Gardens to Visit
Note that many of these garden reviews are now videos. I've identified those by "bolding" the word video.
Canada
British Columbia
Vancouver Island - Butchart Gardens is one of Vancouver Islands famous tourist attractions. Neater than a pin but unreal in its gardening display. No garden ever really looks like this. So if you're into perfection and not much of a plant choice (same old- same old) then this is your cup of tea. I prefer my gardens a little less plastic and a lot more real. I wouldn't bother going back. But lots of folks disagree with me.
Quebec
Quebec City - Plains of Abraham
this is an excellent city garden with superb borders. Not worth driving into the city for but if you're there, it's a great spot to rest your feet (it's right off the main tourist street) and then wander down to the old city.
U.S.A.
Alabama
Video: Let me suggest you visit Bellingrath Gardens This garden has a magnificent azalea collection that is simply stunning in March (video of a quarter million azaleas) and year round color the rest of the year. From roses, to annuals and a massive fall mum display, this is a display garden of the finest calibre. I'd go back again (I've been twice now).
Florida
Key West: Video - Orchid Tours
are the unsung best bargain in all of Key West. A walking tour that takes you to three great gardens and that complete with local stories and some dynamite plants. Who knew you could grow houseplants this big. And wait for the parrot display in the best (and well hidden) garden of them all. Worth the money and I'd do it again just for the first and last gardens.
Illinois
Chicago - Video Cantigny Gardens is one of those gems I never knew about and had only planned on spending a fast hour there. I'll go back. And if you happen to be in the area, I'd go back too - take a tour and wander the color experiment beds.
Rockford - Video Anderson Japanese Gardens
is a hidden gem in the middle of an economically depressed area. This garden is Japanese gardening on a grand scale (as you'll see in the short video) and tons of brides every year can't be wrong about making this garden part of their special day. I'd go back.
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