As the flowers begin to bloom, spend your days strolling through nine of Philly’s finest gardens. 
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
The Barnes Arboretum at Saint Joseph’s University
Husband and wife Dr. Albert and Laura Leggett Barnes manifested their passion for art and beauty into the largest ornamental fern collection in the mid-Atlantic region. Stroll through the couple’s cultivation this spring at the 12-acre arboretum that flourishes with peonies, lilac, hostas and more. The botanical beauty inspires and educates in collaboration with Saint Joseph’s University. 50 Lapsley Lane, Merion, 610.660.2802, sju.edu
Bartram’s Garden
Named after John Bartram, America’s first botanist, this garden cultivates native plants, celebrating its location on Lenape territory. Many of these plants, like American lotuses and wisteria, are now available for purchase at the Bartram Nursery. A visit to this garden also means access to the Lower Schuylkill River, an excellent area for boating and fishing. Follow the river from the Fairmount Dam at the Art Museum all the way to the Delaware River confluence. 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., 215.729.5281, bartramsgarden.org
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
A sanctuary for plants and people alike, this preserve is home to more than 700 of Pennsylvania’s 2,000 native plant species. Wander through over four miles of trail to discover what’s in bloom while finding insects, mammals and aquatic life that depend on the plants. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for little purple round-lobed hepatica or the rare white woodland snow trillium. 1635 River Rd., New Hope, PA, 215.862.2924, bhwp.org
Chanticleer
Meander through the Asian Woods, the orchard or the sun-soaked gravel garden. Situated on almost 50 acres of land, the garden has something for everyone—find white daffodils, purple crocuses and golden winter jasmine. Before you leave, don’t forget to tour the exquisite Chanticleer House, once the home of the prominent Rosengarten family who owned the estate. 786 Church Rd., Wayne, PA, 610.687.4163, chanticleergarden.org
Longwood Gardens
It’s purple season at Longwood Gardens. Find dazzling hybrid cineraria and lavender spurflowers blooming in the garden’s East Conservatory. When it’s time for more color, enter the garden’s Orchid House, an extraordinary collection now on display. With flowers hand-selected five times weekly for a rotating display, every day offers something new. Find a seat in the light-filled space and bask in the glory of one of the world’s largest assortment of orchids. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA, 610.388.1000, longwoodgardens.org
Morris Arboretum
After plant-collecting expeditions in over 30 countries, the staff at Morris Arboretum has amassed more than 13,000 plants, with an emphasis on Asian temperate species. If you’re looking for a new perfume, just walk through the pink flowers of the Korean abelia leaf for a jasmine-like fragrance. But the arboretum doesn’t stop there—climb 50 feet into the sky to bird watch and then head across the street to the Springfield Mills to watch grain transformed into flour. 100 E. Northwestern Ave., 215.247.5777, morrisarboretum.org
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
You’re in luck—Shofuso is blooming with pink cherry blossoms this spring. Spend the afternoon in Japan by visiting the brilliant house and garden designed by architect Junzo Yoshimura in 1953. Made and shipped directly from Japan, the historic site now includes a hill and pond garden with a waterfall and coy fish, along with a tea garden and tea house. Peek inside the main home to find 20 full-scale murals by renowned Japanese artist Hiroshi Senju. West Fairmount Park, 215.878.5097, japanphilly.org
Spruce Street Harbor Park
For a night of magical memories, escape to the whimsical Spruce Street Harbor Park. Hang in hammocks, admire floating gardens, and take pictures in front of light-adorned trees, all with a local craft beer in hand. Visitors can also indulge in classic Boardwalk eats like fries, funnel cake and ice cream while taking in the illuminated surroundings. 301 S. Columbus Blvd., 215.922.2386, delawareriverwaterfront.com
Tyler Arboretum
There are few places left where you can find 650 acres of protected woodland and meadows. Hike through any part of the arboretum’s 17 miles of trail to reconnect with nature. With buildings dating back to the 18th century and the gardens to 1681, you’ll find dozens of lush, lofty trees like the historic Cedar of Lebanon, now well over 100 feet tall, planted around 1860. 515 Painter Road, 610.566.9134, tylerarboretum.org
Photography by: C. Smyth for VISIT PHILADELPHIA
