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20 Places You Need to See If You Love Plants

By Cody Calamaio

Updated on Jun 20, 2018 8:56 PM EDT

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.

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In 1912 the mayor of Tokyo gifted the United States with 3,000 cherry trees, and thousands of people still journey to see the descendants of these  flowering trees every spring. Peak bloom usually occurs in the beginning of April and is celebrated with a large festival.

Related:  15 Places Every American Should Visit at Least Once

Leaf Peeping in New England

Gawking at the spectacular colors of the fall leaves in New England is known colloquially as “leaf peeping” by the locals. Popular ways to see the fall foliage include scenic drives and hiking.

Related:  12 Destinations You Should Actually Visit During the Off-Season

Sequoia National Park in California

Travelers journey from far away to see the spectacle of the giant sequoia trees that can grow to be more than 250 feet high and 20 feet in diameter. This national park is also home to the largest tree in the world, affectionately named General Sherman.

Related: 18 Small Towns with Strange Claims to Fame

Bridge of Flowers in Massachusetts

Nestled in the quaint town of Shelburne Falls, this abandoned turn-of-the-century trolley bridge was converted into a garden by the local Women’s Club in 1929 and is still lovingly maintained by locals today. The bridge features more than 500 varieties of flowers that bloom from April to October.

Related:  Before and After: 6 Landscapes Totally Transformed

Silverswords in Hawaii

Some plant enthusiasts make it their mission to spot a blooming silversword because these exceptionally rare and endangered plants are unique to the volcanic Haleakala summit area in Maui. These  exotic plants can grow to more than six feet tall and bloom only once before dying.

Related:  The 10 Toughest Houseplants to Keep Alive

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Located near Tucson, this 98-acre botanic garden, zoo, and museum celebrates the unique habitat of the Sonoran Desert. The acclaimed destination  features two miles of walking paths and 1,200 varieties of native plants such as the blooming prickly pear cactus.

Related:  14 of the Best Plants for Your Drought-Tolerant Garden

Crested Butte Wildflowers in Colorado

This winter ski destination transforms into a summer paradise as dreamy wildflowers cascade down the hilly trails. The week-long Wildflower Festival in July treats tourists to group hikes, tours, and art workshops.

Related: 20 Must-Visit Mountain Towns Across America

Joshua Trees in California

The twisty, spiky Joshua trees may look like something out of a Dr. Suess book, but you can spot thousands of them in this national park in southeastern California. The large park is located at the intersection of the two unique desert ecosystems, resulting a unique mix of plants and wildlife.

Related:  Here’s What Your Favorite Houseplants Look Like in the Wild

Green Animals Topiary Garden in Rhode Island

flickr.com via Garret Voight 

Not all plant lovers like ‘em wild. Visitors can celebrate the whimsical art of sculpted topiaries, like the varied designs that line the impressive estate of this  mansion in Newport .

Related:  The Secret Histories of 15 Grand Old American Mansions

Wild Venus Flytraps in North Carolina

The Green Swamp Preserve of North Carolina is home to some of last surviving wild Venus flytrap s. Visitors can spot the endangered carnivorous plant along the area’s hiking trails.

Related:  The 9 Spookiest Houseplants on God’s Green Earth

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas

This protected region is one of the last surviving areas of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem that once covered 170 million acres of North America. Visitors can explore beautiful vistas, seasonal wildflowers , and observe a wild bison herd.

Related: Endless Acres: 14 of the Biggest Properties in America

Bristlecone Pines in Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Theses twisted bristlecone pine trees, which can live for more than 4,000 years, strike impressive silhouettes in the landscape of the American West. Growing only in high altitudes , these ancient trees have tightly bundled tufts of needles that make them a sight to behold.

Related:  10 Trees That Spell Trouble for Your Yard

Air Plants in the Florida Everglades

These unique plants , native to the Everglades, grow nonparasitically on other trees and do not need to root in soil because they can absorb water and nutrients directly through their leaves. Formally known as bromeliads, they are actually part of the pineapple family.

Related:  8 Exotic Houseplants You’ve Never Heard Of

Wildflowers in the Great Smoky Mountains

The rolling hills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, are home to more than 1,500 kinds of flowering plants. Blooms can be found year-round in this renowned preserve of wildflower diversity.

Related:  25 Plants for Your Easiest Garden Ever

Bluebonnets in Brenham, Texas

Bluebonnets are the Lone Star State flower and spectacular sightings of them can be found in the fields and pastures of Brenham, Texas. The town operates a website that keeps a wildflower watch so prospective visitors know when the flowers are in full bloom—usually in early April.

Related:  10 Fast-Growing Plants for (Almost) Instant Curb Appeal

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve in California

Seas of golden poppy flowers abound in this 1,700 acre preserve that features eight miles of trails through the gentle rolling hills. The poppies bloom from late March to early April, but can be slow or quick to flower when weather and sun conditions fluxuate.

Related:  10 Ways to Weather-Proof Your Garden

Fort Pierre National Grassland in South Dakota

If you love wide open spaces and the beauty of grass waving in the wind, then this sprawling short grass prairie is an ideal destination. Cinephiles will note that the film “Dances with Wolves” was shot in this region.

Related: 7 Fictional Towns You Can Visit in Real Life

Rhododendrons Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

This flowering shrub has become an icon of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 470-mile scenic road that connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The parkway also features flame azalea shrubs with brilliant orange flowers.

Related: America’s 50 Favorite Streets

Forget-me-nots in Alaska

The charming blue forget-me-not is Alaska’s state flower and can be found in the alpine meadows of Denali National Park, along with a host of other spectacular scenery, both of which attract a stream of visitors during the growing season.

Related:  17 Log Cabins We Love

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in South Carolina

The wild Romantic-style  garden is one of the oldest public gardens in America, having welcomed visitors since 1870. Nestled on an antebellum plantation just outside Charleston, the gardens are said to be home to first azaleas brought to America.

