Cascading Nasturtiums Fill the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with Color

Image by Unsplash

Every spring, cascading nasturtiums fill the courtyard with life. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, transforming it into a spectacle of color and nature. These vibrant orange flowers, known for their ephemeral beauty, are now on display, inviting visitors to admire their splendor.

A Tradition with History

The tradition of decorating the museum with nasturtiums dates back to the early 20th century, thanks to the vision of Isabella Stewart Gardner, the museum's founder. These flowers, which bloom for only about three weeks, mark a special moment in the institution's spring calendar. According to Erika Rumbley, the museum's head of horticulture, this exhibit is like a "rite" that revive the legacy Gardner's, showing the garden as a dynamic space in a place where everything else seems immutable.

A Display of Color and Creativity

Nasturtiums aren't alone in this display. Since Gardner's time, they've been combined with plants like clivias and cobalt stars, creating a vibrant contrast. This year, muscari and leopard orchids have been added, selected for their seasonal performance.

A Gift for Boston

The museum sees this exhibit as a gift to the city. “People need beauty, joy, and a moment to breathe,” says Rumbley. The cascading nasturtiums offer exactly that: an urban oasis where visitors can relax and connect with nature.

Special Visits and Activities

Although the exact length of the display depends on the delicacy of the flowers, the museum expects them to be at their peak until Gardner's birthday, April 14. In addition, on April 3, during the free event “First Thursday,” horticulturists will share tips on growing nasturtiums, and attendees can create paper vines in the Bertucci Education Studio.

Cascading nasturtiums are more than just a decoration; they're a tradition that connects history, nature, and community. If you're in Boston, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and be part of this spring ritual.

Find out more about your community with More Latin!

Fountain: WBUR