List of botanical gardens and arboretums in Pennsylvania facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Welcome to the amazing world of plants in Pennsylvania! This page will tell you all about the special places called botanical gardens and arboretums in the state of Pennsylvania.

A botanical garden is like a living museum for plants. It's a place where many different kinds of plants are grown, studied, and shown to the public. These gardens help us learn about plants, protect rare species, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

An arboretum is a specific type of botanical garden that focuses mainly on trees and shrubs. Think of it as a tree park where you can see many different types of woody plants, often labeled so you can learn their names. Both botanical gardens and arboretums are fantastic places to visit, explore, and connect with the natural world.

Here's a list of some of the most interesting botanical gardens and arboretums you can find in Pennsylvania:

Ambler Arboretum

Located in Ambler, this arboretum is part of Temple University. It's a great place to see many different types of trees and plants, often used for teaching students about horticulture and landscape design.

Appleford/Parsons-Banks Arboretum

A peaceful scene at Appleford/Parsons-Banks Arboretum.

You can find this beautiful arboretum in Villanova. It offers a lovely setting to enjoy nature and learn about various plants.

Arboretum at Penn State

The stunning gardens at the Arboretum at Penn State.

This large arboretum is part of the Pennsylvania State University in State College. It's a big space with many different garden areas, perfect for a walk and discovering new plants.

Arboretum at the Reading Public Museum

The Reading Public Museum, home to a lovely arboretum.

In Reading, the Reading Public Museum has its own arboretum. It combines art and nature, giving visitors a chance to enjoy both.

Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation

A serene pond at the Barnes Foundation arboretum.

This arboretum is located in Merion and is part of the famous Barnes Foundation. It's known for its beautiful design and collection of plants.

Awbury Arboretum

Found in Philadelphia, specifically in the East Germantown area, Awbury Arboretum is a historic landscape. It's a green oasis in the city, offering peaceful walks and educational programs.

Bartram's Garden

The historic Bartram House at Bartram's Garden.

Also in Philadelphia, within Fairmount Park, Bartram's Garden is America's oldest living botanical garden. It was started by John Bartram, a famous early American botanist. It's a place where history and nature meet.

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve

Beautiful wildflowers at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve.

Near New Hope, this preserve is dedicated to native plants. It's a wonderful spot to see wildflowers and learn about the plants that naturally grow in Pennsylvania.

Bryn Mawr Campus Arboretum

Part of Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, this arboretum features a wide variety of trees and plants across the college campus.

Centennial Arboretum

The Japanese House and Garden within Centennial Arboretum.

Located in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park, this arboretum is a large green space. It includes the beautiful Japanese House and Garden, offering a unique cultural and natural experience.

Chanticleer Garden

The charming Main House and Croquet Lawn at Chanticleer Garden.

In Wayne, Chanticleer Garden is often called "a pleasure garden." It's known for its artistic design and surprising plant combinations, making it a truly magical place to visit.

Chatham University Arboretum

A lovely view of the Chatham University Arboretum.

This arboretum is part of Chatham University in Pittsburgh. The campus itself is a beautiful collection of trees and plants, used for both education and enjoyment.

Curtis Arboretum

Curtis Hall, a landmark at Curtis Arboretum.

Found in Wyncote, this arboretum is managed by Cheltenham Township. It's a popular spot for walks, picnics, and enjoying the outdoors.

Graver Arboretum

A peaceful path through Graver Arboretum.

Located in Bath, Graver Arboretum is connected to Muhlenberg College. It's a great place to explore different plant species and enjoy nature's quiet beauty.

Hershey Gardens

The vibrant Hershey Gardens.

In Hershey, these gardens are a sweet treat! Managed by the M.S. Hershey Foundation, they feature themed gardens, including a famous rose garden and a children's garden.

Jenkins Arboretum

A scenic view at Jenkins Arboretum.

You can find Jenkins Arboretum in Devon. It's a beautiful place known for its collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, especially stunning when they are in bloom.

Lake Erie Arboretum

The labyrinth at the Lake Erie Arboretum.

Located in Erie, this arboretum is also known as LEAF. It's a wonderful community space with many trees and walking paths, including a unique labyrinth.

Longwood Gardens

The spectacular fountains at Longwood Gardens.

One of the most famous botanical gardens in the world, Longwood Gardens is in Kennett Square. It boasts incredible fountains, conservatories, and outdoor gardens, making it a must-see destination.

Marywood University Arboretum

A quiet corner of the Marywood University Arboretum.

Part of Marywood University in Scranton, this arboretum adds natural beauty to the campus and provides a green space for students and visitors.

Merion Botanical Park

The entrance to Merion Botanical Park.

This lovely park in Merion offers a peaceful setting with various plants and trees to enjoy.

Morris Arboretum

A picturesque scene at Morris Arboretum.

Located in Philadelphia, Morris Arboretum is the official arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania. It's a large and diverse collection of trees and plants, with beautiful landscapes and educational programs.

National Aviary

The National Aviary in Pittsburgh.

While primarily an aviary for birds, the National Aviary in Pittsburgh also features lush botanical settings that mimic the birds' natural habitats.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The stunning glasshouse at Phipps Conservatory.

In Pittsburgh, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a beautiful indoor and outdoor space. It features stunning glasshouses filled with exotic plants, seasonal flower shows, and outdoor gardens.

Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden

Plants mentioned in the Bible grow at Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden.

This unique garden in Pittsburgh is part of the Rodef Shalom Congregation. It grows plants mentioned in the Bible, offering a special educational and spiritual experience.

Scott Arboretum

The observatory at Swarthmore College, surrounded by the Scott Arboretum.

Part of Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, the Scott Arboretum covers the entire campus. It's a beautiful example of how a college campus can also be a living plant collection.

Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum

A serene path at the Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum.

You can find this arboretum in Lancaster. It's a charming spot for a quiet walk among various trees and plants.

Taylor Memorial Arboretum

A view of the beautiful landscape at Taylor Memorial Arboretum.

Located in Wallingford, this arboretum offers lovely trails and a diverse collection of trees and shrubs.

John J. Tyler Arboretum

Vibrant rhododendrons in bloom at John J. Tyler Arboretum.

In Media, the John J. Tyler Arboretum is a historic landscape with many old trees and beautiful plant collections, including a famous rhododendron collection.

Welkinweir

The historic house at Welkinweir, surrounded by gardens.

Found in Pottstown, Welkinweir is a beautiful estate with gardens, an arboretum, and natural areas, perfect for exploring and enjoying the outdoors.