What's Blooming in PA?

The first signal of “Spring” is when we set our clocks ahead. The early weeks of Spring bring increasing daylight, warming temperatures and the rebirth of flora and fauna. New flower bushes and trees are blooming at Pennsylvania’s arboretums and botanical gardens.The best way to see what’s blooming in Pennsylvania is to plan a trip to one of the many arboretums and botanical gardens in Pennsylvania. Take a breathtaking stroll  through a beautiful and vibrant garden. 

To get you started, check out these blooming gardens that offer special exhibits and events throughout the year.

North West

Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier (Erie) is a tree museum home to over 225 different varieties of trees. Explore the arboretum’s beauty with a stroll through their multi-use trails, sit in a “virtual tree” gazebo, walk amid shade, flowering and evergreen trees, and enjoy the ever-changing views over the urban stream valley.

North Central

Arboretum at Penn State (University Park) houses the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens adjacent to the Penn State University Park campus. Constructed in 2009, this 35-acre garden contains over 17,000 individual plants representing over 700 species. The gardens are open daily from dawn until dusk, and there is no fee for admission.

North East

Marywood University Arboretum (Scranton) best known for its natural beauty has 42 species of trees that contain 103 varieties as well as numerous types and varieties of shrubs, as well as ornamental grasses, perennial, biennial and annual blooms. Be sure to see the spectacular spring display of over 5,000 blooming tulips.

South East

Bartram’s Gardens (Philadelphia) is America’s oldest living botanic garden, a pastoral 18th century homestead surrounded by the urban bustle of Philadelphia. You won’t believe you are in the city when you see the wildflower meadow, majestic trees, river trail, wetland, stone house and farm buildings overlooking the Schuylkill River and the historic botanic garden of American native plants.

Wyck (wyck.org)is a National Historic Landmark house, garden and farm that served as the ancestral home to one Germantown family over nine generations. The Wyck Rose Garden dates to 824 and is widely recognized as the oldest rose garden in original plan in America, with 70+ cultivars of historic roses.

Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square) is sure to delight anyone who loves exquisite flowers, majestic trees, and opulent architecture. Amid 1,077 acres with 20 indoor and 20 outdoor gardens, you’ll find beauty at every turn.

South Central

Hershey Gardens (Hershey) opened in 1937 with Milton Hershey’s request to “create a nice garden of roses.” Through the years, the 3 ½ acre rose garden has blossomed into 23 acres of botanical beauty providing visitors with unique experiences featuring an assortment of flowers and shrubs, a stately collection of rare, signature trees, theme gardens and our popular outdoor Butterfly House. 

South West

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Pittsburgh), a great steel and glass Victorian greenhouse, has been inviting visitors to explore the beauty and mysteries of plants since 1893. Set amidst one of Pittsburgh’s largest greenspaces, Schenley Park, Phipps Conservatory stands as a cultural and architectural centerpiece of the city’s Oakland neighborhood. Immerse yourself within 17 distinct botanical experiences and glimpse one of the world’s greenest public gardens.

Chatham Arboretum (Pittsburgh) located on the Chatham University campus, this 32-acre arboretum features 115 different varieties of species, including the Japanese Flowering Crabapple, River Birch and Kentucky Coffee tree. With elements designed for the original Andrew Mellon estate by the renowned Olmstead Brothers, the Chatham University campus is one of the most idyllic locations in the City of Pittsburgh.

Be sure to book your stay at a nearby Bed and Breakfast where you’ll be treated like royalty.