Lower College Lane Closed due to Geothermal Construction

Please note: Lower College Lane is closed to traffic through September and for a portion of October 2025. Lyman will be accessible from Upper College Lane (via Rt. 9) and our parking spots will remain open. 

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The Botanic Garden of Smith College

Annual Flower Shows

Bulb Show

For the last hundred years, Smith College traditions have included two seasonal shows in the Lyman Conservatory. Each spring is welcomed with the Spring Bulb Show beginning the first Saturday in March, and every autumn was celebrated with a Fall Chrysanthemum Show, which began the first Saturday in November. (In 2024, the botanic garden put on a final Fall Mum Show to make way for a new era of botanical exhibits.) 

Spring Bulb Show


A spectacular array of blossoming crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, lilies and tulips as well as non-hardy South African Bulbs provide an early glimpse of spring at Smith College’s Lyman Conservatory.

Learn more.
bulb show
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Fall Chrysanthemum Show

Historically, the annual Smith College Chrysanthemum Show displayed mum hybrids bred by students in the horticulture class. Over time, the Fall Mum Show grew bigger and botanic garden staff and horticulture students would prepare for the chrysanthemum show months ahead to ensure that everything was ready on opening day, which was always on the first Saturday of November. Learn more about the history of this now-retired flower show.