Plants, mankind’s greatest enemy, are finally on the ropes thanks to global warming. Teach your children how to hunt the last of these enormous nitrogen junkies by observing them in captivity with today's Groupon. For $5, you get admission for one to the Tower Hill Botanic Garden (a $10 value), located in Boylston.

Operated by the historic Worcester County Horticultural Society, the Tower Hill Botanic Garden offers 132 acres of lush gardens featuring Cary Award-winning plants and forest trails to roll around in and cartwheel about. Birds and butterfly buffs can track avian movements from the Wildlife Garden's human-sized bird-viewing station, identifying species from the checklist. The gazebo overlooking the Wildlife Refuge Pond doubles as a platform to observe the marshy surroundings and a station for nature-lovers to ponder the beauty of local fauna and whether or not they turned off their Large Hadron Collider when they left the house. An 18th century style greenhouse called the Orangerie holds a variety of citrus trees, including Dancy Tangerines and Persian Limes, which provide a warm oasis throughout frosty winter months. Those seeking a decidedly less tropical experience can cross-country ski and snowshoe along marked woodland trails, or behold the panoramic view of Mt. Wachusett to the west.

Reviews

Five TripAdvisors give Tower Hill Botanic Garden an average of 3.5 owl eyes. Yelpers give it an average of 3.5 stars.

• This is one of my fave places to spend the day. The gardens are gorgeous and the veg garden this time of year is amazing. – Jodi D., Yelp
• I visited the Tower Hill Botanic Garden in November 2006. What a treat! Located on 132 acres, the outside grounds contain over 350 labeled shrubs and trees. – sedum37, TripAdvisor