The New Orleans Botanical Gardens. Photo by Reading Tom via flickr.
New Orleans is known for many things: Mardi Gras, food, and music. Often overlooked, however, is the city's lush gardens and green spaces. In New Orleans, you can walk down any residential street and see a courtyard garden that is worthy of being on the cover of a magazine. From live oaks, to tropical hibiscus, New Orleans is a garden lover's paradise. Here are our favorite New Orleans gardens:
The Botanical Gardens at City Park
The New Orleans Botanical Garden at City Park offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Nature lovers of all ages wander around the lush foliage, play in the open gardens or relax near the tranquil fountains. Surrounded by the nation’s largest collection of mature live oaks, patrons enjoy a sensual walk past 2,000 varieties of plants. Most of the vegetation is native to Louisiana, but there are many other more exotic species.
Long Vue House and Gardens
Founded by philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern, Longue Vue House and Gardens is a multifaceted historic estate featuring a world-class house museum and eight acres of stunning gardens that include an unparalleled collection of Louisiana irises in New Orleans and an interactive Discovery Garden for children of all ages. Longue Vue is one of the last true examples of the Country Era Place homes that marked affluence in the early 20th century.
Enjoy this video showcasing the gorgeous grounds of Long Vue House and Gardens!
Residential Gardens and Greenspaces
No need to trespass, as many of the city's residential gardens can be viewed from the street! Whether walking the Garden District's lush streets, or taking in the French Quarter's balcony gardens, New Orleans is a garden lover's dream. Agapanthus, live oaks, palms, elephant ears, flowering banana and gingers are just a few more of the over 500 plant species reported to grow well within 20 miles of New Orleans and you will see these and more during your time in the city.
In fact, having the freedom to stroll at your own leisurely place wherever you’d like is one great aspect of traveling alone! Relish in this freedom, and enjoy your time perusing the beautiful tree-lined streets and secret gardens of New Orleans.
For more ideas on things to see and do in New Orleans, scroll through the posts below!
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