GoCampingAmerica.com | Posted April
    2nd, 2017

    Great Gardens!

    Happy Camper Blog

    April is
    National Garden Month, and in case you’re wondering, 2017 has been designated
    the Year of the Daffodil. So this a great time to head out and visit one or
    more of our country’s amazing botanical gardens. They provide a peaceful
    oasis in a fast-paced world and many of them also offer special events like
    art exhibits and concerts. Keep in mind that gardens in some parts of the
    U.S. are only open on a seasonal basis, so be sure to check their dates and
    hours of operation before you visit. Here are a few gorgeous gardens to
    consider:

    OREGON
    Portland Japanese
    Garden 

    Spanning 12 acres, the Portland Japanese Garden is
    composed of eight different types of gardens that reflect the history and
    culture of Japan. Each of these gardens is designed to create a sense of
    peace, harmony and tranquility. Choices include the Flat Garden, the
    Strolling Pond Garden, the Tea Garden, the Natural Garden, the Bonsai Terrace
    and the meticulously-raked patterns of the Sand and Stone Garden. In late
    spring, the garden is enhanced by the blooms of azaleas, camellias and
    wisteria. The garden also offers a full calendar of lectures, workshops and
    special events and exhibits.

    Find a campground
    nearby.

    COLORADODenver
    Botanic Gardens

    This 24-acre
    oasis
    in the heart of Denver is considered to be one of the top
    botanical gardens in the U.S. Its collections include specimens “from the
    tropics to the tundra.” The garden’s Summer Concert Series will run from
    April 3 through September 2 this year, and an exhibit called Calder:
    Monumental, a display of the bold steel structures by iconic American artist
    Alexander Calder will run from April 28 through September 24.

    Find a campground
    nearby.

    TENNESSEECheekwood
    Estate & Gardens 

    Originally built as a private home in 1929, Cheekwood now serves as a 55-acre
    botanical garden and art museum. Located in Nashville, it is one of the
    finest examples available of an American Country Place Era estate. One
    springtime sight not to be missed at Cheekwood are the garden’s 150,000
    blooming bulbs. Cheekwood also offers multiple gardens for exploring,
    including a literary garden, boxwood garden, color garden, dogwood garden,
    herb study garden and Japanese garden.

    Find a campground
    nearby.

    ARIZONA
    Desert Botanical
    Garden 

    Located in Phoenix near the buttes of Papago Park, the
    140-acre Desert
    Botanical Garden
     has more than 50,000 plants on display,
    including rare, threatened and endangered species from around the Southwest.
    The garden includes five loops: Desert Discovery, Plants & People of
    the Sonoran Desert, Sonoran Desert Nature, the Center for Desert Living and
    the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Trail. It is also known for its
    special exhibits such as the popular Spring Butterfly Exhibit that is open
    through May 17.

    Find a campground
    nearby.

    MISSOURI
    Missouri Botanical Garden 

    Dating back to 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is the
    nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and has been
    designated as a National Historic Landmark. Highlights include a 14-acre
    Japanese strolling garden, founder Henry Shaw’s country residence which was
    built in 1849, an authentic Victorian garden, a children’s garden, a
    conservatory housed in a geodesic dome called the Climatron, and one of the
    world’s largest collections of rare and endangered orchids. On April 30, the
    garden will host its 5K Tulip Trot with proceeds going to benefit the
    children’s garden.

    Find a campground
    nearby.

    PENNSYLVANIA
    Longwood
    Gardens 

    Established by entrepreneur and philanthropist Pierre S. du Point
    in the early 1900s, Longwood
    Gardens
    is located 30 miles west of Philadelphia and offers more
    than 1,000 acres containing dozens of gardens to explore. A few examples are
    the Idea Garden, Topiary Garden, Fern Passage, Mediterranean Garden and a
    stunning indoor garden called the Orangery. Longwood Gardens also serves as a
    cultural center and offers numerous music, dance and theater events through
    its annual performance series. Visit the garden’s website for a complete list
    of performers and ticket information.

    Find
    a campground nearby.

    MAINE
    Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

    Set on 270 acres of tidal shoreland in the Boothbay area, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offers plenty to
    explore, including meditation, rose and perennial and hillside gardens, the
    Burpee Kitchen Garden and a children’s garden. There are also multiple trails
    to hike, such as the Maine Woods and Shoreline trails. Other visitor
    amenities include RV parking, a family education center and a dog walk trail.
    The gardens open on May 1 this year and the season runs through October 31.
    The permanent sculptures that the gardens have acquired over the past 10
    years will also be showcased this year.

    Find a campground
    nearby.

    Images from
    pixabay.com and pexels.com