Enjoying nature and foliage is one of the best
parts of living in New York during the warmer months. Here are
eight great botanical gardens across New York State that are open to the public
this summer.
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens - Buffalo, NY
Since opening its doors to the public in the
year 1900, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens have
been home to both exotic horticulture and exceptional architecture. This
national historic site and education center is a popular tourist destination
that attracts around 140,000 visitors every year.
Cornell
Botanic Gardens - Ithaca, NY
Situated on the campus of
Cornell University, the Cornell Botanic Gardens serves as both a public garden and a research
subject for university students. The gardens also host group tours, school and youth programs
and adult education sessions. Visit the Cornell Botanic
Gardens website to view all the
programs and activities they offer.
Innisfree Garden - Millbrook, NY
Based on principles of
Chinese landscape design, Innisfree Garden in Dutchess County is home to 150-acres of streams, waterfalls,
terraces, retaining walls, rocks and plants. The 185-acre
garden is open to the public and can also host private events.
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park - Canandaigua, NY
Sonnenberg Gardens is home to a
forty-room Queen Anne style mansion and nine distinct gardens that reflect a
variety of styles, including Victorian, Italian, Colonial, and Japanese
influences. Next time you find yourself in the Finger Lakes region, catch a
tour of the park to learn about its history and foliage.
Mountain
Top Arboretum - Tannersville, NY
Although this park is not
specifically labeled as a botanical garden, Mountain Top
Arboretum's website defines an
arboretum as "a botanical garden devoted to trees." This garden is
situated in the Catskills and displays a wide variety of both indigenous and
exotic plants and trees that adapt to and thrive in the climate at 2,400 feet
elevation. Through their newly-built education center, Mountain Top hosts
year-round programming and educational events. Mountain Top is just one of many
arboreta New York State has to offer, so be sure to check out one near you!
Highland Park - Rochester, NY
Along with its wide variety
of plants, Highland Botanical
Park features a natural
amphitheater, sunken garden, a Gothic-style
edifice, a conservatory and a statue of Frederick Douglass. The park consists of many themed memorial gardens
including The Greater Rochester Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The AIDS Remembrance
Garden and the Poet's Garden.
Clark Botanic Garden - Albertson,
NY
Clark Botanic Garden is a living museum and educational facility on Long Island. The site contains approximately five thousand species of plants, with over one thousand labeled trees, shrubs, and garden plants arranged in twelve specialty gardens. Admission is free of charge and special events and concerts are often held at the garden.
Wethersfield Estates and Garden - Amenia, NY
Off the beaten path outside
the Dutchess County town of Amenia sits Wethersfield Estates
and Garden. This one
thousand-acre property contains the extravagant home of philanthropist Chauncey
Stillman, a three-acre formal garden, a seven-acre wilderness garden and
several interesting sculptures. Wethersfield also offers hiking and horseback
riding on its ten miles of trails.
New York State is full of outdoor
recreational opportunities. Next time you are near one of these gardens or
parks, make sure to check them out!
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