Related:  The Best Small-Town Inns in All 50 States

15 of the Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens in the US

Plus, how they support environmental conservation.

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A botanical garden is a natural space dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of an array of plant species for education and scientific purposes.

The first botanical gardens of the 16th and 17th centuries contained mostly medicinal plants—a kind of apothecary of sorts—, but contemporary gardens offer a variety of themes, showing off plants that thrive in many different ecosystems.

With plant diversity on a sharp decline, botanical gardens are proving to be more important than ever. They devote their resources to the study and conservation of plants, while also teaching the public about biodiversity and inspiring environmentalism. Plus, they offer beautiful scenery—often in the midst of crowded cities—that all nature lovers can appreciate.

Learn more about 15 of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the country and be sure to add them to your must-visit list.

Desert Botanical Garden

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The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, is a magnificent retreat full of cacti, succulents, and other desert flora. With 140 acres and several trails and loops to wander through, visitors can learn about what organisms thrive in one of the hottest and driest parts of the world—the Sonoran Desert. 

This unique botanical garden is dense with different species of agave as well as cacti. But in all, there are 50,000 different plants to learn about, so visitors should plan to stay awhile.

Since 1939, Research & Conservation staff at the garden have collaborated with organizations around the world, serving as global leaders in the conservation of desert ecosystems. This work has led to the discovery of new plant species, conservation of threatened and endangered species, and study of emerging threats, including climate change.

Hawaii Tropical Botanic Garden

A nonprofit botanical garden and nature preserve, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is located on Hawaii’s big island. While the garden and visitors center is 20 acres, the entire conservation area of the preserve encompasses over 100 acres.

The garden is tucked in a scenic valley that opens out to Onomea Bay. Visitors can explore streams, waterfalls, and lush plant life. Plus, they can wander on a boardwalk along the ocean.

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden contains over 2,500 plant varieties, including numerous species of palms, heliconias, and bromeliads. It acts as a living classroom, with guided tours and plenty of resources for educators to help their students learn about the planet.

The garden also works with the University of Hawaii and program partners to serve as a hub for scientific research and development around sustainability and biodiversity. The organization strives to be a global leader in implementing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals , providing ecotourism to protect the reserve and educate visitors.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

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With over 66 acres of property, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden features 11 different spaces that guarantee there'll be something gorgeous to see year-round.

The garden, located near the scenic White Rock Lake just minutes from downtown Dallas, is home to the Southwest’s largest outdoor floral festival, Dallas Blooms Spring.

There are several different named gardens on the property, including Trial Gardens, where groundbreaking horticultural research is conducted.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is relatively new compared to others in the United States. That said, it has one of the country’s premier children’s education programs. Hundreds of thousands of students have passed through its trails to learn about conservation, which continues to inspire the beautification of North Texas.

San Francisco Botanical Garden

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The San Francisco Botanical Garden in the city’s Golden Gate Park is 55 acres in size and is home to nearly 9,000 different plant varieties from around the world. The botanical garden contains several smaller gardens that mimic environments from around the globe, from Andean cloud forests to temperate Asian ecosystems.

Its mission is to connect people to plants, the planet, and each other. It also aims to instill a deep understanding of the need for environmental conservation.

Missouri Botanical Garden

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Known informally as Shaws Garden after its founder Henry Shaw, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the second largest botanical garden in North America. It’s located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is home to a herbarium with more than 6.6 million specimens.

One of the Missouri Botanical Garden’s signature events is the Green Living Festival, which takes place each June. The festival encourages people to incorporate eco-friendly practices in their daily lives through workshops, children’s activities, panel discussions, and exhibits that explore the connections between sustainability, energy efficiency, conservation at home, and a healthy environment.

Washington Park Arboretum

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The Washington Park Arboretum is part of a public park in Seattle. It’s a joint project of the University of Washington, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the nonprofit Arboretum Foundation.

The arboretum is known for its stretch full of colorful azaleas known as Azalea Way, which is a popular attraction come springtime. Also of note is the Japanese Garden, a 3.5-acre traditional stroll garden located inside the Washington Park Arboretum. The Japanese Garden is one of the oldest in North America and many say it’s one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan.

The science conducted at the University of Washington Botanic Gardens focuses on environmental horticulture, conservation biology, and restoration ecology. Their Rare Care program builds partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies to provide information and assistance in the recovery of the state’s native rare species.

The Huntington

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The Huntington is made up of the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Located in San Marino, California, The Huntington is a research institution  that includes about 120 acres of landscaped gardens that showcase plants from around the world.

The Huntington has a conservation program that maintains an active seed bank and tissue culture lab, essentially a botanic library. This way, it can help protect any endangered species, variety, or breed.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

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If you visit the beautiful Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, you’re in luck—another stunning botanical garden is only about a 45 minute drive away. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden, located in Fort Worth, Texas, is the oldest major botanic garden in the state. Its 100-acre property is home to more than 2,500 species of plants.

Like the Washington Park Arboretum, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden boasts a stunning Japanese garden. It is also home to a beautiful rose garden, which was built with 4,000 tons of Palo Pinto County sandstone in 1933, as well as a lush 10,000-square-foot rain forest conservatory.

The garden is operated by the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, an organization committed to environmental sustainability. The institute seeks to reduce its environmental impact and protect and restore ecosystems through careful site design, landscape management, and conscientious human behavior.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

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Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is not only a gorgeous public garden, but it’s also a museum, laboratory, learning center, and conservation research facility. Its mission is to preserve biodiversity by harnessing the power of plants for humankind and sharing the beauty of tropical gardening with everyone.

Fairchild is an 83-acre botanic garden near Miami, Florida, that boasts extensive collections of rare tropical plants including flowering trees, vines, palms, and cycads. There are nearly 30 exhibits with different landscapes to explore.

Chicago Botanic Garden

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With the largest membership of any U.S. public garden, the Chicago Botanic Garden aims to cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich lives through its living classroom. 

