Roger Williams Botanical Center
1 Floral Ave., Providence RI
Roger Williams Park
Why it matters
Built in 2007, it’s New England’s largest glasshouse display garden, with greenhouse gardens as well as outdoor gardens, a rose maze and a pollinator meadow comprising 23,000 square feet. The Botanical Center also uses a no-chemical approach to plant maintenance.
What to see today
The Botanical Center describes itself as an “oasis” in the city, withperennial gardens, a Native Plant Meadow and a lakeside gazebo. Inside, it boasts four year-round gazebos filled with 40-foot palm trees, carnivorous plants, 10-foot cacti and succulents. Three Nigerian Dwarf Goats comprise the “invasive plant removal team,” as well as a frog and turtle house. For children, there’s the Lil’…..