Louisiana, located in the Deep South of the United States, is popular for its fascinating Cajun and Creole culture, imbued with Spanish, French, and Acadian influences.
Louisiana’s intoxicating blend of cuisines, music, and languages is best discovered in cities such as Baton Rouge, its state capital, and Lafayette.
Louisiana is also surrounded by breathtaking natural attractions, such as historical gardens and parks. Are you interested in exploring the beautiful gardens this state offers?
Here are the best gardens in Louisiana.
Gardens in Louisiana
1. American Rose Center Gardens
American Rose Center Gardens
American Rose Center Gardens, one of the best gardens in Louisiana., is the country’s largest park dedicated exclusively to roses.
The garden recently underwent a thorough 2 million dollar refurbishing and is open and more stunning than ever.
The peak blooming times for the roses are April through June and September through October, but the park is open throughout the year with gorgeous tracks for jogging and walking.
Pets on leashes are allowed, and there is a picnic area and kids’ playground.
For Christmas, the park is converted into Christmas in Roseland, a winter wonderland of carolers, twinkling lights, 8-foot-tall Christmas cards, fireworks, and more.
Take your whole family to the newly refurbished Gardens of the American Rose Center.
Address: 8877 Jefferson Paige Rd, Shreveport, LA 71119, United States
2. Burden Museum & Gardens
Burden Museum & Gardens
Burden bestowed the 450-acre Burden Estate to Louisiana State University in 1972, establishing an experimental research place for the LSU Agricultural Center and a place for peacefulness in the heart of Baton Rouge.
Before presenting the estate, Burden designed and grew a five-acre semi-garden known as Windrush.
Winding paths and open areas lead guests through the arrangements of crepe myrtles, aspidistras, azaleas, nandinas, and camellias, adorned by European sculptures amassed by Burden.
Burden’ technique, stressing form and texture in his “green garden,” was designed to accentuate Louisiana’s distinct foliage scented by gardenias, banana shrubs, butterfly gingers, sweet olive and embedded by canopies of pines, magnolias, and oaks.
Adjacent to Windrush, guests will discover the LSU AgCenter Botanic Garden, which spans specialty gardens featuring a Children’s Garden filled with butterfly-friendly gardens, the Early American and Stone Camellia Collections.
There is also an educational herb garden showcasing medicinal and culinary herbs from across the world, a Rose Garden, a Pollinator Garden, a Memory Garden, a Tropical Garden, and Orangerie Garden.
An Arboretum and five miles of walking paths through the Burden Woods are additional features of the Burden Museums and Gardens’ exceptional property. This Garden is undoubtedly one of the top gardens in Louisiana.
Address: 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, United States
3. Longue Vue House & Gardens
Longue Vue House & Gardens
The eight acres of landscaped gardens that encircle Longue Vue bear witness to Edgar and Edith Stern’s passion for gardening and Edith’s interest in horticulture which started with an early partnership with landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman.
Ellen’s initial concept of the gardens at Longue Vue was in the romantic scenic tradition of landscaping that depicted the English gardens of the late 1900s.
But by 1939, when the estate had obtained more land, Ellen enlarged upon her initial plan, creating a series of linked garden rooms, each dramatically diverse.
Within each, she used the textures and colors of plant material indigenous to South Louisiana’s partial tropical environment to round off the house’s architecture.
The formal Spanish court redesigned by Edith after Hurricane Betsy destroyed Ellen’s original Camellia Allèe was influenced by the Moorish designs of the 1300s Generalife Gardens at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.
Ellen initially designed the Walled Garden to be the house’s kitchen garden. It was converted into an authentic “victory garden” during the First World War.
Among the historical attractions at Longue Vue is the Wild Garden which is an eclectic collection of species indigenous to the state, featuring over 120 camellia shrubs and 3,500 Louisiana irises.
Today, kids of all ages can enjoy hands-on interactive adventures in the Lucy C Roussel Discovery Garden, which consist of herbs, vegetables, and butterfly-friendly florals
Address: 7 Bamboo Rd, New Orleans, LA 70124, United States
4. Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Rip Van Winkle Gardens
While a man famous for his stage performances as the character Rip Van Winkle constructed the late 1800s mansion, recognition for New Iberia’s majestic gardens must go to a later owner and resident, J. Lyle Bayless Jr.
Inspired by the Jungle Gardens of Avery Island, Bayless oversaw the clearing of land around the Jefferson House, landscaped the area, and cultivated many camellias, azaleas, and other ornamental plants on it.
Recalling his visit to the English Gardens and the gardens in Kashmir, Java, and Spain, he included exotic elements into his designs to expand in the future.
In 1966, after the gardens suffered extreme hurricane damage, Bayless employed English horticulturist Geoffrey Wakefield to restore Van Winkle Garden’s design.
For the next three years, Geoffrey imported plants from across the world. He incorporated many camellias, for which Bayless gained popularity as a master grower and propagator.