The garden is located near Glencoe, Illinois, and sits on 385 acres spread out among nine islands in the Cook County Forest Preserves. It features 27 display gardens that focus on four natural habitats: Dixon prairie, lakes and shores, Skokie River corridor, and McDonald woods.

The Chicago Botanic Garden conserves rare species and works with major organizations on plant conservation. It offers multiple degree programs at the School of the Chicago Botanic Garden as well as adult education, youth and family, teacher and student, and wellness and fitness classes.

Botanic Gardens at Balboa Park

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If you take a leisurely trip to San Diego, California, you can’t miss Balboa Park . Along with a magnificent zoo, thought-provoking museums, and several theaters, Balboa Park contains multiple gardens and walking paths to encourage visitors to interact with nature.

Throughout the historical and cultural park, there are multiple individual botanic gardens. They include Alcazar gardens, the Botanical Building and Reflecting Pool, the Cactus Garden, Palm Canyon, and more.

The 1,200-acre park contains thousands of species of plants. Its main goal is to provide a beautiful space for the public to see and learn about both native and exotic plant species.

Bartram’s Garden

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Bartram’s Garden was founded in 1728, making it the oldest surviving botanic garden in the entire United States. It’s a 50-acre public garden and National Historic Landmark in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, located on the banks of the Tidal Schuylkill River.

The garden is home to a community farm and several educational programs, as well as a horticulture program that teaches participants the importance of nature.

New York Botanical Garden

Located in the Bronx, New York City, the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) rests on a 250-acre property that is home to over one million plants.

The NYBG has established itself as a major educational institution. Through interactive programming, the garden teaches visitors about plant science, ecology, and healthy eating. In addition, the LuEsther T. Mertz Library, also part of the botanical garden, is one of the world’s largest collections of botany-related texts.

A research institution, the Pfizer Plant Research Laboratory, also sits on the grounds. It was built with funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration along with New York State and New York City. Its emphasis is on the study of how genes function in plant development, otherwise known as plant genomics.

International Rose Test Garden

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The city of Portland, Oregon, is often referred to as “The City of Roses.” So, it’s no huge surprise that you’ll find a plethora of rose gardens there. One of the most popular is the International Rose Test Garden in Portland’s Washington Park. It contains more than 10,000 rose bushes spanning over 600 varieties.

The International Rose Test Garden is the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States. In 1889, the Portland Rose Society was established as a nonprofit to offer educational programs on rose culture and to encourage the use of roses in the landscape.

Roses are gorgeous flowers that can only be described as natural wonders. The rose garden is undoubtedly beautiful, but it also works to foster relationships with the natural environment as visitors ogle at the flora.

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The National Trust for Historic Preservation owns the public estate known as Filoli , located on the eastern slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Northern California. It’s also known as the Bourn-Roth Estate after its original owners in the early 1900s. 

Filoli contains 16 acres of formal gardens and a 654-acre estate. Over 75,000 spring bulbs are planted on the grounds each year. Additionally, there are hundreds of fruit trees, Irish yews, water features, and unique botanical centerpieces.

Filoli’s mission is to connect our rich history with a vibrant future through beauty, nature, and shared stories. Its goal is to encourage people to honor nature and appreciate the planet’s beauty.

Corlett, Richard T. " Plant Diversity in a Changing World ." Plant Diversity , vol. 38, no. 1, 2016, pp. 10-16., doi:10.1016/j.pld.2016.01.001

Chen, Gao and Weibang Sun. " The Role of Botanical Gardens in Scientific Research, Conservation, and Citizen Science ." Plant Diversity , vol. 40, no. 4, 2018, pp. 181-188., doi:10.1016/j.pld.2018.07.006

" Explore the Campus ." Fort Worth Botanic Garden .

" Washington Park - International Rose Test Garden ." City of Portland .

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100 Gardens to Visit Before You Die

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Our list of the top 100 gardens to visit worldwide is very personal; many of these destinations are favorites our editors and contributors discovered in their travels. Others—from Athens to Australia—are new to us and we are determined to see them this year or next.

Some of the world’s most beautiful gardens we stumbled across in our travels and others are known to everyone who loves landscapes.

You probably have your own favorite gardens to add to this list. Please do—we’d want to hear about your discoveries (and add them to our must-visit list).

1. Lotusland: Montecito, California

Near Santa Barbara, the 37-acre Lotusland estate features otherworldly combinations of tropical plants, cacti, succulents, and ferns. “The story of the birth of Lotusland is as extraordinary as its survival,” writes our contributor Kendra Wilson. “An amalgam of two properties, the gardens around the Spanish hacienda-style house were extended in the 1940s by Madame Ganna Walska, a Polish opera singer with a colorful love life and a half dozen husbands. When she finally settled down in California, the recent end of her first career and the departure of husband number six allowed Walska to focus exclusively on building a theatrical garden.”

Visit: Advance reservations required; see  Lotusland for details.

2. Lalbagh Botanical Garden: Bangalore, India

Once a private garden, the Lalbagh Botanical Garden dates to the 18th century (and has been a government garden since 1856). “Lots of large and shady tropical trees and a fine old glasshouse where Indira Gandhi split the Congress party in 1969” give this garden character and a special place in history, says historian Ramachandra Guha , a historian and biographer who lives in Bangalore.

Visit: For hours and other information, see Lalbagh Botanical Garden .

3. Peckerwood Garden: Hempstead, Texas

Peckerwood Garden has seven acres of rare and vanishing plants–many of them desert specimens that architecture professor John G. Fairey brought home from the high mountains of northern Mexico during more than 80 plant-collecting expeditions over the past 30 years. An hour’s drive north of Houston, Peckerwood is open to the public on scheduled days.

Visit: See information about upcoming open days at Peckerwood Garden .

