Book It to the Library Gardens

With benches, flowers and charming decorations, this garden provides a quiet spot to relax on a hectic day.

But many residents drive by it every day without ever really seeing it.

The Nelson Library building hides the gardens behind it. And that is a shame, Nelson Library director of volunteers June Lufkin said, because these gardens and grounds are a community treasure.

The gardens behind the library, which is located at 6 Prentice St., date back to when the library grounds were the home of the Nelson family.

Nelson Park and Memorial Library was a gift to the town in the will of Charles H. Nelson. The gift was made in memory of his father, Jasper S. Nelson, a pioneer in the creation of men’s dress shoes and a highly successful shoemaker in the 1800s, according to the library’s Web site.

After Charles died in 1905, the property was left to his wife. When she died, the 18-acre grounds and mansion were given to the town.

The mansion burned down in 1974 and a new library was built on the site.

The library was once part of the town library system. It is now run by volunteers.

The Nelson property features exotic plantings such as a weeping beech and Chinese chestnut trees planted by the Nelsons.

“He made very elaborate grounds,’’ Lufkin said.

Today, the trees remain. A new garden area has been planted where the Nelsons once had a goldfish pond and more elaborate plantings.

The garden area, interspersed with statues and walkways, features both annuals and perennials. Flowers include iris, peonies, rhododendron, holly and carnation.

The trustees care for the garden and take pride in its appearance, Lufkin said. “We try to be practical in our plantings.’’ She said.

The garden area also features a picnic table, which Lufkin said makes it a nice spot for an outdoor meal.

She and the other board members encourage the public to visit. “I think it’s a great space in town,’’ she said.