Whole Heart Provisions
This plant-based restaurant trio is meat-free—but that’s beside the point. With toppings like pickled cauliflower and miso-barbecue tofu, its green-and-grain bowls are light, bright, and soul-satisfying, even for carnivores. 487 Cambridge St., Allston, MA wholeheartprovisions.com.
Fishelon Florist
If it's green and grows, you'll probably find it here: an Eden of house plants and cut flowers. If they don't have what a customer is looking for, the owners are happy to special order it. 23 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Leblanc Jones Landscape Architects
Steep hillsides, storm-surge zones, and ill-placed parking areas are no problem for LeBlanc Jones, which relies on native plantings—not to mention a vast understanding of local terrain conditions—to create swoon-worthy gardens, terraces, and courtyards. Boston, MA leblancjones.com.
Arnold Aboretum
Looking for nature close to the city? Grab your walking shoes and head for the Arnold Arboretum. This "museum of living plants" provides you with 278 acres worth of walking, jogging, and birdwatching. But don't pack a lunch—picnicking is allowed only on Lilac Sunday. 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA .
Village Gardens
The village theme isn't an empty metaphor. Each of the Colonial-style buildings at Village Gardens has its specialty, from garden supplies to landscape consulting, dried and silk flowers and plants, and a live nursery in the middle. If it's in season, you'll find it here. 376 Washington St., Norwell, MA .
Bassil & McNichols
"Glo-cows debating nuclear power" cards available at Bassil & McNichols, Quincy Market. Plain white cards cut in the silhouette of nuclear power plants, with two little pink glowing cows in the foreground. Comes with a map showing all U.S. nuke facilities. Quality watermarked paper, $1.50 apiece. Quincy Market, Boston, MA .
Winston Flowers
For a simple bouquet of wildflowers or an intricate centerpiece for your wedding, Winston wins. It stocks everything from the freshest cut stems to topiaries and potted plants, and its various locations and delivery services add bonus points for convenience. 131 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Pepper's
We love the way they use herbs and plants (cucumber in a cleanser and aloe in some lipsticks), the recycling program, the championing of socially correct causes, and the whole PC atmosphere. And we love the obliging return policy. 745 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Winston Flowers
Another housewarming party doesn't have to mean another lame potted plant—at least not if it's from this venerable local chain's Hingham outpost, which boasts not only beautiful cut flowers and ready-made arrangements, but also a wide variety of orchids and succulents in modern receptacles. 8 Main St., Hingham, MA 2043, winstonflowers.com.
Galley Beach
For the ultimate drink with a view, head to this chichi waterfront lounge, plant your feet firmly in the sand, and try a Moscow Mule or a North Shore (made with local 888 cranberry vodka). Sip and repeat until the sun sets, then retire to the dining room for lobster tail and a veal chop, prepared by the new executive chef, Neil Ferguson. 54 Jefferson Ave., Nantucket, MA galleybeach.net.
Winston Flowers
There are plenty of ready-made arrangements at this luxe chain's Wellesley location, but if you desire something one-of-a-kind, the talented in-store designers will whip up a stunner to fit any occasion. There's also an impressive assortment of versatile vessels and generous selection of perennials, flowering trees, and pothos plants. 31 Central St., Wellesley, MA 2481, winstonflowers.com.
Jamaica Pond Path
Run a mile and a half around the pond on a new, two-foot-wide, special resilient-surface track. The city is in the process of making $300,000 worth of improvements at the pond, including lighting, new benches, and the planting of 100 exotic trees. off the Jamaicaway, Jamaica Plain, MA .
Whole Heart Provisions
Whether your bowl is brimming with coconut-curry-drenched cauliflower or eggplant topped with crispy chickpeas, one thing is clear: This is a sad-salad-free zone. Whole Heart explores the playful side of plant-based eating, turning out swoon-inducing veggie fare that’s anything but rabbit food. Multiple locations. 487 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134, wholeheartprovisions.com.
The Leonhards'
Don't be surprised if you smell this 37-year-old shop before you see it—every inch of the store, inside and out, is a riot of blooms and plants. Whatever your floral needs, you'll find it at this heavenly spot. 87 Corning St., Beverly, MA theleonhards.com.
Beauport Hotel
The North Shore isn’t exactly tourist-averse, but upscale hotels are still surprisingly hard to come by—which made the Beauport a particularly welcome addition when it debuted in 2016, rendering the site of a Birds Eye frozen-foods plant unrecognizable. Boasting beachfront access and a roof deck with a pool and fire pit, the hotel is a short walk from Gloucester’s downtown. But why would you want to leave when Wellfleet oysters and local craft beer are moments away at the in-house restaurant? 55 Commercial St., Gloucester, MA 01930, beauporthotel.com.