Secret Garden Gems of the West to Visit This Spring
Discover secluded oases, unique landscapes, and vibrant blooms in unlikely locations.
The Bloedel Reserve, on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Photo by Martina Machackova.
Spring is the perfect time to uncover some of the West’s most hidden and unexpected gardens. From the quiet serenity of spiritual sanctuaries to the quirky fusion of vintage arcades and lush blooms, these secret gardens offer something unique for every kind of adventurer. From Alaska’s upside-down gardens to the red rock formations of Colorado, each garden offers a blend of history, culture, and nature that will inspire your next garden getaway. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an unforgettable botanical journey, these off-the-beaten-path gems provide a fresh perspective on the natural beauty that thrives across the West.
Ready to discover your new favorite garden? Let’s hit the road and get inspired by these must-see spots this season.
Pacific Northwest
The Bloedel Reserve – Bainbridge Island, Washington
Erin Fisher
The Bloedel Reserve is a 140-acre hidden gem on Bainbridge Island, offering a peaceful and immersive experience in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. This tranquil retreat combines a variety of landscapes, from meticulously manicured gardens to lush forests, wetlands, and meadows. Each area is designed to highlight the natural beauty of the region, making it a serene escape for visitors. The Japanese Garden, in particular, provides a quiet and contemplative space, perfect for those seeking moments of stillness and reflection.
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Pro Tip: Visit during the spring when the rhododendrons and azaleas bloom in spectacular colors. For a deeper connection to the garden’s philosophy and history, book a guided tour to learn about the meticulous care behind each landscape.
Leach Botanical Garden—Portland, Oregon
Photo courtesy of Tamra Tiemeyer
Tucked away in Southeast Portland, Leach Botanical Garden began as the private estate of botanist Lilla Leach and her husband, pharmacist John Leach. They cultivated their “Sleepy Hollow” retreat for over 36 years before donating it to the city in 1980. Today, the garden spans nearly 17 acres, showcasing a diverse collection of over 2,000 plant species, including alpine plants, medicinal herbs, and a notable fern collection.
Pro Tip: Explore the garden’s Aerial Tree Walk, a 350-foot elevated path that offers a unique perspective of the forest canopy. Don’t miss the pollinator garden, home to 144 species of shrubs and grasses, and approximately 30,000 bulbs, providing a vibrant display throughout the seasons.
Mountain West
The Garden of a Thousand Buddhas – Arlee, Montana
Sarah Klein/Getty Images
In the peaceful Jocko Valley of western Montana, this spiritual sanctuary blends Tibetan Buddhist art with native landscape. A radiant Dharma wheel stretches across 10 acres, with 1,000 hand-cast Buddha statues and a towering figure of Yum Chenmo at its heart. Native plants, a koi pond, and the sound of prayer wheels create a meditative escape unlike any other.
Pro Tip: Visit in late spring when wildflowers bloom along the pathways. Don’t miss a self-guided tour or the annual Festival of Peace held every August.
Mineral Springs Walking Tour – Manitou Springs, Colorado
Manitou Springs is famous for its naturally carbonated mineral waters, bubbling up from deep underground. While exploring the springs, you’ll also discover a variety of native plants along the scenic walking paths. Ponderosa pines, cottonwoods, and wildflowers line the route, adding to the tour’s beauty. The seven unique springs each offer a different taste and mineral composition, from effervescent to slightly salty. Rich in sodium bicarbonate and even lithium, the waters are said to have healing properties. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir collapsible cup at the Visitors Bureau to sip along the way.
Pro Tip: After exploring the springs and enjoying the nearby flora, head to the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade for a nostalgic blast of vintage games, including skeeball.
The Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Bret Tennis
A true geological gem, this iconic park is home to towering red rock formations and hidden pockets of wildflowers. While famous for its dramatic landscape, there are secret garden spots tucked away where you can enjoy solitude and stunning views of the rocks. It’s the perfect blend of natural wonder and quiet escape.
Pro Tip: Skip the main paths and explore the lesser-known trails for a peaceful walk among wildflowers, offering a serene view of the red rocks.
