Leisure Group Travel Magazine’s listing of 10 of the most magnificent show gardens in the Southern United States includes time-honored attractions like Georgia’s Callaway Gardens, Alabama’s Bellingrath Gardens and New Orleans Botanical Garden.
Without exception every Southern state has showcases of flowering beauty. It may be the moderate climate or simply a love of natural beauty that serves as inspiration. Here are 10 of the best:
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, Virginia
BBC.com rated this garden and its spectacular conservatory among “10 North American gardens worth traveling for.” (lewisginter.org)
Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Theodore, Alabama.
Dating back to 1932 when Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bellingrath invited a National Garden Club meeting to visit, the exquisite gardens and stately home have been welcoming guests. (bellingrath.org)
Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Located just south of Myrtle Beach, this garden is home to more than 1,400 pieces of sculpture by 350 artists, including a comprehensive collection of American figurative sculpture. All are set in dazzling floral displays. (brookgreen.org)
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, South Carolina
Magnolia has been welcoming visitors to its natural uninhibited gardens since the 1870s. (magnoliaplantation.com)
The Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo, North Carolina
Created to memorialize Sir Walter Raleigh and the Lost Colony, this beauty spot features the balance and symmetry of a traditional English garden. (elizabethangardens.com)
Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia
A resort with tennis, golf and even treetop adventures, it’s certainly much more than gardens. The 40-acre Azalea Bowl is an absolute must visit. (callawaygardens.com)
Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Stunning architecture from bridges to the Anthony Chapel, along with gorgeous floral displays, are found throughout this 210-acre masterpiece in Hot Springs National Park. (garvangardens.org)
New Orleans Botanical Garden
Conveniently located behind the New Orleans Museum of Art, it boasts “more than 2,000 plants from around the world.” (neworleanscitypark.com)
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, Crestwood, Kentucky
Extensive display gardens appeal to both the amateur and professional gardener. Strong academic and educational programs are a mainstay of the gardens. (yewdellgardens.org)
Bissonnette Gardens, Wheeling, West Virginia
The state’s only display garden, located at Oglebay Resort & Conference Center, is a special joint effort between West Virginia University Extension Service and Oglebay. (oglebay-resort.com/gardens.htm)