In November 1980, oil well employees drilling under Lake Peigneur pierced the roof of the underground salt dome that shapes the island base. The whole lake drained into the mine, resulting in the earth around to collapse. Sixty-four acres of the gardens, as well as the new lakeside home of Bayless, were swallowed.
Approximately 25 acres of the gardens were revived, only to be damaged again by Hurricane Lily’s 2002 fall.
Today the gardens have been revived again into 15 acres of stunning semi-tropical gardens, watched by oaks over three hundred years old and one of the most incredible histories of any garden in the area.
Address: 5505 Rip van Winkle Rd, New Iberia, LA, United States
5. Jungle Gardens
Jungle Gardens
Jungle Gardens, home of the world-renowned Tabasco brand Pepper Sauce is near New Iberia, Louisiana.
The garden, which began almost 100 years ago, is among the most beautiful natural places you could ever visit and the best gardens in Louisiana.
Initially, it served as a wildlife refuge for the Snowy Egret and a working nursery that expanded and sold plants like Bamboo, Hollies, Camellias, and more.
In 1935, it was opened as Jungle Gardens to the public and has been a renowned tourist attraction since then.
Now spanning over 170 acres, the Jungle Gardens have become a favored Louisiana tourist destination, botanical marvel, and wildlife refuge.
Take a guided botanical tour, self-guided tour, or guided historical tour to view the numerous attractions like the 1936 Buddha Status, 100 plus Snowy White egrets in the Bird City, different wildlife, an enormous alligator, and the great bamboo groves.
Address: Louisiana 329 & Main Rd, Avery Island, LA 70513, United States
6. The Louisiana State Arboretum
The Louisiana State Arboretum
The Louisiana State Arboretum is over 600 acres of natural growth decorated with extra planting of species that are indigenous to Louisiana.
The topography of the Louisiana State Arboretum is diverse and dramatic. The landscapes range from almost flat along the Walker Branch of Lake Chicot to fairly steep slopes along the terrace ridges.
As a result of this incredible variation in topography, nearly every kind of Louisiana vegetation aside from prairie and coastal marsh is represented on the site.
Nature trail transport you deep into the wooded areas, and longer trails carry you along Walker Branch, where many of the footpaths converge.
Walking this trail quietly, you will discover that maple, sycamores, beeches, crane fly orchids, victories, magnolias, and ferns are the minor living things inhabiting this arboretum.
There’s a high chance that you will come across critters, opossums, foxes, skunks, wild turkeys, deer, raccoons, white-tail deer, squirrels, and countless species of birds.
Horticulturists, botanists, solitary nature lovers, youth groups, college students, and people of all ages are drawn to this stunning and captivating place.
Regardless of how you walk along the trails- whether meticulously with the attentive eye of a scholar or scientist or with the reckless abandon of a child- the Louisiana State Arboretum will undoubtedly be a memorable experience.
Address:1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA 70586, United States
7. Catahoula Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden
Catahoula Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden, open to the public, is a delightfully serene place to visit. It is located in Bentley and among Central Louisiana’s best-kept secrets.
It was established in 1995 as a project between the Gardeners for Wildlife and the US Forest Service. Its objective is to create a teachable wildlife recreation opportunity that emphasizes appreciating nature on a closer level.
Due to the endeavors of the Gardeners for Wildlife, a voluntary group comprising active residents volunteering, the Catahoula Garden continues to expand with a pond with a waterfall, a gazebo, lovely country signs, etc.
Littered around the gardens are benches and places to unwind and enjoy the butterflies, hummingbirds, plant-loving insects, and other living creatures in the garden.
Address: Bentley, LA 71407, United States
8. The Independence Park Botanical Garden
This Garden welcomes you to walk through its lovely surroundings to observe nature in Baton Rouge. It is among the simple and educating gardens in Louisiana.
The gardens are filled with stunning flora, rose beds, wetland plants, verdant lawns, and a forest for kids.
Interactive programs and activities in horticulture are offered to guests for free, making it a fun recreation.
The Independence Park Botanic Garden is open during daylight hours and does not require an admission fee.
Address: 7950 Independence Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, United States
Are you considering exploring Louisiana? check out our guide on things to do in Metairie , things to do in Mandeville, and things to do in Hammond for a fun time in these cities.
9. New Orleans Botanical Garden
New Orleans Botanical Garden
The ten acres of New Orleans Botanical Garden, open throughout the year, features over 2,000 varieties of plants from across the globe.
The seeds for the garden were sowed in 1936 when the City Park Rose Garden was established.
The botanical garden was sponsored by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which established the first public classical garden in New Orleans.
Today it is among the few surviving examples of public design from the Works Progress Administration. It showcases the art deco influences of three famous talents of the era: sculptor Enrique Alfèrez, landscape architect William Wiedorn, and architect Richard Koch.
New Orleans Botanical Garden offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nature enthusiasts of all ages stroll around the lush foliage, play in the open gardens or unwind near the tranquil fountains.
