America boasts some of the most beautiful gardens the world has ever seen. Some of these gorgeous gardens have been there for years, making them the country's oldest. From presidential birthplaces to homes to some of the most prominent icons in the United States, the country's historic gardens have some interesting tales, making them perfect destinations for history buffs.
Some people are always looking for garden inspiration, and a better way for them to achieve that is to explore America’s oldest gardens.
10 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Osprey, Florida
Founded in 1973, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest gardens in America. Visiting this garden gives vacationers an opportunity to explore Florida's heritage through its incredible collection of historic structures and the fact that it's the first preserve with native Florida plants.
This garden was the first to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places in Sarasota County. There is different exhibit area to explore in the garden, including the White Cottage, Mary's Chapel, Window to the Past, the Packing House, and Guptill House.
- Dating back to: 1973
9 Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco, California
Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest public garden in the United States, built in 1894, as a "Japanese Village" exhibit for the year's California Midwinter International Exposition. It was only covering one acre at the time and displayed a perfect Japanese garden.
Mr. Mokoto Hagiwara, a Japanese landscape architect later became the caretaker of the property and expanded it to five acres where he stayed with his family until 1942 when about 120,0000 Japanese Americans were moved into internment camps. They never went back to their home, even after the war.
Today, it's become one of the most iconic destinations in the city, with beautiful attractions, including pagodas, native Japanese plants, an arched dam bridge, and more.
- Dating back to: 1894
8 Adams National Historic National Park, Quincy, Massachusetts
Dating back to 1681, Adams National Historic Park, initially, Adams National Historic Site and House, is the birthplace of John Adams, the Second U.S. President.
Visiting this park gives travelers an incredible opportunity of connecting with America’s history through the four generations of the Adams family, which includes two Presidents & First Ladies, three Ministers, philosophers, writers, and people who actually made an impact on the country.
The park has several beautiful gardens and estates that both nature and history lovers would find adorable.
- Dating back to: 1681
- Birthplace to: Two U.S Presidents; John Adams, the 2nd President, and his son, the 6th President, John Quincy Adams
7 Japanese Tea Garden In San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio's Japanese Tea Garden was constructed in 1917 and is one of the most famous gardens in America. While gardeners have made efforts to make it more impressive over the years, it is still one of the oldest since it was built many years ago.
But that doesn’t take away the fact this garden blooms throughout the year, which means it is always spectacular, making it a great destination for nature lovers. During their visit, tourists will enjoy the garden’s main attractions, including koi ponds and gorgeous floral displays that hang over the beautiful walkways.
There is also a small striking waterfall that's hard to miss. This is one of the most spectacular Japanese gardens in the U.S.
- Dating back to: 1917
6 Green Animals Topiary Garden, Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Green Animals is America's oldest topiary garden and is recognized as one of 28 Daffodil Display Gardens in the country, and among the only three in New England. The garden boasts over 18,000 daffodils, available in 58 different varieties and 19 color codes.
Apart from seeing its adorable green animals, including giraffes, bears, and a lion, visitors can witness thousands of flowers in bloom. The environment is mind-blowing, and one wouldn't travel back home without a picture with a unicorn!
- Dating back: The estate was purchased in 1872, and the first topiaries were started in 1912
5 Elizabeth Park, Hartford, Connecticut
Spreading for more than a hundred acres, Elizabeth Park, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is among the oldest gardens in America.
It boasts beautiful formal gardens, adorable green spaces, numerous recreational facilities, picnic spots, walkways, and the Pond House Café, where travelers can grab some eats.
Home to the oldest public rose garden, Elizabeth Park hosts several events, outdoor concerts, workshops, and tours from time to time, and a fantastic dining experience awaits.
- Dating back to: 1897
4 Bacon's Castle, Surry, Virginia
Constructed in 1665, for Arthur Allen and his family, Bacon’s Castle is the oldest brick residence and the only High Jacobean structure that’s still standing in the United States.
Originally referred to as the Allen’s Brick House, the site boasts North America’s oldest English formal garden, which was restored by the Garden Club of Virginia. It is also only America's garden to be featured on Time Magazine's cover.
Some of the plants to see there include Scaly Bark Watermelon, Okra, Mullein, Pomegranate, Lemon Thyme, Pecan, Grape, and more.
- Dating back to: 1665
3 Bartram’s Garden, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Located in the Garden Capital of the United States, Philadelphia, Bartram’s Garden is the country’s oldest surviving botanical garden, dating back to 1728. It was built by the famous botanist, John Bartram.
It’s a brilliant home for horticulture, an African Diaspora farm, an ancient riverfront, and a spot full of untold tales.
Apart from having different types of beautiful plants, numerous events are held here. Covering about 50 acres of space, this garden has something for all tourists, and is totally worth visiting.
- Dating back to: 1728
2 The U.S. Botanic Garden, Washington, DC
The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) works to inspire the public to appreciate, get educated, and conserve plants to make society a better place.
This garden is the oldest continuously operated garden in America, whose idea was brought to life by George Washington, the first President of the United States.
It was established in 1820 by the U.S. Congress to demonstrate and promote the importance of plants to the country. The USBG supports public gardens through collaborations to end food insecurity and strengthen their capacity.
- Dating back to: 1820
1 Magnolia Plantation And Gardens, Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is the oldest public garden in America and opened its doors to the public in 1870. It was founded by the Drayton family in 1676 and has survived both the American Revolution and the Civil War.
The garden is arguably home to the oldest collection of Indica Azaleas in the U.S. It boats thousands of magnificent flowers and plants in its gardens. Vacationers can visit and enjoy exploring the spectacular gardens as they learn about its rich history.
- Dating back to: 1676