Do you know the saying “April showers bring May flowers”? Well I am happy to report that May and all of its promised glory are just around the corner… and what better way to celebrate this colorful time of year than by visiting a fragrant garden or two? If you are looking to get your garden fix, be sure to check out these 12 hidden (and not-so hidden) gardens around Kansas:
- International Forest of Friendship (Atchison)
International Forest of Friendship Facebook Enjoy spring amongst incredible trees and xeriscaped gardens at this beloved Atchison site that features impressive trees from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Amelia Earhart’s grandfather’s farm, and much more. (The International Forest of Friendship serves as a living memorial to the history of aerospace and aviation.)
- Kansas Landscape Arboretum (Wakefield)
Kansas Landscape Arboretum (Unofficial) Facebook Established in 1972, this large arboretum is home to several walking paths, 1,000 species of woody plants, native habitats, and several other surprises. (The best part? Admission is FREE.)
- Botanica, The Wichita Gardens (Wichita)
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens Facebook Pansies, butterflies, and wildflowers… it doesn’t get any more lovely than the memorable (and ever popular) Botanica.
- Dyck Arboretum of the Plains (Hesston)
Dyck Arboretum of the Plains Facebook Another resident arboretum is that of the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, which covers 13 acres of the Hesston College campus and features plants and flowers from a variety of different terrains.
- Bartlett Arboretum (Belle Plaine)
Bartlett Arboretum Facebook Since 1910, the 15-acre Bartlett has been making the area a bit brighter with their colorful flowers, trees and shrubbery. (I mean, are you seeing these tulips? I can’t even get one to grow!)
- Kansas State University Gardens (Manhattan)
Kansas State University Gardens Facebook One look at the impressive 19-acre garden and you’ll understand why K-State is nationally known for their horticulture program.
- Parsons Arboretum (Parsons)
Arboretum (Unofficial) Facebook The Arboretum, which is across the street from an area park, boasts stunning wildflowers, daylilies, and even a small wetlands habitat.
- Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (Overland Park)
Yelp If you have little ones who need to break free from the confines of your home, take them to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, which not only houses gorgeous gardens, but farm animals and kiddie rides as well.
- Ward-Meade Park Botanical Gardens (Topeka)
Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden Facebook Doesn’t this serene scene of botanic gardens make you want to pack a picnic and a good book so you can camp out for awhile? (Yes? Me too! See you there!)
- Reinisch Rose Garden and Doran Rock Garden (Topeka)
Wikimedia Commons Reinisch and Doran have the two R’s covered; roses and rocks. Enjoy more than 400 varieties of roses and a ravishing rock garden at this community treasure.
- Carlyle Garden Labyrinth (Carlyle)
Carlyle Garden Labyrinth This secret and tranquil garden is privately owned, so make sure to call ahead to schedule your tour.
- Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (Overland Park)
Yelp Whether you’re looking to frolic among 300 acres worth of gardens, enjoy a romantic date, or just experience something new, the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is the perfect place for you.
Which garden is your favorite?
International Forest of Friendship Facebook
Enjoy spring amongst incredible trees and xeriscaped gardens at this beloved Atchison site that features impressive trees from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Amelia Earhart’s grandfather’s farm, and much more. (The International Forest of Friendship serves as a living memorial to the history of aerospace and aviation.)
Kansas Landscape Arboretum (Unofficial) Facebook
Established in 1972, this large arboretum is home to several walking paths, 1,000 species of woody plants, native habitats, and several other surprises. (The best part? Admission is FREE.)
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens Facebook
Pansies, butterflies, and wildflowers… it doesn’t get any more lovely than the memorable (and ever popular) Botanica.
Dyck Arboretum of the Plains Facebook
Another resident arboretum is that of the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, which covers 13 acres of the Hesston College campus and features plants and flowers from a variety of different terrains.
Bartlett Arboretum Facebook
Since 1910, the 15-acre Bartlett has been making the area a bit brighter with their colorful flowers, trees and shrubbery. (I mean, are you seeing these tulips? I can’t even get one to grow!)
Kansas State University Gardens Facebook
One look at the impressive 19-acre garden and you’ll understand why K-State is nationally known for their horticulture program.
Arboretum (Unofficial) Facebook
The Arboretum, which is across the street from an area park, boasts stunning wildflowers, daylilies, and even a small wetlands habitat.
Yelp
If you have little ones who need to break free from the confines of your home, take them to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, which not only houses gorgeous gardens, but farm animals and kiddie rides as well.
Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden Facebook
Doesn’t this serene scene of botanic gardens make you want to pack a picnic and a good book so you can camp out for awhile? (Yes? Me too! See you there!)
Wikimedia Commons
Reinisch and Doran have the two R’s covered; roses and rocks. Enjoy more than 400 varieties of roses and a ravishing rock garden at this community treasure.
Carlyle Garden Labyrinth
This secret and tranquil garden is privately owned, so make sure to call ahead to schedule your tour.
Whether you’re looking to frolic among 300 acres worth of gardens, enjoy a romantic date, or just experience something new, the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is the perfect place for you.
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