-
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden- Richmond, VA
Conservatories are a thing of beauty. Delicate yet substantial, they keep winter at bay, and remind us of spring’s promise. Although only dating to 2003, Ginter’s could easily be mistaken for a relic from an earlier era. Indeed, with 50 acres of formal gardens, water features and follies, it has the feel of a grand Gilded Age estate, despite being developed a full century later.
-
Heritage Museums & Gardens- Sandwich, MA
Set on 100 acres in Sandwich, Massachusetts, the Heritage Museums & Gardens is a fabulous mix of flowers, history, and architecture. With an extensive network of paths traversing the diverse property (which includes a two acre dry kettle hole formed during the last Ice Age), it can easily take all day to explore.
-
Glenview Mansion & Gardens- Rockville, MD
Originally a humble 1838 two story farm house on 500 acres, Glenview was transformed in 1923 by Lochie and Porter into today’s magnificent Neo-Classical mansion. Commissioned by James and Irene Lyon, they used the country estate for entertaining. In 1954, the mansion and 28 acres were sold to the Montgomery Country Historical Society for use as a civic center. Although the interior has been reconfigured, the garden remains largely intact. With fabulous stonework, lush landscaping and a central fountain, it’s a peaceful retreat from the outside world.
-
Maymont Gardens- Richmond, VA
Maymont’s grand gardens are a gift straight from the Gilded Age. Elaborate and elegant, they perfectly exemplify the excess of the era. Featuring several different design styles, a stroll through the grounds will take you around the world.
-
Longwood Gardens- Kennett Square, PA
If you have ever visited the area, it should come as no surprise that the Brandywine Valley is America’s Garden Capital. With over 30 gardens in 30 miles, that translates to a lot of landscape to explore. Widely varied, offerings span the spectrum from modest to sensational, with some of the most spectacular spaces attributed to the prosperous duPont family.
