The Best Botanical Gardens in the US

For any home gardeners who spend their weekends toiling in the backyard to keep their annuals alive and shrubbery in good form, the appeal of a botanical garden is obvious. But even for those lacking a green thumb, spending a languid afternoon in these beautifully biodiverse spaces offers an invigorating way to experience nature throughout the changing seasons.

What differentiates a botanic garden from others is its broader purpose of scientific research, conservation, as well as education and display. A zoo for plants, if you will. Often, botanic gardens will organize their collections by geographic region, while others might group plants to a slightly more creative tune, such as habitat type or theme. And because certain US locations are more amenable to plant life native to that region’s climate, you’ll find that each of these gardens has a distinct focus and strength.

Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, California

Originally an extensive library, art, and botanical collection privately shared by Henry Edwards Huntington and his wife Arabella, The Huntington opened to visitors in 1928 shortly after their deaths and is among the most celebrated independent research libraries in the world. But even if you’re not coming here to witness, say, the 15th-century Ellesmere manuscript of The Canterbury Tales or paintings by Dennis Hopper and Andy Warhol, you’ll have plenty to explore on the 130 acres of botanicals, sectioned off into over a dozen themed gardens.

• Japanese garden with a moon bridge and ceremonial teahouse
• Desert garden with the largest outdoor collection of mature cacti and succulents in the world

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York

Designed by the Olmsted brothers and opened in 1911, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of New York City’s crown jewels. The garden stretches across 52 acres and holds over 14,000 types of plants.

• Over 200 cherry blossom trees that bloom in April
• Lilacs, bluebells, and peonies in May

Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado

Situated in the city’s Cheesman Park neighborhood, the Denver Botanic Gardens opened in 1951 and connects visitors with fascinating plants, particularly those from the Rocky Mountain region and similar climates found around the world.

• Gardens of the West with 18 arid gardens
• Water Gardens with Victorian water lilies and pickerel plants

United States Botanic Garden, Washington, D.C.

Considered the oldest continuously operating public garden in America, the United States Botanic Garden traces its roots back to George Washington. Visitors can explore its 44,000 plants, including historic specimens from the 1842 U.S. Exploring Expedition.

• Primeval Garden time traveling back 150 million years ago
• Medicinal plants used as remedies for thousands of years

Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix, Arizona

Home to thousands of species of cactus, trees, and flowers from around the world, Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a leader in research and conservation of desert plants and habitats.

• Thematic trails with incredible cacti and desert wildflowers
• Sonoran Desert Nature Trail with sweeping mountain views

Suggestion:
Be intrigued by the grace of Chanel: Collections and Creations Hardcover – click to be intrigued!