From the tranquility of an English country garden to the momentary splendor of an African desert in bloom, Mother Nature inspires far-flung journeys to glimpse her finest and most alluring work up-close.
But here’s a secret: You don’t actually need to travel far to behold plant life from around the world. Some of the most impressive green spaces in America are right in the backyards of major cities. These seven under-the-radar gems offer travelers a chance to immerse themselves in nature, while seeing a leafier, sweeter-smelling side of the country’s urban landscape.