4. Le Plume: Normandy, France

Writes our contributor Kendra Wilson, “For anyone hankering after European formality—only a touch, we’re not talking Versailles—Le Jardin Plume in Upper Normandy is just the ticket. Influenced by more recent movements involving perennials and grasses, the former orchard is nevertheless firmly rooted in French garden tradition, including plenty of neat clipping and evergreen hedges.”

Visit: In addition to the garden, owners Patrick and Sylvie Quibel maintain a plant nursery. For hours and directions, see Le Jardin Plume .

5. Lithica Quarries: Menorca, Spain

“At Lithica, the sheltering walls of tidal quarries provide an ideal microclimate, mitigating prolonged summer heat and windy winters. Once, market gardens co-existed within the quarry; now native flora grows among fruit trees and vines,” writes our contributor Kendra Wilson. “These Mediterranean quarry gardens have an innately strong sense of place.” Read more at  Menorcan Muse: Lessons from the Labyrinth in an Ancient Quarry .

Visit: “The s’Hostal quarries are situated at the Kilometer 1 in the Camí Vell, near the town center of Ciutadella de Menorca. The access to the quarries is trough the Ronda Sur, in the roundabout where a big rectangular sculpture is, known as ‘Puerta del Mar,'” notes the gardens’ website. See more at Lithica .

6. Lismore Castle: Waterford, Ireland

“Constructed as an abbey and was repeatedly plundered by Vikings before being taken over by the Normans, Lismore Castle in County Waterford was once in the possession of Sir Walter Raleigh, followed by the Great Earl of Cork Richard Boyle in 1602,” writes our contributor Kendra Wilson. “The garden designed for Boyle at that time remains today in the upper terraces of Lismore, while the lower pleasure gardens were designed by the legendary Sir Joseph Paxton, whose role as head gardener did not preclude activities in castle design.”

Visit: For opening hours (from March 16 to October 14 in 2019) and admission prices, see Lismore Castle .

7. Babylonstoren: Cape Town, South Africa

“Visitors to Babylonstoren, the opulently restored Cape Dutch farm and hotel 45 minutes from Cape Town, are encouraged to pick fruits and vegetables directly from the renowned kitchen gardens,” writes our contributor Marie Viljoen. Read more at  Garden Visit: Behind the Scenes at Babylonstoren .

Visit: To book a garden tour, workshop, or overnight stay, see Babylonstoren .

8. Sissinghurst Castle: Kent, England

One of the most famous gardens in the world, Sissinghurst was semi-derilect when Sir Harold Nicolson and Vita Sackville-West purchased it, castle tower included, in 1930. “Fortunately, that was just what the romantic Vita Sackville-West was looking for,” writes our contributor Kendra Wilson. Read more in  Garden Travel: An Insider’s 9 Favorite English Gardens to Visit .

Visit: For hours, admission prices, and directions, see Sissinghurst Castle Garden .

9. Ginkaku-ji Garden: Kyoto, Japan

The gardens at Kyoto’s famous Zen temple, Ginkaku-ji, have spawned centuries of imitators with their perfectly calm air of serenity.   Kogetsudai (gravel raked into the shape of mountains) is a familiar feature of Japanese gardens, and no example is more iconic than the carefully maintain gravel mountain here. See more at  10 Garden Ideas to Steal from Japanese Zen Masters .

Visit : For hours and admissions prices, see Shokoku .

10. Jardin Majorelle: Marrakech, Morocco

“In the first half of last century, as the Parisian arty set discovered the exotic wonders of Marrakech, French artist Louis Majorelle transformed a 12-acre palm grove into the Jardin Majorelle. With one masterful stroke of cobalt blue (a color inspired by Moroccan tiles), he transformed his Art Deco villa and studio into a powerful visual statement,” writes our contributing editor Christine Chang-Hanway. “Surrounded by botanical gardens of exotic plants and rare species that Majorelle collected on his travels around the world, the compound is a masterpiece so magnificent Yves Saint Laurent requested that his ashes be scattered on the grounds.”

See more in 10 Garden Ideas to Steal from Morocco .

Visit: For hours, admission, prices, and directions, see Jardin Majorelle .

11. Jardin Botánico: Quito, Ecuador

For those of us who live in climates where we see orchids blooming in supermarkets instead of the wild, it will be refreshing to travel to South America where several thousands of different kinds of orchids are native plants. In addition to orchids, Jardin Botánico Quito in northern Ecuador’s Parque Carolina has a wide collection of tropical bromeliads, ferns, and fuchsias.

Visit: For hours, rates, and parking information, see Jardin Botánico Quito .

12. Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Brooklyn, New York

A visit to the 52-acre public garden (with its original 32 acres designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm in 1910) is “an immersive experience, a botanical escape from the city that presses on its edges. In late April and May the green blood of spring is racing through the garden, bringing life to a diverse collection of plants,” writes our contributor Marie Viljoen. See more at  Insider’s Tour: Secrets of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden .

Visit: For hours and admission prices, see Brooklyn Botanic Garden .

13. Pulau Ubin Island: Singapore

OK, this is not technically “a garden.” More accurately, this island is a respite. Aptly described as a “land that time forgot, stuck in the 1960s” in the New York Times , the island is reached by a 10-minute ride by boat from Singapore’s concrete and glitz. Plan to take a day trip, rent a bike on the island, and explore:  “From Ubin’s jetty, reached by bare-bones wooden vessels called bumboats, and tiny main village, a few paved roads fan out to coastal campsites, dirt paths, lotus ponds or beautiful wetlands. The most striking constant is the lack of noise,” notes the Times.

Visit: For more information including boat fare and guidelines for bicycle use on the island, see Singapore’s National Parks Board .

14. Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew: London

Where to start to describe the wonders? “As the world’s most famous botanical garden, Kew is an awe-inspiring place to visit with vast glasshouses and incredible collections. It oversees the biggest and most diverse collection of plants on the planet,” writes our contributor Clare Coulson. See more in 10 Ideas to Steal from the World’s Biggest Botanical Garden .

