The Botanic Garden of Smith College

Absolutely gorgeous place, I didn’t want to leave! I have an extreme love for cacti and succulents so this place blew my mind. I’m so grateful that this place exists. They’re during their off season right now but as soon as they reopen I will be in there for hours. If you’re ever anywhere near Northampton please make this a stop!

Smith College has a world class collection of glass houses and plantings founded over a century ago. Although actively utilized as teaching facilities, there are generally ten «green houses» open featuring seasonal and long-​term plantings, including famous annual fall chrysanthemum and spring bulb shows, as well as landscaped grounds which currently host specimens of 178 identified varieties of trees (stop by the office in the glass houses for a free list). There is an accessible entrance to you glass houses which have public facilities; a donation is requested, but not required, for entry. For plant lovers these facilities warrant a special trip.

This botanical garden is such a great place to escape to! I generally make a trip there by February or March, when I basically can’t stand winter anymore. Walking into this place just takes me right out of winter and transports me to a happier place that smells like the earth and reminds me that winter is temporary and pretty soon everything will be green and thriving again! I’ve met some wonderful people here that are just overflowing w the happiness that this place brings. Sharing conversation with strangers is a great pass-​time. The tree room has a little stone walkway and a bench and is great for meditating, reading a book or just day dreaming. The people that work here are always genuinely happy to answer any questions, the orchid section is fantastic, the succulent area transports me back to California and sometimes you can even see a fresh bunch of bananas hanging from the trees. And, the school simply asks for a donation (a small donation). If your feeling the blues of winter or you just need a little escape, this is a great little spot full of good vibes!

fantastic place! Last time I went it was free and you can just walk all over the place.

I researched this place since we were planning to visit Amherst, MA. It seemed to be pretty decent from the website. The gardens amazed us when we visited. There were several greenhouses as well as outdoor gardens. The whole landscaping is wonderfully done. Nice gently green rolling hills and well maintained.

Greatness under glass in the middle of scenic Smith College… if you are in Northampton you should come here… they house everything from an immaculate rock garden to a Titan Arum that blooms once every few years…
Amazing…