Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

#hellohalloween The Gnarled Beauty of the Bonsai Courtyard - 5/5 Stars The Bonsai Courtyard takes on a dramatically different character in the cooler fall air. The exposed roots, twisted trunks, and miniature, perfectly manicured foliage of the ancient trees feel distinctly eerie and enchanting, like stepping into a miniature, haunted forest straight out of a fairy tale. The dramatic contrast of the tiny trees against the cold stone and the vast glass structure behind them amplifies their strange, sculpted beauty. It’s a subtle form of seasonal spookiness—the plants look like wise, whispering entities that have seen centuries pass. This quiet, often overlooked area is a must-see for appreciating the architectural skill and the slight melancholy of the season.