Visit: For hours, admissions prices, and directions, see Kew .

15. Lambley Nursery: Victoria, Australia

After gardener David Glenn grew up in the flower-friendly mild climate of England, he decamped nearly three decades to a windswept plain two hours away from Melbourne, Australia. What choice did he have, here on the world’s driest inhabited continent, but to experiment with low-water plants? These days his spectacular dry gardens at Lambley Gardens and Nursery need to be watered deeply no more than four times a year and are open to the public every day (except Christmas). Garden lovers from around the world make pilgrimages to see the riotous perennial beds. Flowers border the 130-foot driveway, welcoming visitors as they arrive at the front gate of the 19th-century farmhouse. Read more in  A Garden You Water Four Times a Year .

Visit: Lambley Nursery ships plants overseas; if you visit in person, entry is free, For hours and driving directions, see Lambley Nursery .

16. Maxmilianpark: Hamm, Germany

Maximilianpark was formerly a coal mine, now transformed into gardens, play spaces, and a sanctuary for pollinators. It’s a great place to study designer Oudolf ‘s planting techniques: he designed the park’s wildflower meadow. See more in Landscape Ideas: 8 Favorite Gardens by Dutch Designer Piet Oudolf .

Visit: For hours and information, see Maxmipark .

17. Wang Shi Yuan: Suzhou, China

Wang Shi Yuan, or the Master of the Nets garden, in Suzhou (about 60 miles from Shanghai) is one of the city’s 60 Ming and Qing dynasty gardens and is 800 years old. A classic example of a traditional pleasure garden, the 1.5-acre grounds are divided into three sections, with an eastern, western, and main garden. The garden’s fortunes rose and fell with its owners’ over the centuries, with a major restoration undertaken in the 19th century.

“Just as the garden in China has been the site of quite extraordinary expenditures of resources by scholar, rich merchant, and emperor alike down through the ages, the garden has also occasioned, on the part of China’s scholar-gentry elite, an equally remarkably rich tradition of literary and artistic representations of the gardens, both real and imaginary,” writes Duncan Campbell in the New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies .

Visit: For hours and information, see Szwsy .

18. New York Botanical Garden: Bronx, New York

A beautiful garden to visit in any season with 250 acres and a collection of more than 12,000 plants, New York Botanical Garden is particularly irresistible in winter, with an annual Orchid Show in its soaring glasshouse, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. This year’s theme? “A dazzling tribute to Singapore—one of the world’s greatest orchid cultures—where these storied flowers are an integral part of the life of this vibrant ‘City in a Garden,”” notes NYBG.

Visit: The Orchid Show: Singapore will be on display from February 23 to April 28. For general hours and admission prices, see New York Botanical Garden .

19. Bahá’í Gardens: Haifa, Israel

“When people think about Israel, they don’t typically imagine gardens—usually there’s more of an association with a hot middle eastern climate and multiform geopolitical issues,” writes Daisy Helman in Garden Collage Magazine . “These assumptions are common, but when I think about Israel, I think about the desert, the mountains, the ocean, and the beach.”  In Haifa, a staircase of 19 terraces leads to the top of Mount Carmel, with “panoramic views of the city, the Galilee Hills and the Mediterranean Sea.” notes  Bahá’í Gardens .

Visit: For walk-in tour hours, current weather conditions, and other information, see  Bahá’í Gardens .

20. The National Garden: Athens, Greece

Built as the palace gardens in the mid 19th century by Queen Amalia (“and her German gardener Schmidt,” the national gardens site reports), this park in Athens was Henry Miller’s favorite: “It remains in my memory like no other park I have known. It is the quintessence of a park, the thing one feels sometimes in looking at a canvas or dreaming of a place one would like to be in and never finds.” The 37-acre oasis in the center of the city is home to ducks, turtles, and hedgehogs as well as date palms and 500 other varieties of plants.

Visit: For information and a map of the grounds, see City of Athens .

21. Longwood Gardens, Chester County, Pennsylvania

Open year-round, the 1,077-acre estate of industrialist Pierre du Pont “followed no grand plan; rather, he built the gardens piecemeal, beginning with the “old-fashioned” Flower Garden Walk,” notes Longwood Gardens . Today the grounds feature formal gardens, a meadow garden, a Tuscan-style open-air theater, and glasshouses (an annual winter orchid kicks off in January.

Visit: For tickets, reservations, and visiting tips, see Longwood Gardens .

22. Bryan’s Ground: Herefordshire, England

“The house and gardens at Bryan’s Ground in Herefordshire were put together by artistic people at the beginning of the 20th century.  Howard’s End author E.M. Forster might have dreamed up the setting with its wisteria-draped loggia, sunken garden, and skating pool, and yet the space is ever-evolving,” writes our contributor Kendra Wilson. See more of the garden in  Bryan’s Ground: Bloomsbury Revisited, on the Edge of Wales .

Visit: For open days, hours, and admission prices, see Bryan’s Ground .

23. The High Line: New York, New York

There’s something undeniably magical about viewing Manhattan from the 1,5-mile long elevated High Line park that transformed rusted, run-rundown railroad tracks into a magical walkway, with perennial beds and wildflowers designed by Dutch master Piet Oudolf. Native plants attract birds and bees in warmer months, and the views are spectacular year-round. (When you visit, bring a guide. High Line: A Field Guide , created by artist Mike Dion,  is a beautifully illustrated pocket-size companion.)

Visit: The park, which stretches from the Meatpacking District to Midtown in Manhattan, is open from dawn to dusk; for information and access points, see The High Line .

24. Isola Bella Gardens: Lago Maggiore, Italy

Our translation of “isola bella” is oh-so-beautiful island. In Italy’s northern Lake District, the island’s castle and sprawling terraced gardens (which date to the 17th century) are reached by boat.  “It took four hundred years and the work of a hundred men to transform Isola Bella from a barren rock to a place of delights,” notes Isole Borromee . Statues, fountains, parterres: this is a basic introduction to the Italianate baroque style of garden. If you visit, say hello to the white peacocks for us.

