My wife, Lee, loves to visit gardens. I have learned to include gardens in all of our travel plans. There is something tranquil about walking between rows and rows of flowers or other fascinating plants. Plants are so interesting and unusual too. As a former Science teacher, I can appreciate their many adaptations. Gardens often turn out to be highlights of a particular trip.

We have visited many of the world’s great gardens over the years. Here are a few that have left lasting impressions on us.

Longwood Gardens, Kennet Square, Pennsylvania — Once the estate of Pierre DuPont, these glorious gardens are a delight to stroll.

Longwood Gardens

Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia — These extensive grounds are particularly enchanting in April/May when the incredible collection of azalea bushes are in bloom.

Callaway Gardens

Morikami Gardens, Boca Raton, Florida — These authentic Japanese Gardens feature marvelous landscaping.

Morikami Gardens

Tower Hill Gardens, Boylston, Massachusetts — This relatively small garden is in an out-of-the-way location north of Worcester.

Tower Hill Gardens

Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts — One of the world’s most interesting flower gardens can be found along the Mohawk Trail. Town residents have planted flowers along the entire length of a bridge which is no longer used for traffic.

Bridge of Flowers

US Botanical Gardens, Washington, DC — In the shadow of the Capitol Building and often overlooked is this gem of greenhouses and landscape gardens.

US Botanical Gardens