The American Horticultural Society lists more than 300 public gardens in the U.S. and Canada, so chances are, there is one in your state, or a place you often vacation. Many, by virtue of their presence in a mild climate, are worth a visit year-round. In less temperate regions, public gardens with conservatories and meticulously-designed landscapes are enjoyable destinations any time of year. Most public gardens feature special displays that will leave you breathless, one of a kind sculptures and well-planned landscape features. All are great spots to gather inspiration, information, ideas, photos, and even souvenirs. In this article, we explore three public gardens that are especially worth visiting in early spring.

Atlanta Botanical Garden (1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, phone 404-591-1550)

As public gardens go, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a youngster, celebrating its 40^th anniversary in 2016. The event was marked with a Chihuly glass exhibit, plant collections, art exhibitions specifically designed for gardens, and specialty gardens to rival the earliest American gardens.

In spring, bulb displays at the garden dazzle. In early March the bulbs emerge — 80,000 strong — with powerful pops of color in the form of daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths. A short while later, the early and mid-season tulips show off their charms. This year’s color theme is red, peach, purple and yellow.

In the Levy Parterre section of the garden, you’ll find 5,000 more tulips than in years past. Varieties include ‘Orange Queen, ‘Orange Emperor’, and ‘Big Smile’. Among the last of the spring bulbs to arrive are 500 purple ‘Globemaster’ Allium. These continue the show after 3,400 ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Clearwater’ tulips have faded.

But don’t wait to visit until after April Fools’ Day or you’ll miss out on the fantastic displays of Orchid Daze, running from February 10^th through April 1^st.  Its located in the Fuqua Conservatory and Orchid Center, where, any time of year, you’ll find the country’s largest permanent collection of species orchids.

Orchid Daze

Orchid Daze pumps up the impact with its over-the-top vertical canvases embellished with living corsage orchids, pansy orchids and slipper orchids. Orchids carpet the foundation surrounding the towering bloom scape and mirror the patterns above.

Even the biggest of orchid fans will get their fill at this show. Visitors pass under a canopy of Dancing Lady orchids and skirt the walled passage of a fragrant orchid mosaic before entering a trellised atrium decorated with moth orchids and planters of Cymbidiums. And that’s all before entering the Orchid Display House, where a hanging framework of spectacular large-flowered Vandas are featured.

The Atlanta Orchid Society’s Show and Sale runs from March 9^th through March 11^th, 2018, and includes individually created orchid exhibits, many of which contain unusual and rarely seen species and hybrids. The garden entry fee includes admission to the show.