This property, created by the founder of Garden Conservancy Frank Cabot and his wife Anne, is a…read morehorticultural masterpiece showcasing more than 120 cultivated plants, most of which are flowering at different times making it a colorful and fragrant environment for three seasons a year. Built in 1958, this is a non-profit organization where the entry fee is $10 per person, or $5 for seniors and children. It is a self guided tour that includes several cool buildings including a beautiful gigantic greenhouse. The garden's plants are marked with little number signs so that you can choose and purchase the plants featured. A few of the buildings are still used as private residences. You'll be given a map and list of the plants displayed upon entry. There is a suggested path to follow to see the most diversity possible . The map isn't to scale, and does not clearly reflect the path to be taken. The grounds are very "maze-like" and it is very confusing to try and stick to the suggested path, which is not marked well at all. Almost every marked hiking path in the country uses a very similar method of guiding people, but not here. We ended up leaving before seeing half of the property because we just kept ending up in the same spot at one point, and couldn't figure out how to continue due to the poor marking methods used. Very disappointing.

This is an amazing botanical garden! Very peaceful and beautiful. So many areas on the propriety…read morewith different flowers and trees. Admission is $10 and you get a map that tells you about each area. Most plants are well marked with the species name. They sell a few perennials. You can even bring your own food and eat at several tables on the grounds. The conservatory is surrounded by a small pond and bullfrogs can be seen from the outdoor deck area. The main building houses a small art gallery as well. They have an adorable Scottie dog on premises too. You could easily stay 3-4 hours if you're a very avid gardener, but I spent 2 and thought that was just right for someone with a mild interest. Makes for a lovely day out in nature and not very crowded on a weekday.

BLUF: Beautiful, timeless garden; use restrooms elsewhere…read more Innisfree Garden is open to the public between late April and mid-November every year. We visited in late October last year, and more than ten years ago before that. The garden has a timeless beauty, and many of the details looked identical or nearly the same as in our prior visit. The visit experience is essentially a counter-clockwise loop around Tyrrel Lake that can be slowly walked in about 60 to 90 minutes. Per Innisfree Garden's website, the garden is divided into miniature "cup gardens" -- sets of different features / "focal points" that all connect to the lake and the path around it. For both for our visits, I think we were most attentive for about the first 60% of the path, as "feature fatigue" started to set in just past the bridge over the lake. We quickly walked through / past the wood cabin during of our visits. Logistics: The Garden is about 90 minutes from New York City by car. Do consider bathroom breaks before or after visiting the Garden, as the restrooms here consist only of porta-potties. Cellular coverage at the Garden is weak, so it may be difficult to retrieve digital tickets from your phone if you haven't already downloaded them. Fortunately, one workaround is to tell them your name, if you are the person who booked the tickets in advance. Bring your own food and water as necessary, as these are not sold in the Garden. Wear sturdy shoes with grip and ankle support, as there are some steep angles along the initial part of the path and by some features.

185 acre park which encompasses a 40 acre lake (Tyrrel Lake). The garden park borrows from Chinese,…read moreJapanese, Modern, and ecological principles. I think the majority of reviews have hit the nail on the head. This place is a not so hidden gem of the Hudson Valley. It's so beautiful, it's a challenge to take a bad image because it is so picturesque. There are undulating scenes which can be framed in your mind's eye and pops of interesting subjects (a sculpture, rock formation, hills, etc.) to see. It's a splendor visually and changes with the seasons. It's not as manicured as a Japanese garden...it's more expansive. I think the beauty of this place can haunt you. General admission is $10. Membership also starts at $50/season.

This was such a hidden gem on a hot Saturday in Stamford. After eating lunch downtown and doing a…read morelittle shopping, we decided to see what nature trails might be nearby. This arboretum popped up, and so we went in search of quiet and nature. It was super easy to find and very convenient in terms of parking/access. We walked through all the gardens and listened to the birds for quite some time, spotting some other wildlife along the way. It was truly a peaceful experience that we hope to repeat.

Lovely Arboretum and Gardens. Free to enter…read more Located right off of Merritt Parkway (Route 15). Lots of food options nearby along High Ridge Road. There is a large parking lot close to the main area nearby the visitor's/welcome center. There is also a smaller space which accommodates about 5-6 vehicles as soon as you enter...this eaves you closer to the pond trail. Lots of walking paths on the well-maintained grounds. There are garden areas throughout .... be sure to take a photo of the map and/or follow the signs to explore each area. Bring comfortable and hike-ready footwear...especially if you plan on walking on some of the trails. The few staff members I encountered were very friendly and helpful.

This is an excellent spot to bring the kids with a kids discovery garden, kids veggie garden, and a…read moretopiary garden with and elephant you can 'ride'. Among other things like the pond and ampitheater. The garden is on both sides of the road. They have a crosswalk w/signal to cross safely. Areas within the park are a mix of sun and shade with several shady benches scattered throughout. The gift shop has plenty of items including cold drinks. Parking lot is gravel. Public restrooms are available

We have not been to the Berkshire Botanical Garden in probably 15 years and it has certainly grown…read moreand improved. Lovely gardens mostly identified with the type of plant which is always helpful. We used passes from our local library so we did not have to pay admission. The gift shop is difficult to leave empty handed. A great way to spend two hours outdoors.

