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Botanical Gardens to Photograph in the USA

500 botanical gardens in 50 states, each with computed light, night-sky and weather data for planning. Pick a state, or start with the most documented locations below.

Top botanical gardens

Missouri Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
Missouri Botanical GardenCity of Saint Louis, MO
New York Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
New York Botanical GardenBronx County, NY
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical GardensBotanical Garden
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical GardensLos Angeles County, CA
Brooklyn Botanic GardenBotanical Garden
Brooklyn Botanic GardenKings County, NY
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical GardenHamilton County, OH
United States Botanic GardenBotanical Garden
United States Botanic GardenDistrict of Columbia
Arnold ArboretumBotanical Garden
Arnold ArboretumSuffolk County, MA
United States National ArboretumBotanical Garden
United States National ArboretumDistrict of Columbia
Desert Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
Desert Botanical GardenMaricopa County, AZ
San Francisco Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
San Francisco Botanical GardenCity and County of San Francisco, CA
SeaWorld San DiegoBotanical Garden
SeaWorld San DiegoSan Diego County, CA
Vizcaya Museum and GardensBotanical Garden
Vizcaya Museum and GardensMiami-Dade County, FL
Drew UniversityBotanical Garden
Drew UniversityMorris County, NJ
Morton ArboretumBotanical Garden
Morton ArboretumDuPage County, IL
Queens Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
Queens Botanical GardenQueens County, NY
Boston Public GardenBotanical Garden
Boston Public GardenSuffolk County, MA
Connecticut College ArboretumBotanical Garden
Connecticut College ArboretumSoutheastern Connecticut Planning Region, CT
Denver Botanic GardensBotanical Garden
Denver Botanic GardensDenver County, CO
Hoyt ArboretumBotanical Garden
Hoyt ArboretumMultnomah County, OR
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic GardenBotanical Garden
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic GardenLos Angeles County, CA
Leach Botanical GardenBotanical Garden
Leach Botanical GardenMultnomah County, OR
Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of ArtBotanical Garden
Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of ArtDavidson County, TN
Chicago Botanic GardenBotanical Garden
Chicago Botanic GardenCook County, IL
Zoo MiamiBotanical Garden
Zoo MiamiMiami-Dade County, FL

By state

Map

How to photograph botanical gardens

Gardens are best on bright overcast days or early mornings when dew is fresh and the wind is calm.

  • A macro lens or close-up filter opens a world of detail — try a shallow aperture against a soft background.
  • Many gardens restrict tripods or charge for photography; check the rules before you go.
  • Backlit petals glow; position yourself so the sun is behind the flower.
  • Seasonal exhibits (orchids, tulips, cherry blossoms) draw crowds — arrive at opening.
  • Kaleidoscopic and abstract images are great for flower close-ups — try the online kaleidoscope tool.

Season: Spring bulbs and blossoms, summer perennials and autumn color; glasshouses offer winter subjects.