Beautiful park in the middle of Boston! We almost skipped coming here but very glad we didn't. There are well-maintained walking paths and we came across a community garden where apparently people can rent plots of land to grow their own fruits and vegetables. We also saw turtles and lot of ducks/geese. Very peaceful park - I would come here often if I lived in Boston read more

See all

" Like a movie scene" Walking the Fenway victory gardens is like walking a movie scene. A great ending to my walk around Fenway . It's such an honor to live so close to be able to walk this area on the regular. Thank you to all that keep this together. It's the little things that matter . Can't wait to cone again ! read more

Fenway Victory Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

just breathtakingly beautiful...alive...peaceful..I had no idea they existed and I learned it is inexpensive to rent a plot or two or three...there is compost there ..i just cannot say enough about this beautiful gem read more

In 2022, in looking for the rose garden in the Fens, I happened to notice the victory garden on the map. Hmmm... Interesting... I figured it was something like the community gardens I've spied in the South End, and it was! Plots varied in size and use. Some folks built for themselves a bit of a sanctuary or retreat in the city, while others grow vegetables and herbs, or colorful flowers. Several had even added man made pools. The garden has a plot where they store shared wheelbarrows, and spots marked to toss scrap metal, and pulled weeds. We enjoyed walking about for a half hour, and could have easily stayed longer. Another time. read more

Beautiful day to appreciate walking thru this area. While most of the lots look taken care of and nice to appreciate while others need to do just a bit better to keep up and take care of their spot. read more

See all

Who doesn't love historic gardens? Especially in the middle of the city. Go, walk around, don't mess with the plants.

AN ABSOLUTELY MUST DO! THIS IS THE LAST & THE OLDEST OF ONLY 2 VICTORY GARDENS LEFT STANDING IN THE USA. IT'S A FREE PLACE & IF YOU COME HERE ON SUNDAYS THERE'S FREE PARKING AT THE METERS TOO! IN ADDITION THERE'S SEVERAL MORE FREE THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA AS WELL ( See Below)! This is a 7 Acre Park that is just minutes away from Fenway Park in the heart of Boston yet it feels like you are hours away from the city. It is completely off the beaten path. This is one of Massachusetts Hidden Secret Gems that most people have never heard about nor visited. The Fenway Victory Gardens established in 1942 in the Back Bay Fens of Boston, & the Dowling Community Garden in Minneapolis, Minnesota are the last surviving public Victory Gardens left from World War II in America. These Victory Gardens were vegetable, fruit, & herb gardens that were planted by citizens from numerous countries around the world including the US. During wartime, governments encouraged their people to plant victory gardens to supplement the food supply, to combat food shortages & to boost morale. This is a way that people could directly contribute to the war effort. Today, the flowers outnumber the fruits & veggies here. You will still however see plenty of greens, tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, & more edibles as the seasons progress. The Fenway Victory Gardens, along side 20 million other victory gardens across the US, produced almost 40% of the nation's fruit & vegetable supply during World War II. The Local residents still tend to the 500 or so plots. The plots measure about 15' by 25' some are larger. There are New ones that get created each year as well as some that have been here for decades. Each space is different & reflects the interests, & aesthetic beauty & artistic vision of the caretaker. The Back Bay Fens park which includes the Victory Gardens is public, but individual fenced plots with locked gates are private. There is a grid of paths, that you can easily ramble through The Victory Gardens and see each one - or all 500, They also have something called "Open Gardens". On specific dates during the summer & fall, some but not all guardians of the land unlock their gates & invite people in for a visit. The Victory Gardens are open All year long but the Best time to visit is May through October. Since the onset of the 21st century there has been a renewed interest in bringing back victory gardens once again with an emphasis on healthier local food. Victory Garden websites, blogs, & petitions have rekindled interest in reestablishing these once again. The Fenway Victory Gardens are part of a larger project called The Emerald Necklace which consists of a 1,100 acre chain of parks which are linked by waterways & parkways in the Boston area. It dates back to the year 1870. It was designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The name Emerald signifies The Natural Greenery & the word Necklace indicates that all the parks appear to be linked & hanging from a necklace. OTHER FREE THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA Also be sure to check out the picturesque 5 Arch Stone Agassiz Bridge that crosses the Muddy River. Bring a picnic basket/cooler to also enjoy The Kelleher Rose Garden & Robert White Veterans Memorial Park which are all within walking distance & just behind The Museum of Fine Arts, where you can park for Free on Sundays at the meters. You can check out my individual reviews of the other attractions mentioned as well. A Fun Day of Relaxing, & Nature Walking for a a total cost for the day - Zero Dollars. It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget! read more

