White Tailed Deer
ParkMassachusetts, US
Mytoi
Mytoi offers a serene Japanese-inspired garden experience on Martha's Vineyard.
About
Mytoi offers a serene Japanese-inspired garden experience on Martha's Vineyard. This 14-acre contemplative stroll garden provides a peaceful escape with its unique blend of exotic and native plants. Managed by The Trustees of Reservations, Mytoi stands in rich contrast to the island's coastal landscapes, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate its beauty.
Visitors can follow winding footpaths through various "garden rooms," including a birch walk, camellia dell, and a tranquil stone garden. The centerpiece is a serene pond with an island reached by an arched footbridge, home to goldfish, frogs, and turtles. Carefully trained Japanese maples, pines, and flowering shrubs, along with elements like a rustic shelter offering broad views, create an immersive and meditative landscape.
Mytoi is a memorable destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Its unique design, which subtly guides visitors along paths with strategic viewpoints, offers a grounding and soothing experience, providing a delightful contrast to the more bustling parts of Martha's Vineyard. The garden's ability to recover and flourish after natural disasters also speaks to themes of renewal and rebirth. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.
Mytoi's origins trace back to the late 1950s when Hugh Jones, an Edgartown resident and architect with an appreciation for Japanese design, began creating the garden. He personally undertook all the plantings and landscaping, shaping it into his "toy." Following Jones's passing in 1965, the garden was entrusted to Mary Wakeman, a local conservationist, who continued its Japanese design and ensured public access. In 1976, Wakeman generously donated Mytoi, along with an endowment and additional land, to The Trustees of Reservations, who have maintained and expanded the garden since. The garden faced a significant challenge in 1991 when Hurricane Bob devastated approximately 70% of its plantings. However, with the guidance of landscape architect Julie Moir Messervy and dedicated volunteers, Mytoi was painstakingly restored, celebrating the Japanese gardening traditions of age, renewal, and rebirth. Today, the garden stands as a testament to this resilience, continuously evolving while honoring its original vision.
What to do here
Enjoy a contemplative stroll, observe goldfish, frogs, and turtles in the pond, and appreciate the meticulously pruned Japanese maples and flowering shrubs. Look for the Japanese temple-style entry gate crafted from local black locust trees. Take time to sit on benches strategically placed for reflection.
Seasonal info
Spring/Early Summer (through June): Vibrant blooms of rhododendrons, azaleas, peonies, and irises.
Summer: Lush greenery, opportunities to spot turtles, frogs, and goldfish. Be mindful of mosquitoes and ticks.
Fall: Japanese maples provide ruby red foliage.
Winter: A peaceful atmosphere, especially enchanting when covered in snow.
Accessibility
Mytoi features well-maintained footpaths. Benches are located at designated spots along the trails for resting. However, some paths are sand, stone, and duckboard, and the terrain is described as gently sloping, so visitors with mobility concerns should check The Trustees' website for the most up-to-date information on specific trail conditions.
Don't miss
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The serene pond with its island and arched footbridge.
2
Winding footpaths through diverse "garden rooms" like the birch walk, camellia dell, and stone garden.
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A rustic shelter (azumaya) offering expansive views of the landscape.
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The half-mile Salt Marsh Trail that extends to Poucha Pond and offers vistas of the salt marsh.
Wildlife you might spot
12Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Snap map for this place
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
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Good to know before you go
Parking
** A dedicated parking area for about 15 cars is available at the entrance; roadside parking is strictly prohibited.
Ferry
To reach Chappaquiddick Island, you'll need to take a short ferry ride from Edgartown.
Download Map
It's recommended to download a trail map beforehand as printed copies may run out.
Respect the Tranquility
Mytoi is designed for quiet contemplation, so keep voices low and stick to marked pathways.
Photography
Bring a camera, especially during blooming seasons, to capture the serene landscapes and unique garden features.
No Dogs
Dogs are not permitted within the garden fences.
Frequently asked questions
- Yes, the pond at Mytoi is home to goldfish, frogs, and turtles, offering delightful viewing opportunities for visitors.
- Admission is $10 per adult, with discounts for Trustees members and free entry for children 12 and under.
Recent snaps at this place
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