Every single time I go I love u. This time I we went late in the afternoon and spread a blanket…read more The roses aren't blooming yet in early May, but it was definitely still beautiful

This more than 100 acre park with its stunning rose garden is a wonderful way to spend the day…read more Entrance is free and it is open 365 days! We visited on a Sunday afternoon in early autumn and we're happy to see some roses still in bloom! There are over 800 varieties of old and new roses a d the best time to see in full bloom is mid June to early July. The rustic gazebo is stunning and allows for a great photo opportunity. There are walking, biking trails and trees throught the park are identified. Plenty of green space to relax and enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the park. Enter on Asylum Street to view the rose garden, pond, bridge, greenhouses and perennial garden. Stunning. Easy to walk around.

Artist and gardener Robert Dash has created an edenic garden that seems to defy the distribution of…read morespace. The Madoo Conservancy presents a microcosm that flows along walking paths through different aspects of the 2-acre plot of land, all the while focusing on the plant life that Dash has cultivated since the garden's conception in 1967. Dash's garden presents a fundamental attitude -- plants are the dominating forms, structures are secondary. Madoo is a space ever changing, with seasons, new plantings, and repainting of outdoor furniture and structures to reflect the magnificent horticulture that thrives here. The garden is open every Wednesday and Saturday from the beginning of May until the end of September, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Admission is $10.00, which fee is used for the garden maintenance. Photographs are permitted; strollers, dogs, children under the age of 6 are not. Separate tours may be arranged for groups of 10 or more.

What a beautiful garden to visit. Every vacation I go on, I try and visit the local botanical…read moregarden. I was so glad I found out about the Madoo Conservancy as it was the perfect activity for our last day in the area. It was peaceful, lush and full of little surprises. We found little areas here and there along the path. I loved all the pops of color throughout the garden. I would love to return. If you are in the area, this is a must visit.

A Saturday well spent…read more Hubby found this botanical garden in Massachusetts while looking for activities. It was a four hour (non highway) drive for us and while we had to fill up our gas (expensive, no doubt) on our way home, the bulb show itself was free of charge. They gave a suggested donation of $5. The campus is beautiful. They do such amazing job with their plants. Would love to explore Northampton again in the warmer months.

We've been members of the Botanic Garden of Smith College for ten years. Last year, I called to…read moreverify I could take pictures in the greenhouse on a weekday. But when I got there, not even 5 minutes pass when a woman comes in saying I'm aren't allowed to take pictures. I said I did get permission, besides that there were other people taking pictures at the same time as me. There were very few people there on a weekday morning. She argued that it was disruptive for others. I apologized and was almost ready to go, when she said nevermind, go ahead, and left me alone. I thought that was very odd, but then this year, while enjoying the spring bulb show, a class of possibly 20 five-year-old school children came through screaming, crying, ripping/pulling on the plants, with chaperones shouting to be heard. It was complete pandemonium and ruined the experience for us. This group was not asked to leave for 'disrupting.' I also don't appreciate the unilateral decision that was made (that is, no consultation of Botanic Garden members who contribute annual membership fees) to shut down the annual chrysanthemum show in the fall. They just sent a letter saying "they decided" to do other exhibits instead. I don't know what the fall botanical exhibit was that they did instead, and can't find anything online about what it was. The chrysanthemum show was an extraordinary event that was held annually since the early 1900s. If it had to be discontinued, it would be nice if the botanical exhibit that replaces it would meet or exceed that experience. Instead, nothing at all. Contributing members should be able to contribute their input when these decisions are made. We are a part of the campus community.

Tucked into the southwest corner of Essex County's South Mountain Reservation, this historic…read more28-acre public garden -- with its carefully curated and terraced gardens, fountains, and winding paths -- feels like a trip to another time and place. After spotting a social media post about the garden's Cascade fountain reopening after a 16-month restoration, my walking companion and I decided to check out this hidden gem. Greenwood Gardens was a private family estate until 2003, when it opened to the public under the auspices of a non-profit organization, and you can really feel that rich tapestry of the families' history as you wander through the grounds. The highlight of our visit was the Cascade fountain, which now features water flowing through it for the first time since the early 20th century! If you're looking for a peaceful, historic, and beautiful place to stroll, Greenwood Gardens is absolutely worth the visit. We'll definitely be back! Pro Tip #1: Plan on about 75-90 minutes for a self-guided walking tour, buy tickets online in advance ($15 for adults aged 14 to 64; $10 for Seniors aged 65+; $5 for children aged 5 to 13), and wear weather-appropriate attire/walking shoes. Pro Tip #2: Leave your tripod at home. Casual photos on your phone are welcome, but portrait or staged photography (for events, engagements, graduations, etc.) requires prior permission and special facility booking.

A dreamy, charming little escape with tons of greenery, statues, structures, and fountains. Even on…read morea weekend it wasn't crowded, so my fam could take pictures without cropping out strangers. Really friendly staff gave the kids a scavenger hunt page that turned our visit into part garden tour, part treasure hunt. Between the terraces, tile work, grottoes, and gardens, the whole place blends European formality with a whimsical, art nouveau vibe. Plenty of benches invite you to sit and talk, while fenced-in chickens, geese, and beehives bring the grounds to life. The gardens feel peaceful, playful, and magical all at once. The beauty here is truly un-beleaf-able! NOTES/TIPS: **Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors/students, and $5 for kids, with free parking close by. **Very limited wheelchair-accessibility: okay for the Main Terrace and some flat areas, but most paths are sloped or uneven, so access is limited. **Restrooms near the entrance.