Beautiful gardens and worth he visit to walk around and enjoy what people have created. We walked all throughout them and took in all the flowers and garden set ups. Very relaxing and tranquil. read more

See all

We came upon this unique park simply by walking around. There are paved walking paths lined by fenced gardens tended by a variety of people. Each space is fenced off and showcases different gardening personalities. Some gardens have seating areas, vegetables, flowers. It is a lovely escape from city concrete. read more

See all

I probably walk through this place at least twice a week (as long as it's light out). As I essentially run a hotel, these gardens are a great place to bring visitors. First I brought my camera toting new friend. Then I brought my 6'6"+ cousin who even "ooooh"ed and "aaahhhhhh"ed at the place (honestly, it's hard to beat seeing a large man cooing over flowers). After that I brought my Australian friend who then insisted on walking through every time we were walking between downtown and my place. This was all within four days and totaled to a minimum of four hours. Being in the middle of people's incredibly maintained gardens while having a view of the Pru makes a fantastic photo opp and will impress your visitors fo' sho'. All traffic noise from Boylston manages to be subdued until you feel like you're not even close to a city anymore. I can often be found just meandering through or acting like a child and jumping in the mud puddles. Just be smart and don't go at night. I won't dock any stars because I feel like this should be a given. "Hey kids! Now that it's dark want to go through a dimly lit place without a heavy police presence? I really like all the potential hiding places seeing as how this IS a garden and people ARE trying to grow stuff. That would be my large dark van over there in the shadows. See it? The one with tinted windows marked: 'Free Candy'." (Alright, that's a total exaggeration. You get the point: It's not the Victory Garden's fault.) read more

I wish I could give this place 5 stars like everyone else, but I can't. This place is pretty fantastic. A bit of an oasis tucked in just steps from Fenway park. Some of the gardens here are amazing, the effort some people put in really shows. It tends to be fairly quiet here, a good place to go for a walk and escape the city bustle. And everyone here is very friendly, don't hesitate to strike up a conversation or ask a question to anyone here, they're all great. The reason I can't go all the way and give this place 5 stars is it doesn't really feel all that safe. Not sure exactly whats going on behind the gardens next to the river, but the empty booze bottles, broken needles, and condom wrappers give me a pretty good idea. And its a bit troubling the city doesn't more proactively patrol this area or take measures to curb this behavior. But honestly, this is still a great place to go visit. Just go in the daytime when there are other people out and about. read more

I don't always go outside, but when I do, I prefer the Fenway Victory Gardens. There are so many neat things about this place! 1) It's farther out from downtown, so there aren't as many ratcheted up questionable characters hanging out during the daytime. 2) This is the longest consistently running Victory Garden space in America (and probably the world, because no one cares about Britain's victory gardens). 3) Every year the Mayor of Boston awards a Golden Trowel award to his favorite garden. 4) The individual plots are so unique and beautiful! Gazing on the happy greenthumbs puttering around, it seems as though the wait list is worth the wait. 5) There is a teaching garden plot where folks teach you how to garden! And even better, next to it is a beekeeping teaching plot, where bees are kept! Thanks to an aimless wander through the FVG last winter, I now have new friends and hobbies through a beekeeping course that I found advertised there. The possibilities are endless! Oh, and +1 for being near lots of yummy take-out, for prime picnicking. read more

