ongoing

 Is it possible to envy a dead person? When we think of Isabella Stewart Gardner we, of course, think of the Museum and how she put an imprint on it that will last ... as long as we do. This is called a legacy. What she created has lasted, and her ideas still infuse what they do there. Take "Hanging Nasturtiums," the annual courtyard garden display. Gardner introduced these vines right before Easter in 1903. "The annual 'Hanging Nasturtiums' display is a wonderful way in which the courtyard today reflects the history and importance of horticulture at the Gardner Museum," says landscape curator Patrick Chasse. "Isabella Gardner placed the art of landscapes on a par with the visual and performing arts, and began this installation of her favorite nasturtiums to coincide with her birthday celebrations. Those floral displays now also celebrate the rich landscape experience of the museum." The orange vines, up to 20 feet long, take ten months of cultivation by head gardener (no pun intended) Stan Kozak. They cascade from the interior courtyard balustrades at the museum.  Admission to the museum is $10. And, of course, that $10 will allow you to take in a whole lot of other artistic goodies, too. Take the time, indulge. Summer  is now here.

280 The Fenway, 617-366-1401 gardnermuseum.org