Encircled by the nation’s most extensive collection of mature live oak, visitors will enjoy a sensual stroll past 2,000 assorted plants.
Address: 5 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119, United States
10. Afton Villa Gardens
Afton Villa Gardens
Until 1963, a tourist’s journey up the oak alley from Afton Villa’s gates ceased in front of a 40-room manor.
But that year, flames destroyed the Gothic Revival home constructed by David Barrow for his spouse, Susan, in 1849.
Today what remains are the gorgeous gardens that extend their magic across nearly 50 acres.
Worried that developers would buy the lands, Genevieve and Morrell Trimble purchased the property in 1972 to restore its gardens.
They also transformed the ruins of the mansion into a garden, adding a lake and a pond, and created a tiny garden called the Music Room at the base of the slope beyond the terrace.
Today the mansion contains over 20 acres of pleasure grounds and formal gardens, including the iconic ruins garden, a daffodil valley, a formal parterre garden, and a family cemetery.
Alton Villa was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It is one of the most beautiful gardens in Louisiana.
Address: 9347 US-61, St Francisville, LA 70775, United States
11. LSU’s Hilltop Arboretum
LSU’s Hilltop Arboretum
“Mr. Emory Wedding Tree” in this arboretum is a member of the Live Oak Society of the Louisiana Federation of Garden Clubs.
This massive live oak tree, named in honor of Hilltop’s donor Mr. Emory Smith, features a diameter of 17 feet, a centerpiece of the arboretum, and a favored site for weddings.
Other breathtaking views of nature include a courtyard with a pineland savannah plant collection, a pond with a wooden boardwalk surrounded by Louisiana aquatic planting, and a wildlife meadow with an earthen amphitheater.
LSU’s Hilltop Arboretum is a serene landscape and the perfect venue for those who want to host a small event or meeting while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of nature.
Address: Enter off of 11855 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, United States
12. Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Biedenharn Gardens used to be a part of the home and gem of Joseph A. Biednharn, first recognized for bottling Coca-Cola.
The garden is known as Elsong Garden, short for Emy-Lou’s song, named after Biedenharn’s daughter.
The garden’s setting includes the Musical Grotto, Four Season Garden, and Oriental Garden.
Daffodils, begonias, Japanese magnolia, daylilies, sweet olive trees, azaleas, tulips, and bachelor’s buttons are among the varieties at Elsong Garden. It is among the most beautiful gardens in Louisiana.
Address: 2006 Riverside Dr, Monroe, LA 71201, United States
13. Norton Botanical Garden Hours
Encircling the R.W. Norton Art Gallery are 40 acres of gorgeously landscaped grounds and botanical gardens.
Norton Botanical Garden Hours features over 15,000 plants, including nearly 100 native and hybrid varieties of azalea.
These blossom into a beautiful panoply of colors, including purple, white, pink, yellow, orange, red, and sometimes bi-colored, blooming in early spring.
Guests often begin their stroll at the south end of the Norton, closing on the gardens from the lush lawns and tall pines adjacent to the building itself.
When you enter the gardens, you should stop at the wooden benches brilliantly placed on the tiny ornamental pool and rock garden at the top of the path.
The spot provides an excellent viewing spot from which to look down across a hillside embellished with flowering shrubs, including dwarf abelia, sweet spire, and beautiful trees, including dogwoods, redbuds, Bloodgood, Crimson Queen maples, birch, and corkscrew willows.
Visitors may then walk down the stone path, following it back and forth over different streams and alongside small ponds, pausing once in a while to take advantage of the ornamental cast iron benches to relax and enjoy the views before them.
Close to the bottom, these visitors can take the brick wall crossing over the first arched bridge to another part of the garden or continue below to the bigger bridges that provide two exquisite views.
Address: 4747 Creswell Ave, Shreveport, LA, United States
14. Briarwood: Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve
Briarwood Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve
Briarwood is the home of Caroline Dormon, a world-famous naturalist, artist, author, and the first woman hired in the United States Forest Service.
The Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve seeks to carry on the work begun by Miss Dormon by conserving wildlife native to the south and teaching the public how the natural forest ecosystem works.
Briarwood is explored through guided tours by experienced people who knew Dormon and who, through her encouragement, have become familiar with every section of this forest and its native plant.
Stroll down forest trails, enjoy the beauty of the Louisiana iris bog, take a look at the reflection pool, and enjoy this botanical and wildlife sanctuary.
The public can access Briarwood: Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve every weekend in March, April, May, October, and November.
Address: 216 Caroline Dorman Rd, Saline, LA 71070, United States
Take to exploring other Louisiana, check out our guide on things to do in Monroe, and things to do in Ruston for fun exploration.
Plan Your Trip to Louisiana
Louisiana is a stunning state filled with equally lovely gardens. The state’s beautifully landscaped gardens are among the most spectacular tourist places.
If you are interested in exploring the beautiful Louisiana gardens, how about you begin planning your visit now?