Visit: For hours, admission, and information about boat transportation, see Visiting the Place .

25. Little Sparta: Dunsyre, Scotland

The poet and his wife, Sue, arrived at the five-acre property after buying it in 1966 and immediately became laying out waterways to create ponds and lochs. “Spread out in the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh, the garden at Little Sparta was created by artist and poet Ian Hamilton Finlay over decades, with his wife Sue. Simply put, It is one of the greatest works of art created in Scotland,” writes our UK contributor Kendra Wilson. See more in  The Poet and His Garden: Ian Hamilton Finlay in Scotland .

Visit: The garden is open in warm months, “respecting Finlay’s intention that the garden should be experienced when the trees and plants, all integral to the artwork, are in full leaf.,” notes Little Sparta , which has information on hours and open days.

Read about 75 more gardens to see before you die in our  Garden Travel Guides , including:

• More than 30 more gardens in the United Kingdom, from Rousham  and  Hidcote Manor in the Cotswolds to Old-Lands in Wales and the Cambo Estate in Scotland
• Dozens more of our favorite US gardens, from Brooklyn Bridge Park  in New York to California favorites including Case Study House No. 8 in Los Angeles and the French Laundry  culinary garden in Napa
• Favorites in France, from The Tuileries in Paris to La Louve in Provence
• See more gardens with Ideas to Steal from Russia , Denmark , Portugal , Amsterdam , and New Orleans .
• Plus, travel with our editors to visit their favorite haunts: Menorca , Italy’s Sabine Hills , South Africa’s West Coast , and  Park Güell at sunset in Barcelona

Explore Deeper Into These Areas

• Botanical Gardens
• Garden Design 101
• Garden Travel
• Landscape Architecture
• Landscaping
• New York City

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Why Public Gardens Are More Important Than Ever—and the 14 Best Ones to Visit Now

From historic, sprawling landscapes in New York City to newer gems in the high desert of New Mexico, these sanctuaries beckon with open space, fresh air, and sheer botanical beauty.

MaryLynn Mack could not have said it better. “When you’re a public garden, you’re a garden for the public, for all the people,” says the incoming president of the American Public Gardens Association and chief operating officer at South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes Peninsula, California. In addition to championing sustainability and conservation along with their incredible aesthetic gifts, botanical gardens are striving to better engage with local communities and diversify leadership. “Plants are going to be here when we’re all gone, but the people part of it is what we needed to work on,” Mack says. “It’s a win-win for everyone, and the journey’s just begun.” Engage with cutting-edge beauty, sustainability, and inclusivity at these 14 fantastic public gardens you can visit.

ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Set in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, along the Rio Grande, the 32-acre Botanic Garden is part of the city’s vibrant ABQ BioPark. With its apt focus on plants from the American Southwest and other arid climates, the garden also showcases local habitats in New Mexico and medicinal plants. Its Desert and Mediterranean Conservatories were awarded the New Mexico Architectural Foundation’s 2019 Architecture + Community Award, with special shout-outs for maintaining these environments with little or no imported energy.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York City

Founded more than a century ago with a site plan designed by the Olmsted Brothers, this 52-acre gem is in the final stretch of a 10-year-long series of improvement projects that include Herb, Native Flora, Discovery, and Water gardens (along with a new visitor center and entrances). The newest of all, the Elizabeth Scholtz Woodland Garden, features an accessible path amid a recontoured landscape connecting the existing collections and garden with a new maple grove, plus signage aimed at inspiring and educating urban gardeners.

Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver

Here, three locations combine to offer triple the opportunity for garden lovers. First, the Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street holds a diverse collection of plants from around the world in its rich 24 acres, including international, ornamental, and shade gardens, as well as the Gardens of the West with 18 arid gardens. A half hour’s drive south, Denver Botanic Gardens’s Chatfield Farms nestles along the banks of Deer Creek with a 70-acre native plant refuge and working farm. The DBG also oversees a fragile alpine environment on Mount Goliath in the Arapaho National Forest and manages the Plain Conservation Center, which focuses on the prairie ecosystem and the cultural history of Colorado.

Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix

As the home to more than 4,000 species of cactus, trees, and flowers from around the world (485 rare and endangered), these 140 acres speak botanical truth to the beauty of the desert. Founded in 1939 by a small group of passionate locals (including Swedish botanist Gustaf Starck) who posted a sign that read, “Save the Desert,” the botanical garden has gone beyond that original mission with initiatives including an incubator farm, family gardens, and a farmers' market to transform south Phoenix’s food desert into a food oasis. Its creative programming includes desert landscaping courses, an up-close encounter with the country’s most prominent agave collection (including a tequila tasting), and an insider photo tour of the garden’s most Instagrammable spots.

Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Like a small kingdom, this famed botanical garden sprawls over 1,077 acres of meadows and woodlands as well as splendid outdoor gardens from naturalist to formal and glorious spaces for performances of all manner (plus, 20 indoor gardens in a series of heated greenhouses). A true center for horticulture, Longwood hosts a two-year professional horticultural school, a graduate program, and internships and maintains 16 core plant collections.

Ganna Walska Lotusland, Montecito, California

Polish singer and socialite Madame Ganna Walska spent 43 years cultivating a lushly exuberant garden of exotic plants on the Montecito, California, estate she bought in 1941. It’s a gift to the world that after Walska’s death in 1984, Lotusland (as she called it) became a nonprofit botanic garden that opened in 1993. The 37 acres still hum with Walska’s love of the dramatic and the whimsical, and the garden continues to expand its mission with environmental education programs for families and a new junior botanist program that invites Santa Barbara County 4th graders and their families for a special visit to Lotusland free of charge.

Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida

Just minutes from downtown Orlando, the former estate of Harry P. and Mary Jane Leu is a tropical 50-acre antidote for Disney sprawl. Dedicated to the temperate and tropical climate gifts of Central Florida, the gardens here (inspired by the Leus’ love of travel and collecting exotic plants) burst with species including palms, cycads, bromeliads, and tropical philodendrons, as well as classic comforts such as roses and camellias—a passion of the couple, who themselves planted 240 varieties of the flower in their gardens. The Camellia Collection is among the largest in the country.

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, Kāneʻohe, Hawaii

Gardens exist for many reasons, and this lush parcel of 400 acres on Oahu’s windward side was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1982 to protect the town of Kāneʻohe from flooding. Part of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens , the rainforest garden includes walking trails, a lake, and even campgrounds. A verdant showcase for plantings from major tropical regions around the world (from Africa to India, Sri Lanka to the Philippines), the garden emphasizes conserving plants native to Hawaii and Polynesia.

Madoo Conservancy, Sagaponack, New York

In the embrace of the Hamptons, this horticulturally diverse garden of two acres is a sublime expression of the artist, writer, and gardener Robert Dash, who moved to this quiet village on Long Island’s East End from New York City in 1967. Dash’s expansive vision informed the ever-changing elements here, from garden influences that range from Early Greek and High Renaissance to Tudor and Oriental, from whimsical conceits like a pathway made of sectioned telephone poles to architectural elements including outbuildings and bridges. Dash’s home and gardens were a magnet for artists, writers, and garden-lovers throughout his life (Dash died in 2013), and the mission of drawing the heart and eye to this Hamptons oasis carries on in splendid, bright color.

Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri

Known locally as Shaw’s Garden (founded by businessman, amateur botanist, and philanthropist Henry Shaw in 1859), the Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest in continuous operation in the U.S. A vibrant center for research and science education, the centerpiece of three parcels is 79 acres in the midst of St. Louis that includes Shaw’s original estate home, a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered orchids. A butterfly house in Chesterfield’s Faust Park and the 2,400-acre Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit complete the treasured trifecta.

New York Botanical Garden, New York City

Is it dizzying to think of more than one million living plants calling these 250 acres in the Bronx home? Perhaps, but consider that this 130-year-old institution that receives more than one million visitors every year is also home to one of the world’s largest collections of botany-related texts and is a major educational institution, hosting 90,000 schoolchildren every year from underserved communities and 3,000 New York City public school teachers who take part in professional development programs. It’s also the home of one of the world’s largest plant research and conservation programs. And among those million plants resides the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, an alpine rock garden, a conifer collection, plus a cascade waterfall, wetlands, and 50 acres of original old-growth New York forest.

Santa Fe Botanical Garden, Santa Fe, New Mexico

The vision of a small group of gardeners, botanists, and environmentalists bloomed in the high desert in 1987 and now comprises the Santa Fe Botanical Garden at Museum Hill, as well as a 35-acre wetland preserve in La Cienega. The garden focuses on regional geology, botany, and cultural history, including the centerpiece Orchard Gardens and the Ojos y Manosj (Eyes and Hands) Garden, an outdoor classroom that showcases plants used for healing, food, weaving, and dyeing. Eight miles of trails along an arroyo demonstrate arroyo restoration techniques, and a new parcel of a little more than three acres will open this year as the Piñon-Juniper Woodland.

San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum, San Francisco

A jewel of Golden Gate Park, this beloved destination for locals (who enter for free) and tourists alike is home to 9,000 plants from around the world in its 55 acres. Famed for its magnolia collection (the most significant for conservation purposes in the U.S.) as well as high-elevation palms, conifers, and cloud forest species, the garden has embarked on an ambitious project to add a new state-of-the-art nursery (replacing one that's more than 50 years old) that will not only support its ongoing maintenance and conservation work but add even more variety to the garden’s wildly popular plant-sale program.

South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes, California

A lesson in how to reclaim paradise, this site 10 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport operated as an open-pit mine from 1929 to 1956 and then served as a sanitary landfill while the county explored how to reclaim the land. Beginning with a donation of 40,000 trees, shrubs, and other plants in 1961, today the garden’s lush 87 acres are home to more than 150,000 plants and trees from 2,000 different species, including Coast Redwoods, ginkgos, and flowering fruit trees. More than 300 species of birds can be found throughout the park, and lectures, concerts, and the renewed splendor of the land attract happy, grateful visitors.

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The 16 Most Beautiful Public Gardens to Visit in the Fall

We don't give mums nearly as much credit as they deserve.

So many of us think of fall as the end to the visual glory that is the summer season, mourning the end of colorful blooms and lush greenery as we accept a basket of mums as a consolation prize. That's just not true at these stunning gardens, where creative landscaping, beautiful plants, and, yes, pumpkins create impressive scenery against a backdrop of autumn foliage.

Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

To visit Longwood Gardens is a bit like walking into a painting — the famed horticulturalist's paradise is just that breathtaking. From October 22-November 20, the Chrysanthemum Festival offers a feast for the eyes, featuring over 17,000 of the colorful flowers in incredible arrangements. Don't miss the Thousand Bloom Mum, a single plant that has 1,500 perfectly-arranged blooms (and counting). You'll never look at those garden center mums the same way again. 

Read more at Longwood Gardens »

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Though at first glance, this wild walkway would appear to be hundreds of miles from the city, it's right in Brooklyn's crown gem. Fall visitors can also enjoy late-blooming roses and other unexpected delights.

For more details, visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden »

Chicago Botanic Garden

The beauty of the 17-acre Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden is heightened in the fall, when gingko trees take on a golden cast. 

See more at Chicago Botanic Garden »

Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle

Tucked on the shores of Lake Washington, the 230-acre Arboretum immerses you in the lush beauty of nature. The Japanese Garden has a separate entrance fee , but is entirely worth the price of admission.

Learn about the Park at the Arboretum Foundation »

Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri

Founded back in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Though it's home to one of the world's largest collection of rare orchids, the grounds have an artful design that's enhanced by autumn's palette.

