We think you're near Los Angeles

Botanical gardens at home and abroad

As we have had a mild winter in Atlanta, it won't be too long until the spring foliage bursts forth and the air is full of the smell of magnolias again. One of the best places in Atlanta to enjoy the natural beauty of the South is the Atlanta Botanical Garden. If you enjoy Atlanta's garden, you also may want to check out similar parks in New York and Switzerland.

Now through April 15, Atlanta's garden is housing its tribute to the hanging gardens of Babylon, with its Orchid Daze exhibit. While the rose garden is currently slumbering, there is still plenty to see on the new skywalk, and the grounds are peaceful and pleasant at any time of year.

Bern, Switzerland, is known for its bears and delicate scenery, but the quaint Rosengarten located on the outskirts of town is a delicious place to spend an afternoon. The garden has an impressive variety of roses, from standard colors to white flowers with splashes of color. The views from the edge of the garden and from the cafe are among the best of the city.

Advertisement

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an easy subway ride from Manhattan and makes a tranquil diversion from the excitement and frantic pace of the city. The cherry blossoms in late spring carpet the ground with pink petals worthy of royalty, and there is always something to see. You can check out what plants are currently blooming on the garden's web site.

Wherever your travels take you, a local garden is an excellent way to get to know the foliage of the region and to reflect on your journey. Even when you're sticking to a tightly packed itinerary, never forget to take time to smell the roses!

atlanta botanical garden
33.789779663086 ; -84.373641967773

, Atlanta Travel Examiner

Keely Herrick spent eight years as an attorney in a New York law firm, then left last summer to chase the ghosts of Romantic poets Shelley and Byron around Europe. Her passion for travel has taken her to the Galapagos Islands, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. Give her a map and a couple of...

Don't miss...