I wish every or at least more cities had something similar to what Victory gardens represent. The city of Boston has done such a great job with keeping up with this post world war effort. I love the concept. Walking through the rows of plots, it is so refreshing to see how each garden is different from the other and is a clear reflection of the interests and aesthetics of the caretakers. Plus I personally think it is a great use of land and a superb concept to educate society in doing something as deep rooted as getting back to things more substantial (nature!!) rather than being lost in the new age world of obsession with gadgets and social media to a point of almost no return. From late spring through early fall, some of the owners of each garden give access for visitors to look up their creations and efforts - each being so unique from the other. You can find specific schedules for Open Gardens easily by a simple Google search. While that gives you an opportunity to look at individual gardens more up, close and personal, you can see a lot just from the outside as well. Anyone visiting Boston should make it a point to do a tour of these beautiful gardens as part of their 'visit Fenway Park' agenda! So Good, So Good!! read more

These gardens are amazing to walk through. People have done a spectacular job. If you see people in the garden you can say hello, most of them are more then happy to show of their gardens. I'm so excited that we just got one. I can't wait to make it amazing. read more

Urban garden plots are wonderful. The Victory Gardens bring you back to the garden and park movements at the turn of the last century. Community working side by side to create beauty and peace in the city chaos. Love it! read more

Fenway Victory Gardens - A Victory Garden plot early spring - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

It's a nice place to walk through, but the city of Boston really should clean it up more frequently. I've come across needles, and used condoms and surgical gloves. Seriously in a park!!! I also wish there was more lighting and police presence in the evenings. I would not walk through there at night after seeing all the needles and used condoms. read more

My heart breaks for the city of Boston, and all those involved in the events surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon tragedy. I fell in love with Boston and the Fenway Victory Gardens when I visited a few years ago---- here are thoughts about the garden's ability to heal the hurt and pain. Thank you for all that the gardens represent, beginning in World War II--- Blessings on you all! http://www.peggystclair.com/grow/The_Garden_as_Muse/Entries/2013/4/22_Entry_180__Hope_for_Us_All.html read more

One of my favorite spots in Boston! It was so relaxing to stroll through and view the creative garden plots. Truly gives you a sense of community! Add it to your list if you find yourself in the area. read more

I get such a nice feeling when I walk through the Victory Gardens. It is truly a tranquil place in the middle of a large city, an urban oasis. My now husband and I had one of our first dates by going on a walking tour of Boston, and the stroll through the Victory Garden stands out as a great memory. Romantic, beautiful and peaceful. read more

This is a nice little place for a stroll. There are lots of cute gardens to admire and each one has their own special flair. Sometimes you can even see the gardeners at work and really get a sense of how much work they have put into their plot. There is not that much to see, so no need to schedule out a whole day for a visit. read more

I live across the street from these lovely gardens and have the pleasure of seeing them as they change with the seasons. I highly recommend a visit. It's a little slice of nature in the midst of chaotic city traffic and noisy Sox fans (who tend to have no idea that the gardens exist, which is a plus). I rely on these gardens to keep me sane in this crazy city! read more

A beautiful find as part of Back Bay Fens park. Each plot is its own piece of art. Some plots are seriously gorgeous. Worth taking the side path off boylston and walking a little bit longer to see all the natural beauty. read more

Absolutely beautiful and tranquil. Not that much to see here, but really pretty and everyone has something a little different, which makes it a lot of fun to walk around and look at. read more

The Fenway Victory Gardens is a community group that maintains 7 acres of individual and community garden plots in the Fens section of the Emerald Necklace park system. This is a wonderful place to have a garden. Other members are a diverse bunch; friendly and always willing to help out, lend tools, trade plants, or stop by and chat (which I feel like is very non-Bostonian). It's a great way to meet other cool folks in town (and grow your own vegetables too :) Most people put a lot of time and care into their gardens and it shows. The cost of renting a plot for a year is $30 (I think). Membership also gives you discounts at a few local stores. In the past, there have been wait lists to get a plot, but if you're persistent, you don't have to wait long at all. You do have to live within the city of Boston to be a member. read more

Great place to walk around in nice weather. You can admire peoples' gardens (the plots are allotted to Boston residents) while enjoying the company of a lover or a friend or two. A couple of the plots are unkept, but there are plenty of beautiful ones to make up for it. Free! read more

This is a great place to take a walk through and spend some time admiring the different gardens. I went here for the first time this past weekend and was really impressed. Everyone does their own thing with their space from flower gardens to ponds to vegetables and trees. It's a really unique place to explore on a sunny day. read more