Sawtooth Botanical Garden – Ketchum, Idaho
Steve Dondero
Nestled in the foothills of the Sawtooth Mountains, this 5-acre botanical haven showcases a variety of themed gardens. Highlights include a tranquil stream-side garden, a drought-resistant xeriscape garden, and the serene Garden of Infinite Compassion, where a prayer wheel is turned by the flow of a stream. The garden features alpine plants like columbine and lupine, which thrive in the cool mountain air.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the native Idaho species along the stream path—perfect for nature lovers and gardeners seeking hardy, high-altitude plants. Take a moment to pause and listen to the prayer wheel turning with the water, adding to the peaceful ambiance.
California
California Continued Ethnobotanical Garden – Los Angeles, California
Courtesy of the Autry Museum of the American West
Located at the Autry Museum of the American West, this 7,000-square-foot garden showcases over 60 native California plant species and highlights their historical and contemporary uses by Indigenous peoples. Designed by landscape architect Matthew Kennedy (Ponca), the garden includes a wetlands cove, pond, waterfall, basalt columns, and a California oak tree.
Pro Tip: Utilize the interactive digital guide available on-site to gain deeper insights into the ethnobotanical significance of the plants. The garden offers a unique educational experience that connects visitors to the cultural narratives of California’s native flora.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s African Adventure Park – Fresno, California
Courtesy of Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Located within the African Adventure Park at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, this garden offers a unique fusion of native plants and wildlife. The park’s landscape includes a mix of drought-tolerant and water-wise plants, like California poppies, lavender, and succulents, designed to complement the desert-inspired safari experience. The garden areas serve as peaceful oases, providing a backdrop for animal habitats like rhinos, elephants, lions, or ostriches.
Pro Tip: For the best experience, visit early in the morning when the animals are most active and the temperatures are cooler. The park’s gardens are particularly beautiful during spring when many of the native plants are in full bloom, offering colorful contrasts to the African wildlife.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens – Mendocino, California
Roxanne Perkins, courtesy of Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Tucked away along the rugged Northern California coastline, this 47-acre garden offers a serene escape with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its coastal flora, the garden features vibrant plantings of native wildflowers like California poppies, monkeyflowers, and the striking orange of the California fuchsia. Its unique climate allows for a rich variety of rare and endangered species, making it a paradise for plant lovers.
Pro Tip: Be sure to explore the rhododendron garden in late spring, as the blooms are magnificent, and wander through the coastal bluff area to witness the dramatic juxtaposition of plants against the crashing waves. Fall is also the perfect time to visit, with the coastal meadows lighting up with the golden hues of fall foliage.
Desert/Southwest
Desert Botanical Garden – Phoenix, Arizona
Courtesy of the Desert Botanical Garden
Tucked within the arid landscape of Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden showcases an impressive array of desert plants, from towering saguaro cacti to delicate wildflowers and hardy agave species. This 140-acre oasis is a living museum of plants from arid climates worldwide, including unique desert wildflowers that bloom vibrantly during the spring months. The garden’s meticulously curated exhibits highlight the biodiversity and resilience of desert ecosystems.
Pro Tip: The Desert Botanical Garden is best explored in the cooler months, especially from November through March, when the desert flora is at its most colorful, and temperatures are more comfortable. For a truly special experience, join an early morning tour to witness the desert at dawn and explore secluded areas of the garden where you can see desert plants like the rare desert lavender and ocotillo up close, without the crowds.
Heritage Park Gardens–Gardnerville, Nevada
A peaceful retreat in the heart of Gardnerville, Nevada, this tranquil community space features beautiful garden beds, a serene labyrinth for quiet reflection, and a giant chessboard set amidst well-maintained landscapes. The park’s design encourages leisurely strolls, with a mix of seasonal flowers and native plants that add vibrant color to the surroundings. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking a moment of calm.
Pro Tip: After wandering through the flower beds, take a moment to enjoy the tranquility of the labyrinth or challenge a friend to a game of chess beneath the shade of nearby trees.
Alaska
Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure – Juneau, Alaska
Known for its one-of-a-kind “Flower Towers,” Glacier Gardens showcases upside-down trees with roots exposed, cradling vibrant blooms. This creative garden was born out of a landslide in 1984, transforming a disaster into an extraordinary landscape. The garden’s design blends the rugged beauty of Alaska’s rainforest with innovative horticulture.
Pro Tip: Visit during the summer months when the rainforest is in full bloom, and don’t miss the chance to explore the towering trees and stunning floral displays—the garden’s elevated walking paths offer panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it a must-see in Juneau.
