Awash in color, scent and texture, gardens are a gift from the natural world. Here are five places where beauty is blooming:
1. Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix
Tucked within the red-hued landscape of Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants. The garden is home to rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world. Families enjoy the magical Butterfly Pavilion where beautiful winged creatures, native to the Southwest, sip nectar and gently perch on young visitors. You’ll learn about the butterfly life cycle in the caterpillar nursery and observe butterflies emerging from their chrysalis. Also, check out Cocoon, a new place for creative garden play.
Contact: www.dbg.org.
2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Toddler discovery, tree detective and family weekend programs combine to make this an outstanding place to inspire young naturalists. The expanded Discovery Garden, created for the youngest garden guests, provides hands on opportunities to investigate plant and animal life in an immersive landscape. Don’t miss the winding pathways and unique beauty of the Japanese Gardens, for which the BBG is noted.
Contact: www.BBG.org.
3. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pa.
During spring, more than 20 indoor and 20 outdoor gardens are flaunting their finest colors and families are encouraged to explore the more than 1,000 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains plus a 4.5-acre conservatory. From family story time and scavenger hunts in the Children’s Garden to guided visits to a meadow and invigorating seasonal programs, this Pennsylvania gem offers a wealth of opportunity to learn about the natural world.
