America’s Most Beautiful Public Gardens

America's Most Beautiful Public GardensWe may be closing in on winter, but that doesn't mean your love for botany has to leave for the season. The United States has some of the most beautiful public gardens in the world, many of which are free of cost. Here are a few of our favorites.

 

1. Longwood Gardens, Philadelphia

Over 1,700 acres in Kennett Square has consistently been voted America's best garden, with indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as events and educational programs.

2. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA

50 acres of more than a dozen themed gardens, such as Healing Garden, Fountain Garden, Victorian Garden and more, make this mid-Atlantic garden one of the most exquisite.

3. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA

These gardens exist as a public, educational, horticultural and charitable organization, and they follow through with that mission by offering plenty of classes and workshops to help the community contribute to the massive gardens and preserves.

4. Chicago Botanic Garden

You wouldn't normally imagine a massive garden in the middle of an urban paradise, but this free botanical community is filled with wonderful exhibitions such as butterfly houses, holiday celebrations and art pieces inspired by nature.

5. Cheekwood Botanical Garden

In the land of country music, Nashville promotes more than just beautiful music. The Cheekwood Gardens feature not only your standard botanical scenery but is also paired with an incredible art museum. Choose between 55 acres of gardens or 33,000 square feet of art, or squeeze both into one culture-filled day of fun.

6. Portland Japanese Garden

Perhaps the most authentic garden of its kind outside of Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden has five parts -- the Flat Garden, Strolling Pond, Tea Garden, Natural Garden, and Sand and Stone Garden. With five incredible different ecosystem-styles to choose from, you're bound to find something beautiful that strikes you.