Pennsylvania is home to several beautiful arboretums, as well as other lovely retreats, such as the country’s first botanical garden. Many of these gardens to visit in Pennsylvania feature a wide variety of flowers, as well as other plant life. The arboretums in Pennsylvania offer visitors the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful flowers in the world up close and personal.
In addition to the stunning array of flowers on display, many of Pennsylvania’s gardens also feature a variety of trees, shrubs, and other plants. This makes them the perfect place to take a nature walk or simply sit and enjoy the scenery.
Let’s take a look at some of the amazing Gardens that Pennsylvania has to offer.
Top Flower Gardens to Visit in Pennsylvania
Bartram’s Garden – Philadelphia and the Countryside
Philadelphia
Bartram’s Garden, America’s oldest existing botanical garden, is nestled in the city of Philadelphia. Bartram’s Garden was founded in 1728 when John Bartram, America’s first botanist, purchased the land and began a collection of native plants, which he gathered by traveling across North America. As you overlook the Schuylkill River, you’ll forget you’re in Philadelphia when you see the wildflower meadow, majestic trees, river trail, wetland, stone house, farm buildings, and the historic botanic garden of American-native plants.
Chanticleer Garden – Philadelphia and the Countryside
Wayne
The most romantic, creative, and thrilling public garden in the United States is known as Chanticleer. The garden is a study of textures and shapes, with foliage taking precedence over blooms. The designers lead the design, and even the drinking fountains are an example of the garden’s creativity.
Located in Wayne, PA, Chanticleer Garden is a stunning public space that truly has something for everyone. With a variety of gardens, each with its unique style, Chanticleer is a must-see for anyone interested in horticulture. The garden also offers a variety of educational programs, events, and workshops, making it the perfect place to learn more about plants and gardening.
It’s a pleasant and informative garden that promotes serenity without losing its educational potential. The land surrounding the Chanticleer estate, which dates back to at least the early 20th century, was used as a summer retreat for Philadelphians during the 1800s and 1900s. The estate is now home to what has been called the most romantic, creative, and exciting public garden in America.
Longwood Gardens – Philadelphia and the Countryside
Kennett Square
Longwood Gardens is an absolute gem located near the Philadelphia and Lancaster areas and is a stunning destination. Longwood Gardens is a 1,050-acre natural wooded estate with magnificent gardens, colossal conservatories, and dancing fountains that is open year-round. The Main Fountain Garden is a must-see with over 130 fountains and 4,600 jets that choreograph a water show to music. There are also a wide array of botanical gardens, educational programs, and musical performances at Longwood Gardens.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Inc. – Pittsburgh and its Countryside
Pittsburgh
On the other side of the state in Pittsburgh, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are full of lush floral gardens and exhibits designed to educate and captivate those who enjoy them. Located on 19 acres of land, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens feature an indoor Tropical Forest Conservatory, a Victorian glasshouse with plants from around the world, and seasonal flower shows. With this beautiful location, it is easy to escape your daily life and forget about everything else for a while during your visit to Phipps Gardens in Pittsburgh.
Hershey Gardens – Dutch Country Roads
Hershey
Hershey Gardens, located on 23 acres of horticultural excellence, offers a variety of attractions. Seasonal displays, themed gardens, a collection of insects, and a Children’s Garden are all present at Hershey Gardens. This botanical paradise is best known for its wide variety of flowers, including roses, mums, annuals, and perennials. The Hershey Rose Garden is the ideal place to stroll among 8,500 roses of over 500 varieties.
Take the kids and enjoy the colorful butterflies in the magnificent Butterfly Atrium, relax in the Japanese Garden’s quiet beauty, or discover new things around every corner with the Garden’s self-guided sensory tour, which is available for those who are blind or visually impaired.
There is something for everyone to learn and appreciate with school programs, Girl Scout Saturdays, and a variety of activities for adults. The Milton and Catherine Hershey Conservatory, which honors the dynamic couple’s interest in gardening with a butterfly, educational, and horticultural wings, is the newest addition to Hershey Gardens.
