Comments about the Seasons of Gardens

Learn about what to expect from you garden visits in various seasons.

This Page: Find out about public gardens in: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter

Spring Garden Visits

Public gardens that feature or contain collections of wildflowers are in blossom in early spring. Wildflowers known as spring ephemerals put on their display before trees leaf out, after which they are often left in shadier conditions the rest of the growing season.
Collections of crabapples, azaleas and lilacs are all impressive in spring and early summer.
Rock gardens featuring alpine plants typically put on a flush of spring blossoms.
Late spring or early summer can be the moment in Japanese gardens when typical plant materials (plum, redbud, lilac and iris) are blooming.
Many public gardens also plant bulbs (tulips, daffodils, etc.) for spring display.

Gardens to visit in Spring >>>

Summer Garden Visits

This is prime time for almost all public gardens, but particularly the high point for rose gardens.

Gardens to visit in Summer>>>

Fall Garden Visits

Public gardens featuring trees which display autumn leaf-color changes can be spectacular in fall.
Also, ornamental grasses or fall blossoming plants such as dahlias, asters and chrysanthemums are of particular interest during this season.
Gardens that include vegetables will be in harvest mode in early fall.

Gardens to visit in Fall >>>

Winter Garden Visits

The best public gardens to visit in winter are glass houses and conservatories, since these public gardens are imune to seasonal changes.
Another option is to visit good-sized arboretums having collections of trees that can be appreciated even in their leafless, wintery state. Certain arboretums also have cross country skiing trails which route visitors through their tree collections.

Gardens to visit in Winter >>>