Untold numbers of visitors come to visit that "rude bridge that arched the flood" and Daniel Chester French's Minuteman statue in Minuteman National Historical Park. But far fewer venture up the hill to visit the Buttrick estate, also a part of the park.

And it's no wonder: as you look up past the statue in the months when the leaves are out, you see a field, a gravel path and some trees up ahead. From that vantage point, the top of the hill appears to have greenery and not much else. But, oh...do not be fooled by appearances! Venture up the long path and explore the wonders above.

Along the wide, dirt and gravel road you will come across the most glorious elderly beech trees. With branches sweeping to the ground, the broad reach of the trees are a delightful surprise. We dare any child to pass by without playing among them. In fact, there are several species of beech on the grounds of the estate and many are splendid specimens. Do resist the urge to carve your initials in their bark: yes, many who have gone before you have succumbed to the desire but please don't add to their defacement.

At the top of the path you will notice many shrubs and maybe find a secret or two among them (let's let you discover this for yourselves...it's mentioned elsewhere in this edition of the Concord Magazine). Climb the steps and behold what was hiding from sight when you were down at the bridge: an enormous brick mansion and beautifully landscaped, terraced gardens. How DID they manage to conceal all that behind some shrubs?

It has been wonderful to watch the Park Service revitalizing the gardens here over the past years. Due to funding problems, they had lost their glory. But you can see from these photos here they are being brought back. Bravo!

The Buttricks (descendants of the Col. Buttrick who led the Minutemen on April 19, 1775) were renown breeders of bearded iris, and the collection here is simply glorious in June. Colors which do not yet have names are represented in profusion. Do bend to sniff a few: some report they smell like ripe wild grapes (well, this IS Concord, after all!). If you manage to visit at the right time, you will additionally be treated to magnificent displays of peonies and gas plants. Also present in the garden are columbine, many rhododendron, and later as the season ripens there will be numerous specimens of daylilies.

Walk along the paths and terraces and see how beautifully planned and executed the landscaping in this garden is. Wonderfully laid paths and stairs with some surprising twists and details. A formal garden overlooking the wetlands. A view of the river which simply cannot be improved upon. Visualize the water gardens that used to be here -- you will see their remnants. Imagine what life was like living here, waking up every morning to the sounds and smells of the river and garden and then going to bed to the same.