As a flower delivery service, we enjoy spreading awareness of local floral attractions, like gardens and arboretums, in our surrounding communities at Ode à la Rose. If you’re one who enjoys a relaxing outdoor stroll and plans to visit one of Pennsylvania’s many beautiful gardens in the near future, you’ve come to the right place!
As lovers of all things floral, we dug up some of our favorite gardens in and near Philadelphia. Take a peek at these gorgeous arboretums, gardens, and grounds and pick a few to visit in Philadelphia!
10 of the Best Philadelphia Gardens and Arboretums
Whether you’re looking to snap some stunning photos, escape the grit and chaos of city living, or melt your stress away with a peaceful outdoor escape, there’s an arboretum in Philadelphia calling your name. Check out our list of the best gardens in Philly below!
1. Bartram’s Garden
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (just the mention of any parks and rec department makes us miss Leslie Knope) operates the 45-acre Bartram’s Garden along with the John Bartram Association. This garden isn’t a National Historic Landmark without reason.
Grown on a farm owned by celebrated botanist John Bartram, the garden is now one of the oldest living botanic gardens on the continent. Aside from flowers, you can visit Bartram’s house, along with the ground’s coach house and barn. Explore the 8-acre historic garden, the display of medicinal plants, and the restored Carr Garden.
- Location: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA
2. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
If you prefer a little colorful chaos to manicured gardens, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve has to be on your botanical bucket list. The preserve is home to nearly 800 of the 2,000 species native to the state and the nearby Delaware Valley.
This vast collection of wildflowers, located in New Hope, Pennsylvania, is also home to native birds, butterflies, and animals. Wander the preserve’s Green Labyrinth to connect with nature, visit the pond and wetlands, and experience the profusion of wildflowers growing throughout the ground’s meadow.
- Location: 1635 River Rd, New Hope, PA
3. Longwood Gardens
Calling all die-hard autumn lovers — grab your boots, scarves, and pumpkin-flavored drinks for a trip to Kennett Square. Longwood Gardens is one of the best places in the state to enjoy the east coast’s gorgeous fall colors. Native asters, goldenrod, grasses, and more create a beautiful golden picture in the fall.
In addition to beautiful plants and flowers, Longwood Gardens offers live music, theater, and entertainment at its spacious performance venue. You can check out its events and performance schedule for upcoming shows.
- Location: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA
4. Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania, home of the Penn Quakers, offers visitors the chance to wander the paths of its Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia. The arboretum is a horticulturist’s dream with a meadow, rose garden, and over 12,000 plants. Thousands of beautiful and rare wooded plants — including many of Philly’s oldest and rarest trees — reside here.
- Location: 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA
5. Nemours Mansion and Gardens
The Nemours Mansion and grounds are a must-see if you like a little — or in this case, a lot — of grandeur with your gardens. We cheated a little on this one. The Nemours Mansion is in Delaware, but it takes less than an hour to drive from Philadelphia. The scenery, not to mention the destination, make the mini road trip worth it.
If you’re anything like us, you’ll be imagining yourself living in the 77-room mansion in no time. Once you tear yourself away from that delightful daydream, take a tour of the French gardens, complete with intricate sculpture work and a luxurious 1-acre pool. What mansion is complete without a fountain?
- Location: 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE
6. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden are located in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park. The house was built in Japan, but came to be reassembled in its current home just a few years later. The 1.2-acre gardens reflect the style of 17th-century Japan. After enjoying the tranquil and carefully designed gardens, step inside the house to see a traditional tea ceremony performance.
- Location: Lansdowne Dr &, Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA
7. Haverford College Arboretum
Founded in 1833, Haverford College in Pennsylvania has a long history. The original landscaping of the 216-acre campus is cared for by the Haverford College Arboretum Association. Meander through the grounds on the 2.2-mile Nature Trail and spot waterfowl on the 3-acre Duck Pond. If you happen to be an alumnus of Haverford, find your class tree. The college gifts each of its graduating classes with its very own tree.
- Location: 370 Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA
8. Azalea Garden
Be sure to add Azalea Garden to your list of botanical gardens in Philadelphia. Established in 1952, this 4-acre garden boasts over 150 azalea and rhododendron species.
You’ll also encounter many other colorful perennials and annuals, including daffodils, irises, tulips, and crocuses. Stately oak, sycamore, and magnolia trees shade the lush green lawns and gently curving paths, undoubtedly making for a serene afternoon stroll.
The garden is conveniently nestled between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row. On the way to the museum, you’ll find the marble Fountain of Sea Horses, along with statues of American Revolutionary War soldiers, adding a touch of historical charm to your garden walk.
- Location: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
9. 18th Century Garden
Located on Walnut between Philadelphia’s 3rd and 4th Streets, the 18th Century Garden contains three parts — a formal garden, an orchard, and an herb and veggie area. The garden features plants that were commonly grown in Philly during the 1700s.
Quaint hedges, seasonal blooms, geometric patterns, and a vintage gazebo make for a visually pleasing walk. Its formal landscape designs will have you sailing back to colonial times the moment you enter the garden. As a bonus, the Magnolia Garden on Locust Street is just a short three-minute walk from the 18th Century Garden — another spot to add to your list!
- Location: 339 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA
10. James G. Kaskey Memorial Park
As the University of Pennsylvania’s first botanical garden, James G. Kaskey Memorial Park is a stunning natural gem in the heart of campus. This oasis enriches the community with colorful flowers, trees, and shrubs at every turn.
You’ll find mulched trails, picnic tables, and wood and iron benches, making for an easygoing afternoon of walking and lunching. The park also borders a tranquil pond, which receives visits from many migratory birds like the great blue heron.
- Location: Carolyn Lynch Laboratory, 433 S University Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Bring the Beauty of Flowers to Your Home With Ode à la Rose
After discovering the most beautiful gardens to visit in Philadelphia, you might be inspired to explore the natural beauty of plants and flowers at one or more of these spots. If you want to bring dazzling color and fragrance to your own home, consider ordering a flower arrangement from Ode à la Rose.
From classic rose bouquets to fresh peonies to exotic orchid arrangements, we have a wide variety of bouquets to enhance your space. Best of all, you can enjoy next-day delivery when you send flowers to Philadelphia through Ode à la Rose. Browse our collection of flower arrangements and order yours today!
