Botanical Gardens to Visit on a Romantic Weekend Getaway

⮕ Missouri Botanical Garden

Stroll global-themed gardens and admire seasonal sights on a peaceful retirement trip.

Missouri Botanical Garden

What is the Missouri Botanical Garden?
- Formerly known as Shaw's Garden after its founder and philanthropist Henry Shaw, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the country and a National Historic Landmark.
Where is the Missouri Botanical Garden located?
- The garden is located in St. Louis, Missouri.
When was the Missouri Botanical Garden founded?
- The garden was founded in 1859 and today attracts more than 750,000 visitors each year.
How large is the Missouri Botanical Garden?
- The garden spans 79 acres and showcases a diverse collection of plants, trees, and shrubs, including an incredible collection of rare orchids.
What special gardens and features are in the Missouri Botanical Garden?
- Visitors can explore:
  - A 14-acre Japanese strolling garden
  - An English Woodland Garden
  - A Victorian District
  - The original 1850s estate home of Henry Shaw
What conservatories are in the Missouri Botanical Garden?
- The Climatron conservatory houses a thriving tropical rainforest, while the Temperate House replicates a Mediterranean climate.
Where can visitors dine and shop at the garden?
- Visitors can enjoy fine fare at Sassafras, or grab coffee at Café Flora or the Terrace Café. Two quaint gift stores sell vintage and antique items.
How can visitors contact the Missouri Botanical Garden?
- Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, Phone: 314-577-5100

⮕ Fuller Gardens

Smell blooming roses and walk oceanside paths on a romantic summer escape.

Fuller Gardens

What is Fuller Gardens?
- Fuller Gardens is a seaside gem on the coast of New Hampshire, perfect for a weekend getaway. It is a turn-of-the-century estate located just a stone’s throw from the sea.
Who originally owned Fuller Gardens?
- The garden was once part of the vast summer estate of Alvan T. Fuller but is now open to the public.
What types of plants can be found in Fuller Gardens?
- Fuller Gardens is home to a beautiful array of horticulture, including over 2,000 roses and many varieties of annual blooms.
What features does Fuller Gardens offer?
- The gardens feature:
  - A conservatory and propagation house
  - A delightful Dahlia Display
  - Formal English borders of perennial plantings
  - A superbly manicured Japanese Garden
  - A tranquil koi pond
  - A tropical conservatory
What are some recommended activities at Fuller Gardens?
- Visitors can spend an afternoon exploring the gardens, followed by:
  - A stroll through the intricately laid-out Front Garden
  - A visit to the Garden Shop for a memento
How can visitors contact Fuller Gardens?
- Fuller Gardens, 10 Willow Avenue, North Hampton, NH 03862, Phone: 603-964-5414

⮕ New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

Explore woodland trails and discover exciting floral displays on a weekend visit.

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

What is the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill?
- New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a year-round botanical garden located in Boylston, Massachusetts, boasting spectacular views of Mount Wachusett and Wachusett Reservoir.
When was the garden founded?
- The New England Botanic Garden was founded in 1986 and hosts a variety of unique plant collections and exhibitions.
What notable gardens and features can visitors explore?
- Visitors can explore several distinct gardens and displays, including:
  - Frank L. Harrington Sr. Orchard – A stunning display of ancient apple varieties.
  - Secret Garden – A romantic idyll featuring an intricate double pergola, a glassy garden pool, a fountain, and elegant statuary.
  - 18th-century style orangerie – Tower Hill's primary wintertime display area, featuring exquisite blooming bulbs and sub-tropical plant species.
  - Systematic Garden – Designed in an Italianate style, this one-of-a-kind educational experience showcases the evolution of plant species.
What visitor amenities are available?
- The Stoddard Education and Visitors Center offers:
  - A theater with a visitor orientation video.
  - A fantastic horticultural library.
  - The popular Twigs Café and Gift Shop.
How can visitors contact the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill?
- New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Dr, Boylston, MA 01505, Phone: 508-869-6111

⮕ The Holden Arboretum, Ohio

Climb the canopy walk and admire fall colors on a scenic trip.