See what's in bloom at the Missouri Botanical Garden »

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Though Texas doesn't immediately come to mind when thinking of fall foliage, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden's Japanese Garden practically lights up in red, orange, and yellow hues come autumn. 

For info and hours, visit Fort Worth Botanic Garden »

National Arboretum, Washington, D.C.

Think of the National Arboretum as a living museum, where you can see native plants along with sights like the National Capitol Columns. In the fall, the almost 200-year-old columns take on an almost golden glow from the muted grasses and leaves that surround them.

Learn more at The United States National Arboretum »

Dallas Arboretum

Love a good pumpkin? Then you'll really love visiting Dallas Arboretum in the fall. The grounds are practically filled with over 90,000 pumpkins and gourds through November 23.

See more at Dallas Arboretum »

The New York Botanical Garden

Autumn is one of the best seasons to be in New York, especially if you happen to be visiting the New York Botanical Garden (which is celebrating its 125th anniversary). The Conservatory (shown here) is a lovely place to visit if the day is a bit too chilly.

See upcoming events at the New York Botanical Garden »

The Mount, Lenox, Massachusetts

Edith Wharton's turn-of-the-century home also features an amazing garden. You'll have to visit soon — the house and grounds are open through the end of October.

Read more about this literary landmark at The Mount »

Asticou Azalea Garden, Mount Desert Island, Maine

From May through October, the stunning azaleas at the Land and Garden Preserve at Mount Desert Island, Maine, display a shifting palette of colors. The plum, golden, and muted tones of autumn are particularly stunning.

Learn more about the Land and Garden Preserve at Mount Desert Island »

Winterthur Enchanted Woods, Winterthur, Delaware

There's so much to see and do at Winterthur, the former home of Henry Francis du Pont, that you'll probably need to spend more than a day there. One especially lovely sight during the fall is the Enchanted Woods, a whimsical garden that looks straight out of a storybook against autumn's bright palette.  

Read about the Enchanted Woods at Winterthur »

Denver Botanic Gardens

Ranked as one of the top botanic gardens in the United States, the Denver Botanic Gardens pack a lot into 24 acres. There's a water lily garden, a children's garden, a science pyramid, international-inspired gardens, and so much more. The native trees and grasses bring unique color and texture to the landscape in the fall.

See more at Denver Botanic Gardens »

Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston, Massachusetts

Designed as a year-round garden, Tower Hill's 132-acre property has well-designed trails and walkways for taking in the crisp autumn air. Even the entrance is grand, thanks to the 119 pre-20th century apple trees that flank the entry drive. 

Plan your visit to Tower Hill »

Green Bay Botanical Garden

If we could use one word to describe the Green Bay Botanical Garden, it would be "enchanting." The grounds feature a wide variety of native plants that make for lovely views no matter the season.

Take a tour of Green Bay Botanical Garden »

Wave Hill, Riverdale, New York

Located in the Bronx and overlooking the Hudson River, Wave Hill is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens to visit in the fall . This view is perhaps the only evidence you need. 

See more photos at Wave Hill »

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Enjoy 52 acres of horticulture in The Garden at Newfields. Spring blooms, summer color, fall foliage, and frost covered evergreens – there’s something to see all year. Made up of our living collection and seasonal displays, this Indianapolis oasis is sure to delight the senses. With half of its footprint made up of Oldfields (a National Historic Landmark estate), there are many winding paths and interesting spaces to explore. 

Historic North Carolina village under water after devastating damage from Helene

ASHEVILLE, N.C. —A historic village in western North Carolina is under water after bearing the brunt of devastating flooding damage from Hurricane Helene.

Tree branches, logs and a dumpster floated across Asheville’s Biltmore Village, renowned for being built and owned by a single individual.

Resident Tammy Borgesen was among the dozens of people standing outside a downtown hotel, one of the few places with Wi-Fi access, hoping to connect with loved ones.

“We’ve been trying to get an email or a text out to just let everybody know we’re ok,” said Borgesen, who had water but no power at her home. 

She said she plans to wait out the storm and “hope for the best.”

“We’re in a weird limbo,” Borgesen said.

Follow along for live updates

Water levels reached several feet, with some areas nearing the tops of street signs. Fast-moving water surged above front-door steps, inundating buildings and small businesses as Asheville appeared nearly flattened by Helene.

“We knew the flooding was coming but we didn’t know it was going to be this catastrophic,” one woman at the scene told NBC News. “All of the loss and destruction is just heartbreaking.”

More than 200 people have been rescued from floodwaters in North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper’s office said in a statement Saturday. The Department of Transportation said more than 400 roads are closed in the state, impeding travel and rescue efforts.

Asheville, with a population of 95,000 residents, is about 140 miles west of Charlotte.

“This blows my mind, and I’m really worried about friends, neighbors and businesses down here by the river,” a man told NBC News, while partly blaming climate change for the destruction. “It’s just a reminder to me that climate change is going to affect all of us. No one is safe from the impacts of climate change and we really need to take action now.”

The devastation comes as Hurricane Helene landed in Georgia Thursday night, leaving widespread devastation throughout the southern U.S. 

At least 53 people have been confirmed dead as of Saturday and about 3 million customers are without power in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Virginia, according to Poweroutage.us.

The storm, now a post-tropical cyclone, has severely impacted the southeast.

More than 50 people  were stranded Friday at an eastern Tennessee hospital on Friday due to fast-rising water and high winds, after several attempts to airlift them failed during a dangerous rescue operation.

President Joe Biden has already approved emergency declaration requests from the governors of several southern states affected by Helene.

Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina will receive a variety of federal assistance from the government after the storm made landfall as a highly destructive Category 4 hurricane.

Biden has also ordered more than 1,500 federal personnel to be deployed to the region, including search and rescue teams, medical teams and power restoration teams.

George Solis is a national correspondent with NBC News.

Deon J. Hampton is a national reporter for NBC News.