The Arboretum at Penn State – The Alleghenies
State College
In 1914, 25 acres of University land were allocated to be transformed into an arboretum, but it wasn’t until 2009 that work was completed. The grounds, meanwhile, have become a popular destination not only for Penn State students but also for people from the region. Visitors can enjoy the lush gardens on the Penn State University campus, including the Grove of Ancients, Oasis Garden, and Lotus Pool, as well as a variety of seasonal collections, wildflower meadows, and natural wooded areas.
The Arboretum at Penn State also hosts several events and educational programs throughout the year, making it the perfect place to learn about horticulture, enjoy the outdoors, and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park – Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Region
Erie
Lake Erie Arboretum was founded in 1998 to raise public awareness of the lovely trees we see every day. Visitors to the arboretum may enjoy more than 225 different species of trees while relaxing in the labyrinth or hiking and cycling along its various paths.
The Arboretum is also a great place for school groups, youth organizations, and families to enjoy nature education classes, tours of the grounds, and special events such as the annual Arbor Day Celebration. With an education center for children and an annual festival, Lake Erie Arboretum offers an educational and recreational oasis for visitors.
Tyler Arboretum – Philadelphia and the Countryside
Media
Tyler Arboretum, one of the oldest and largest arboreta in the Northeast, began as a private horticultural collection in the late 1800s. Today, the arboretum is a beautiful 650-acre public garden that features more than 20 miles of hiking trails, a large butterfly house, a variety of gardens, and an impressive collection of trees and shrubs.
The arboretum is open daily for self-guided tours and also offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and events for all ages. Tyler Arboretum is the perfect place to explore nature, learn about horticulture, and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Hope Hill Lavender Farm, LLC – Upstate PA
Pottsville
The gorgeous lavender seen at the Hope Hill Lavender Farm was cultivated in 2011 by Wendy and Troy Jochems, who had previously planted other flowering plants and herbs on their farm. The Jochems’ love of gardening and lavender led them to start the lavender farm, which grows seven different varieties of lavender.
The farm offers a variety of lavender products, including soaps, lotions, sachets, and dried lavender, as well as lavender-themed gifts. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding farmland while hiking the farm’s trails. The Hope Hill Lavender Farm is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve – Philadelphia and the Countryside
New Hope
Visitors to Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, will discover approximately 800 species of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. The Preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk and offers a variety of educational programs, events, and tours.
Take a peaceful stroll through the Preserve’s meadow, which includes red cedar, black walnut, and sycamore trees. Keep your eyes open for the more than 110 species of birds in the Preserve, like 31 different species of warblers. Visitors can truly appreciate the native beauty of Pennsylvania at the Preserve, which is dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of Pennsylvania native plants.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden – Pittsburgh and its Countryside
Oakdale
The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is a huge project, costing $60 million and taking 460 acres of abandoned coal mining land and transforming it into a beautiful, unique, and sustainable garden. The garden features a variety of gardens, including the Woodland Garden, the Wetland Garden, and the Meadow Garden.
The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, which is expected to be finished in 2020, will be the United States’ largest botanic garden as well as the country’s first “net-zero” botanic garden, meaning that it will generate as much energy as it uses. The garden will be open to the public and will offer a variety of educational programs and events, making it the perfect place to appreciate nature and learn more about horticulture. The Garden will be comprised of 20 gardens and four woodlands, as well as a visitor’s center, an amphitheater and more. In 2014, the first 60 acres of the Garden were opened, allowing the public to experience the wonder of the Woodlands.
In Conclusion
These amazing Pennsylvania Gardens are all great places to enjoy nature and learn about horticulture. These gardens offer a variety of educational programs, events, and tours that are perfect for anyone interested in plants and gardening. So whether you are looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature or learn more about horticulture, these gardens are sure to please.