The Holden Arboretum, Ohio

What is The Holden Arboretum?
- The Holden Arboretum is the largest arboretum in the United States, covering 3,600 acres and home to over 120,000 plants.
What types of plants are featured at The Holden Arboretum?
- The arboretum specializes in woody trees and shrubs that can be grown in the Northern Ohio climate. Groundcovers and perennials also accompany Holden’s wide variety of ligneous plants in themed collections throughout the grounds.
What seasonal activities are available?
- Visitors can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities in the gardens to explore and discover nature’s offerings.
What are some must-visit gardens at The Holden Arboretum?
- Highlights of the arboretum include:
  - Arlene and Arthur S. Holden Butterfly Garden – Home to myriad butterflies adding color to the vibrant surroundings.
  - Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden – A beautiful collection of wildflowers in their natural habitat.
Are there hiking opportunities at The Holden Arboretum?
- Yes, visitors can enjoy a tranquil hike along the Pierson Creek trails or in the Old Valley.
What visitor amenities are available?
- The arboretum features:
  - A modern visitor’s center
  - An excellent reference library
  - A lovely picnic area for a romantic picnic for two
How can visitors contact The Holden Arboretum?
- The Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094, Phone: 440-946-4400

⮕ Santa Fe Botanical Garden, New Mexico

Wander desert paths and enjoy unusual plants on a quiet cultural outing.

Santa Fe Botanical Garden, New Mexico

What is the Santa Fe Botanical Garden?
- Located opposite the Milner Plaza on Museum Hill in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden celebrates and cultivates the rich botanical biodiversity of the region across 12 acres of beautiful landscapes.
Who designed the Santa Fe Botanical Garden?
- The garden was designed by landscape architect W. Gary Smith and features breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
What unique collections can visitors explore?
- The gardens consist of impressive and unique collections that highlight New Mexico's rugged terrain and spectacular flora, including:
  - Orchard Gardens – Home to ranks of fruit trees flanked by a beautiful green meadow garden.
  - Ojos y Manos: Eyes and Hands – Features the century-old Kearny’s Gap Bridge.
How can visitors best experience the Santa Fe Botanical Garden?
- The best way to experience the garden's natural biodiversity is to take a free guided tour, offered daily by local experts.
What visitor amenities are available?
- A Temporary Visitor’s Center and Garden Shop are open year-round, offering information and a variety of garden-related items.
How can visitors contact the Santa Fe Botanical Garden?
- Santa Fe Botanical Garden, 725 Camino Lejo Suite E, Santa Fe, NM 87505, Phone: 505-471-9103

⮕ Sawtooth Botanical Garden, Idaho

See alpine plants and relax among mountain beauty during an affordable nature stop.

Sawtooth Botanical Garden, Idaho

What is the Sawtooth Botanical Garden?
- The Sawtooth Botanical Garden is home to a wonderful display of native and unique plants that thrive at high altitudes in the heart of Ketchum, Idaho.
What is the mission of the Sawtooth Botanical Garden?
- The garden aims to educate visitors about the region’s rare beauty through its unique displays and extensive plant collections.
When was the Sawtooth Botanical Garden founded?
- The garden was founded in 1994 and has since become a hub for botanical education and conservation.
What distinct areas can visitors explore?
- The garden features several unique areas, including:
  - An ornamental garden
  - A xeriscape (water-conserving) garden
  - A stream-side garden
  - A large greenhouse housing flowering perennials, herbs, and vines
What is the Garden of Infinite Compassion?
- The Garden of Infinite Compassion is a newly built alpine garden that has received international attention.
- It was designed by a Zen Buddhist monk and includes:
  - Waterfalls and reflecting ponds
  - Spectacular rock art
  - A finely carved Tibetan Prayer Wheel filled with over one million mantras and turned by a bubbling brook
- The garden was blessed by the 14th Dalai Lama during his visit.
How can visitors contact the Sawtooth Botanical Garden?
- Sawtooth Botanical Garden, 11 Gimlet Rd, Ketchum, ID 83340, Phone: 208-726-9358

⮕ Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Delaware

Tour historic grounds and enjoy a refined spring outing with the family.

Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Delaware

What is Winterthur?
- Winterthur is a magnificent museum of American decorative arts, housing one of the most important collections in the country. It also features a 60-acre naturalistic garden and an outstanding research library.
Who founded Winterthur?
- Winterthur was the former home of renowned antiques collector and horticulturist, Henry Francis du Pont.
Where is Winterthur located?
- The estate is situated near Brandywine Creek in Delaware.
What can visitors see at the Winterthur Museum?
- The museum's collection is housed in 175 period-room displays, spanning more than two centuries of American decorative arts.
What does the Winterthur Library offer?
- The Winterthur Library is a valuable resource containing a wealth of information on American history, decorative arts, and architecture literature.
What natural features does Winterthur encompass?
- The estate includes undulating hills, peaceful meadows, dense forests, and winding streams, which support a diverse array of both exotic and indigenous fauna and flora.
What can visitors do in the Winterthur gardens?
- The gardens are crisscrossed with walking paths and showcase a variety of exhibitions and gallery displays throughout the year.
Are there dining and shopping options at Winterthur?
- Yes, there is a restaurant and a gift shop on-site for added enjoyment.
How can visitors contact Winterthur?
- Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19735, Phone: 800-448-3883

⮕ The Four Arts Gardens, Florida

Walk elegant paths and admire tropical blooms on a romantic retreat.

The Four Arts Gardens, Florida

What are The Four Arts Gardens?
- The Four Arts Gardens are beautiful demonstration gardens located in Palm Beach, Florida, designed to showcase the diversity of tropical plants in the region.
When were The Four Arts Gardens established?
- The gardens were established in 1938 and have since become a home to wonderful collections of local and regional flora.
What can visitors expect to see in the gardens?
- The gardens are interspersed with statues and sculptural art displays by famous artists.
What are some highlights of The Four Arts Gardens?
- Notable features include:
  - The Chinese Garden – Features a winding pathway leading to a beautiful Spanish façade and decorative well.
  - A moon gate and statuary – Providing picturesque photography spots.
  - The Madonna Garden – Accessible via a large shady path, featuring a magnificent fountain.
What cultural programming does The Four Arts Society offer?
- The Four Arts Society offers a variety of cultural programming, including:
  - Concerts
  - Films
  - Educational programs
  - Art exhibitions
How can visitors contact The Four Arts Gardens?
- The Four Arts Gardens, 2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach, FL 33480, Phone: 561-655-7227

⮕ Atlanta Botanical Garden, Georgia

See orchid displays and explore fun kids’ exhibits on a vibrant trip.

Atlanta Botanical Garden, Georgia

What is the Atlanta Botanical Garden?
- The Atlanta Botanical Garden spans more than 30 acres and features breathtaking botanical gardens, fascinating collections, exhibits, and the famous Kendeda Canopy Walk.
Where is the Atlanta Botanical Garden located?
- The garden is located adjacent to Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta.
How long has the garden been open?
- The garden has been open for 35 years and has been continually updated and reworked to create a fascinating haven of urban bliss.
What are some must-see attractions in the garden?
- Notable highlights include:
  - Fuqua Orchid Center – Home to rare high-altitude growing orchids.
  - Kendeda Canopy Walk – A 600-foot-long skywalk winding through the treetops of Storza Woods.
  - Sunflower Fountain – A perfect spot to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
  - Soggy Bog – Features Venus flytraps, a popular attraction.
  - Natural Observation Hive – Learn about honeybees in an interactive setting.
  - Edible Garden – Showcasing seasonal edibles for home-cooked meals.
How can visitors contact the Atlanta Botanical Garden?
- 1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30309, Phone: 404-876-5859

⮕ Alaska Botanical Garden

Explore northern plants and walk forest trails during a unique summer adventure.

Alaska Botanical Garden

What is the Anchorage Botanical Garden?
- Tucked away in the heart of Anchorage, Alaska, the garden is a beautiful arboretum that showcases the local flora of the region.
What types of plants can be found in the garden?
- The garden is home to a wonderful variety of indigenous and alien plants, displayed in thoughtfully designed sections.
What features make the garden unique?
- The garden features a network of trails that wind through the grounds, allowing visitors to explore different plant collections.
- A nursery and gift shop offer plants and souvenirs for visitors.
What are the key areas within the garden?
- The garden is laid out in sections connected by walking trails, including:
  - Lower Perennial Garden and Herb Garden – A haven of culinary and medicinal herbs.
  - Rock Garden – Showcasing over 350 species of alpine plants from around the world.
  - Wildflower Trail – A romantic pathway with an exquisite array of Alaskan wildflowers.
What is special about the Lowenfels Family Nature Trail?
- This trail winds down to Campbell Creek, where visitors can watch salmon spawning and enjoy wildlife viewing in a stunning natural setting.
How can visitors contact the garden?
- 4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507, Phone: 907-770-3692