A recent WBUR story highlights the growing movement in “forest bathing,” or forest therapy, as doctors and public health experts increasingly recognize the health benefits of time spent in nature—including right here at the Arnold Arboretum. In guided sessions in our landscape and other green spaces, participants are invited to slow down, breathe deeply, and engage their senses, a practice shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even support immune health. Unlike a brisk walk, this mindful experience encourages stillness and attentiveness—listening to birdsong, noticing shifting light, and reconnecting with the rhythms of the natural world. Studies suggest that even brief visits to green spaces can lower cortisol levels, improve mood, and restore focus. An inviting and welcoming neighbor to three health care facilities and a community resource for well-being, the Arboretum provides an ideal setting for this kind of restorative pause, offering both quiet refuge and sensory richness. Read more about forest bathing and its expanding role in supporting health and well-being in WBUR’s full story by Martha Bebinger.

June is prime time to enjoy the Arboretum’s hydrangea collection in peak bloom. On Sunday, June 21 at 2:00pm in the Hunnewell Building lecture hall, we invite you to an engaging talk on these showy and adaptable ornamental plants with author C. L. Fornari. Inspired by her new book Hydrangea Happiness: Planting, Pruning, and Blooming, Fornari will explore the art and practice of cultivating hydrangeas in New England gardens, from choosing the right varieties to understanding soil, light, pruning, and color control. A leading voice in gardening media and host of “The Garden Lady” on WGBH and WCAI, Fornari is known for her practical advice and approachable style, helping gardeners of all experience levels create thriving, beautiful landscapes. She will also share design ideas to incorporate hydrangeas into home gardens and tips to troubleshoot common challenges. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your gardening know-how and boost your appreciation of one of summer’s most iconic showstoppers. 

A visit to the Arnold Arboretum will always be free—but membership can open the gate to so much more. By joining us, you’ll enjoy reciprocal benefits through the American Horticultural Society’s Garden Network, offering free admission and other discounts at nearly 400 gardens and arboreta across North America. Imagine extending your Arboretum experience to landscapes across the country, from renowned botanical gardens to hidden regional gems. While supporting the Arboretum’s mission, membership also connects you to a wider community of gardens offering unique plant collections, inspiration, and seasonal beauty. Whether you’re traveling this summer or planning future adventures, this added benefit enhances every journey. Join today to help your Arboretum thrive—and grow your connection to reach plants and landscapes across the continent.

Rhododendron Dell—affectionately called “Rhody Dell”—is one of the Arnold Arboretum’s most cherished landscape features, designed to blend horticultural richness and natural beauty. Developed throughout the 20th century along the banks of Bussey Brook, Rhody Dell showcases a remarkable array of rhododendrons and azaleas at the foot of Hemlock Hill. In early June, the collection reaches its stunning peak, offering trussed blossoms in white, pink, red, and purple that create a tapestry of color. The result is both visually spectacular and quietly serene—a place to linger, reflect, and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re strolling the Dell in person or discovering its beauty from afar, enhance your experience of Rhody Dell with the Arboretum’s Expeditions mobile guide. Now powered by Bloomberg Connects, Expeditions shares fascinating stories, highlights, and expert insights while expanding access to our landscape in more than 50 languages. 

All images from the Arnold Arboretum © 2026 President and Fellows of Harvard College except Hydrangea Happiness book cover courtesy of Brandeis University Press, C. L. Fornari image courtesy of the author, and Winterthur Museum & Gardens photo by Carter Wilkie.