These 12 Beautiful Gardens in the US Are Like Stepping Into a Fairytale
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The US may be famous for its cities, but its gardens are equally impressive. From botanical gardens to private estates, the most beautiful gardens in the US are awe-inspiring.
There are many dedicated landscape artists, organizations, and plant experts who dedicate their lives to beautifying the country’s gardens. The country also has a diverse range of climates, from deserts to tropical forests.
In these gardens, creativity, resources, and passion combine to create some of the world’s most stunning green spaces. Below are the 12 most beautiful gardens in the US.
The Huntington Library’s Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California
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The Huntington Library is like nowhere else in the country, with its world-famous art and huge historical library. But what truly sets it apart is its botanical gardens.
Almost 30,000 plant species sprawl out over the massive complex. There are 16 themed gardens, each expertly curated and designed to resemble themes like Japanese gardens and Rennaisance gardens.
You’ll learn about herbal remedies in its herb garden or enjoy tea time in the English garden — pinkies up. The only downside to the Huntington Library’s gardens is that you’ll have to leave. Supposedly some guests pretended to be Roman statues until the groundskeeper left, grape leaves and all. Needless to say, that didn’t work out for them.
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Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, Kāneʻohe, Hawaii
The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful gardens. It features thousands of species from tropical regions of the world.
Many plants are cultivated for food. You’ll find rare species of palms, bananas, nuts, and herbs. The gardens were started in 1982 to provide food protection for locals in Kāneʻohe.
One of the highlights of the garden is spending the night camping. You can reserve a site on its website. Or, try signing up for a drawing or painting class and channel your inner Bob Ross.
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United States Botanic Garden, Washington, D.C.
The United States Botanic Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. It has to be with a name like that!
The garden is home to over 44,000 plants, including rare and endangered species. You’ll see some of the East Coast’s most symbolic trees, like maples and willows. You can also see fruit trees and flowers that bloom throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Inside the greenhouse, you can see a rare corpse flower and several species of tropical orchids. The botanic garden has an impressive rose garden with hundreds of beautiful roses. Come during the holidays and see special decorations and garden events.
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Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Henrico, Virginia
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a unique space with diverse plant life from Virginia and overseas. It has over 12 unique gardens, each featuring signs and educational information.
For many people, the highlight is the Kroger Community Kitchen Garden. This garden produces vegetables, fruits, and herbs for community kitchens in the area. You’ll learn about growing food and maybe get some kitchen advice from the pros.
In the spring, you can’t miss the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s cherry tree walk. This beautiful trail turns magical colors with pink and white flowers littering the ground below. It may be one of the best cherry blossom spectacles outside of Japan.
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Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Longwood Gardens is the ultimate space for seasonal flower displays. The 1,100-acre garden stretches out along the wooded hills near the Delaware border.
You’ll bask in color during the spring and summer as the flower gardens erupt. In spring, you can enjoy blossoms like cherries and other stone fruits. In fall, the hardwoods transform into a sea of reds, yellows, and oranges.
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Check out the indoor conservatory to see the garden’s massive collection of orchids. The gardens were created by Pierre S. du Pont, the American entrepreneur who started the company Du Pont.
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Nemours Estate, Wilmington, Delaware
Nemours Estate is a massive 200-acre compound full of luxury vehicles, homes, and a sprawling garden. The property features fountains, manicured plants, and views that will make you feel like you’re French royalty from the 18th century, minus the wigs.
Alfred Du Pont built the mansion for his second wife in a traditional French countryside style. The plants include flower gardens, willows, maples, and several species that turn bright colors in the autumn.
In the spring and summer, the garden transforms into one of the most extensive lavender gardens you can imagine. A sea of sweet-smelling purple flowers covers the property. Also, in spring, the cherry blossoms and other stone fruits pop into vivid colors. Comme c’est magnifique!
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Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden space full of wonderful plants and well-manicured gardens. It has a renowned Japanese Garden full of Japanese plants and places to get your zen on.
The main highlight for many visitors is the Climatron. This climate-controlled greenhouse houses hundreds of species of tropical plants, many of which are rare or endangered.
Inside, you can learn about the life cycle of bananas, coffee, and cacao. The Climatron has a waterfall and tropical landscapes. The only thing missing is a tiki bar.
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Norfolk Botanical Garden, Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk Botanical Garden is one of the US’s most stunning gardens. You’ll see beautifully curated gardens and green spaces with a huge variety of plant life.
Over 60 gardens feature themes such as Japanese gardens, rose gardens, and hydrangea gardens. You’ll walk through manicured flower gardens with sculptures and beautiful designs.
The garden has an impressive wildflower meadow and a collection of native plants. On its website, you can check the bloom times of various flowers. It even has a cherry blossom schedule.
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Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona
The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is where to go to learn about native desert plants and their habitats. It’s also one of the most beautiful gardens in the Southwest.
Come during the morning to avoid the intense heat and bring plenty of water. You’ll walk through several trails, each with signs that educate visitors on the indigenous uses for each plant, its role in the ecosystem, and how it survives the intense climate in the Sonoran Desert.
Over 500 rare or endangered plant species live in the 140-acre garden. There’s also an exciting butterfly pavilion where people of all ages can marvel at the winged animals.
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San Francisco Botanical Garden, San Francisco, California
The San Francisco Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in California and the US. It is located on 55 acres of Golden Gate Park and features a diverse collection of plants.
Take your time walking around the manicured gardens and forests to see over 8,000 species of plants, including native plants and introduced specimens from around the world.
You’ll see towering redwoods, rare palms, cacti, and orchids. You’ll travel through several climates, including Andean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asian cloud forests.
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New York Botanical Garden, New York City, New York
The New York Botanical Garden, created in 1891, covers 250 acres in the Bronx borough. The garden is home to millions of plants, curated in a beautiful display no matter which season you visit.
The space has flower gardens and a dense conifer garden. You’ll learn about the native woodlands of the city and the forests that covered it before the arrival of Europeans.
If you love botany, visit the garden’s library for the chance to read hundreds of books about plants and horticulture. If you’re in the city and want a break from the traffic jams and overpriced lattes, head over to the Bronx to visit the NY Botanical Garden.
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Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin, Delaware
Mt. Cuba Center is a unique and beautiful garden in Delaware’s famous Du Pont mansion. You’ll walk through miles of trails that take you through native habitats.
There’s a grassland trail that includes native grasses, wildflowers, and a historic home. The Forest Edge Trail takes you through towering hardwoods that become brightly colored in the fall.
The American Chestnut Foundation collaborated with the Mt. Cuba Center to create the Chestnut Trail. It showcases several species and hybrids of chestnuts. If you love peaceful walks through the forest, this is a must-visit garden.
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