated in 2006 we were a little disappointed in it. Maintenance such as weeding and mulch is needed to improve the garden's appearance.

There is a nominal fee to enter the botanical center ($3) while the Victorian Rose and Japanese gardens are free to enjoy.

Overall well worth visiting!!!