Best Gardens Near Philadelphia

The Philadelphia area, aptly dubbed America's Garden Capital, boasts an impressive array of over 30 public gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes within a 30-mile radius. This abundance offers residents and visitors unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in diverse horticultural experiences. My forthcoming book, Pennsylvania Day Trips, contains an entire chapter featuring the best gardens in Pennsylvania, but here are five of my favorites near Philadelphia.

Witch hazel at The Morris Arboretum & Gardens always brightens up a winter walk.

Longwood Gardens

Located in Kennett Square, Longwood Gardens is renowned for its expansive 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows. Visitors can explore intricate fountain displays, a vast conservatory, and seasonal exhibitions that captivate audiences year-round. The garden's recent addition—a 32,000-square-foot glasshouse housing 17,000 plants—has further elevated its appeal. I visited Longwood recently to check out “Longwood Reimagined,” and fell in love with Longwood all over again. Simply stunning.

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania

Situated in the Chestnut Hill area, the Morris Arboretum spans 92 acres and serves as the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It features a diverse collection of over 2,500 plant species, including notable collections of magnolias, maples, and hollies. Highlights include the Victorian fernery, a must-see part of the arboretum, especially during the winter months. The "Out on a Limb" canopy walk offers a bird's-eye view of the forest, to the delight of countless children every year.

Chanticleer

Dubbed a "pleasure garden," Chanticleer in Wayne offers an artistic blend of horticulture and design across its 35 acres. Each garden area presents unique themes, from the Teacup Garden to the Asian Woods, providing visitors with a rich tapestry of horticultural artistry. This romantic garden located in Philadelphia’s Main Line will elicit awe and wonder.

Bartram's Garden

As America's first botanical garden, Bartram's Garden in West Philadelphia offers a historic 50-acre landscape along the Schuylkill River. Established by botanist John Bartram in 1728, the garden showcases native plant species and provides insights into early American horticulture. Open year-round from dawn to dusk, it offers free admission to all visitors.

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve

Situated in New Hope, this 134-acre preserve is dedicated to Pennsylvania's native plants. With over 700 of the state's 2,000 native species, visitors can explore diverse habitats, including mature hardwood forests and meadows. The preserve also offers educational programs and guided walks to enhance the visitor experience. The native plant sale is always a fantastic part of any visit to Bowman’s Hill, so you can pick up some native plants, flowers, and trees to plant at home.

These gardens exemplify the rich horticultural heritage of the Philadelphia region, offering diverse landscapes and experiences that cater to a wide array of interests. Whether you're a seasoned botanist or a casual admirer of nature, Philadelphia's gardens provide serene escapes and educational opportunities for all.